Interview with Michala Banas

source: Dolly Magazine (2001)

 

Michala Banas

Age: 22

Claim to fame: Marissa in Always Greener, the hip new family show on Channel 7.

"It’s a very hard industry, as it is with music, but I think that if you have a passion for something, just do what you love"

What do you have coming up?

Always Greener - it’s not your average clone of every Australian show that’s on telly at the moment. It’s quirky and a bi different. It tackles big issues, but it’s also a bit of a laugh. So there’s a happy balance there.

When did you realise that this is what you want to do?

I moved to Melbourne when I was 18 and I got myself an agent. I sent my stuff out to every agent, my photos, CV etc. A couple of them got back to me, and one of them said they already had an audition for me. I got into her books and went from there.

What study was involved?

I never studied. I just did it.

What do your friends think of your carreer choice?

The people who weren’t really my friends thought I was crazy for not going to university. But that would be admitting to myself that I wasn’t going to do it. So I said stuff it, finished school and moved to Melbourne. I just went for it.

What’s been the biggest challenge?

Knowing in the back of your mind that you may have to drop everything and leave. I’d been living in Melbourne for five years, and had 11 days to move my life up to Sydney. But the biggest challenge is having faith in yourself when you get knocked back so many times.

What’s been the biggest reward?

Getting Always Greener was pretty good. I’ve been doing lots of guest roles and had coninuous work, so I’ve been pretty lucky in that respect. I get to do what I love. I’m a big believer in following your passions and your dreams.

What advice do you have for girls who want to do what you’re doing?

Don’t be scared! You can do it. A lot of people are afraid of failure. It’s a very hard industry, as it is with music, but I think that if you have a passion for something, then just do what you love. If you believe enough in it, you won’t have a problem.