We recently connected with Mika McCalla and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, Mika thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Can you open up about a risk you’ve taken – what it was like taking that risk, why you took the risk and how it turned out?
When I was 15, I wanted to be a music manager. At the time, I dreamed of a life filled with black leather jackets and staying off-stage. That dream led me to USC—the place where everything changed. I took a risk and bet on myself: to grow, to build, and most importantly, to believe in myself. Because under that teenager who wanted to manage was a young woman who wanted to shine.
Now, I am pursuing my dream of acting. I get the opportunity to wake up every day and work toward a world of fulfillment, a world of collaboration, and, hopefully, a world of happiness. How is all of this possible? Because I took a risk—betting on myself. And that’s a risk I’ll take again and again.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
Formula One has truly taken off in the United States, and as an avid fan, it’s great to see my fellow Americans join in on the action. Beyond being a die-hard Mercedes AMG Petronas fan, I have a special connection to the sport that stretches back twenty years. My mom, being the ever-cool, trendy, and visionary woman that she is, named me after the two-time world champion, Mika Häkkinen. Nicknamed “The Flying Finn,” Mika’s drive for excellence has been a steady source of inspiration in my life—an example of unwavering dedication toward achieving one’s dreams.
As the sport grows in popularity, it continues to blend further into my world, most notably through documentaries. I am a student of the art form (Documentary Studies at the USC School of Cinematic Arts), and I am over the moon about the recent influx of Formula One films and series. As a Mercedes fan, The Seat—which walks audiences through Kimi Antonelli’s rookie season through the lens of Team Principal Toto Wolff’s controversial decision to fast-track a kid into the sport’s biggest team (spoiler alert: Toto was right—Kimi is a winner)—is one of my favorites. From a technical standpoint, Schumacher is an excellent film, possessing the hallmarks of a well-rounded, respectful account of an icon. Netflix’s Drive to Survive is what many of the drivers attribute the U.S. fandom boom to, and as a Gen-Z girl, I can confirm they are correct. Instagram and TikTok are vibrant with videos, memes, and edits of every driver, their partners, and even their bosses! I love seeing the widespread passion for the sport, and besides, what would modern culture be without Toto’s famed “I printed it out!” scene?
Obviously, I have a completely different passion than Häkkinen and will definitely not be suiting up for a Grand Prix anytime soon, but I can still relate to my namesake in terms of hard work. F1 is the epitome of excellence and refinement. The science, coordination, and dedication behind the sport are top-notch. The technical and collaborative marvel that is each team could not exist without hard work. Every time I watch a race (or free practice, qualifying, etc.), I gain immense inspiration toward my dream as an actress. The work, preparation, networking, and studying it takes to rise in this craft is no light task. Individuals not within or pursuing the world of acting may not be aware of it, but booking a role and acting on set is just the tip of the iceberg. As an actress still very much in pursuit of her goals, I not only look toward the beautiful, amazing actresses on movie screens of today and eras past, but I also look to the racetrack.
As David Croft says every Sunday, “Lights out and away we go!” But for me, it’s not on the track—it’s in Hollywood, with acting as my vehicle.
In your view, what can society to do to best support artists, creatives and a thriving creative ecosystem?
Go to the movie theater! Put on a beautiful outfit, grab some friends, a Diet Coke, and a large popcorn. Seeing movies in actual theaters is critical to sustaining the film business, and I believe it’s beneficial to audiences, too. The experience of watching a movie in a theater cannot be replicated at home. It provides a dedicated space to unwind and dive into a world completely different from our stressful reality. In a world full of phones and constant notifications, we need time to unplug and fully appreciate the beauty of art on film.
If you ever find yourself in Encinitas, California—my hometown—I highly recommend seeing a film at La Paloma Theatre, Mary Pickford’s favorite!
For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?
As an up-and-coming actress, it’s rewarding to know I am living my life to its full potential. As someone who grew up with self-esteem issues, little Mika would be so proud of the person she has become today.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://mikamccalla.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mikamccalla/