Micaela Wittman
Micaela Wittman, an American actress and filmmaker, is known first for her appearances on shows such as Modern Family, Teen Wolf, Speechless, Sharp Objects, and A.P. Bio, she created a larger name for herself with the 2021 release of her mockumentary film Clairevoyant. She wrote, produced, and directed the film together with Arthur De Larroche, and she stars as Claire. The film follows her character, an L.A. socialite searching for enlightenment. Since the film’s success she has also appeared in The Dropout and Shirley. Her newest film is another collaboration directed by Arthur De Larroche and written by Micaela titled Remy & Arletta. The film follows two teen girls and Micaela will also be starring as Remy alongside Riley Quinn Scott.
Jean jacket by Shein
The cheetah bucket hat is BDG
Tell us about how Clairevoyant came to be? What made you decide to take the leap into directing and producing alongside acting?
I had been going back and forth for months on a role that would’ve been life changing, and eventually I didn’t get it. In that moment I decided I had to do something that would make that other role feel small someday. I didn’t want to be a hurt person who put my dreams up on the shelf.
What inspired Claire’s character and story?
There are so many amazing people in Los Angeles who get wrapped up in the spirituality scene. Luckily, I’ve found the community to be great at being able to laugh at itself. A lot of me was in there too. Claire is terrified of people, she’s always afraid to say the wrong thing, and she carries more shame than she lets on. Despite it being a satirical character, all those parts of her came from me.
Were you nervous about directing and producing, or was it something you had been hoping to venture into for some time already? Was it hard to adjust into the new roles you took on with Clairevoyant?
It felt like I was a bird learning how to fly. It was such an effortless experience. Without the pressure of a large budget, we were able to focus exclusively on the creative output of the film. As fun as it was though, I’d love to stick to just acting for a while.
How did your experience making Clairevoyant prepare you for your second film, Remy & Arletta?
It taught me everything! On a technical note, I learned how to rent equipment, book locations, and make call sheets. But most importantly, I learned the importance of keeping a level head. When you’re on set, catastrophic mistakes are almost par for the course. Clairevoyant taught me to trust something bigger than me, and to let the film be what it wants to be.
The jeans, white button up under the sweater, black shoes and white skirt are all Shein.
Where did the story and characters for Remy & Arletta come from?
Remy & Arletta is based on my life in high school. Despite it being such an intimate story, I like having separation from myself and the characters. I tell myself that Remy is her own person, even though she’s a version of me.
What made you want to write another film?
I wrote Remy & Arletta in one week during quarantine. It poured out because the story had been bubbling up inside me for ages. The finished film is pretty much the first draft! Which any writer would tell you is crazy, but it was just a story that wanted to be told. Every week that went by I thought, “Ok, if something falls through, we don’t have to make it.” But everything kept working out.
Left:
Shirt + Sweater + Skirt by Shein
Right:
The captain hat is a Royal Navy Imper hat.
Has your experience writing, directing, and producing changed you as an actor? Have you noticed differences in your acting in your newer roles since making Clairevoyant? Absolutely! I have a greater understanding of all elements of making a film and that makes me really confident as an actor. I used to be afraid that I would mess everything up and ruin the film, but I learned that I could hold my own and even add to the project.
What was it like to go back to acting in someone else’s project after taking charge on your own film?
I really like the feeling of letting go of control and being directed. The most stressful part of making my own films is micromanaging every aspect of the film. So, it’s nice to let go and know that somebody else is handling all the technical stuff.
The striped shirt by Moonosa
Do you plan on writing and producing more of your own films in the future? Do you have a preference between making your own films or acting in other people’s projects?
I want to take a break from making my own films. I think I’m ready to be a part of something bigger than me. But if there’s a story that calls to me that isn’t being made, I’d make it happen.
What are your goals or hopes for your career in the coming years?
My goals are so big they’re hard to stomach on a daily basis, but that’s what makes life fun! I definitely want to be someone who creates opportunities for other artists like myself. And I want to be a part of really special films.
Socia Media.
I am @micaewa on Instagram!
CREW CREDITS:
PhotoBook Editor-In-Chief: Alison Hernon
PhotoBook Creative Director: Mike Ruiz @mikeruiz.one
Photographer: Arthur De Larroche
Talent: Micaela Wittman
Tearsheets by Daniel López, Associate Art Director, PhotoBook Magazine
Interview by Flora Medina, Contributor, PhotoBook Magazine
SHOP THE LOOK: MICAELA WITTMAN
