Photo by: Paul Smith
We recently caught up with actor Talia Mychael Blaney to discuss the new film, What’s My Name Again?, which was released July 18, 2023 on VOD. Inspired by real events, the film is set in 1985 and is a raw and unfiltered look into an unconventional mother and son relationship and the impact of having three disengaged and often toxic fathers.
What’s My Name Again? recently premiered at the Independent Filmmakers Showcase Film Festival in Los Angeles at which it won Best Drama. It was filmed in the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic in Los Angeles and San Diego, and features a cast of talented rising stars including Talia, Ryan Winn, Allison Byrnes, Nick Schultz, Lucas Coleman, Theo Newton, and Daniel Abraham Stevens.
We asked Talia about being a storyteller, her character in What’s My Name Again?, being in a film set in the 1980’s, and more. Check out our conversation below.
*This interview was conducted prior to the SAG-AFTRA strike.
What is the best thing about being a storyteller?
Talia Mychael Blaney (TMB): Being a storyteller requires you to be completely open to a new way of life, new ideas, new minds. As an actor, I enjoy getting out of my own head and exploring someone else. There’s nothing quite like letting go and immersing yourself into a character, bringing them to life and telling their story.
What can you tell us about What’s My Name Again? and your character, Alea?
TMB: Google says, “In 1985, a seemingly quintessential Southern California teen’s identity unravels as he is forced to choose one of his three fathers’ last names before he comes of age.” But I’d say, at its core, it’s about 3 teens and a family just trying to figure their shit out. Together.
Alea is half Middle Eastern and is trying to sort through the pressures in dating outside her family’s ethnicity and expectations. Her journey in this film is about both navigating her first young love with a boy whose family is nothing like her own and the exciting anticipation of graduating High School and whether or not their relationship will make it to the next stage. Alea is a strong and confident young woman who knows what she wants and isn’t afraid to show it.
What was it like filming What’s My Name Again?
TMB: This was my first feature film which made everything very exciting and new for me. The cast and crew were all very welcoming. We became a family within the first day. I never thought I could have so much fun ‘working’, so I can’t even say it was work. This film was inspired by the life of [director] Spencer’s family which made the experience even that much more special. He was very passionate and determined and that definitely wore off onto all of us.
We also didn’t have much time for many mess ups since our film schedule was so quick. This meant a game-time mentality which I loved. My process was sort of ‘Action!’, black out and do the work, ‘Cut!’.
What was it like going “back in time” for a role?
TMB: The film takes place in the 80’s which was quite funny to my friends and family who know me because this is my least favorite decade. This definitely led to a very humbling and funny time on set to say the least! The colors, hair, makeup, all of it was quite entertaining and we had a great time throwing ourselves into that time and culture. I am someone who doesn’t do any makeup or hair, so I will say I did come out of it with a newfound appreciation for the amount of patience and effort it took for women in the 80’s to get ready.
When people get to watch What’s My Name Again?, what are you hoping they get out of it?
TMB: Honestly, I hope they take away that none of us ever fully know what we’re doing and what’s happening in life. It’s great to have goals and a plan, but take the learning experience day by day. Embrace the lives of your family and friends also. If we all give each other a little bit of our own personal experiences and what we’ve gotten from life, we’ll have one hell of a time.
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