IN CONVERSATION WITH ANNA GARCIA
Actress Anna Garcia made making her big screen debut in Sony’s 'Fly Me to the Moon', alongside Scarlett Johansson and Channing Tatum, which premiered on 12th July. She has previously starred on series like 'Party Down', 'Hacks', 'It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia', 'Superstore' and 'Bunk'd'.
Anna, we are able to watch you in your big screen debut 'Fly Me to the Moon'. Tell us more about the story of the film and about your role in it.
The movie is a rom-com happening alongside the backdrop of the Apollo 11 moon landing. Scarlett’s character, Kelly, is sort of a wily marketing specialist that’s brought to NASA to help market the moon landing, and while there, ends up catching the eye of Channing's character, Cole. I play Ruby Martin in the movie, the assistant and confidant to Kelly, and I love her. She’s an artist, a feminist. A stylish counter-culture cutie pie that does not like Richard Nixon.
How was the audition process for you, and how did you land the role?
The audition process was long. I had quite a few rounds of auditions and then after a month of nothing, I had a director's session with Greg. I absolutely crushed it, which was a huge relief. And then they were like “Great, are you available for a chemistry read with Scarlett Johansson in a few days?“ I nearly passed out, I was like “No, I just did so good. Don’t give me an opportunity to mess it all up.” After the chemistry read, I waited for over a week to hear anything. When I booked it, I nearly passed out again.
Starring in your film debut alongside Scarlett Johansson and Channing Tatum must have been quite nervewracking. How did it feel getting the opportunity to work alongside such accomplished and succesful actors, and what did you get to learn from them?
They are both so good. At first it was nervewracking, because I was like “Oh God, I’m going to be so bad next to them,” but ultimately, it was the greatest experience I could’ve asked for. Scarlett and Channing are truly two of the most delightful people of all time. From them, I learned how to keep the energy up after 14 hour days, how to carry myself on a massive production and most importantly, how to be a delicious ball of charm and a pure delight.
Previously, we've been able to watch you on the small screen, in many TV series. Which role stood out to you the most and why?
My first TV gig I booked was a small part on 'It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia'. I was so excited when I found out I booked it and I got to do a short scene with Danny DeVito. It was the perfect experience. He barreled onto set, we did improv for two hours straight, he called me 'kiddo', and we took photos with a man in a realistic gorilla suit. Charlie Day was also there that day. I look up to both those guys so much. Perfect first TV experience.
How did your career as an actress begin and what made you passionate to pursue it?
I had a lot of energy as a kid. I think my aunt was like pop her in theater camp at age six, and all hell broke loose from there. My grandma worked in advertising, so I would occasionally audition for a Hungry Howie’s Pizza or Beaumont Hospital commercial. I thought theater was going to be my future, but as I grew older, especially in college, I really honed in my love for comedy. I did improv in school and ended up becoming a film major, studying writing and directing comedy. Performing felt like it was something I always needed, and wanted, to do. It’s also potentially the most fun job in the world and I’m sort of all about having fun.
Looking forward to your blossoming career, what kind of roles and projects would you like to explore next?
There are so many amazing things being made at all times, it really feels so exciting every time an audition pops into my inbox. Of course, I am an A24 and Neon lover. I think they tell stories that feel so specific and off the beaten path. Those guys are taking risks. I’m a comedy girl at my core, so doing more comedic films is the dream. But don’t get me wrong, I’d love to hop on an NBC half-hour. I just love working. And if the material is good, I’m there.
You are also a graduate of the Upright Citizens Brigade Theatre, the well known comedy venue, where you regularly perform. What do you love the most about comedy and performing on stage?
Who knows, maybe it’s a deep seated need for approval, maybe laughter is the most immediate way of getting a “good job” for what you’re doing. But truly, I love that it always feels collaborative. Writing with someone, doing improv, performing with friends, it’s true joy in collaboration. And even if you’re performing alone, you’re not really because you and the audience are all laughing and sharing that moment together. It’s human connection. It’s the best.
Another thing that you absolutely love is fashion. What makes you enjoy fashion so much, and what does fashion mean to you?
I have loved expressing myself through fashion since I was a kid. I would thrift some graphic tee and then color coordinate my whole outfit around it. Luckily, my sense of style has evolved since then, though I still love a color coordinated moment. Fashion has always been such an immediate and gratifying form of self expression for me. I feel like so much of my personality can be interpreted through my clothes, fun or odd vintage tees, color blocked outfits, carpenter jeans, a trucker hat from the kids section of Disneyland. It’s always been a fun way to experiment both with color and form, and also more recently, gender. It truly is a way of creating images for others and a lens for myself.
Tell us more about yourself, outside of acting. What are some other things you are passionate about in life?
I think that the meaning of life is eating in a restaurant with a friend. Even better if it’s Italian. I am very passionate about pasta. Other things I love are baking, flea markets, arcades, roller coasters, prison abolition, dancing, soft sweatpants, sparkling water. I could go on.
After the release of 'Fly Me to the Moon', what is coming up next for you?
I have an unannounced project coming out next year and then I continue to work with the folks at Dropout, an independent comedy streamer that creates incredible improv based shows. But really, I’m on the hunt for my next big gig now. It’s a very exciting and terrifying time, but I’m here for the ride.
TEAM CREDITS:
photographer ALEX HARPER