Hollywood is calling! And especially loud after Jana McKinnon, born in Austria, grew up in Australia and can currently be seen on screen in the series “Bad Behavior”. It’s high time we took a closer look at the 24-year-old actress.
FACES: You’ve mentioned in the past that you got into acting. Was that a lucky coincidence or fate in your eyes?
Jana McKinnon: I think it was luck to be in the right place at the right time.
FACES: In December 2023, “Silver – the Book of Dreams” will be published, where you play 17-year-old Liv. To what extent were you inspired by your own 17-year-old self?
Jana McKinnon: I also traveled a lot when I was 17 and felt like I wasn’t really at home anywhere. A bit like Liv.
FACES: Your life as an actress is being made into a movie. Who do you give the leading role to and why?
Jana McKinnon: Phoebe-Waller Bridge. I hardly know any actress who can be so vulnerable, heartbreaking and incredibly funny at the same time. I admire that very much.
FACES: What’s the best tip you’ve received in your acting career? And which one would you definitely not want to pass on?
Jana McKinnon: Standing up for my needs on set! This is a game changer. I find the
It’s terrible to think that as an actor you always have to be grateful. If you
on set, then you have already proven yourself and are doing your job just like everyone else.
other crew members.
FACES: Which Hollywood starlet would you like to have a coffee with? And who would you rather meet for dinner?
Jana McKinnon: I would have coffee with Elle Fanning. Her works in the series “The Girl from Plainville” and in “The Great” could not be more different, and both are equally impressive. For dinner (and hopefully cocktails!) I would love to go with Florence Pugh. Her performance in “A Good Person” was so heartbreaking, beautifully and precisely played, and she seems like you could spend a really good evening with her.
FACES: What movie can’t you press pause on?
Jana McKinnon: “Superbad”!
FACES: How do you define a good movie?
Jana McKinnon: When images still haunt my mind’s eye days later. Then it was a really good movie.
FACES: What is it about movies that fascinates you?
Jana McKinnon: Cinema is a shared experience. I love it when you suddenly share a moment with complete strangers whose faces you can’t even see – laughing or crying together. It reminds you of being human.
FACES: Your funniest anecdote from the set?
Jana McKinnon: My colleague Rhys Mannion had an impressive dream during the shooting of “Silver” in which I told him that it was my birthday that day. He then organized a huge cake from the bakery early in the morning and brought it to the set. My birthday was still months away in reality, but of course I took care of the cake anyway. (laughs)
FACES: Which preconception about actors annoys you and which one do
you agree with one hundred percent?
Jana McKinnon: That they are self-centered. And that they are self-centered. (laughs)
FACES: You have already acted in various German productions. With “Bad Behavior”, an Australian series is now included. Is there a difference between the working methods of a German and an Australian production?
Jana McKinnon: There aren’t that many differences! Whereby… in Australia there is breakfast every morning on set, where everyone sits and eats together. It’s a wonderful start to the day and also a great opportunity to discuss the scenes for the day together before we set off.
FACES: How do you prepare for a production like this?
Jana McKinnon: Just like a German production. It just takes me a little longer to
learning English texts.
FACES: You have Australian-Austrian roots. Which accent do you like better?
the Australian or the Austrian? And can you so easily
switch between the two languages and accents?
Jana McKinnon: Both accents have their charm! I have the feeling that if you
grew up bilingual, does not speak two languages perfectly – but none so
really good. (laughs) I can already switch very quickly, but sometimes it ties me up in knots
and I suddenly can’t remember the simplest words.
FACES: Do you remember your first theatrical movie?
Jana McKinnon: Yes! “The little polar bear”. I found the big screen incredibly impressive and the
Sound overwhelming. I was probably still too young to see the movie in the cinema.
to see.
FACES: What would you do if you couldn’t fail at it?
Jana McKinnon: Singing, painting, playing the piano, skydiving… Anything that makes you scared! But then that would be
actually boring too.
FACES: What should people remember in the future when they hear your name?
Jana McKinnon: That’s a difficult question… Hopefully to a woman who hasn’t been down on life and has been an asset to those around her in whatever way.
FACES: The year is already drawing to a close. What are you looking forward to in 2024?
Jana McKinnon: To beautiful new opportunities!
Follow Jana McKinnon on Instagram here, and watch the trailer for the series “Bad Behavior” here.
You can find even more exciting people we are looking up to here.
Teaser photo & photos: © Jana McKinnon, Bad Behavior
