Relocating for Work with Mikayla Baiocchi

Welcome to Hold the Door - an entertainment career advice and networking podcast where host, Camille Wilson, explores how folks from underrepresented backgrounds have found a way to survive and thrive in the entertainment industry.

On this episode of Hold the Door, Mikayla Baiocchi joins to discuss relocating for work - specifically, leaving Los Angeles for a role in Rhode Island. You’ll hear what that process was like, how she maintains industry relationships from any location, and how manifestation has played a role in her career.

You can stay connected with Mikayla via her Instagram @_mikaylab.

Make sure to subscribe to Hold the Door on your favorite listening platform. You can also get updates on guests, episode releases, and the biweekly newsletter by following the show on TikTok, Instagram, and Substack @holdthedoorpod.

Transcript

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Mikayla: when the offer came through, no one signed faster than me.

I didn't even know my life technically past four months, but I was still so willing to do this job.

Obviously you want to do it the best that you can, but like, you're a, you have other things going on. Like as I said, I got chocolate, the Sopranos, coffee, you know

Camille: you can love the city and have your career. 

Mikayla: Exactly. Which. Maybe this episode will, will help people like understand you don't have to live in LA to do what you want to do, you know, you can, you can get places as well

Camille: Hello, welcome back to Hold the Door. I'm your host, Camille Wilson. This week, Mikayla Baiocchi joins to discuss relocating for work, specifically leaving Los Angeles for a role in Rhode Island.

You'll hear what that process was like, how she maintains industry relationships from any location, and how manifestation has played a role in her career.

Mikayla is an emerging screenwriter based in New York City. In 2017, she graduated from the University of Maryland with a degree in multi platform journalism, but quickly set her sights on a creative career in film and television.

Since graduating, she has worn a variety of hats in the film and TV industry. She started off in post production in Los Angeles, California, but eventually made the move back home to New England to pursue the opportunity to be a producer's assistant. 

While working in New England, she was also an assistant locations manager on The Gilded Age and Hocus Pocus 2. More recently, she was the assistant to the vice president of Martin Scorsese's production company, Sequelia Productions, and is now the showrunner's assistant on an upcoming Amazon Prime series.

But throughout it all, she has remained passionate about her original love within the industry, screenwriting.

Hope you enjoy our conversation.

Welcome Mikayla. Thank you so much for joining the pod this week.

Thank you so much. I'm so excited to be here. Excited to have you. Yes, I specifically wanted to talk to someone about relocating work who had to leave LA because I think everyone comes to LA like you're relocating for work, you're moving, you're going to the entertainment hub. Um, in the U. S.

And so everyone comes to L. A. To be in the industry, but very few leave L. A. to be in the industry. And I think that's much. Like a much scarier move because it goes against the grain. And I think it could feel confusing maybe to some people. So I'm excited to hear about your experience. Um, and also your other travel for work, because I think that's unique as well.

So. Um, thank you for, for being here. And so we heard your career bio. And so now, um, you can hear your personal logline. So it gives the listeners a chance to kind of get to know you a little bit better as a human being outside of your work life. 

Mikayla: Totally. Yes. Okay. So. I think, you know, I figured out what sums me up in one sentence and that is basically I'm a writer based in New York City who is either drinking an espresso martini, eating chocolate, um, watching The Sopranos while trying to crank out a story along the way.

That really sums me up. That's perfect. So, uh, poster of Tony Soprano right outside my door. Some fright and turn of the world. I'm just like, yes, Tony. Embody that energy. Like embodying Tony Soprano. But, um, yeah. I think that's that. That's me. Yeah, 

Camille: that's awesome. Thank you. Okay. So we are going to start with how you got your start in the industry.

So was entertainment always the plan and how'd you wind up in the industry? And then if you can kind of just like explain what your career was like. up until the point where you got this opportunity to relocate from LA to Rhode Island. 

Mikayla: Totally. Um, and yeah, just to start off, I think, as I've said to you already Camille, but I think this is such an important topic, you know, cause we don't really talk about it a lot.

And I think our age and our generation, like it was all just so, you know, LA focused and, and yeah, so to, to make the move back across the country, like, And I'm happy to just talk to people about it and help anyone who might be trying to do the same thing because of whatever reason. So, okay. So basically, I always had a love for, for writing and whether that was writing prose, like writing short stories, writing books, um, or writing screenplays.

So I've always. Had that within me. But when it came to figuring out what I wanted to do long term with my life, um, I was gonna like get into magazines and like become a journalist and do like fashion journalism. And 

Camille: a little 13 going on 30, exactly. I 

Mikayla: was like, I'm like for most of my life, I was like, I'm going to live in New York city and I'm going to work at a magazine and I'm going to, that I'm going to That's, yeah, 13 going on 30 and, um, it wasn't until, so I went to journalism school.

I went to University of Maryland, which was, go Terps, go Terps was the best four years of my life. Wait, weren't you going to college? I went to 

Camille: UCLA, but my, Uncle wants the University of Maryland, and I have a lot of family in Maryland. So that's my connection. 

Mikayla: I could tell I was like, yeah, but see, I had no connection.

I'm from Rhode Island. So it's like to go from Rhode Island to UMD was such a bizarre decision, but it was the best decision I ever made. And I went to, I studied journalism there. Um, Loved it. Was so into it. I had no thought crossed my mind that I was going to do anything else besides go work in magazines until like my senior year of college, of course.

And I started to get this bug. And also the summer before senior year, I did intern at a digital magazine in New York City. So I, I dabbled in it and I kind of realized it wasn't. So that was an interesting moment to be like, Oh, I've committed these last like 20, you know, years, not 20, but my, my whole life, this is what I thought I really wanted to do.

And it turns out I didn't. And I remember I was just. I was back in college my last year, again, three years of journalism under my belt, like great at writing a new story. Can't really write a script. And I literally was like, what am I going to do now? And I had my laptop open and I just was starting to write.

I was like, well, I'm just going to keep writing. And I was writing a story. I was writing like a short story. And I was like, what I really want to do is make this visual. I want to put the story onto a screen. That is my drive. Like, that's what I want to do. And so that was the moment it was beginning of senior year.

I was like, no, I'm working in TV and film. Like that's, that's what I'm doing. And, um, my parents went to USC film school. They persuaded me to not go to film school. You know, cause They have their own opinions about the industry. And so eventually to tell them by the end of my senior year that I was going to like move to LA.

To go dive into being a writer. Don't like, they're like, we trained you not to do this. Exactly. We tried so hard to prevent this. And if there was nothing they could say to me, it was then they were so supportive, but they were like, crap, like, really? Like we, we tried so hard. You went to journalism school, like university of Maryland.

Aren't you so happy? I'm like, yes, but this is what I need to go do with my life. So, um, basically. My, uh, second semester of my senior year of college, I was lucky enough. And I got an internship at discovery communications and I was writing for TLC me. com. So I was doing journalism for an entertainment company and it ended up being like the perfect bridge into entertainment from journalism.

And of course, I met some amazing people there and I had done a lot. Good job. And so I, I did some freelance casting work that summer. Um, still on the East coast for a production company that worked with discovery. And I like went out to Wisconsin to go cast home riverfront home renovators.

And I started to do, I was just like freelance casting, but then the end of the summer came and it was like, I was like, I'm going to move to LA. And so I told the producers I was working for doing some casting work that that was my plan and they were amazing. And, um, they kind of like connected me via email with like five people in LA and they were like, we're going to help you like just get coffee with these people and, um, express what your interests are and hopefully you get a job.

And I'm like, Let's do it. I moved out with no job. Uh, just, just some people to get coffee with, which was still wonderful. And got to LA, got a really crappy apartment and, um, we all start there. Right. And long story short, You know, I luckily I met with some people and, um, I got a job at a production company and unscripted production company, like I, like within three weeks of moving in LA.

So, thank God, you know, started to work and, um, but from there, my goal was always to get into, um, Um, and I started out a reality TV production company, which was a great company. But again, writing for the screen as always was, was the thing now. So, it really became a matter of working towards that and so, yeah, I was at a non scripted company, production company, being an office PA, and it was wonderful. It was a great experience, but I was like, okay, how can I get into scripted? Because as I said, that's where my heart is and was.

Um, and I actually started to apply for, internships, even though I was technically out of college. So I, I think what changed for me was getting accepted into the Academy Gold program, which is what the Academy of Motion Pictures, Arts and Sciences. Um, and so the summer after I graduated from college, I was now in this Academy program, which, you know, for someone who wants to work in TV and film is, It was gold, it was what I wanted.

And, um, I had a dual internship at AMC studios.

Then it was like, you know, I got that I'm inscripted now, which was amazing. But it's like I knew that I didn't really want to work long term at a studio that my for me, like I again, I just wanted to, I wanted to be a writer.

So, um, I eventually got onto shows, but I was in Post's apartment.

Camille: You're always just like, so close, but you're like, it's right over there. 

Mikayla: Exactly. It's like, okay, I'm on shows now that I'm in Post. I'm like, all right. I'll take it, like, let's go, because, you know, at least you're on shows, you're meeting writers still, you're meeting showrunners, you know, it's, everyone is a connection to, to have in this industry.

You never know who knows what. Someone, you know, like I've gotten jobs from people I wouldn't have expected to get a job from, you know, their other PAs I meet and then they pass my resume along and then I'm hired ? So anyway, take the opportunity as they come. And, um, so I was, I was working on, it's like a post PA on a pilot for bad robot.

And then it was only one episode. So that was only three months. And then, so now I'm on 23 and. My first time on unemployment. So I feel like that's the, what do you call it? That's the make your bones when you work on shows, when you get on unemployment, cause it's like everyone has to, at some point you're going to be in between shows.

Probably when you're starting off, at least at some point. And so it's like, all right, go file for unemployment. Like you got to get used to it. And it's, and one producer, I get, he was a very early mentor who helped me when I was getting to LA. He was like, you have to have the stomach for it, essentially, to, to.

Not have work for who knows how long and to be filing for unemployment. So turns out I don't mind it. Um, so I was on unemployment for a little bit, babysitting. And then, um, then a job kind of came from someone I didn't expect, but it was, again, it was, I was reaching out to people like everyone that I knew so far, looking for work, looking to get back onto shows, taking any job, and so I sure enough got back into post production, post PAing again. And then that show so that now that was two years in LA, that was my run in LA for like two years was slowly chipping up, like chipping up the ladder to get closer and closer and closer to what I wanted.

And, um, on that show, an AMC show, Again, as I said, I was in post and, um, I met one of the producers who we can talk about later, but she ultimately was the one who hired me to move back home to Rhode Island to work as her assistant and another producer's assistant on another AMC show. So that's what it happened.

You know, like that was the. Even though my, like, I guess you call my primary goal is to, was to work towards being a writer. My secondary goal was to find a job that could like, get me back to the East coast. So all of a sudden, like two years, I met a producer and. Interviewed to be her assistant on that show when I got hired and that was it.

I did two years in LA. 

Camille: That's wild. Two years. Yeah. Yeah. So when, when you first got that, Opportunity like, what were your thoughts? Because I think, um, one, it totally makes sense for you. Like I'm taking what I can get. I'm getting experience. I'm meeting people. So I totally get you being open to the opportunity.

And obviously being able to go home is a bonus because it's are still pursuing, you know, Your dreams, but you get to be closer to home. 

Mikayla: Absolutely. But I 

Camille: also would be like, wait, I just, I moved to la I'm like trying to make things happen here. So what was your thought process when that first came up and like Yeah.

How did you get to the point where you're like, this is a good move, I'm gonna do it. 

Mikayla: Absolutely. So. Basically, when I moved out to LA, 22 years old, I got there, and I was born there. I was born in LA. I lived there until I was seven. So, yeah. Oh yeah. I was going to 

Camille: ask if your parents, uh, were in the industry since they went to film school?

Mikayla: They were in it for like on and off for maybe 10 ish years, basically until they had me and my sister. So I would say about 10 years. My dad had his own production company. Um, my mom was, she had worked at a post facility and she had done a bunch of various things. And then they had me and my sister

and then they were like, Enough of this. 

Camille: We're good. Yeah, 

Mikayla: we're good. Yeah, we're good. They started their own online business and they became entrepreneurs. And it just, That's what they wanted to do. But, um, so that was all my childhood, but they like raised us on movies. So it's like they didn't want me to go to film school yet.

Yeah. But they wanted you to know about it. You know, it's like, what do you expect if I'm watching Alien and like The Departed? I don't know. Maybe it's in the blood where it's like, yeah, I want to go do that. I don't know. So it's their fault. Um, so no, basically my parents not know when I was growing up, they weren't in the industry.

Camille: Yeah, but sorry, I, I took you off. So when you first got this opportunity, what were you kind of thinking and like, how did you decide this is a good, this is a good idea versus like, actually maybe I'll try to get something that's local still and keep trying to make it happen in LA.

Mikayla: Absolutely. Um, so yeah, to say I was born in LA when I moved back, it felt familiar. I was kind of like, so it didn't feel like. Whoa, where the hell am I? It felt like, oh, I kind of feel like I'm home ish in a way. So, okay, like I'm back in LA. It feels fine. But at the end of the day, It was so far from my family because I no longer have any family in LA.

I knew no one in LA. I knew one person. I had one friend because she had moved also from the east coast from, and went to Maryland with me, out to LA. So basically, that's all to say that from the get, I was kind of like, I don't know how long I can be out here for.

Cause I was a little bit, um, to be honest, I was a little bit scared or a little, yeah, a little scared at the thought of like, Crap, what if I make so many inroads here, which would be amazing, but also what if that keeps me out here indefinitely? I'm so close to my sister. I'm so close to my mom, to my dad.

I'm like, I'm so far away. I just, I was a little scared by the idea of, um, really putting down 

Camille: too many roots. 

Mikayla: Yeah, I was really scared by the idea of really laying roots in LA. So, given that, I was kind of like, well, what I really am hoping to do is to essentially meet someone Somewhere who like hires me to move back home to work on a TV show.

And that is literally exactly what happened. So that's when I started to believe in manifestation. Because I was telling all my friends, I was like, guys, I'm going to meet somebody who's going to hire me to move back home to Rhode Island to work on a television show.

And that is exactly what happened. So that's 

Camille: wild. 

Mikayla: It's a little bizarre. It's a little bizarre. So that's what I'm saying is I was prepared for the opportunity. I was like shocked that it happened. So soon, frankly, you know, and this wonderful, wonderful producer, who's like my mentor. I love her. But we were on this, I was in post, as I said, and she overheard I was from Rhode Island and she was like, wait, we have a show shooting in Rhode Island.

And I was like, you know, if you need me to work for you, I will do whatever you want, like, I'll be there. And she was like, okay, okay. And then. Literally, I don't know, within two weeks, I God offered the opportunity. So just that's all to say that like I didn't have to put much thought into it I was like, just let me sign on the dotted line.

Like I I will be there. 

Camille: Yeah, you're like my bags are packed 

Mikayla: My bags are packed like I will do whatever I will bust my I will say overnight I will wait I will I will not sleep get my apartment cleaned out sublet it You Be on a flight tomorrow to go back to the East coast to work for you. So, um, it was a very bizarre and all my, all my friends were like, Like, that's exactly what you said was going to happen.

I know. I, it was being in the, I don't know, I guess it was maybe being in the right place at the right time.

Camille: Yeah. And like, I'm sure your work ethic and like being available, being open, already like having a good reputation because right place, right time.

But also like. You had set that up and like laid the foundation to actually get that offer too. I 

Mikayla: really, I really appreciate that. I mean, I think about that a lot too. And I'm like, you know, work means a lot to me. It, my career means a lot to me. And it's like, I love working in this industry and it's, it's, it means so much to me.

So every job I've had, and I've had a lot of jobs, it's just like, Your bosses come first, you know, and I'm just, I'm, I'm happy to be there. I'm excited to be there. And it's like, I work really hard and, um, I think, yeah, I have to admit, I think that played a part as well, where she was like, Mikayla will do a good job.

Camille: Yeah. 

Mikayla: Like, I just really wanted to do a good job and I think she could see that. And I was. Gonna, as I said, like bust my butt to get out to Rhode Island to work for her. Yeah, so that's awesome. A piece of that as well.

And it's kind of like, I would give that as advice where. If you're trying to make something happen, you're trying to maybe manifest something, you're definitely not going to do it by just like staying at home. You have to work and you have to take opportunities and um, because you never know what the opportunity will bring to you and who you'll meet.

So that was an example of that for sure. 

Camille: Once you moved back and got there, what was your day to day like and You're living situation because I know you're from Rhode Island, but one, were you in the same city? And then two, you're moving back in a different capacity where you're like, I'm here working full time.

Like this is a career. I'm messing around. Yeah. So you're not like, Oh, I'm just hanging out with my family. Yeah, exactly. So how is that process getting back in a different capacity and, and being there for work? 

Mikayla: Totally, totally. So basically, as I said, when the offer came through, no one signed faster than me.

So I, and I was like, um, okay, My parents were divorced. They, they got a divorce. And, um, so they, my dad was still in Rhode Island. My mom was in Hawaii. So, um, Oh my gosh. Wait, okay. That's actually so funny when you're like, I'm trying 

Camille: to get closer to my family. And then your mom's like, well, I'll be in Hawaii on the other side.

Mikayla: Yeah. So for those two years, I just told you about, I just want to say my mom was Hawaii. I was LA. My sister was New Hampshire. My dad was Rhode Island. So it's just kind of like, just imagine. What, what communicating with the family was like at that time. And for being someone who's so close to their family, it was so hard for everyone to be split up like that.

So basically, um, this job opportunity, not only was it a great opportunity, it was like, okay, I can be close to my family again. So, anyway, my dad was still in Rhode Island and I. Shot him a text and I was like, Hey pops, can I move in with you? And he, and, and so thank God my dad was there.

And, um, at the time, I mean, it's just funny to say it, but like, you know, he had a relatively small apartment and so, uh, you know, packed up my stuff in LA. I, I had a small storage unit, um, because I didn't know if this was going to be a permanent move, honestly. That's the other thing here is. It was for a show and shows shoot like four months.

So I was like, okay, so I didn't even know my life technically past four months, but I was still so willing to do this job. I didn't care. I was like, I'll figure it out. And, um, so I shoved my stuff into storage in LA, you know, got a sub letter in my room. And moved in with my dad.

And, um, yeah, so that was very close quarters with my dad for, for a couple months, but it was so fun. It was a lot, a lot, a lot of fun. And so, yeah, so basically, Now I'm working, I'm, for the first time ever, I'm in production on a show. And before that, I was either working at a studio or I was in post.

And those hours are, in my experience, obviously they're, you know, regulated. When you're in production on a television show, who knows, you know, it's like a 12 hour, as everyone says it, 12 could be 14 hours. It could be 16 hours. Um, I've never done 16, but I've definitely done 14. So that's all to say that like, my dad was like, mind blown.

Like I would get home at like 3am sometimes and he would just be like, what? Like he was just shook. And to this day, he still talks about it, even though it's like five years later, he's like, yeah, get home at 3am. I'm like, yeah, dad, like, that's like, you'll just never, never forget. I might have scarred him a little bit.

So, um, so just adjusting to life and production, which was so new to me, I really did not know what I was doing. 

Camille: Mm 

Mikayla: hmm. At all. 

Camille: Yeah. 

Mikayla: Um, so Was it 

Camille: energizing where those long days were like totally fine with you or were you like, whoa, I did not expect this and now I need to like just recalibrate and make sure I can make it through?

Mikayla: Yeah, I mean, I loved what I was doing so much. Like, the producers I was working for, uh, were amazing. Like what they were the, they were the best. And also this was an experience that I had been wishing for. Um, so it was kind of like, now I'm here. I was making a ton of friends on set and I was also like my first, as I, as I said, my first time ever being on set.

So that was just kind of mind blowing. And the hours. I have to say it was like, I don't know. I, um, I really just didn't, I really didn't mind it. Um, I did not mind it. And because we were having fun. And also, um, you kind of just know you're like, this isn't forever, you know, it's for, for like three to four months.

So. You kind of have that in the back of your head too, but I think I was meeting so many interesting and cool people and my job was really great. So that didn't bother my dad more than it probably, um, that, that checks out. But yeah, it's, it's, um, it's, it's quite an experience when it's like you wrap at like 3 AM on a Friday.

So then people tend to call that like a fratter day. So you kind of lose.

Um, and I remember there was one time where I, I, um, slept until like, like 3 p. m. the next day. And I think my dad almost like called the hospital. Like, he 

Camille: was like, are you, you're unwell? 

Mikayla: Yeah 

Camille: um, rewinding quickly back to. the move. So how long did you have from agreeing to do this opportunity to, you need to be on set in Rhode Island.

Mikayla: Well, if I remember correctly, I think I, I, um, I want to say it was like July. So this is July, 2019. I think it was July where I like took the job and kind of like signed something.

And then

I think I probably had, I want to say definitely didn't have more than a month. Um, they wanted me on, they wanted me out there like come September 1st. So, I had a month and it was like, I don't remember feeling that stressed out. Like I think, I, you know, I just knew what I had to do.

I was like, I have to find a sub letter. I have to put myself into storage. Um, kind of got kicked into gear in that way.

Camille: So once you get to Rhode Island, you're working, you're settled in.

Yeah. Do you feel like you got any benefits? related to being in Rhode Island specifically that you wouldn't have experienced had you been in a similar role in LA? 

Mikayla: That's a good question. Um, well, so I, I was a producer's assistant in Rhode Island. That was the, the title. Um, And that's so interesting because I don't actually, I've never spoken with any producers assistants in LA.

Um, I don't know what that's been like for them. Have you ever met someone who's a producer's assistant in LA on a show? 

Camille: No, I don't think I feel like only like writers assistants and in general, like PAs, but I don't think producers assistants. I should say production assistants. Totally. And so people don't get confused between

which actually, maybe we should take a second to just give a quick overview of what that is. Um, so when I'm saying production assistant and you're more on the ground than I ever was. So please feel free to correct or like explain it.

But, um, when I think of a production assistant, I'm mainly thinking of the people who are on set. They have like the walkie talkies and the headsets. They have the like, What is it? Like the schedule for the day. And then they're doing a lot of the, um, 

Mikayla: very like, 

Camille: the very like manual, sometimes like it's the things that need to happen, but it's not.

They're not at the center of it. So sometimes they're like block, not literally blocking traffic, but like low key blocking traffic and be like, Hey, don't walk through this area. We're filming here. Or they'll be like, Hey, can you go grab so and so we're ready for their scene or like, you know, just kind of doing all the things that are so necessary to making stuff happen, but they're not, um, like making any decisions or like, 

Mikayla: Totally.

I mean, being a PA is that's like the entry level job into working on a film set. Like, that's what you get, like, right out of school. 22, like, you're a PA. And you kind of go up from there. And yeah, they're so essential but you know, you're doing this, the, the stuff that you might not really want.

You're doing a 

Camille: lot of errands. 

Mikayla: You're doing a lot of things. Yeah, you, you probably don't really want to do, but you have to. I mean, that's where everyone has to start. Well, most, you know, most, not everyone, but, but that's the way in for sure. Um, but technically being a producer's assistant. Yeah. You could say it's a PA, but no one it's, it's a definitely, it's a different job.

Um, it's, you are assisting the producers. So you're, you're tight with the producers you know, you're getting whatever they need, you know, coffee runs for the producers like that's your job. Um, PAs are helping the filming.

They're doing what has to be done for like, you know, The director, but the producer's assistant is doing whatever the producers need. So yeah, as I said, coffee, um, making sure that their chairs are set up at video village, which is where they watch takes and what's happening. Um, making sure, are you like 

Camille: printing scripts and stuff or not really?

Mikayla: Yeah. Make sure they have scripts. Yes, absolutely. You know, One sheet schedules, which breaks down what we're shooting for each day, making sure they have all the information they need, like at all times. Um, there's just, I mean, there's, there's different kinds of producers though, you know, there's the showrunner who's writing the show.

So, you know, you could be a showrunner's assistant, which is what I am now. Um, or you have, like you have the line producer who's kind of the budget person. They're reporting of the studio about costs. They're dealing with cast, cast deals, um, getting actors on like more logistical work.

And that's who I started working for. When I moved to Rhode Island, I was working for a line producer and I was working for a, like creative producer who. Just kind of held it all together and is like the glue that kind of bound like the studio and a showrunner and all of that. So, um, you're keeping them organized essentially

Camille: I 

Mikayla: think, yeah, 

Camille: I think that 

Mikayla: covers it. Yeah.

Camille: So following Rhode Island, if my timeline is correct, then you moved to New York.

Um, so did that feel like a return to a big entertainment hub? Like, yes, I'm, I'm in the center of it again. Or was it like. This is a fresh start. And I did some stuff in LA, but that's just stayed in LA and totally different scene. Rhode 

Mikayla: Island, Rhode Island, New York. Yeah. Um, well, I just, I will say like, just to backtrack really quick, I still feel like, you know, going from Rhode Island to New York, I still feel very connected to everybody.

Like, I just feel like in our people are different places spread out. Yeah. Like You know, this wonderful producer who I started working for, like, you know, is working in England. So it's kind of like you just meet these people, you work really hard and you just stay connected and then you never know where that will bring you.

So long story short, I guess I'm just saying that I still feel very connected to like everything I've done, which is good.

But, um, it was another instance of life. Again, I got hired in a different state and it was like, you have three weeks to be here. Like I was given three weeks and it was like, all right, you got it. So now they're packing up of the apartment and, um, my luckily my lease was up soon anyway in Rhode Island.

So weird timing again. And uh, yeah, three weeks I got myself to New York city and I've been here for two years, a little over two years. And, um, God, it's just like, I really just go where the work is, you know? 

Camille: Yeah. 

Mikayla: But, um, yeah, I think I'm gonna stay here for a while. I'm not pressed to move anywhere else anytime soon.

So. . Yeah, yeah, 

Camille: yeah. Well it's kind of like a returning to your original dream of like right. Fashion journalism in New York, . But just a little bit shift. 

Mikayla: Isn't that amazing? It's like, I moved so far, I was like, crap, I've moved so far and somehow like made it back and, um, took time and took hard work. But I will say.

This is like, you know, I don't, I don't know if you expected me to talk about manifestation so much, but it's kind of like, I, I will say, you know, I was when I was start just in LA, I had this vision of me being hired to move back to Rhode Island. And fortunately that happened. And then I also had like, okay.

I'll live in New York City by the time I'm 27. And sure enough, I was 27 when I moved to New York. So it was weird. Just trust the universe, Camille, that's my thing. Trust the universe. They'll take care of you. 

Camille: Yeah. I do want to ask, so I think In my kind of understanding, and I feel like what's the maybe like stereotype of between the two as far as entertainment, I feel like L. A. is usually where folks go for like scripted stuff. anything and then New York is like, Oh, if you want late night, go there.

So is that, is there any truth to that in your experience? Or you're like, no, you can find pretty equal opportunities. 

Mikayla: That's 

Camille: on both sides. 

Mikayla: Totally. I would, I would really say that some cities just kind of take, take the cake, I guess, and some niches of the industry, I think, late night TV is that for New York, um, but that's interesting, like, scripted in LA, that's so hard now, because it's like, you I think when I, when we were like 22, like that felt very true.

Cause all the writers rooms were really big in LA, which I think that's the truth. Like, at least they, they were, but I think that has changed with COVID. Um, and I have. I've seen like myself, like shows be written over zoom and I think zoom rooms are becoming more of a thing and it's becoming just so much more hybrid.

So I don't know. I don't know. And I don't even know if like, and from what I've heard from other people, like, I'm not sure how much really shoots in LA anymore, like a lot of show, right? Of course the studios, if you want to work at a studio. I think LA is, is place. Absolutely. Um, but when it comes to working in production at you, of course you have your studio lots and you can find good work in LA, but, a lot of it, good amounts out of town.

Camille: Yeah. Atlanta, Canada, 

Mikayla: Rhode Island. And after I worked on that first AMC show, AMC put another show out in Massachusetts. So was on that for like two seasons. Hocus Pocus 2 shot in Rhode Island. So I was on that. So it's like, you know, working on sets, you definitely don't have to move to LA to work on a film set.

No. Um, no, no, no, no. Um, writers room. I, yeah, still kind of figuring that out. I don't know if you like, what do you think? Do you think writers rooms are in your experience more LA based like now? Or is it, are you seeing hybrid as well? 

Camille: Um, I'm probably not in the space enough to make that determination, but it does feel like a lot of the shows Like originate in LA and it could feel like that because the studios are there.

So it's like, Oh, we have our meeting with the execs in LA and then we get greenlit. But then yes, of course the shows are sometimes like maybe exported. It's not the best, but it's like you move to a place where it's much cheaper to film and have your space and do all that. Yeah. 100%. Places where the, these companies are getting tax breaks to film and bring jobs there.

So then in that sense, I'm like, yeah, I can see it not being in la. But I think you're still probably, I probably don't have enough insight, but I think that 

Mikayla: well.

Um, so I think that's, yeah, so right. I think that decisions are being made in LA for, for green lighting shows largely, although, you know, like HBO is a New York office and all that. So it's all like, um, But, yeah, if you want to work on a film set, there's, yeah, there's no need for you to, to hightail it out to Los Angeles.

Um, and of course there are, I think, pockets of the country where you're, you're not, you know, the work isn't going to be good. You know, they're just, you know, but East Coast, Northeast, pretty steady stream of, um, of productions that come out here, you know

Camille: Yeah. 

Mikayla: Um, so maybe Rhode Island's the new hotspot. Yeah. 

Camille: Another, another aspect of moving around for work I wanted to ask you about. Yeah. So you were on Killers of the Flower Moon awards campaign, which was a ton of travel in a short amount of time. So Curious one, what that was like, especially having just been on, you know, a bunch of sets.

This is a different kind of work. Yeah, I assume. And then also, were you able to maintain any kind of work life balance during the like award season at all? 

Mikayla: Absolutely. Um, it was. And, you know, an incredible experience at the end of the day. I was on the, on the awards tour for that movie and I got to experience things I've never, never, ever, ever would have ever experienced unless I were a part of that tour.

And, um, it's one of those examples of like, sometimes your work life balance won't be balanced. For a period of time, you might have to just accept it, you know, and be like I have this opportunity and it's very rare and it's a very unique opportunity. And I have, I'm going to give it my all and do it to the best of my ability.

And it's going to be an accomplishment for me. And for everyone else who's on the tour, you know, because it was a very historic, incredible tour. And so it's just something you have to dive into and be like, all right, well, the photos I'm going to send my family are going to be dope.

So. Yeah, sometimes it's just, it's just not, it might get skewed a little bit, but, um, you have to do it. It's an incredible opportunity. So yeah, I saw some really amazing, amazing things and, um, I went to London twice and went to Italy and like LA a bunch.

I went back to LA. It was fun.

Camille: Yeah. And actually, do you feel that kind of like head down sprint is similar to what you feel when you're on set for like three, four months? Or I'm obviously on set, you're not traveling to that extent.

So I'm sure that feels different. But is that kind of does it feel similar? 

Mikayla: That mindset? Yeah, you have to get into, okay. Yeah. Working on, working on a set. Um, I actually, even though I had obviously worked for producers, as I've told you, I never, I haven't had a job that put me on set every day from start to wrap until this past summer when I was a showrunner's assistant.

Um, and I was on set from call to wrap like for four months and yeah, it's like getting in a different mindset, I think, because, it's just something that's kind of out of the ordinary, and you're like, okay, I have to gear up and you know that this isn't forever, and it might be hard, but if you want this career, like, it's something that you have to do. And being on the awards tour was just getting into that mindset of like, I'll rest as when I can, like as much as possible, but, um, and yeah, you have to take care of yourself.

I think that's the root of all this is you have to take care of yourself, when you're doing these jobs that are like, um, the schedule is. Can be intense. Yeah, it, it can be a challenge. And I think that you just have to take care of yourself. You just, you need to go to bed when you as early as possible.

And like, of course, like you have to text your friends, stay in touch with your family, like rest on the weekends, like you just need to take care of yourself. That's all. And because, yeah, if you don't, then you'll burn out. 

Camille: Yeah. 

Mikayla: So, I wonder, like, who, when you're evaluating what you want to do in this field, in this industry, just, if you want to get into this type of work, it's, you just have to take care of yourself.

No drinking on the week! No drinking on a week night. So it's all worth it. You know, you get through it

Camille: yeah, there's some trade offs. And, but you got to maintain that like self care. 

Mikayla: Yeah, you have to maintain that self care and.

Also, it is for a period of time, you know, it's not, it's not forever. Like there will be, like, as you said, it's a sprint kind of, I also don't know if you should ever really view it as a sprint because it's kind of like, it's 

Camille: so long. 

Mikayla: Yeah. It can be longer than sprint. And it's kind of like, You also want to maintain your energy.

So busting your, you know, if you're trying to go into it and be like, I'm, I'm a workhorse. Like I got, when do you burn out? I mean, how long can you do that for? So it's viewing it as a, this is going to be a challenging schedule and how can I like take the most care of myself and then you'll get, then it's over, you know, it's over at some point.

So yeah, just need to change your mindset a little bit and never lose sight of the fact that you're, you are a person besides work, you know, um, especially when I was really early out early on in my career. really identified myself based off of my job.

And I don't know why I think I just like my career. It's 

Camille: easy to do. Right. Yeah. 

Mikayla: Right. Tell me. 

Camille: Especially. Yeah. No, definitely not. Especially in this industry where it's like, you're putting so much of yourself and your personality into your work and everything spills out of work hours into like, well, you got to do networking.

You gotta do these drinks. You got to have these relationships. So I think it's easy to get it. Lost in the sauce 

Mikayla: lost in the sauce. Yeah, we get lost in the sauce, you know, and I think especially when you're really young, you're like, really just trying to make something of yourself. And, uh, you're so right.

You put so much of your personality into what you do. So you're kind of like, yeah, you lose sight of yourself. And, um, I think in these more intense periods, of your job, um, you need to remember what makes you you, what makes you a human, and, um, what your interests are outside of work, you know, and just realize, like, It is just a job, you know?

I don't know, stuff has to keep you grounded too. Yeah, yeah, yeah. I'm writing a script right now about how there's more to life than work, you know?

Mmm. Well, that, that, the character is figuring that out, you know? It's, it's a very dark, um, yeah, it's a very, um, yeah, there's more to life than work, you know? Yeah. So. Excited for that script. It's about, it's about, uh, turning 30, 

Camille. I mean, cause you're, you're really the same age, right? Are you 29? 

Camille: Yeah, 

I, yeah.

And then, um, only a couple more months. 

Mikayla: When do you turn 30? 

Camille: In February. 

Mikayla: Oh, okay. So you're two months before me. You know, I 

Camille: know it's, um, it's kind of, I feel like everyone is like, it's better in your thirties, but leading up to it feels very scary.

Mikayla: Are you feeling scared right now? 

Camille: A little bit. Cause I'm like, this is serious. It's like, it's a milestone and it's like, I feel like saying you're in your 20s sounds much different than saying you're in your 30s, even when it's your late 20s. And so, um, I think it's just really making me be like, What are you doing?

Is this right? Like, 

Mikayla: what are you doing with your life? 

Camille: Yeah. I mean, honestly, the last probably five birthdays I felt like that, but I'm like, this is one where I think everyone is like, wait, 30. Yeah. 

Mikayla: No, it's so funny. Like, yeah. And you're 20, you're saying you're in your twenties is different. And it's even like, but we, I, at least I have split up where it's like, when you turn.

23, 24, 25, 26 or seven each year. You're like, Oh God, I'm getting older. It means I can make less mistakes. But now what happens when you turn 30? What if you're in your thirties? You know, like that's 

Camille: exactly, 

Mikayla: you know, so yeah, that, 

Camille: and that really is when I say it feels different to say you're in your twenties and in your thirties, it's like, if you say you're in your twenties, people can excuse the things that you do that, you know, I think, I think it is that like.

mental shift in my mind. Nobody has sent this to me, but I feel like that's what's happening. 

Mikayla: Well, 30, what is it? 30 is the new 20 and 40 is the new 30. It's so, 

Camille: yeah, 

Mikayla: God, it's like, Being even 29. I still feel like a child. You look when you were 22, 29. You're like, so super old. Yeah. But, um, so anyway, I'm channeling all of this energy into a dark comedy script and, um, 

Camille: and I guess I must be channeling it to this podcast.

Mikayla: Yeah. Um, but no, I, Just tying it all back, it's like, it feels nice to be able to have a small bit of what I think is wisdom to give to other people, like, coming up in this industry, and be like, here's what's worked, you know? You're gonna be okay if you move from L.

A. 

Camille: Yes, and perfect segue because I want to know if you have any pro tips for others who might be considering a move either because they're just interested in going somewhere and they want to live there or for a specific job opportunity. 

Mikayla: So if they're moving 

Camille: and could be different tips.

Mikayla: Okay. Um, so I just feel like at the end of the day, don't be afraid. Like if your heart is telling you, I want to move to Portland, Oregon, and you want to work in film and live in Portland, Oregon. It's like, Whatever makes you happy, you know, and I think that in my experience, in the three moves that I've made, I've moved three times, which is crazy.

I, I have always had some inkling that there will be work, whether it actually was moving for a job I agreed, like signed on to doing, or, or I was, Connected to people in that city, like, I think that it is, I do think that it is important maybe for your own peace of mind to lay some groundwork if you're looking to just move somewhere else and still work in the industry.

Link, like who's on LinkedIn? Like, who do you know? Who can you just connect with? Just for peace of mind, you know, again, if you're still looking to work in this industry, um, luckily I think a lot of stuff is remote now or more than it has been before, so that's good news, and then if you're, if you're relocating for a job that you got that you really like, like congrats and, um, I think that, hmm.

Probably accept that it's going to be hard, you know, like it's not going to be easy to like get all your crap into storage, especially if you bought a really small unit that's up a ladder and you have to move big boxes up a ladder by yourself. Um, accept that it's not going to be easy, but accept that, you know, you will be respected so much more for just doing it.

Camille: Right. Yeah.

And then last question. This is, um, a question I'm asking everyone this season at the end of their episode, but what keeps you up at night industry or otherwise? 

Mikayla: Oh, my God. My own personal anxiety. Um, that's the true relatable. My own personal fears and anxieties.

Um, you want the honest truth. That's the honest truth. 

Camille: We'll take it. 

Mikayla: Yeah. I am somewhat I'm a little bit of an anxious person. So there. Yeah, yeah, yeah. Trying to get better at that. Did I say the right thing? Whatever. But, uh, been really leaning into melatonin lately to just, just stop that, you know? 

Camille: Yes.

Well, thank you so much for joining, Mikayla. And I, I do think this Will be helpful, at least in just folks feeling like they have more options when it comes to working in the industry and where they like are physically located, especially if you know, moving to LA or moving to New York feels really daunting and like something they actually don't want to do, but feel like they have to do.

So, so I, I really appreciate you sharing your experiences. 

Mikayla: Yeah, I think it's all fluid and, um, yeah, I hope that this helped though. So nice talking with you, Camille. 

Camille: Yes. Thank you so much. 

Mikayla: Okay. I'll see you soon. One of us will be in LA or New York at some point. Yes. For 

Camille: sure. For sure.

Thanks for listening to my conversation with Mikayla. If you want to keep up with her, you can find her social media accounts in the show notes.

Please subscribe to the show anywhere you get your podcasts and leave a review to let me know what you think. You can also get updates on guests, episode releases, and more by following the show on Instagram at hold the door pod.