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We’ve all dreamt about being big time movie stars like  Marilyn and Audrey, but what’s it really like to be a paid actress?
We asked two nzgirls, Mikaila Hutchison and Bonnie Sopher (also known as Morgan on Shortland St), who star in the upcoming NZ flick, The Map Reader (to be released February 5), to find out if acting is really as glamorous as we all think, and how you can score a leading role for yourself…
Name: Mikaila Hutchison and Bonnie Sopher
Age: 18 and 24
Employer: University Student and South Pacific Pictures
Position: University Student/Actor and Actor
 Can you give us a brief job description?
Mikaila: Actor in The Mapreader.
Bonnie: I’m an Actor and currently acting as a nurse on fast turn around TV (Shortland St). I learn lines, rehearse, film, and am known to beat myself up for not nailing however many scenes I have to film in a day. An actor needs to be willing to do almost everything and anything the character or writers dictate – especially being able to cry on cue.
How did you get this job?
Mikaila: I went for an audition that I got through my agent.
Bonnie: I finished high school then came up to Auckland to go to drama school as I felt I needed training. Since then I have worked on films such as The Map Reader and The Devil Dared Me To, theatre projects such as The Ensemble Project, The Pillow Man, TV commercials, and all sorts of odd jobs.
 What inspired you to get into this field? I love performing! Mikaila: I've always loved playing dress ups and role play, and acting gave me the perfect outlet to become different characters. Bonnie: I couldn’t decide what I wanted to be… All I knew is that I never wanted to look back on my life and think “What if?” What is a typical week at work like for you?
Mikaila: At the moment I am a student and I also teach speech and drama. When I get an acting job it can be hectic depending on the given schedule. You never really get a predictable week on a film set.
Bonnie: It’s very, very changeable. Usually my day starts with getting into costume, getting painted up (makeup wise), getting my hair done then a mixture of filming and rehearsing, in and out of different costumes, (more makeup - getting powdered and sprayed!) and in downtime I’m learning the next day’s lines.  What do you enjoy about your job most of all? Mikaila: Being able to become someone completely new and removed from everyday life. Bonnie: It’s crazy. Sometimes I think to myself as I walk on set “Man this is weird…” I pretend to be someone else for a living, it’s filmed and a whole heap of people watch it! It’s very strange. Acting is what I love and I get to make a living out of it.
Best perks of the job?
Mikaila: Meeting and working with such a diverse group of talented and friendly people.
Bonnie: Getting invited to events and working with some very good looking colleagues isn’t bad either!
 What personality traits/skills/attributes help a person get a job like yours? Mikaila: You need to know who you are and what you want. There are so many ups and downs in the film industry and it can get tough, so believing in who you are is really important. Bonnie: Hard working, friendly, open, crazy, emotional, creative, a thick skin and a wicked imagination.
Most memorable moment of your job so far?
Mikaila: I remember when I first auditioned for the role of Alison and I felt so nervous because the scene called for a lot of emotion and anger, so I just went all out and shouted myself hoarse. When the scene was done I looked to see the reactions of the casting directors and they looked so frightened!
Bonnie: I’d have to say the naughty nurse scenes would probably take the cake so far on this show, or in the past getting my butt tattooed, wearing glass prosthetics, being set on fire and trying to walk on a wooden peg leg (for The Devil Dared Me To). And of course, walking ‘blind’ through Newmarket with a guide dog for The Map Reader.
 Any advice for NZ girls wanting to get into this field? Mikaila: You've got to have patience and never give up on your dreams no matter how distant they seem. Bonnie: It’s not always easy. Believe in yourself, work hard and keep trying. Don’t take anything for granted. Where would you like to go from here?
Mikaila: I want to keep acting as much as I can. I have another couple of years left at university, and juggling acting with my uni timetable can be tough, but it’s always worth putting in the extra effort to do what you love. Bonnie: I’d just like to keep acting for a living. I'd love to do some more films, theatre and to play a role that’s really challenging and gritty, and hopefully travel with my work. The Map Reader is a must see for any nzgirl. It follows 16-year-old Michael, whose happy but quiet life is turned upside down by the arrival of two new women into his life. Mary (Bonnie) is 20 and blind from birth, on the verge of voyaging into the world on her own, while Alison (Mikaila) is Michael’s peer, who is hiding a few dark secrets of her own. Click here to find out more! The Map Reader is released in cinemas February 5.
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