In the short film Sharing the Floor, Julia Garcia plays Jayden, and she was also the associate producer of the project, which was written and directed by Lily Brooks O’Briant. Having produced her first film at just 14 years old, her production work has included the short film Abuela and documentary Shura. Amongst Julia’s acting roles, she has guest-starred in Series 5 of Station 19 as Jeni, played Emmy Mendoza in all three series of Disney Channel’s Sydney to the Max, and in Series 5 of Fresh Off the Boat, she played Sicily. Julia has written a psychological thriller short film, which she will also be directing and starring in, due for a release in the future. Chatting to us, Julia talks about being part of short film Sharing the Floor, playing Emmy Mendoza in Sydney to the Max and her guest roles.
Can you tell us about the short film Sharing the Floor, which you were the associate producer on and was written and directed by Lily Brooks O’Briant?
Sharing the Floor is a beautiful story about three girls who find support in one another while each copes with the stress, anger, pain and isolation from having a parent who is an addict. It was such a privilege to work with my friend Lily Brooks O’Briant.
You also played the role of Jayden, how was it producing the film while also being in the cast?
When I initially read the script, I knew I wanted to be a part of this story of healing. I’ve been acting in front of the camera since I was five years old but many people don’t know that I have a background in production. Producing is second nature to me, so upon reading the script I knew I wanted to help produce it. Being both in-front of the camera and behind the camera allows me to be a part of the project from start to finish.
What was Jayden like to play and how was it telling the story?
Jayden is closed off and tries to be strong by keeping everything inside. She opens up to her support system and as she tells her story we see flashbacks of what happened to her. Telling this story was really important to me, because we all need support and understanding to assist in the healing process.
As a producer, you have also worked on the short film Abuelo and documentary Shura, can you say about these?
These are both short films produced by Love Project Films. Oscar Alvarez and Kayvon Derek Shanian are my mentors, and Abuelo and Shura are both beautiful stories that needed to be told. Abuelo, featuring legendary actor Pepe Serna, is a story about a grandfather’s love for his granddaughter and the lengths people will go to to protect their family. The documentary Shura is the real life reality of immigrants crossing the border in search of a better life.
Is there anything you are enjoying most about being a producer and was it something you always wanted to do?
I am definitely a creator and visionary at heart, I love all aspects of the art of film. I produced my first film at the age of 14, so pretty early on I knew it was something I wanted to do. Producing allows me to be a part of a project every step of the way.
What was it like guest-starring in an episode of Station 19 as Jeni in Series 5?
That was really amazing, I’m a huge fan of both the show and Grey’s Anatomy, so to be able to work with actors from both shows was wonderful. Everyone was so kind and encouraging on set, which allowed me to be completely raw and vulnerable to tell a heartbreaking story about a girl who is growing up without her mother.
How would you describe your character Emmy Mendoza in Sydney to the Max and how was it developing the role over all three series?
Emmy Mendoza is definitely in a league of her own. She is quirky and funny, definitely clueless the majority of the time but she loves wholeheartedly. I’m so thankful to the writers and producers of the show because Emmy’s character development over the course of three seasons was wonderful. Emmy became more secure with herself and embraced her differences.
What was it like playing a recurring character in a popular Disney Channel series and what was Emmy like to play?
I loved every minute of being on the series, the show really was a family and I was able to develop lifelong friendships with everyone. Emmy was a blast to play, I got to play her sweet and funny at times, other times she was sassy and feisty. Most of all, Emmy was relatable to the fans, which I believed made her so special.
Do you have any favourite memories from your time on set of Sydney to the Max and working with the rest of the cast?
So many memories from running around the sound stage preparing for our network run-throughs to sitting in the school room doing homework, but most of all, my favourite memories were when all of us were together just hanging out.
You played Sicily across numerous episodes of Fresh Off the Boat – Series 5, what was this like?
Playing Sicily was truly special, she was a very innocent, kind and smart girl. Working with Constance Wu, Randall Park and Ian Chen was really great. I learned so much from them.
How was it filming for an episode of S.W.A.T. as April for CBS?
When I booked this role, I was so excited because I was a huge fan of the show. When I arrived on set I was just in awe of everything and everyone. They welcomed me with open arms. It was amazing.
What do you remember most from having a guest role in Henry Danger in 2015 as Molly?
This was actually my first multi-cam show, so there was a lot to learn about how sitcoms were actually filmed. It was also my first time working with a stunt coordinator which was super cool. I remember having so much fun on set and I didn’t want the week to end. This experience definitely ignited my flame to continue pursuing acting.
Where does your love of acting come from and how did you get into it?
I’ve always loved performing, I used to dance around for my family and put on the “Julia show” for them. My brother was always so patient with me and allowed me to tell my stories when I’m sure he’d rather be playing outside. One day I saw a family friend in a McDonald’s commercial when I was four years old and I told my mom I wanted to do that. I wouldn’t be where I am today if it wasn’t for the Alvarez family holding my hand every step of the way.
What are some of your favourite films and TV shows to watch and how do you like to spend your free time?
My favourite movies are Fight Club and Black Swan. My favourite TV shows that I never get tired of are I Love Lucy, Friends and Gilmore Girls. I love to dance! I’m classically trained in ballet but I really enjoy jazz funk and hip hop.
We understand you are involved with charity work, can you tell us about this?
I’ve helped raise money for both Children’s Hospital LA and St. Jude. I’m currently working on becoming an ambassador for Teen Cancer of America. My brother was an ill child so any time I can help kids or teens it brings me joy.
Do you have any projects coming up that you can share and what are you hoping this year brings for you?
I do! I have recently written a short film about friendship and the scars that life has given us. It’s a psychological thriller that will resonate with audiences. I will also be directing and starring in this film which I’m super excited about. I’m hoping this year continues to bring me new opportunities and skill development.
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