Michela Luci is a ten-year-old Actress who has been singing, dancing, and performing since the age of three. A pianist and a trained dramatist, Michela has appeared in a number of television shows and in numerous movies. She has been featured on household name channels such as PBS and Netflix. Michela’s biggest break to date has been playing the starring role in the Amazon Original Series “Dino Dana.”
“Dino Dana” is a brand-new children’s television series that debuted on Prime Video in the U.S. and U.K. in May of 2017. The show, which is geared towards preschoolers, is a spin-off of “Dino Dan: Trek’s Adventures,” which won an Emmy Award in 2015.
Its plot focuses on a little girl named Dana who has many encounters with dinosaurs that are rendered via CGI animation. The series, produced by Sinking Ship Entertainment, features eleven new creatures and is available on mobile devices too.
Michela recently discussed her experiences working on this show and in the entertainment industry in general, as well as her aspirations for the future of her budding career.
Acting in 'Dino Dana'
Meagan Meehan (MM): How did you get involved with acting and how did you initially break into entertainment?
Michela Luci (ML): I first got involved with acting when I joined an arts school where I learned and was taught dance, drama, music, and singing. The owner of the dance school was a talent agent, and she wanted me to be part of her roster.
My first audition was for a reality TV show called “Cook'd” which was about adults cooking for kids. I starred as the seven-year-old judge.
MM: When and how did you get involved with "Dino Dana"?
ML: Last year I went through an intense process of auditions for the role of Dana. It was quite the experience because I had to act with something that wasn't there and that was new to me.
MM: What most appealed to you about the show and can you tell us a bit about the character you play, Dana?
ML: Acting with something that's not there appealed to me because it's something I've never done before and I like to learn new things. Dana is a spunky little paleontologist who is very adventurous and confident in her work.
She also doesn't care about what other people think of her. She does what makes her happy!
MM: How does the show incorporate STEM and girl power?
ML: The show incorporates STEM in each episode. Dana learns about dinosaurs and their behaviors. She digs for dinosaur bones and does experiments, which is science. Dana watches videos and looks at dinosaur pictures on a tablet, which is technology. She also makes dinosaur costumes, which is engineering. “Dino Dana” has strong female lead characters and sends an important message to girls: they can be whatever they want regardless of gender.
MM: Of all the episodes, do you have a favorite?
ML: There are so many episodes that I like, but one of my top ones is definitely "Mega Tooth" because we got to film at Ripley's Aquarium.
I got to see cool sea creatures, and best of all, only the film crew was there because it was early in the morning. We had the whole place to ourselves. That episode was also filmed on an old Canadian War submarine, and I got to see all of the controls and how people lived in it. It was very interesting.
MM: Do you have any cool, funny, or memorable stories from the set?
ML: Yes, a great memory for me from the set was when they rented an ice cream truck for my birthday! I got to eat my favorite dessert, ice cream, with the cast and crew.
Other roles and experiences
MM: What other roles have you played and what sort of character or script would be your dream project?
ML: I have played Agent Orchid on “Odd Squad” Seasons 1 and two as well as in “The Odd Squad Movie.” I also do the voice of True on “True and the Rainbow Kingdom” which is a new animated series coming out in August 2017.
And, as I said, I starred as a child food judge on “Cook'd” when I was only seven. My dream role would involve singing and dancing like in the movie “La La Land” or “Into The Woods.” One of my idols, Anna Kendrick, starred in “Into the Woods” and I want to be like her when I'm older.
MM: What have you found to be the most rewarding things about being involved with acting and is there anything else that you would like to mention?
ML: For me, the most rewarding thing about being involved with acting is the fans. It’s nice to know that what I'm working on is being enjoyed by viewers. I also like that I get to meet all of the people involved with the productions – from actors, directors and writers to costume and makeup artists, camera crew, grips, and lighting. I like to watch and learn about the different jobs in the industry. I guess I’m just naturally curious, a lot like Dino Dana!
