Malia Baker - ContentMode

Spread the love

Malia Baker

stars in film

Descendents:

The Rise of the Red

Photography | Sami Drasin

Creative Director | Deborah Ferguson

Interview | Deborah Ferguson
Intro | Laasya GadiYaram

Malia Baker transforms in Descendants, bringing a familiar character back to life. By creating complex characters and engrossing storylines, Baker develops compelling protagonists’ audiences root for. She talks about her character’s makeup, the Descendants franchise, and more!

Dress & Knit Choker : Sportmax PF24

Dress & Knit Choker : Sportmax PF24, Heels : Vintage, Tights : Calzedonia

Can you share your experience auditioning for such an iconic role / Chloe?

Descendants was so daunting to audition for, I loved the movies so much growing up that like most of the fans I wanted it to remain perfect. So getting the opportunity to contribute to the legacy that is this franchise was such an honor. I felt that Chloe fit so perfectly in this world that I already knew and loved, and after that first zoom session with the creatives it became a need to be a part of it. The only part that made it a little worrisome to audition for was the singing portion. We had forgotten to do it on the zoom, so they asked me to send in a video, but from every. Single. Genre. I ended up belting to some Kelly Clarkson, then on my guitar to Norah Jones and playing piano to Alicia Keys. They really said variety!

Tweed Cape , Dress, Jewelry and Broach ( in Hair ): CHANEL

Tweed Cape , Dress, Jewelry and Broach ( in Hair ): CHANEL , Heels: vintage , Tights: Calezdonia

In the iteration of the current Descendants film: The Rise of Red you are a co-leading actress what was that like for you in the creative process of building her character?

Chloe was a lot of fun to build, especially because there’s never been a live action adaptation of Cinderella’s daughter before I felt I had so much creative freedom. I remember journaling as her for a couple weeks and making playlist after playlist with different titles like “fencing practice” and “family dinners” which was so much fun to imagine. I think what really made her who she is was being able to work off my talented cast mates, we were able to riff off each other and come up with new things that just made sense on the day. Although Chloe has a lot to learn I loved being able to portray her in every stage of her growing.

Chain Nail Dress : Kelsey Randall @kelsey.randall : Slip Dress: SVNR @svnrshop

Were there any moments in prep for your role and during filming that were lasting memories?

Training for this film holds the greatest memories for me. They had us in Atlanta (where we shot) a month earlier for prep, where we did dancing, stunts and stage rehearsal pretty much every day. Learning the dances with this cast will forever be one of those golden moments you don’t realize while you’re in it, but looking back on I can’t help but smile. We really became a family through this journey I couldn’t imagine this craziness with anyone else.

Top, Sunglasses, & Earrings : IRO PARIS

Top, Pants, Sunglasses, Earrings, & Heels : IRO PARIS

How was it building an on-screen relationship with Kylie Cantrall during preproduction?

It was the easiest thing I’ve ever had to do. I vividly remember going on our first outing together to the aquarium, which was an hour drive away. We hadn’t really spoken much before, so this was our bonding moment, which kylie seemed eerily prepped for, she had the best questions I was trying to keep up. Honestly, we probably could’ve stayed distant our first month together because our characters were supposed to hate each other, meanwhile we were being told to stop holding hands off screen. I love that girl, she’s my sister through and through.

Dress & Knit Choker : Sportmax PF24, Heels : Vintage, Tights : Calzedonia

Can you share how your advocacy for SHES THE FIRST and GIRL UP inspires roles you take on for films and tv as well as your personal projects?

I feel like my connection to She’s the first and Girl Up really guides me in my interests in the industry and also in life. I started working with them when I was 13, they were a part of my upbringing, so I find my values have been shaped by what I admire about each organization. I feel like with films I’ve leaned towards the same themes of complex female characters and stories created and told by women off screen. I’ve been so privileged in being able to choose what I do, and so grateful opportunities with people who have similar ideas have been presented to me in my time in this world.

Blazer, Shorts & Tank Top: 3.1 Phillip Lim

What was it like preparing for a leading Disney character role?

Honestly it was just a dream. I’ve loved Disney so much since I was a kid, we still have a whole collection of their VHS original films at home. I found I treated prepping for this one like any other role because I didn’t want to get too much in my head about it. Seeing the response of this film I’m glad I did, I don’t think I could have ever wrapped my head around so much love!

Chain Nail Dress : Kelsey Randall @kelsey.randall : Slip Dress: SVNR @svnrshop

Did you have any mentors in the Disney franchise world this process who supported you?

Everyone on set who was a part of making this movie a reality were the greatest mentors I could have ever asked for. Anytime I wasn’t feeling at ease or had questions or needed a bit of a pick me up, they were there and kept me sane throughout everything. I also had met Monique Coleman after filming during a Girl Up conference in DC where we hosted a discussion about women in the industry. I got to ask her so many questions and she gave the best pep talk that made me so excited for all that’s to come being a part of the Disney fam.

What was your reaction to seeing yourself immortalized as a Descendent Doll? Did you have a preview before it was released?

Absolutely INSANE, I mean seeing your face on merchandise is one thing but then to have an actual mini you in your hands knowing that kids would play with her. I don’t think there’s even a way to fully comprehend it. All I know is how honored I am for every person that has bought my doll, what a dream to live!

Chain Nail Dress : Kelsey Randall @kelsey.randall : Slip Dress: SVNR @svnrshop

Chain Nail embellished Dress: @kelsey.randall : Slip Dress: SVNR @svnrshop

The end of The Descendants: The rise of the Red is a cliff hanger; do you think there is another chapter to explore via another film?

I mean…I would love that and to see where it goes. All I can say is time travel can get tricky, it never goes smoothly. Just keep watching and we’ll see what the Disney gods say.

Your first iconic role at a very young age was in the Netflix series The Baby-Sitters Club which led to a fandom during the pandemic, what was it like creating that role and how is it related to your current fan base?

It’s so funny I feel like BSC has had a little resurgence since this came out. People were so shocked to see Mary Anne grown up, nobody believed it was actually me, haha! I loved filming the Baby-Sitters Club that experience will always holds such a special place in my heart. It truly was my middle school experience, puberty on screen is no joke. I couldn’t have asked for a better group of girls and creative team for a project, I truly do admire everything we created and I’m so happy people still love it.

Tweed Cape , Dress, Jewelry and Broach ( in Hair ): CHANEL ,Tights: Calezdonia

Tweed Cape , Dress, Jewelry and Broach ( in Hair ): CHANEL , Heels:vintage , Tights: Calezdonia

Tweed Cape , Dress, Jewelry and Broach ( in Hair ): CHANEL

Can you share what you like about being a Canadian actress growing and iconic career at such a young age?

Gosh that’s such a big question, I hope to grow to that level but right now it’s all about following what I love. I love working, I love being able to be creative every day and surrounding myself with those I admire and want to learn from. I love film and I love all that comes with it, which has led me to be fortunate enough to be seen in this space. I think as the years go on the things I love will morph and grow and I can’t wait to discover what else is to come.

Is there an arsenal of go to skincare you use and love? What are those products?

I love using a Gua Sha stone. I don’t even care if people think it doesn’t work, I just love the feeling of doing it in the morning it sets up my self-care routine in the perfect way.

Blazer, Shorts & Tank Top: 3.1 Phillip Lim, Flats: CHANEL

Your character makeup design was quite interesting and creative, how did you take care of your skin during production?

My skin was so dry while filming, it was winter, and I was wearing such extravagant makeup every day, so moisturizing became my best friend. Our makeup team on set did such an amazing job at making sure our skin was healthy in the duration of filming, and the one thing I took away as a staple was always always always sunscreen and moisturizer!

Are there any favorite makeup or fragrances you take with you when you’re in production?

I love the Tom Ford Noir perfume; it’s been a favorite for a while now that I always get asked about. As for makeup the Maybelline sky high mascara is my ride or die, my whole family isobsessed!