Ella Jay Basco, who is only 13 years old, has already won the coveted role of Cassandra Cain and starred in the latest DC movie "Birds of Prey" with Oscar-nominated actress Margot Robbie. For this budding actress, this film not only marked her first foray into the film industry, but also changed the rules of the game in superhero movies as we know it. Although such movies are usually associated with men in capes, many of the movies released this year—including "Birds of Prey"—are female heroes flying high on the big screen. If the film reflects the current social situation, then it is time for women to take the stage-Basco will agree. "The whole experience tells me that women can be bosses and their stories are also important," she said of the film.
's Firehouse Hotel in Los Angeles, hometown, HYPEBAE and Basco talked about her role Cass, the actor and director Cathy Yan who worked with her, and the heroes on and off her screen. Read the conversation below.
"Birds of Prey" will be released on February 7.
Hypebae: How did you first enter the showbiz?
Basco: I was born in this industry because many of my family members are actors. When I was six months old, my mother asked me to participate in some commercial advertising and modeling activities.
HB: As an actor, you made your first major breakthrough in "Birds of Prey". How did it feel to perform with your partners Margot Robbie, Mary Elizabeth Winstead, Jurnee Smollett-Bell and Rosie Perez?
B: Working with Margot, Mary, Jurnee and Rosie is a great learning experience. They are all my role models and make me feel super popular on the set. I am very encouraged to see their professional ethics and how they have no self. I had the opportunity to establish contact with each of them, even the director Cathy. They are like big sisters to me now, and I would love to work with them again.
HB: How did you prepare to play the role of Cassandra Cain?
B: After getting this role, I read some comic books and comic novels about Cassandra Cain and "Birds of Prey". I also watched "This Killer Is Not So Cold" starring Natalie Portman and "Taxi Driver" starring Jodie Foster. Natalie and Jodie are both small actors. In these movies, they play against big stars. I think the relationship between Harley and Cass is very similar to that experienced by their characters.
HB: What is your relationship with your character?
B: Cass and I are both strong and independent children. But unlike me, Cass was forced to do this because she had to take care of herself in Gotham City, where there are no parents. I like her side.
HB: What is the most interesting scene of this movie? Do you perform stunts?
B: The most interesting scene is the first day Margot and I worked in Harley apartment. We basically sit all day, know each other and eat a lot of cereal. I learned some stunt choreography because I was in some fighting scenes. It's really fun, like choreography, but most of my training actually came from a magician who taught me how to pickpocket and play tricks.
HB: In recent years, we have finally seen more and more female superheroes on the big screen. As a teenage girl, what do you think of this part?
B: This is an honor, of course I thinkFor this should happen sooner, but to be honest, I am glad I can be a part of it. As a teenage girl, I know that I am a more important part than myself. This is my first movie, and I have nothing else to compare with it. I am really lucky. Not only my co-actors are mostly women, but the director is also a woman who looks like me-she is Asian. The whole experience told me that women can be bosses and their stories are also very important.
HB: Who are the heroes on and off your screen?
B: is Margot Robbie of course. She has achieved so many achievements in her life, which is what I am after. She is very talented, very enthusiastic, and a truly kind person. Of all the "mentors" in this industry, I think I got the best one. My behind-the-scenes hero is my mother. Without her, I would not have entered the industry, let alone starred in this movie. My mother taught me to be a better person every day.
HB: Is it easy for to go between school and work?
B: was not at first, but I have mastered it.
HB: Besides acting, what is your favorite thing about ?
B: Besides acting, my biggest hobby is music. I like to play guitar, ukulele and piano. I am also a singer-songwriter, and I compose music with my brother Darryl.
HB: If you have superpowers to change one thing in the world today, what would you change?
B: I will provide education to every child, because this is what we all need and deserve. It is difficult to succeed without education. Unfortunately, some children have no chance of success without education.
HB: What are you going to do next? Do you have any new projects to share with us?
B: For the past year, I have been working on my first album with my brother Darryl. He is my producer. The album is called "The Middle School" and will be released soon.
HB: What types of movies do you want to try?
B: I would love to make a story about adulthood, because they are very resonant. I also want to try comedy, and I want to play a role in the movie "Tracy Flick" by Reese Witherspoon.
PHOTOGRAPHER JA TECSON
STYLIST AMANDA LIM
CLOTHING OPENING CEREMONY
MAKE-UP MELISSA HERNANDEZ
HAIR STYLIST RENA CALHOUN
PRODUCER TERESA LAM
PRODUCER TERESA LAM
PRODUCER BELHOUSE
