Work Text:
A hand knocks on the side fence of a house in the Hollywood Hills. Dog barking is heard before the muffled voice of Michaela Stirling and the fence opens.
She has two dachshunds under one arm.
Well, well, well. It’s Michaela Stirling.
Hi Vogue. Come in.
Michaela sets the dogs down. One sniffs at the shoe of the cameraman. The other barks at the camera.
Wolfgang.
The dog continues to bark. She tosses a ball so he ignores the new visitor.
Sorry. The other guy is Guillermo. For Del Toro.
And Wolfgang is for?
Amadeus Mozart.
Michaela leads the camera to an outdoor table and chairs on the concrete slab in the backyard. There is a children's play set, a tricycle, and several balls. Roses are on the other side of the yard and a vegetable garden.
Michaela throws a second ball and Guillermo runs off to chase it.
Shall we?
Yes. What’s your favorite time of day?
7 PM. It’s story time for baby Stirlings. I’m done with work for the day. Fran and I can have uninterrupted time with each other once the kids are asleep.
What’s your biggest weakness?
A pouty Stirling. Of any age. Any time someone in this house looks sad, I must fix it immediately.
What’s your biggest strength?
My creativity. It’s gotten me far in life.
What’s the biggest learning experience you’ve had?
Motherhood. It’s very hard to be selfish when I have someone who needs me to put their needs first, regardless of how I feel about it. It’s been the best challenge.
What’s your idea of a perfect date?
The sun is out. There is a nice breeze. It’s not too hot. Not too cold… I’m kidding. Uh…a nice meal, a great person to talk to. Maybe going to a movie after.
What’s your favorite app?
The camera app.
What’s a cause that’s important to you?
Protecting LGBTQ youth. I was lucky to have a family that loved and supported me when I came out. I want every child to not be afraid to be who they are and if their family doesn’t support them, that they know that there are people out there that do love them and are so glad they are here.
What’s the best compliment you have ever received?
Oh, that’s a tough one. I’ll say Fran’s compliment of me being the person who knows her the best.
Where do you feel the most inspired?
In the shower.
Sweet or savory?
Sweet. We keep a sweet treat in the house at all times.
What song can you listen to on repeat?
I have young children, so I’m required to listen to several songs on repeat. Anything by Whitney Houston or Janet Jackson will do for me.
What makes you smile the most?
The two dogs currently digging a hole by my roses and the three people inside.
What’s one thing people don’t know about you?
I’m a Catholic. Not a great one, but I am.
Heels or flats or sneakers?
Sneakers.
Vintage or new?
Vintage. Better quality.
What are three things you can’t live without?
My family but I don’t consider them things so my phone, a credit card, and a good pair of shoes.
Window or aisle seat?
Before marriage, window. After marriage, aisle.
What’s your current TV character obsession?
I haven’t watched a lot of TV recently, but any woman who is committing rights and wrongs will always have me in her army.
Leather or lace?
Leather. I have several of my mother’s vintage leather jackets that I had to beg for.
What’s the most adventurous thing you’ve ever done in your life?
Pivoting to directing.
How would you define yourself in three words?
Storyteller. Wife. Mother.
What’s your current favorite piece of clothing that you own?
The wrap jacket for the movie I just finished directing.
What’s a must-have clothing item everyone should own?
A good pair of jeans
What’s inspiring you in life right now?
My kids. It’s nice to see the world through their eyes. I recently discovered that I like caterpillars.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve received?
Kate Sharma told me to stop being a scaredy-cat bitch once. It’s served me well.
What’s your pet peeve?
Hmmm…lack of preparation.
Diamonds or pearls?
Diamonds. They are a girl’s best friend.
What’s something you notice about someone when you first meet them?
Eyes. I can usually tell a lot about a person by their eyes.
What’s your biggest regret?
I don’t have any. Honestly.
What’s heavily played on your playlist right now?
There is a lot of Motown. I can enjoy the songs and the lyrics aren’t very explicit, which is good for young ears.
What’s your favorite board game?
Really into Hungry Hungry Hippos right now.
What’s your guilty pleasure?
I don’t believe in feeling guilt in regard to pleasure. But in the spirit of the question, a late night snack of a big pretzel rod dipped in peanut butter is very good.
What book did you most recently finish?
Fran and I are on a Jane Austen kick. We just finished Emma.
What are you currently reading?
Pride and Prejudice.
How do you start your day?
If it’s a great day, I wake up to kisses from my wife. If it’s a good day, a small child will jump on me before hugging me awake. If it’s a not so good day, someone’s screaming wakes me up.
How do you end your day?
Kisses for the kids. Scratches for the dogs. Kisses, reading, and pillow talk with the wife.
If you could raid one woman’s closet, who would it be?
Tracee Ellis Ross.
What’s your favorite holiday?
Christmas. The movies. The lights. The food.
If you had a tattoo, where would it be?
Who says I don’t?
What’s the one thing you wish you knew at age 19?
I haven’t peaked yet. I have way more to do.
Besides your phone or wallet, what are a couple of must-have handbag items?
Sunglasses. A packet of tissues. A snack for the kids. Or me. Or Fran.
If you were not a filmmaker, what would you be?
Hmmm… Maybe a journalist? A teacher?
Who is the first person you call with news outside of your wife?
My cousin John.
Where was the best vacation you’ve ever taken?
I visited family in Cape Town right after I got married. That was nice, showing Fran where my grandparents lived and having her meet all my other cousins.
What’s one city you’ve always dreamed of traveling to?
Hmmm…Cairo.
What’s something you always travel with?
An extra set of clothes.
Favorite food?
Cheeseburger
Favorite dessert?
Chocolate cake
Favorite snack?
Salt and Vinegar chips
What’s a movie that made you cry?
Most movies make me cry. Recently? The Wild Robot.
What’s your favorite movie of the last five years?
All of mine?
What’s the one talent you wish you had?
Writing music.
What’s your favorite exercise?
Running
Favorite way to watch a movie?
In the theater.
It’s 4 PM on a Saturday, what are you doing?
Playing house, cuddling on the couch watching an animated classic, or reading a picture book
Superpower you want?
The ability to fly
What’s the cutest thing on planet earth?
My kids.
What’s the best thing that happened today?
I received a drawing of me that is currently hanging in my office.
Which movie makes you laugh the hardest?
Pop Star: Never Stop Never Stopping
Looks or Brains?
Both.
Favorite animal?
Penguin
What’s your favorite color?
Cobalt Blue
What color do you wear the most?
Black.
What’s your favorite thing in the world?
Love.
Best gift you ever received?
A painting of me and Fran on our wedding day
Best gift you’ve ever given?
A restored version of the first film my dad was in.
What are three words to describe living in Los Angeles?
Hectic. Loud. Home.
Do you like surprises?
Good ones.
What’s one thing you had to learn the hard way?
That sleeping less than 7 hours a day is not a sustainable way to live.
Who do you turn to when you’re sad?
My family.
What’s a trend you would like to see disappear forever?
Not reading the article.
Girl Crush?
Francesca Stirling.
Last photo taken on your phone?
My daughter trying to get my son to stay still for a picture. She didn’t succeed.