Exclusive Interview: Kaileen Chang Talks I Woke Up A Vampire, Why the Show is Perfect for Young Audiences, and More

Kaileen Chang is a rising talent and the lead of Netflix’s I Woke Up A Vampire. On her 13th birthday, Carmie (Chang) discovers that she’s actually half human, half vampire and that mythical powers make middle school way more complicated. Pop Culturalist was lucky enough to speak with the breakout star about I Woke Up A Vampire, why the show is perfect for young audiences, and more!

PC: You’re one of the stars of I Woke Up A Vampire. One of the major themes in the series is about finding your purpose. How did you discover your passion for storytelling and the arts?
Kaileen: I was born with a passion for performing. In the show, Carmie joins the school’s music program, which is similar to things I’ve done. When we were creating her character, we included many elements that I’ve also experienced.

PC: There’s such great chemistry that emanates from the screen between you and the entire cast, especially the friendship between Carmie and Kevin. How did you and your fellow actors build that strong bond?
Kaileen: We spent a lot of time together on set. We made sure that everyone was included and having fun. We loved bonding with everyone, including our guest actors. We were always together. We were all one big team.

PC: The show recently premiered on Netflix and instantly made its way into the top ten. What do you think is resonating most with audiences worldwide? What drew you to this project?
Kaileen: I think what’s making the show so popular is that these characters are relatable to most kids. The show tends to reach kids who are around ten or eleven. It’s important for young audiences to see that Carmie is not a perfect person. That’s also what drew me to this project. Carmie undergoes a lot of personal growth in the show.

PC: One of the reasons why you became an actress is because you wanted to be that representation for young girls growing up to see themselves and their stories reflected on screen. What has it meant to you to be a lead of a series that’s reaching so many people on a global scale and accomplishing that goal?
Kaileen: This has been an amazing opportunity. I’m so appreciative that I get to be a role model with this project, especially because it’s so different. Cami really shows young girls and anyone that not everybody’s perfect. She goes through a lot of personal growth, just like kids these days.

PC: This is your first significant role as a series regular. Congratulations, by the way. Did anything surprise you about the experience? What did you learn from your craft?
Kaileen: This has been an incredible opportunity. I learned so much, and I had many supportive people helping me. They all assisted me, and it was really enjoyable. It never felt like work. The cast and the crew made me realize how much I love doing what I do.

PC: How did you celebrate the news that you landed the role?
Kaileen: I was actually at school when I received the call from my manager and Tommy [Lynch]. It was such a blessing that he was on the call to tell me. I was thrilled. I couldn’t believe it. It was so exciting.

PC: You’re such an exciting talent. As you look ahead to the next five to ten years, is there a dream role that you would love to bring to life?
Kaileen: I’d love to portray any woman from history and tell her story.

To keep up with Kaileen, follow her on Instagram. Watch I Woke Up A Vampire today on Netflix.

Photo Credit: Tommy Flanagan