Hollywood triple threat Anja Ellam made a huge splash when she joined AwesomenessTV’s Malibu Surf. Her show-stopping creativity saw her pull double duty on and off-screen as a cast member and story creator. With the fifth season premiering on February 1, Anja sat down with us to tell us what we can expect, and let’s just say things are heating up!
PC: You’re a writer, on-screen talent, and influencer. How did you discover your passion for storytelling? Is there one passion that you naturally gravitate towards?
Anja: I would say my passion for storytelling began when I was a kid. I was always putting on little home skits with my friends and had my first piece of work published when I was ten, which was a poem. Writing is what I gravitate towards just because there are just so many different mediums for it these days with all the digital platforms.
PC: Who or what has had the biggest influence on your career?
Anja: Dan Levy has always been someone I’ve admired, since his days at MTV Canada to now. I just think we’ve always had the same sense of humor, and I hope to accomplish what he has in his career. But if we’re talking on a more personal level, Jason Perlman, who I met at AwesomenessTV years ago, was really the person who told me to go for writing and made me believe in myself.
PC: The fifth season of Malibu Surf premieres February 1. What can audiences expect?
Anja: Audiences can expect a few new cast members that are going to shake things up. There’s also a new love triangle that I think is going to surprise everyone.
PC: You’ve been a part of the Malibu Surf cast since 2017 and signed on as a story creator in 2018. What has the transition behind the camera been like?
Anja: The transition to story creator was actually pretty easy for me, especially since I had already been on set for the show, so I knew how things were run behind the scenes. If it wasn’t for that, joining a show that was already running would have probably been harder to pick up.
PC: Has anything surprised you about the experience?
Anja: The surprise for me is always seeing the final product. I always envision it a certain way, but I’m sure so does everyone else on the cast and crew, so when I see the episodes there are always a few things that don’t go the way I thought they would. And the beach scenes are always way prettier than I thought they would be.
PC: What’s been the biggest takeaway?
Anja: The biggest takeaway for me has been that if you make good content, an audience will find it! And I’m glad that our audience found Malibu Surf and that they’re still watching five seasons later.
PC: Guilty pleasure TV show?
Anja: Bachelor in Paradise
PC: Guilty pleasure movie?
Anja: John Tucker Must Die
PC: Favorite book?
Anja: I only read non-fiction. Is that weird? Outliers by Malcolm Gladwell!
PC: Favorite play or musical?
Anja: Chicago
PC: A band or artist that fans would be surprised to learn is on your playlist?
Anja: Probably the Taylor Swift songs I listen to would surprise everyone.
PC: Who would play you in the story of your life?
Anja: Maybe Kristine Froseth? Some people have said we look similar.
To keep up with Anja, follow her on Instagram. Catch Season 5 of Malibu Surf on February 1.
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