Exclusive Interview: Pop Culturalist Chats with Spin’s Michael Bishop

From a young age, rising star Michael Bishop discovered his voice as an artist. He knew he wanted to use his craft to inspire others, and that’s exactly what he’s done.

This August, he can be seen starring in the Disney Channel original movie Spin.

Pop Culturalist had the pleasure of speaking with Michael about his catching the acting bug, Spin, and joining the Disney family.

PC: How did you discover your passion for acting?
Michael: I’ve been acting ever since I was a little kid. I was such an extroverted little child. I always wanted to be the center of attention, always. I thought the world was a stage and so theatrical. That was enough of a reason for my mom to think that I should be in a drama class. I thrived when I got there. I found all these weird ducks who also loved the things that I loved: being the center of attention and telling stories. That’s why I keep doing this—because I love it. It was my way of having fun. It made sense to me. I look forward to hopefully doing this for the rest of my life.

PC: You got your start in musical theater. What has that transition been like going from the stage to the screen?
Michael: Musical theater was my childhood. I love doing musical theater, but film is where I’ve always wanted to end up. I’ve always gravitated towards it. Theater is so fun because you have a live audience you can bounce off of, but in film, you get to hone in on the craft more. Film has always been where I wanted to end up, and it’s where I want to stay.

PC: Who or what has had the biggest influence on your career?
Michael: My mom would kill me if I didn’t mention her. There are so many people. My pa. My grandpa has been a huge influence on me. I remember one time he sat me down and said, “There are people who you can tell are hungry to get what they want. Just make sure you’re always doing what you want and make sure you’re having fun doing it.” I really want to stand by that and have stood by that thus far.

Creatively, I look up to actors like Matthew McConaughey. He talks about the love of acting. People like Christian Bale and Zendaya. These are artists that are incredible at their craft. I also love musicians and singers—basically, anyone who’s telling stories and creating art.

PC: You’re one of the stars of Disney’s Spin. Tell us about the project, your character, and what attracted you to this role.
Michael: Spin is an incredibly fun movie about this girl who explores the world of deejaying after meeting my character, this fun and passionate British DJ named Max.

I gravitated towards the project because it had such an authentic story. I found this story about a young girl navigating her way through the craft an important one to tell. I’m so proud to be a part of it.

PC: What was the preparation like getting ready for this role?
Michael: It was very fun. The preparation for this movie was different from most. We had deejay training. When we got to Toronto, we were quarantined for two weeks. We were given a full DJ set. We had DJ lessons via Zoom. That was so awesome to be thrown into. When I walked into the apartment for the first time, I saw these vinyls everywhere and this huge DJ set. I looked at the set and was like, “I have no idea what I’m doing. I hope by the end of these two weeks that I will.” My DJ instructor was fantastic. Now I can safely say that I’m pretty good at pretending to deejay. [laughs]

PC: Disney has launched the careers of so many. What has that meant to you to now be a part of this family?
Michael: It’s a little terrifying. There are so many incredible people who have been through the Disney franchise—so many incredible actors and performers. Those are big shoes to fill. I’m just trying to make sure that I am my true, authentic self throughout it all. I want to be an inspiration. That’s what everyone wants if they’re in the creative world. I want to do Disney proud because they’ve given me this incredible opportunity. I want them to be proud as well.

PC: This is one of your biggest film roles to date. Did anything surprise you about the experience? What did you learn about yourself?
Michael: When you think of a huge company like Disney, it can be quite terrifying. You’re bracing yourself for working on this huge film for Disney, but everyone was so grounded. Everyone was so real—the cast, crew, directors, and producers. They’re so good at what they do, and yet they’re still so easy to be around and hang out with. I became really good friends with everyone on this shoot. That did surprise me a bit.

PC: What do you hope audiences take away after they see it?
Michael: The main thing is I want audiences to have fun. This movie is really intended to get families to sit down and have fun together. It has a clear message about finding your voice and being heard. I hope audiences take that away. I couldn’t be more proud to be a part of a project that’s sending that message out.

Pop Culturalist Speed Round

PC: Guilty pleasure TV show?
Michael: Dance Moms.

PC: Guilty pleasure movie?
Michael: Pitch Perfect. I’m revealing a lot about myself. [laughs]

PC: Favorite book?
Michael: I read Diary of a Wimpy Kid all throughout my childhood, so I just have to mention it.

PC: Favorite play or musical?
Michael: There’s a musical called: 13: The Musical. It’s the only musical that I’ve ever done twice. I loved it so much.

PC: A band or artist that fans would be surprised to learn is on your playlist?
Michael: Leanna Firestone. She’s incredible.

PC: Dream role?
Michael: This answer is going to suck. I’m sorry. But I don’t think I have a dream role because I want to do so much. I’ll be fulfilled by doing a wide variety of roles. I’m very excited for my career. I hope that I get a chance to do it all.

To keep up with Michael, follow him on Twitter and Instagram. Spin premieres on the Disney Channel on August 13th.

Photo Credit: Sam Theis