It’s safe to say Clara Wilsey is comfortable in front of the camera. After getting scouted at a trade show in Miami Florida, the 22-year-old began to model on a global scale. She has starred in numerous international campaigns and posed in various publications, including iconic men’s magazine GQ. Recently, however, Wilsey was given the opportunity to showcase her acting chops: in addition to being featured on HBO’s Ballers, she was cast as picture-perfect mean girl Kimmy Stitcher in the Netflix film, Tall Girl, which was viewed by an impressive 40 million accounts in the first four weeks of its release. Currently on a career high, Wilsey looks back at her journey thus far and discloses behind-the-scenes secrets from Tall Girl.

Which was your first love: modeling or acting?

I started modeling way before I started acting—I never really dreamed of being an actress. However, the opportunity presented itself, so I said, “Why not? I’ll try it.” I really enjoyed the process. Modeling was never really my dream either—I just kind of fell into that as well. But I’m growing to love acting more and more every day. 

How has your modeling background prepared you to take on acting roles?

Modeling taught me to not have stage fright, not care as much about what others think, and that there are a million reasons why you don’t book a job. It’s not because you’re bad—it could simply be because you look too much like the casting agent’s ex, they already have too many girls on the same job with your hair color, or they changed your character at the last minute to a completely different look than what you were originally cast for. You can’t get too down on yourself, and there are a million other opportunities for you to get booked. Modeling also taught me stage presence. A lot of us sway back and forth when we’re speaking in front of people or are nervous, but I’m used to literally shooting in my underwear in a room full of strangers! Even if I’m nervous, I can stand still and strong and hopefully not give off any shy vibes that can ruin an audition or scene. 

What was the audition process like for Tall Girl?

The audition process was great! I prefer face-to-face auditions vs. self-tapes. The casting directors were very sweet and responded to the funny bits, which always makes you feel a bit better about your performance. The worst is a stone face casting agent that gives you no feedback or laughs, because that makes you walk out feeling like a total failure.

Where were you and how did you react when you found out you were cast?

I was driving to The Grove with my friend, which is ironic because four years ago, I was going to a mall with my friends when I found out I booked my first real modeling job. Maybe the universe is telling me to shop more often! But I was super excited to find out about Tall Girl. I bought myself some new lipstick and a bottle of champagne for me and my friend. 

What is your favorite part about being on set? 

The food. We filmed in New Orleans so we had amazing catering and snacks 24/7. And the crew was amazing as well. It was always a good time, even when waiting around to film the next scene. 

How did you tap into playing a mean girl?

I think every girl has a little bit of sassy mean girl in them! It also helped that Ava [Michelle, who plays Jodi] and I were laughing about it the whole time, so I didn’t feel as horrible being so mean to her. We’d hug and joke about it right after. 

Who were some of your favorite cast members to work with and why?

Honestly, everyone was incredible to work with. We all stayed at the same hotel, too, and hung out almost every night, so after a week of being there, we had become one big family. 

Any memorable behind-the-scenes moments you can share?

The homecoming scene was so much fun because it was one giant party at the end.

What are your future plans?

I barely know what I’m doing tomorrow or next week! I can’t tell you my future plans, but hopefully, I’ll continue to work on more great films like Tall Girl!

This or That:

Acting or modeling? Acting. 

Beach or pool? Beach. 

Netflix or live TV? I actually rarely watch TV or Netflix, but probably live TV just because I watch sports and the news more than anything else.

Italian or Mexican food? My two favorite foods...I’m torn! I love them both!

iPhone or computer? iPhone. 

Follow Clara on Social Media:

Instagram: @clarawilsey

Select photo credits: Zimbio