Carla Baratta – Mayans M.C.

By starrymag | September 4, 2018

By: Jamie Steinberg

 

 

Q) What are the recent projects that you are working on?

A) I am just doing “Mayans” full time. We just finished production like a week ago. So, I was completely full with that and I was painting all the time. I’m doing some secret projects for painting, so I was doing that, too.

Q) How was your character Adelita originally described to you?

A) She was described as deadly, motherly and driven. Then, they told me that she watched her family die at the hands of the cartel. After the audition they started telling me more about her and researching the character. They said they were researching the character until they found who they wanted her to be, behave and talk.

Q) Was there something you added to her that wasn’t in the initial breakdown?

A) Maybe how calm she is and how calm she talks. She takes her time to say what she thinks. Like in a peaceful way. I think we found that together. They didn’t want her to look like the cliché of a dangerous person, so she is really calm. I think we found that while we were trying to understand her.

Q) How do you get into character?

A) I think when they do Adelita’s tattoo it really helps me to transform visually myself. Then, I put on her clothes and boots and some music. When I go to set I have all my lines and I see all the guys and the production Adelita just appears. Then, sometimes I have to leave her in the trailer. Other times, I’ll ask my husband, “Did you do dinner?” And he’ll say, “Okay Adelita. Yes, I did dinner.” So, sometimes I bring her home with me and I have to remember that she’s not there with me. He’s like, “Okay, Adelita. Is she here with you?” I’m like, “No, no. I’m so sorry!”

Q) Were you familiar with any of your costars before filming “Mayans M.C.?”

A) Yeah, for sure, Edward James Olmos and Emilio Rivera. A lot of the guys I was super excited to work with because I knew them from their other roles. I was a pretty big fan, especially of Mr. Edward.

Q) Were you a fan or familiar with its predecessor “Sons of Anarchy?”

A) I watched a couple of episodes before, but then when I got “Mayans” I had to do research. I was like, “Okay, I’m going to watch a couple of seasons,” but I couldn’t stop. I watched the whole seven seasons and I was just so amazed. So, now I’m such a big fan of the show.

Q) Talk about working with costar Edward James Olmos.

A) He is brilliant! He is such an inspiration. He’s in one of my favorite movies Selena and the first time I saw him we were standing next to each other. I was so nervous to be standing next to him that I would do everything the he would do. If he opened his script, I would open mine. If he would drink water then I would drink water. He knows what he’s doing so I would do the same thing. If I think about it, maybe it’s a little weird. [laughs] It worked though, I think.

Q) What were some of your most memorable moments from filming “Mayans” or from behind the scenes?

A) I think being on set with sixteen guys is pretty fun. They are like kids, all the time screaming and chasing each other. That’s so cool. It’s been an amazing part of it. Also, the confusions that I had were always confusing for everyone. I have funny stories like that, too. But, in general, it’s been so much fun on set. Everyone has been so nice and so kind. It’s been a dream project.

Q) What do you think it is about “Mayans M.C.” that will make it a fast fan favorite show?

A) I think it’s really a fun show to see and also the writers are so amazing and every script is better than the last. Everyone is putting their souls and their hearts into this production. So, I think people are going to feel that and fall in love with all the characters and the arcs of the characters. This show is just magic for all of us. I think people can see and feel that, too.

Q) You are a part of social media. Are you looking forward to the fan feedback you’ll receive to the episodes?

A) Yes! I’m so excited about that. I can’t wait to see what they think of Adelita and how she is going to surprise them all.

Q) How do you plan to celebrate the show’s premiere?

A) I don’t know. I think we’re having a crew party or something like that – a small thing. My family is here (my mom and dad) so I think I just want to have dinner with them and enjoy this moment. I’m so glad and so honored to be able to share it with them. It’s such a huge and amazing thing for me to have them with me in this moment and I want to celebrate with them.

Q) You often take on dramatic roles. Is there something about this genre that really draws you to it?

A) Yeah, I think I love comedy. It was the first thing I did as an acting job. I think for me drama is more challenging than comedy. I just enjoy the process so much of getting into character and the things that you are saying and doing. For me, it’s a lot of work for this type of role. But I don’t think you chose the role. The characters choose you. So, maybe I need drama in my life, so dramatic characters are like, “Hey you! You’re with me!” [laughs]

Q) Is there anything else that you want to be sure fans know about the series?

A) The show not only has actors that are Latinos, but the writers and creators and all the production are doing an amazing job to try to incorporate all these writers and behind the camera from all over the world. There are people from everywhere and I think that’s something you cannot see on screen. I think it’s important that people know it’s there. It’s an opportunity for Latino actors and an opportunity for talent in any part of the show – hair, makeup, writers, etc. So, I think that’s really important for people to know. The actors don’t have to be Latino to be on the show. They can be anything that they want.

Q) What would you like to say to everyone who is a fan and supporter of you and the work that you do?

A) I want to say that I’m so thankful. I hope they love the show. I hope they love all the characters. I hope they have fun watching the show. I think that’s the most important part. I feel so grateful and honored to be able to do this for a life because it’s a dream come true.

 

 

Additional Photo Credits:

Makeup: Jessica Ahn

Hair: Matt Fugate

Styling: Ami Lasser