Felicia Maxime

REACHING FOR THE STARS

Actress

From the age of 10, Felicia Maxime wanted to become an actor. Since then, she’s starred in hit Netflix series Young Royals, and most recently in the feature film En Del Av Dig (A Part of You) alongside Zara Larsson. ‘’To tell stories is my life purpose’’, says Felicia.

How did you first enter the world of acting and filmmaking? 

My first role was in the criminal drama Anno 1790.  I was ten at the time and was very lucky to get a break at such a young age. Since then, I always wanted to become an actor. 

After graduating from Sixth form from the Swedish School in London, I moved into a collective in Stockholm where I shared a flat with a few guys who worked in the film industry. For the first four months, I worked as a telesales rep to pay for the bills, but then I got the role as Stephanie in the TV drama Lyckoviken, (written by Nordic Noir author Camilla Läckberg). 

Besides acting, you’ve also produced music videos. How did this come about? 

When I moved into the collective, I teamed up with one of my flatmates, Nowell Englund. We created the production company Cirqle Film together. As Nowell had experience from working as a film director, the natural role for me was to become the producer. We started from scratch, setting up a website and then shot out emails to a load of music companies in Stockholm. It was a bold move as we didn’t have any experience, but the gamble paid off. Soon we were creating music videos for Jireel, Estraden, and Ana Diaz. One thing led to another, and we also worked with Virgin Miri and Young Thug.

How did you get casted as Stella for Young Royals? Would you say this was your big break? 

Young Royals has become immensely popular internationally, with lots of young people being able to identify with the storyline which addresses subjects such as class, true love, and being able to be your true self. 

Getting the part as Stella was a milestone in my career. It was such a great production to work on. The cast was young, and we all became very close-knit after three seasons. It was rather lovely and rare in an industry which is very competitive and there are not many roles around. Having a good support network is important and I am so grateful for the friends I made on Young Royals. 

This year you acted in En Del Av Dig (A Part of You), which was the directorial debut by Sigge Eklund, starring alongside Edvin Ryding and singer Zara Larsson. What was exciting about this particular project?

It was my first starring role and I nearly cried when I got it. It was great working with Sigge, who let me input into the story and the script. I felt I lived the story of Agnes as it was filmed. Zara Larsson, who plays my older sister, was great to work with. Zara is quite an extrovert as a person and fitted very well in the role as a big sister. 

”London made me who I am today.”

You also write film scripts and produce films yourself. How do you fit this in with acting? 

For me, scriptwriting is what I do whilst I wait for other people to give me jobs. I’m currently looking to raise money for a short film I’ve written and am also working on a feature film.  Moreover, I’m working on a documentary with my business partner Nowell. It’s about a young guy who we met in L.A. last year. His life story really inspired us as he was a creative spirit like us but had through circumstance ended up in a very different, darker place. The film touches upon themes including good and evil, drug addiction, mental health, and gang culture. 

What excites you about your career?

To leave yourself and become someone different is exciting.  It’s so cool to create something with other people whilst losing yourself. 

What drives you? 

To tell stories; it’s my purpose in life. There’s strength in being vulnerable, and making the audience feel things. It’s that contradistinction of feeling in power when also showing your vulnerable side that is so special.  

What is most important when pursuing a career in acting? 

For me it hasn’t mattered that I haven’t been to acting school. What has made a difference though is being persistent and not giving up. I’ve had hundreds of noes along the way. 

How come did you decide to study at the Swedish School in London? 

When I went to London, I needed to challenge myself and get out of my shell. I was shy but saw it as an opportunity to find myself. Living in a different culture and context impacted me profoundly. I found out that I was much stronger than I thought. London made me who I am today. 

What is the fondest memory you have from the school? 

It’s hard to single out one experience. The time in London felt like a colourful Christmas cracker packed with exciting experiences. I made some great girlfriends whilst at school, and the five of us became like a family. I fondly remember our ‘’getting ready’’ sessions before going out, where we were sharing hair curlers and make-up. Those moments were always better than going out!