Michael Bishop Talks Life As Disney’s Newest Star
Disney Channel has welcomed star, Michael Bishop, into their family.
Born in Australia, Bishop humorously joked about the lack of musical heritage in his tree by stating, “If by musical roots you mean my brothers and I playing the recorder terribly throughout primary school, then yes.”
Bishop found his home within the National Academy of Performing Arts in Australia as a fourth-grade student. He studied Acting and Musical Theatre, was cast for his first-ever role in Alive In Wonderland, and continued building his portfolio in their homegrown productions. In 2019, he transitioned his education towards NAPA’s full-time Certificate IV in Musical Theatre. Still, before Bishop could enjoy and participate in his graduation ceremony, Disney Channel called with the news that he has officially been cast in their newest original movie, SPIN.
PC: Sam Thies
Can you take me behind the scenes of Spin? What is the premise?
“Spin is a colorful movie that explores culture, music, and self-discovery, which happens to be the recipe for a riveting filming experience. We follow Rhea as she discovers her passion for music, and along the way, she meets my character, British DJ Max. A strong bond between them forms, and she becomes fascinated by the world of DJing. As Rhea explores her creative side and starts to find her own sound, so too does her family and her friends, in their way.”
How did you land the role of DJ Max?
“Well, this audition for me was a little different than normal. I had just come off a recent heartbreak - and by that, I mean I had just missed out on a role that I’d spent months auditioning for and working towards. While I usually try not to beat myself up about a missed opportunity, I can’t deny that this one brought me down. Right after that experience, my audition request for DJ Max came in. The audition scene was Max showing Rhea the ropes of DJing, so I decided I would play some tracks from the only DJ that I knew at the time: Avicii. I rehearsed the scene over the music, and that’s when I started to see myself in this role for the first time. I loved playing around with this scene so much that I started to forget about the other role I missed and became more present. So, when I went to film my audition, I wanted to have the music playing bounce off while I was doing the scene. The only problem was that the casting team specifically mentioned NO MUSIC as one of the audition rules. I felt that maybe just this once, I could break the rule because I knew how much it would elevate my performance. Luckily my instincts paid off, and I’m forever grateful.”
Do you have any deejaying experience?
“Before becoming involved with this project, I had absolutely no DJ experience, nor was I educated in the world of DJing at all. This is one of those times as an actor where you’re given a chance to take on a whole new hobby and throw yourself into a different craft. While I wouldn’t say that I’m ready to tour the world with my DJ skills, I do have this newfound appreciation for those artists.”
PC: Sam Thies
What was it like working with Avantika Vandanapu?
“I remember meeting Avanti on our chemistry test, which was done over zoom, and instantly feeling the electricity in the scene. She was so present and, quite frankly, just so easy to work with. On and offset, we shared so many stupid moments, giggles, even dance parties in the makeup trailer. The entire cast became close throughout shooting, and when we wrapped, it was particularly hard to say our sappy goodbyes.”
What was it like working with Manjari Makijany?
“Manjari is awesome. She does a brilliant job of not only creating a great work environment where everyone feels heard, but she also knows how to make a set feel like a family. I would always tease Avanti and tell her that I was Manjari’s favourite. Though she’ll never admit it, I know that deep down, I AM her favourite… Sorry Avanti.”
How does it feel to know you're going to become a Disney Channel star?
“It does not feel real at all; that’s the truthful answer. As a kid, you see all the Disney Channel stars on TV doing the, ‘Hi, I’m *whoever* and you’re watching Disney Channel.’ Having the same opportunity to film the Disney Channel wand was a childhood dream come true, but it was hardly something I ever considered a possibility. Now that I’ve done it, it hasn’t sunk in yet, and I’m not sure if it ever will.”
PC: Sam Thies
This film is Disney Channel's first original movie with an Indian American female lead, centered around Indian culture. How important is that?
“It goes without saying, but it’s fantastic, it’s amazing that we can be part of such a momentous film. I believe it’s incredibly important and necessary to create diverse characters and stories so that everyone can find characters that they relate to and identify with on the screen. I hope someday the Industry will be a much more diverse one.”
Can you use a few words to describe the music that is made in this film?
“The music is versatile, special, and… catchy. Seriously though, you won’t be able to get ‘Feeling Good’ out of your head for weeks.”
What do you believe will be the biggest takeaway when people finish watching this film?
“I believe this movie screams the idea that everyone has a voice and sound within them, and they all deserve to be heard. And let me tell you, I could not be more proud of that message.”
Watch Disney Channel’s Original Movie SPIN on August 13th, 2021.
Meet the Author
Brianna Vacca is a Philadelphia-based writer. She has an unhealthy addiction to true crime documentaries, celebrity gossip, and writes overly dramatic sad songs