Simone Miller is one of the bright young stars of CBC’s new action-adventure series Detention Adventure. Debuting this Spring on the CBC Gem streaming service, the show follows a motley crew of sixth graders who purposely get themselves thrown into detention after discovering the entrance to a labyrinth of tunnels, laden with traps and riddles, protecting a long lost secret.
In a fun chat with Close-up Culture’s James Prestridge, Simone shares stories about her time on Detention Adventure and tells us about her passion for kickboxing.
Q: How much fun did you have being a part of CBC’s new action-adventure series ‘Detention Adventure’?
A: Oh my goodness! I had so much fun working on Detention Adventure, everyone involved was so unbelievably kind, welcoming, professional and funny! We worked very hard, but there were a lot of jokes on set!
Q: You Raign Westbrook, is a top student and the leader of the ‘Detention Adventure’ team. What do you like/admire about the character?
A: I admire how outspoken Raign is. She is never afraid to state exactly what she is thinking. She is determined and certain of how to achieve her goals. Raign is never quick to give up, even when her friends need some encouragement.
Q: You star alongside Jack Fulton (Hulk), Alina Prijono (Joy) and Tomaso Sanelli (Brett). Did you all get up to any fun adventures when the cameras were off?
A: We all got along really well and became great friends, which made working that much more fun!
One time that really sticks out was when an alarm sounded in the school we were filming at. No one knew what the alarm was, but we all of course evacuated the building. While waiting for it to be safe to go back in, we all ended up hopping into Jack’s mom’s truck, with her permission, and we turned on the music and we all went pretty crazy jamming and singing along. Once the crew heard and saw us everyone circled the truck and joined in! It was hilarious!
Q: What is your favourite thing about acting? Is it the on-camera work, being part of a creative crew, or something else?
A: My favourite thing about acting is definitely being able to work with so many artistic minds to create something beautiful. It is an amazing feeling when you are able to deliver a scene and portray what the writers and directors are looking for.
Q: Can you reveal anything about your upcoming role on ’The Clark Sisters: The First Ladies of Gospel’? What was it like playing a young Dorinda?
A: It was a small role, but I am overjoyed that I was able to be a part of this legendary project! I can’t reveal much about the film, but the simple fact that it is based on the lives of the Clark Sisters, says it all!
Q: Can you talk about the work you do with the Jamaican Canadian Association? What does it mean to you?
A: I have only been associated with the Jamaican Canadian Association for a couple of years now, but the volunteer work that we get to do brings me so much joy. My father and I participated in painting a church for this organisation which meant so much to the community.
It means a lot to me because I am half Jamaican and half Italian. My biological father is Jamaican, but my parents are both Italian, and the fact that they got me involved in this charity which is a part of my roots, in itself, means the world to me!
Q: I hear you are incredibly active away from the camera. What is your favourite hobby at the moment?
A: My favourite hobby at the moment would have to be kickboxing! My mother and I took up kickboxing in order to keep fit. Learning new self-defense moves and techniques is quite interesting.
My instructor always asks if I have anger issues, because I always give it my all! My mom and I make the most distraught faces when we are at it. LOL!
Q: What are your hopes for the future?
A: My ultimate hope is that I can book an acting role where I can play a character that sings! That would be awesome!
Title image by Mai Tilson