Mallory James Mahoney is pulling double duty on a new episode of Bunk’d: Learning the Ropes TONIGHT (July 26)!
The 19-year-old, of course, stars in the show as Destiny Baker, but she is also making her directorial debut with tonight’s episode titled “License to Cattle Drive,” becoming the fourth cast member to direct.
JJJ spoke with Mallory ahead of the episode and got the scoop on what it was like directing and acting in one episode, how she reacted when she found out she would be directing and more.
Keep reading to see what she shared…
In the episode directed by Mallory, Parker (Trevor Tordjman) tries to earn a marriage license.
The ep will also be followed by another new one, titled, “Cold Feet, Hot Brobblers,” where Lou (Miranda May) and Destiny (Mahoney) think Victoria (Jordan Clark) is getting cold feet.
Be sure to tune in to tonight’s all new episodes of BUNK’D: Learning the Ropes, starting at 7pm ET/PT on Disney Channel!
Check out our exclusive interview with Mallory James Mahoney below…
JJJ: What was your reaction when you found out you were directing this episode?
MJM: When I first found out I was directing this episode, I was ecstatic and shocked because I was a teenager, and getting to have the opportunity to have my directing debut on a show that I quite literally grew up on, with a cast and crew that is my 2nd family, it is a true dream come true. Then, after the excitement came the nerves, because the episode has green screen work and we rarely work with green screen on Bunk’d. So I started studying with directors to prepare myself.
JJJ: Was this something you always wanted to do?
MJM: Yes, I’ve always been interested in directing because I’m a firm believer in always growing and learning. I feel that the best way to improve myself as an actress is to learn all parts of production. I feel by directing it has immensely improved my understanding of each movement a character makes and the way the dialogue is spoken in a show or film.
JJJ: How was it acting and directing in the same episode?
MJM: I loved being able to act and direct in the same episode. Because our entire crew was very supportive and right there to help me through the process.
JJJ: You’re the fourth Bunk’d star to direct… Did you get any tips from others like Miranda May, who has directed multiple times?
MJM: Yes, it was very helpful and terrifying to walk in the shoes of Karan [Brar], Miranda, and Peyton [List]. They have talked about when they directed and that helped me prepare myself. Also, I was fortunate to be acting on the show with each of them being my director, so I studied how they handled it.
JJJ: What was your favorite part about getting to direct?
MJM: I feel the best part of directing for me was to have a new appreciation for all different components of making an episode. Understanding how to see each part of the story come to life and figure out how to solve an obstacle in making a scene flow.
MJM: Yes, I would absolutely love to continue acting and directing. Getting to direct a show or film again would be amazing. I had a magical experience with Bunk’d and will forever be grateful to Disney Channel for taking a chance on an 18 year old directing.
If you missed it, BUNK’D: Learning the Ropes is ending this year after these final episodes…
