Work in progress - The Networking Magazine

Max Reeves’s story has an overwhelming desire to leave a lasting memory. She is proud of her past, makes the most of the present and has a passion for embracing the future. We talk to the model and actress about her journey.

Something is intriguing about her strong work ethic and her relentless drive to succeed. A natural calling towards the entertainment sector would see her leave Russia to pursue an acting career in Hollywood.

Known for My Alien Girlfriend (2019) on Amazon Prime, Blackmail (2019), and Cats of the Bayou. She makes an appearance in the highly anticipated Damien Chazelle’s Babylon, (2022), starring Brad Pitt, Margot Robbie, Jean Smart and Eric Roberts, and Issac (2022), alongside Cameron Dove and RJ Mitte”. In addition Max has also amassed a die-hard following on Instagram to the tune of nearly 90,000 followers.

California

Her striking features and ability to adapt to many different looks have also seen her develop a highly successful modelling career, which her social media followers can’t get enough of. I managed to catch up with her in California to learn more about her journey.

Max Reeves’s story began in Russia; when did you move, and why?

I moved to the States about five years ago. I somehow always knew I had to be in Los Angeles. I just couldn’t have been doing what I do if I stayed in Russia; the industry isn’t set up for that. For me, it’s never really a question of where you want to live, but rather what you want to do. For instance, I wanted to be in the entertainment business, and there’s no better place for that than to be in LA.

What’s your fondest memory of Russia?

Probably my childhood memories. I spent a lot of time with my grandmother, she practically raised me, and she was the kindest soul.

Did you find acting, or did acting find you?

I loved acting way before I was brave enough to verbalize it or even admit it to myself. Maybe it’s the part of me that never grew up. We all play pretend when we’re little. Some of us never outgrow this phase. I still love to play.

You have a love of languages; did that play a part in finding opportunities?

I was always fascinated with languages as a way to bridge cultures and get a better understanding of people from around the world. It has certainly helped me a lot along the way. I wouldn’t have been working as an actor or model here, in the States, if I wasn’t an English speaker, for one thing. But, apart from that, it helped me to connect with so many amazing and talented people from around the world, and realise time and time again, how small of a place this planet is. There are really way more things that unite us all than separate us.

You have a natural relationship with the camera. It’s one of the most striking features when watching your acting reel. So how do you get into character and prepare for a role?

That’s a very kind thing of you to say, thank you. I think I have an imposter syndrome, so when I get a part, or even when I prepare for an audition, I try to do as much research as I can on my character, her likes or dislikes, the time period she lives in, – literally, everything I can, even to the point of what kind of underwear she would be wearing. If something about a character doesn’t make sense to me, I try to make something up until it all clicks together. But at the end of the day, I just try to let it all go and trust my instincts.

All the best ideas would come to me on set when I’m interacting with my partners, not when I’m doing a dress rehearsal in my head. I don’t come on set with any pre-conceived idea of what exactly I’m going to do or what I’m going to say.

How do you disconnect from work?

I have issues with that. I put my phone on “don’t disturb” mode a lot, but that’s pretty much it. There’s no cut-off point in the entertainment business when it comes to working hours. You can get a work email with a call sheet at midnight or receive a self-tape request that’s due in a few hours. A lot of work goes into trying to get more work—all of that on top of trying to work on my own projects. So balancing things is definitely tricky. I always try to squeeze in some time for myself – read a book, watch a movie or workout. It certainly helps that I genuinely love what I do; otherwise, I’d have probably gone insane with a schedule like that.

Do you ever take your work home with you and become a character?

I don’t think that has ever happened to any big degree yet. Some prep work affects me more than others, and there were a couple of times when some emotional experiences I had to go through on set would haunt me for a little while after. I like rehearsing accents if I have to do one, but I’m usually not “in character” when I’m not on camera.

You have two Birthdays, January 9th and August 11th; why?

There’s a lovely quote by Mark Twain, “The two most important days in your life are the day you are born, and the day you find out why.” It suits two of my personalities.

Your best friend wants to get into acting and asks you for some advice; what would it be?

Save money. Study with the best. Steal from the best. Observe and listen. Try to get as much experience as you can. Every opportunity leads to something else.

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A post shared by MAX REEVES (@max__reeves)

Max Reeves On Instagram

How would people describe your work ethic?

I take pride in my work, and hopefully, people who have worked with me can attest to that. So I always try to be very professional but at the same time keep it light and have fun on set.

Do you own social media, or does it own you?

From all social media, I only check Instagram pretty regularly and try to interact with people as much as I can, when time allows. It’s a marvellous way to connect with people, but I don’t let it soak too much of my time. It’s work, so of course, I have to do it, but I could go without it just as easily.

Would you describe yourself as an extrovert or an introvert? Why?

I’m definitely an introvert. I get emotionally drained if I’m around people a lot, without any alone time in between. Don’t get me wrong, I love people, and my work often requires meeting new people every day. Still, it’s all about recharging inner batteries. I’ve learned to be more protective of my time because it equals my own sanity.

A magazine cover with Max Reeves, model and actress.

Editorial on Max Reeves, model and actress.

Are you well known in Russia?

Not at all. Even my parents don’t really know my work.

What makes you happy?

Smiles on the faces of my loved ones, for example, when my mom is having a good day. Warm feedback on my work from someone I respect. Warm weather. A day in the green on the stock market. A really good cup of coffee.

What makes you sad?

Early call times. Long lines in stores. My mom having a bad day. Abandoned animals. Donuts.

If I was going to write a book about you, what would it be called? Why?

“Work in progress”. It will be finished someday and probably be a book with lots of empty pages with suggestions for readers to fill out pages themselves.