What sets “A Cinderella Story” apart from other teen movies?
Well, you’ve got probably the biggest teen that’s ever hit the big screen in this one [Hilary Duff] – coupled with Chad [Michael Murray’s] newfound celebrity. You really can’t beat it. The producers assembled a real great team and Leigh Dunlap outdid herself with the draft.
So tell me about working with director Mark Rosman. He had to deal with a lot of young actors in this movie. Was he patient?
Mark Rosman’s great. He’s one of the better directors I’ve had the pleasure of working with. And he’s hands-on but also just kind of lets you be you. He doesn’t want to mess with your creative process too much, which I appreciate. We got to adlib a lot. I’m actually pretty pleased with how much of the improv made it into the film – as far as my lines. As long as we got one take with what they wanted, I was free to have a little fun.
Do you have someone you consider to be your fairy godmother?
(Laughing) My publicist.
Is there someone who guided your career while you were growing up?
My fairy godmother has got to be my mom. She’s with me the whole way.
What fairy tale do you compare your life to?
I’ve got to say this one. I’ve got to say my life is a Cinderella story. It’s just another nothing to something story with me.
Nothing to something? Did you wake up one day and decide you were going to act?
Yeah, pretty much. I started when I was a kid. I definitely bugged my parents to get me into the entertainment industry. Then [it's been] 10 years to become an overnight success like everyone else (laughing).
What’s next for you?
Next is "Veronica Mars," a UPN series that will be out this fall. We’ll be up against Chad’s show Tuesdays at 9pm.
INTERVIEW WITH KADY COLE ('Caitlin'):
What can you tell me about your role?
I play Caitlin, I play one of the mean cheerleader girls who kind of plots against Hilary Duff.
Is it fun to play a mean girl?
It is, actually (laughing), because I’m not one in real life. I was more of the ditzy one so I was kind of out there.
How tough is it to play ditzy?
It’s not too hard. It’s easy for me, actually.
Do you have someone you consider to be your fairy godmother?
I would have to say my mom because she’s been with me through all this. I’ve been acting since I was 8 years old and she’s been there from the beginning up until now. She’s helped me make my dream come true.
When did you decide you wanted to act?
You know, I didn’t really want to act. I wanted to model. I wanted to be a model, I did not want to be an actress. But then I did some commercials, I did a couple more, and then I started to have speaking lines. I was like, “This is the life I want.”
What’s your ideal role?
My ideal role is more of like a serious role. I’m very dramatic and I love playing dramatic roles. One where I could get angry and express feelings – not be an airhead.
Is there one day of filming “A Cinderella Story” that stands out?
I have to say the one day when we were in the car. You’ll see it in the movie. It was a scene where we had to drive around and we took Hilary Duff’s parking spot. And it was just so hot out at Monrovia High School and we had to do that scene over and over and over again. It was really hot and we were tired by the time they got the scene they really wanted.
What do you think makes this movie stand out from other teen movies?
It’s a great story and I just think a lot of people will be able to relate to the story.
ADDITIONAL INTERVIEWS FROM THE WORLD PREMIERE OF "A CINDERELLA STORY:"
Hilary Duff & Jennifer Coolidge / Director Mark Rosman & Producer Clifford Werber / Madeline Zima & Simon Helburg
Special Premiere Guests: Jason Ritter / Brie Larson / Courtney & Ashley Peldon
