Jordana Beatty, an Australian actress is starring in “Judy Moody and the Not Bummer Summer” movie, and was in person to meet fans and sign autographs at the Hollywood Palms Theater in Naperville this past May 19, 2011. Judy Moody is a book character from author Megan McDonald’s series. Listen now!
We met backstage before the screening of her film. In the interview she discussed her different curls that the make-up artists were constantly attending to before filming certain scenes as Judy Moody has unruly hair! She also discusses her life in Sydney, Australia as a 12 year old.
Backstage Notes: Jordana Beatty is a sweet and fun-loving girl to interview. Her beautiful red hair is hard to miss and a perfect match to portray Judy Moody. After we chatted backstage, I met up with her again on stage and introduced her to the crowd of adoring fans before the film screening.
Q: Could you tell us a little bit about the character Judy Moody, because she is a little bit unusual.
A: (Laughs) Judy Moody is a fun loving character who is very independent, spunky and she never cares what anyone else thinks. She always goes with her own instinct. She’s always coming up with a plan. A lot of the time it doesn’t go right but she always has a good time.
Q: She just sounds like so much fun. I’ve seen the books…the grade level for reading…would you say it is more like second through sixth grade?
A: Yeah, probably, yeah!
Q: So, Jordana can you tell us how you snagged this role?
A: Well, I had to audition a couple of times. The first time, I sent a tape over to the United States. The second time, I Skyped with the director, the producers and the casting director. Then, the third time I Skyped again and that’s when I came to the US.
Q: That sounds so exciting! Are you in 7th grade?
A: Yes, I am!
Q: How fun! And one thing about your character, she does have red hair, correct?
A: Yes, she does!
Q: Has it been fun growing up as a red head?
A: It’s been good. I’ve never really been around many other red heads (laughs).
Q: I must say your hair is styled so beautifully today! Now, Judy Moody’s hair, hmmm. (laughs)
A: Yeah (laughs)…
Q: We’re not quite sure who her stylist is but the wardrobe crew on the film must have had an interesting time creating her look?
A: Well, basically Judy Moody’s fashion never matches – her shoes, socks, shorts or top. They never match. They created all the shorts and a lot of the tops. They made them themselves with all this different material. It was really fun to go in and try them on!
Q: How fun! Now her hair has this one little curl that is just untamed. How did they get that look?
A: They had to use my hair that they cut and put it on a wire and hair sprayed it a lot of times. There were about 27 different curls…water curls, normal curls, extra large curls. So many!
Q: It’s not always easy working in films, I can see it, “Cut. The hair’s not right. We’ve got to fix Judy’s hair!” Did that happen?
A: (Laughs) Yes! A few times at the end of takes they’d run on and fix it and run on after the next take and fix it again.
Q: Can you tell us about some of your favorite moments while working on this movie?
A: My favorite moments were definitely when I was hanging out with the other co-stars – having fun with them and especially when I was filming.
Q: That’s so great. You really get to know people don’t you, because you work such long hours?
A: Yes, you do.
Q: Judy is independent, fun loving and a leader. She loves to collect things. Do you have any of those traits?
A: Yeah, I’m a leader definitely, not a follower. I also collect a lot of things. I like to collect state quarters, little penny pressers, Nancy Drew books and business cards.
Q: Heather Graham is also in the film and plays your Aunt Opal. She’s such a pro; did she give you any advice?
A: She didn’t give me advice but she was very fun to hang out with. She’s so funny and was telling jokes all the time. She’s very nice.
Q: I’d like to ask you a few questions about your life in Australia so our listeners can get to know you better. Do you live in Sydney?
A: Yes, I live in Sydney.
Q: What music do you like to listen to?
A: I like pop and really I just listen to whatever is on the radio.
Q: Any favorites? Justin Bieber?
A: Yeah, I like him! (Giggles)
Q: You have another Australian guy there who is popular; his name starts with a C.
A: Cody Simpson?
Q: Yes, how is his music?
A: He is good as well. They’re sort of similar in a way, Cody Simpson and Justin Bieber, but they are also very different.
Q: How about any good books. Have you read any good books lately?
A: Yes, I’m still reading Nancy Drews and, of course, Judy Moody!
Q: Of course, yes. You can find the older Nancy Drew books in used bookstores. They’ve been around a long time. I heard that you like to dance. Are you taking some dance classes?
A: Yes! I love dancing! I do it most days of the week except for Sundays. I do all styles of dance.
Q: Really? Do you take ballet as well?
A: I do ballet, tap, jazz, a little bit of hip-hop and contemporary.
Q: Now surfing, that’s not really something we do here in Chicago (laughs). I read that you might surf as well?
A: Yes, I love surfing.
Q: How does that happen? Do you just sign up at school?
A: No, I actually taught myself a few years ago and I love it. But the weirdest thing, I woke up this morning and I looked out the hotel room and I could see someone going into Lake Michigan and surfing. It was weird because (laughs) he came straight out again!
Q: What about any favorite films that you like?
A: I like, “Morning Glory.” I like Rachel McAdams and I think Harrison Ford is very funny in it as well.
Q: Do you watch any animated films? Do you like any of those?
A: Yeah, it kind of depends what they are. I am a Toy Story lover as well. That kind of animation…I really like that.
Q: Now when people go see this movie what do you think they might take away from it?
A: Hopefully, it will inspire kids to have the best summer ever, go out and do the things they love most and try something new at the same time.
Q: That’s a great reason to go to a movie! Get some ideas for a fun summer. What are you going to do this summer? Do you have any plans?
A: I’m going to do the things I like best as well. I’m going to read all day and surf all day. That’s pretty much what I’m going to be doing!
Q: I want to thank you so much for talking with me this evening. I’d encourage everyone to check out, “Judy Moody and the NOT Bummer Summer” opening June 10th!
Sarah Adamson© May 18, 2011