| Meet: JENN PROSKE of 'VAMPIRES SUCK'. |
| Written by Sarah Mudgway |
| Tuesday, 28 September 2010 08:31 |
 The name JENN PROSKE may not mean much to you now, but if history suggests anything, we’re pretty sure she’ll be a household name is in the near future à la Anna Farris. Starring as ‘Becka’ in the latest movie in the parody genre - 'VAMPIRES SUCK' - the 23 year old admits off the bat that she is Team Edward. "I’m definitely biased, but Team Edward for sure. I think that’s because I’ve played the Bella character, so for me I think they are meant to be together." Citing the 1996 comedy 'The Birdcage' as her favourite film, don’t think for a second that Proske is just another Kristen Stewart wannabe: "If I could have any actresses’ career I would have to say Cate Blanchett. She was my boss at Sydney Theatre Company when I lived and worked in Sydney, and I just think her career is amazing as far as balancing film and theatre as well as having a family. I think she is so talented and does amazing and diverse roles - I would really love to emulate her life and career path." COUP DE MAIN: 'Vampires Suck' hasn’t been released in New Zealand yet, but it opened second in the box office in the U.S. and has done well worldwide so far. Is this the level of success you anticipated for the film? JENN PROSKE: It’s more than I ever dreamed! It was an amazing week watching people go see the movie. I’m in shock and I’m so grateful people have gone to see it and enjoyed. And reviews of my performance have all been really wonderful, I’m incredibly happy. I can’t wait to see what NZ thinks also! CDM: You play the role of Becka, which is the parody of Bella from 'Twilight'. What preparation did you have to go into to play a character that is so iconic in this generation? JENN: I approached the role like I had booked the Bella role. I re-read the books and took notes on how she was when she met her Dad and when she met Edward and when she hung out with Jacob - I kind of approached it from that. I knew I had to incorporate Kristen Stewart’s mannerisms also, so I watched the movies over and over again to emulate her vocal patterns. I changed my voice for the movie - I speak in a much lower voice than usual. It was really important, but then you have to sell the comedy too. So there is part of me in there, and part of what I watched of Bella. I’ve literally probably watched 'Twilight' and 'New Moon' over 100 times now. CDM: Are you a 'Twilight' fan? JENN: Oh yeah, I’m a big fan of the books and films. I think I’m more of a fan now actually. The whole phenomenon has such a special place in my heart now. CDM: You originally tried out for a different role... JENN: Yes, when I was first called in I was called in for 'Iris' which is the Alice Cullen role. I knew I wasn’t quite ready for that - I didn’t have the right energy for Alice, but I went in and gave it my best and I ended up getting called back two weeks later for the lead, and then had to go in a bunch of times for call-backs and I ended up booking it. CDM: Not bad for your first film role… JENN: Yeah It’s my first time on camera. I’ve been doing theatre since I was six so I have done a lot of plays and musicals, but this is my first film.  CDM: What was the most memorable aspect of filming? JENN: There is a forest scene in the film, which was my favourite part to film. It was so much fun being outdoors with the crew, and there was a lot of stunts which was fun for me to try do some of those by myself. CDM: Did you end up doing many stunts yourself? JENN: No, I had an amazing stunt double. I didn’t have any days off on set as I’m in every scene of the movie, so it was really important that I not get hurt. Helena [Barrett] my stunt double was also the double for Kristen Stewart on 'Twilight'. She gets credit for the good stuff! CDM: How was it working with Matt Lanter ['90210'] and Ken Jeong ['The Hangover']? JENN: I learned a lot - they became definite mentors of mine. They gave me advice on the business and tips on filming... they all took on mentor positions and really helped give me some amazing advice. And what was really wonderful is they treated me as their equal, I never felt like they treated me any less... we all just jumped in together and had a great time. CDM: For the New Zealand audience who haven’t seen it yet, how would you sum up 'Vampires Suck'? JENN: I think the fans can expect to see the general arc of 'Twilight' but with a twist and a lot of really funny jokes. They can expect to laugh at the entire vampire pop-culture phenomenon as we address the whole thing. I think 'Twilight' fans will like it most. I feel like the movie is mostly for them. CDM: And do you have any future roles lined up? JENN: Basically this being my first film it has opened so many doors for me. It’s been the most amazing opportunity. So right now I’m just taking advantage of meeting with as many new people - casting directors, studios, producers - as possible. I hope I have more news I can share soon! CDM: Considering your background is in theatre, is that something you would like to continue? JENN: Definitely! It’s what I love and what I’ve grown up doing. It’s my main passion and I only hope one day I can have a career where I can do both. I mean, I’m very excited at pursuing the path in film right now, but I’ll always love theatre. 'VAMPIRES SUCK' opens in New Zealand this Thursday, September 30th, 2010. |
