EXCLUSIVE Britt Robertson Interview! #TomorrowlandEvent

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Disclosure: I was given an all-expense paid trip to the Los Angeles area by Disney in exchange for sharing my experience with all of you! ALL opinions shared are my own.

Just over a week ago, I had the awesome opportunity to interview some of the cast of Disney’s new movie, Tomorrowland, which is in theaters everywhere on May 22. A few days ago I shared the exclusive interview that our group had with George Clooney who plays Frank Walker in this family friendly movie. Now, I get to share our interview experience with Britt Robertson, who plays Casey Newton in Tomorrowland. When the interviews were announced a few days before the trip, I decided to look up the cast members that we were interviewing and I knew I recognized Britt from some show I watched… sure enough she was in Life Unexpected, and I LOVED that show. I also read a little of her biography and I felt that I related to her– she is around my age and was homeschooled just like me! I knew that she had an important role in the movie and the fact that we related well made me super excited for her interview.

Photo Credit: Louise Bishop / Momstart.com

When Britt entered the room, we all clapped and she had such a beautiful and bright smile on her face. She surely was happy to be there and we were happy to have her there. Along with her smile, Britt said “Props to you guys for being so welcoming. That’s so nice. Thank you. Hi” in a VERY upbeat and fun tone. I knew right then and there that this would be a fun and very awesome interview. Boy was I right!! I am excited to share her interview with my readers and I hope that you see some of Britt’s personality in her responses and also why she LOVES being Casey Newton in Tomorrowland.

Photo Credit: Louise Bishop / Momstart.com

Soon after Britt sat down and greeted us our group asked the first question:

Could you tell us a little bit about your audition process?

Yes. Um, it was very lengthy. I started auditioning for the movie the November before we started shooting, so November of like two thousand twelve, I think and then I had like multiple auditions from November to July. I first sent in a tape from New York in November and then I went in for Brad Bird a few times and for the casting people and then right around May they, they brought me in to do like a full, like a full read with Brad and then at that point they, they flew me to Vancouver to actually do a screen test with Raffey Cassidy who plays Athena. And then from that point, like a week later they told me that I got the part.

How did you feel when you found out you got the part of Casey Newton?

It was, I mean, to be honest with you, it was like really, it was kind of an, an overwhelming moment. It’s something that I, I still remember in my mind as being like the most euphoric feeling that I’ve ever had. Um, because I was, I was happy and I was like elated and I was crying and I was just so excited. It was such a cool movie to be a part of and I loved the story so much and also just the people attached to it. It, I just knew that it was going to be a changing point for me in terms of career. But also as an opportunity, um, you know, to be part of this movie was like, it’s just a deal.

 

What was it about Tomorrowland that intrigued you?

It was something about when you read the script and the story, you know, the story itself is a really sweet, it’s an original idea and it’s something that I had never thought about because the themes of the movie, it really covers future and how we look at our future and how, um, as a society, we can actually influence our future and make it the world that we want to live in and, and I thought that that was a really powerful message and especially for a young woman to be the lead in a movie like this was, was really cool for me.

Photo Credit: Louise Bishop / Momstart.com

How did it feel to be the hero of the movie?

Well, you know, it’s, it’s a great, it’s a really great thing to be like the hero of, of a movie like this. You know, a Disney film and, and to be a young woman and, and carry a movie like that, I, I found it really intimidating, but luckily Brad Bird is such a wonderful human being and he’s a family man, you know. He understands people on a very real level, so I think he gave me the encouragement to, to be brave and just take it one day at a time. So that was I wasn’t too overwhelmed by being the hero, you know.

How much of you is there in Casey? Similarities, differences.

I think her mindset is very different from mine. Not so much anymore because I, I’ve adopted a lot of her um, her traits and characteristics because I like her and I think she’s, a cool chick, but prior to this movie, I always looked at the future and being this ominous thing, you know, and it was kind of daunting in this day and age to be so young in this world knowing what it could bring and, the circumstances. Everything that’s going in, it’s pretty intense so then once I read the script and I realized so many things that I hadn’t before, you know and I just totally went off topic and off track (we all started laughing because we really loved the ‘track’ that she was on). The experience was great because of Brad and that group. Everyone was supporting me so much it was just a fantastic experience. I can’t say enough about it. I feel like I’m constantly like, word vomiting great things.

What was it like working with George Clooney?

Working with George, you know, going into it, you have all the expectations of like, you know, a person like that. A movie star and what that means and, and for me, you know, if I was George Clooney, I don’t know that I would be able to handle it as well as he has and that was what was so surprising to me is, is being able to be around him and see how he’s just completely himself. Like, he hasn’t been lost in, in the process of becoming George Clooney. He’s still the person that he wants to be and, and, and that’s, um, you know, working with him, it made me realize you can still be who you want to be in this industry. You don’t have to be tainted by uh, the process or the people. It’s just, um, you know, he, he’s so professional and I, I just learned a lot from him. 

The term retro-futuristic has been coined for this film. Did that change how you prepared for your role or, or how did that impact how you prepared for the role?

I didn’t think about that. You know, with a lot of films, there’s like, genres that sort of pigeon hole an idea or a film and, you know, just in my experience of, of working for, you know, a short period of time, but most of my life, I’ve realized that if you start getting caught up in ideas or genres then it can actually affect a film in, in a, in a negative way because you’re, you’re thinking too much about the end goal, like the result and not enough about the story and the moment.

What was your favorite scene to shoot?

I loved all the pin experience scenes. Uh, there’s one in particular where I end up out in a lake….. And um, or, not even a lake. It was like a swamp really, and in Florida, what, but what was so cool about it is, you know, in Florida in swamps there’s like crocodiles or alligators. But I was, I was like on the hunt for an alligator the entire time I was there and it, we were actually out in the water and they had spotted some, um, but then something about just like being in the water and having to also create these little pin experiences, it was just a lot of fun.

Photo Credit: Louise Bishop / Momstart.com

What about the baseball bat scene? How was that? How did it make you feel?

That was so much fun! What was so funny about it is they actually gave me, um, like baseball bat training lessons beforehand. They were like, you know, practice with the bat. Get used to, you know, hitting someone. They gave me like a dummy to practice on and I was like, guys, I don’t need to practice for this. All I gotta do is just attack this man like he’s about to kill me and attack him with as much power as I have and I remember after that scene just like really in it and going for it and the whole time, you know, George’s reaction, or, it’s very real because he’s just, they actually let me hit a stuntman for a lot of it.  So I know, a real stuntman and I was a little hesitant, but at a certain point, you kind of just got to go for it, so George’s reactions of, you know, were like okay, that’s enough were, I think very real trying to protect the guy.

Raffey Cassidy mentioned that you were her role model, how does that make you feel?

WHAT?! That gives me chills!! So I’ll tell you the main thing that I learned from Raffey. I remember early on, in the process working with Brad because he’s so involved and he has so much direction and as an actor, you know, you’re used to taking the direction and kind of making it your own and I remember trying to do that a lot of times and he’d be asking very specific things and I would sort of, you know, have a conversation with him about it and then I would watch him give Raffey direction and all she would say is okay. After every single time and I was like, you know, like that’s how you take direction. You just so, you just say okay and you do it and you’re professional and you just say okay, so I really, I like made a pact with myself from that point forward. I was like, I’m going to do what Raffey does and I’m just going to say okay and I’m going to give it my best shot. Whatever he asks me to do, I’m just going to do it, you know, and, and it actually really worked out for me by the end of it because I just completely trusted Brad and I, I knew that he, you know, his vision is the vision that we’re going to, uh, bring to life. And um, and that was, you know, her professionalism and her spirit throughout the entire film not matter how long the say was, no matter what they were asking of her, physically, emotionally, she just did it. She did it to the best of her ability and I think that’s a huge lesson for me.

How about the scene where you had to drink all of that Coke, tell us about that?

I was so excited for that scene because Coca Cola’s like my favorite thing. No. I’m still drinking it which is astonishing to myself, but um, yeah, I, think I went through maybe ten or eleven full Coca Colas because yeah, you’re shooting. I mean, we’re doing so many different angles and we’re doing it a lot of times and I just thought that I’d be able to handle it because I drink a lot of Coca Cola in my life, so um, but then after like ten or eleven, it started to hit and my, my belly was like full from all the liquid, so it was not, it wasn’t going down anymore. It was coming up, um, so we had to like take little breaks and uh, and then they, they sort of um, fixed it so that I would only have to do a few more takes after that, but um, I, it was a lot of Coca Cola.

 Raffey mentioned a scene where she was actually driving the truck and had to stop right in front of you. What was, she mentioned that she got a little too close. What was going through your head when you were filming that scene?

Oh, that’s really funny! Um, you know, I, in a weird way, I trusted her. I mean, I know she’s only twelve, but um, I actually started driving at fifteen because you get your license at fifteen when you’re in South Carolina, so I was driving you know, when I was like thirteen or fourteen, so I trusted her and I knew that she, you know, was capable, but I had no idea that she got a little too close. It’s good to know for future reference. Thank you. Yikes. Yes.

Photo Credit: Louise Bishop / Momstart.com

We heard that George liked to throw the powder in your mouth a lot during that one scene. How did it taste?

Oh yes. Yeah. Well, it was actually Pixie Stick. Um, that’s what the sugar was, so it was, I, I mean, I’m a sugar junkie, so for me, it was a delicious experience and um, and you know, I love it when George is like goofy and silly and having a good time. It’s such a fun, he’s such a fun person to be around in, um, in those moments and it’s most of the time. He’s really, enjoys life and so whenever he’s throwing the powder, it’s like bring it on, you know. You’re funny, you know. Make, make the moment as, as alive as possible. 

We heard some moments today that he did some practical jokes on the set. Did you, do you have any of those stories?

He, well, yeah. What I loved about his practical jokes on our set is it wasn’t like full on prank where there’s like a pig in my trailer one day. Um, because that would not go over well. I don’t think. I don’t know. I mean, I like pigs, but uh, it would be complicated with my wardrobe and whatnot. I, I don’t um, I don’t recall like a lot of the practical jokes, but I do remember there was so many times where he would try and convince Raffey to like you know, be a diva, you know, or like, or like fake smoking a cigarette or something. Just like teaching her really naughty things– I was like, bring it down a notch. Um, yeah, he was, he was always very silly like that.

How was it working with Tim McGraw?

So cool. It was, I mean, I love Tim McGraw like nobody’s business. I’m a huge country fan. In fact, when I first met him, I attacked him. I was like you have no idea how much I love you. I love your music, I love your wife, I think you’re the coolest, um, but he was such a sweet man and he’s like again, he’s like a family man. He’s, um, you know, he has three daughters and just hearing his stories about his daughters was really sweet and I got to pretend I was his daughter for a second, so that was nice.

How was it working with Hugh Laurie?

Oh, Hugh Laurie is just such a gem. I remember being in the makeup trailer with him because I was often there when he was getting his, going through hair and makeup and wardrobe and uh, and he would be there and, and every day it was just like a new fun fact about life, but not even a fun fact. He would give you like stories and um, and theories on life. Like he’s really informed uh, of everything that’s going on, so I, I sort of looked at him like a book of knowledge, you know, and, and he’s also really talented. I would love playing music in the trailer and just like hearing him you know, appreciating it so much. And he played the piano at a bar when we were in Vancouver at one point. Uh, you know, because he plays the piano. He’s very talented, musically, and uh, and I remember asking him like when can I go? Can I go? Can I see you? I want to see you perform and um, and the one day that I could’ve have gone because we were shooting, uh, I ended up having to stay for like stunt training or something, but I, I, I will get to him one day. I’ve got to go to one of his shows. And I would encourage you all to go to one of his shows if you can. He’s incredible.

 After this interview, all I can sat is WOW!! I sure hope you enjoyed reading her interview- we surely had an awesome experience with her.

Stay tuned on the blog for more interviews from our time at the Tomorrowland Event as well as our experiences.

After reading Britt’s Interview, are you excited to see Tomorrowland?? Who will go see this family friendly movie with you? Tomorrowland is in theaters on May 22- in just a few days. I cannot wait to take my husband with me to see it!!

TOMORROWLAND 
DISNEY
Website and Mobile site: www.Disney.com/Tomorrowland
Like us on Facebook: facebook.com/DisneyTomorrowland
Follow us on Twitter: twitter.com/DisneyPictures 

Genre: Mystery Adventure
Rating: PG
U.S. Release date: May 22, 2015
Running time: 130 min. 

Cast: George Clooney, Hugh Laurie, Britt Robertson, Raffey Cassidy, Tim McGraw, Kathryn Hahn, Keegan-Michael Key, Thomas Robinson
Director: Brad Bird
Producers: Damon Lindelof, Brad Bird, Jeffrey Chernov
Executive Producers: John Walker, Bernard Bellew, Jeff Jensen, Brigham Taylor
Story by: Damon Lindelof & Brad Bird & Jeff Jensen
Screenplay by: Damon Lindelof and Brad Bird 

STORY SYNOPSIS: From Disney comes two-time Oscar® winner Brad Bird’s riveting, mystery adventure “Tomorrowland,” starring Academy Award® winner George Clooney. Bound by a shared destiny, former boy-genius Frank (Clooney), jaded by disillusionment, and Casey (Britt Robertson), a bright, optimistic teen bursting with scientific curiosity, embark on a danger-filled mission to unearth the secrets of an enigmatic place somewhere in time and space known only as “Tomorrowland.” What they must do there changes the world—and them—forever. 

Featuring a screenplay by “Lost” writer and co-creator Damon Lindelof and Brad Bird, from a story by Lindelof & Bird & Jeff Jensen, “Tomorrowland” promises to take audiences on a thrill ride of nonstop adventures through new dimensions that have only been dreamed of. 

ONE-LINER: In Disney’s riveting mystery adventure “Tomorrowland,” a jaded scientist and an optimistic teen embark on a danger-filled mission to unearth the secrets of an enigmatic place somewhere in time and space. 

OFFICIAL BOILERPLATE: From Disney comes two-time Oscar® winner Brad Bird’s “Tomorrowland,” a riveting mystery adventure starring Academy Award® winner George Clooney. Bound by a shared destiny, former boy-genius Frank (Clooney), jaded by disillusionment, and Casey (Britt Robertson), a bright, optimistic teen bursting with scientific curiosity, embark on a danger-filled mission to unearth the secrets of an enigmatic place somewhere in time and space known only as “Tomorrowland.” What they must do there changes the world—and them—forever. 

Featuring a screenplay by “Lost” writer and co-creator Damon Lindelof and Brad Bird, from a story by Lindelof & Bird & Jeff Jensen, “Tomorrowland” promises to take audiences on a thrill ride of nonstop adventures through new dimensions that have only been dreamed of.

The film also stars Hugh Laurie as brilliant scientist David Nix, Raffey Cassidy, Tim McGraw, Kathryn Hahn, Keegan-Michael Key and Thomas Robinson. 

“Tomorrowland” is produced by Damon Lindelof, Brad Bird and Jeffrey Chernov and directed by Brad Bird, with John Walker, Bernard Bellew, Jeff Jensen and Brigham Taylor serving as executive producers. “Tomorrowland” opens in U.S. theaters on May 22, 2015.

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