Actually, there were a few other people in the room,

But I like the first shot a little better.

Here are five fun facts I learned about my boy Zac Efron:

1) He plays Truth or Dare:

One brave blogger asked him about his love life. Well she actually asked him about his first love, as a connection to his character’s infatuation with Audrey in the movie, which I think caught him off guard. She asked, “You play this boy exploring his first love. What was your moment, your first love?

“I remember all of them, sort of.  I remember Truth or Dare, kiss-in-the-tree-fort days.

2) He’s romantic.

When asked,  “Have you ever done anything for a girl in order to win her over such as, a big grand gesture?” His response:

“I think if I do anything, I’m musically oriented and stuff like that, so I like to write songs or something like that, something that comes from the heart.  I like to paint and do stuff like that because then it’s personal.”

3) He loves his mom.

Somehow the conversation about romance steered towards his mom. I guess the subject of his mom was a little safer than the ground we were treading on.

“My mom really likes it when we write her. Honestly, I don’t care what you get my mom.  She doesn’t care about the present.  But, the card is huge to her and it’s so nice.  So, we try and put all of our love into it and tell her how much we love her into a card, and that’s the only thing she ends up keeping.  I mean, usually, everything else doesn’t matter.”

4) He wants to do more.

Many of our roundtable discussions with the cast and the film’s creators were about how this film raises awareness for environmental issues. Here is what Mr. Efron had to say about this subject.

“I always have this feeling in the back of my mind that I’m never doing enough, you know?  And it’s true.  It’s like you can never do enough. So, I was really searching for a way to get involved. What is the way I’m gonna jump in and how can I take charge and make a difference?  And that was one of the best parts about this movie is I feel like, finally, I’m representing a cause.  This is gonna plant those seeds out there. People are going to see this movie and maybe it’ll tip one or two people to become more green.”

5) He lets go.

Dr. Seuss’ The Lorax was Zac’s first animated film, so of course we had to ask him what he thought of the process.

“It was fun.  I think the hardest part about it, and it’s just like anything else, is you’ve just got to let go.  You’ve got to be free. And the first two days I did it, you’re self-conscious.  There’s a camera in your face. You know you look like an idiot.  You’re saying ridiculous lines and making big hand gestures. Someone’s going to see this footage.”

Well, he may have felt ridiculous in the studio, but rest assured, he is as darling in animation as he is in real life. For more on the film, check out my full review of Dr. Seuss’ The Lorax (P.S. There’s an awesome giveaway attached to the review, so don’t miss it!).

Love you, Zac! Can’t wait til our next rendezvous.

The post Five Fun Facts About Zac Efron and The Lorax appeared first on San Diego Mama.

I woke up yesterday morning feeling a little more present, with my kids, with my husband, with myself. The reason? A remarkable new film called 50/50 that I had the pleasure of viewing on Wednesday night at the San Diego Film Festival. This semi-biographical dramady about a twenty-seven year old broadcast journalist (Joseph Gordon-Levitt) who is diagnosed with a rare, unpronounceable form of cancer, captured my heart in the first five minutes and still hasn’t let it go.

50/50 was born out of comedy writer, Will Reiser’s personal run in with cancer six years ago. Reiser, most known for his work on Da Ali G Show, has not only created a hilarious, powerful work of art with this film, but he has also put the proverbial elephant in the room, cancer, on a spot-lit pedestal, forcing the world to pay attention.

Unlike many Hollywood films, 50/50 has no big wow-factor stunts or computer generated mystical creatures. It is about the basics: a great director, talented actors and a brilliant script. Its charm and its achievement is in its humanity. The characters on the screen are not characters; they are as real as any friend or family member you have ever known who has been diagnosed with cancer.

Joseph Gordon-Levitt plays the lead character, Adam, which was “loosely based,” on Reiser’s own life and kismet certainly had a factor in how he landed the role. Originally, James McAvoy was slated to play Adam, but he had to drop out of the film only a few days before filming. JGL was contacted by Seth Rogen, at literally the last minute, and he graciously accepted. The rest is history, which I predict will include a shiny gold Academy Award come next March. Once you see the film you will agree that he was made for this role and that he will be walking the red carpet a lot come award season (you will also want to pinch his cheeks and give him a hug).

The distinctive comedy and guttural laugh of Seth Rogen had the audience cracking up in mere minutes, and kept us going right through to the credits. His character of Kyle, Adam’s best friend, is “that guy” who uses profane, obnoxious humor in every situation, even when it’s not appropriate, and uses his best friend’s spinal tumor to get laid. The friendship between Rogen and JGL is believable and endearing.

One of the key factors to the film’s genius is the perfectly timed tango between comedy and emotion. One minute I was grabbing my stomach from literal side-splitting laughter, and the next I was holding in the ugly cry, primarily instigated by Angelica Huston.

Huston, in her role as Adam’s over-bearing, loving mom, embodied motherhood to a tee. Her infrequent yet emotionally charged scenes felt like a master class in acting and a master insight into parenting. Her subtle nuances, from a calculated glance to a perfectly timed inhale, had every mother in the audience reaching for her Kleenex. She delivered my favorite line of the film to her son’s therapist, played by Anna Kendrick: “I smother him because I love him.”

The superb supporting cast includes Bryce Dallas Howard, the ridiculously stunning daughter of Ron Howard, Matt Frewer and Phillip Baker Hall. I learned in my interview with Reiser, which will be posted on The Mama Mary Show later today, that the scene between JGL, Rogen Hall and Frewer is 100% improvised. Knowing this tidbit will make the scene even funnier than it already is.

For me, the film hit close to home on many levels. Almost exactly one year ago, I received the call, from my best friend, the “I have cancer” call. Prior to that I had witnessed my dad and a sister both succumb to cancer, so cancer is not a foreign word to me. However, I have realized over the past ten years that it causes some people to panic, run and/or totally clam up. It’s a taboo subject that shouldn’t be, which is why I am so grateful to Reiser and Rogen for making this film, and using humor to give it life. Pun intended.

This film is about cancer, yes, but it is also about humanity, friendship, relationships, courage, fear, and unconditional love. You will laugh and you will cry, guaranteed. If you don’t, check yourself for something called a heart.

I give this film 4 ¾ fist pumps (because nothing is perfect, except Bridesmaids).

50/50 opens in theaters nationwide today, Friday, September 30th.  Check out the video interview on my site.

The post 50/50: A Sappy Mom’s Review appeared first on San Diego Mama.

I’m a sucker for movies that make me go “awww” (which are kind of like “things that make me go hmmm,” only better), and Mr. Popper’s Penguins was an “aw”-fest from beginning to end. Based loosely on the classic children’s book of the same name, it has all the ingredients for a perfect family film: comedy through the goofy, yet heart-felt Jim Carrey, positive messaging about family ties, and ridiculously cute penguins that will steal your heart from the very first waddle.

Aw little about the film:

Tom Popper, a New York City executive, played with pitch-perfection by Jim Carrey, has put his career before his family for years. His kids feel second best and his ex-wife has moved on to a more touchy-feely type relationship with a guy who says things like, “Greetings,” and probably eats granola while wearing Tevas.

When Popper is greeted at his front door by a crate containing real live penguins, sent to him by his recently-deceased father, his fast-paced, high-profile lifestyle takes a quick flip. The new life is still icy cold, but now for entirely different reasons. He literally has to turn his apartment into an icy tundra, so that the feathery creatures can thrive. Yet, despite the freezing temperatures, warmth and love abound among his feathered friends, which ultimately transcend into his relationships with his kids and his ex-wife.

Carrey was a perfect choice for this role (and apparently chosen over six other leading actors who vied for the role). He has an uncanny way of making unlikable characters liked and otherwise unbelievable scenes believable with his trifecta of talents: wit, heart and charm. The role of Tom Popper is no different. He plays this role with a deft balance of slapstick and sincerity. He lets the audience ride shotgun on his journey, and though the “character arc” is a bit obvious, Carrey and the supporting actors make it buyable and relatable.

The talented supporting cast, including Clark Gregg, Ophelia Lovibond and the legendary Angela Lansbury, were all spot on as well. They did not miss a beat in creating this modern-day arctic fairytale, where penguins can waddle their way through Manhattan and play hockey in a high-end, Upper East Side apartment.

Aw Scene Stealers:

And can we talk about the penguins for a minute? Holy cuteness, Batman! I had no idea penguins were so dang adorable. I knew I loved going to the Penguin Encounter at SeaWorld every year, but I had no idea I was going to fall madly in love with them as they waddled, squawked, and flapped their way across the screen. Approximately 30% of the film utilizes computer generated penguins, but as an audience member I could barely tell the difference, except of course when penguins began cascading down the spiraling ramp of the Guggenheim Museum or busting a move to the Vanilla Ice classic, Ice Ice Baby.

It would take a heartless villain to not fall deeply in love with these penguins. As Carla Gugino, who plays Popper’s ex-wife Amanda, states, “You cannot stand next to them and not smile. They’re just such little forces of joy.” And that joy breaks through the Technicolor and grabs you where your heart is in this film.

Biggest Aw of the Movie:

Though the penguins provided many an aw-aw moment (my version of Oprah’s ah-ha moment), my favorite aw moment of the film was between Jim Carrey and Madeline Carroll, who plays his teenage, angst-ridden daughter, Janie. Towards the end of the film, Carrey takes her shopping for her prom dress. In one priceless moment, Jim’s character has a realization that his little girl, the one “he made,” is growing up. He beams with pride and a certain fatherly love that I knew all too well with my own dad before he passed away. It was reminiscent of the fashion shows I performed for my dad after a girls trip to the mall. Looking back I’m sure he was bored to tears with my faux catwalking, but he never let on. He looked at me with the exact look Jim Carrey captured in that scene. Aw-inducing indeed.

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This darling comedy has heart and soul for days. You’ll LOL and aw your way through it. You might even leave there looking at your own life a little differently. And Santa better start stocking up on penguins because kids all across America are going to be crazy in love with penguins after this.

This Sappy Mom gives it 4 out of 5 fist pumps.

Now, CLICK HERE to see my vlog on how I made and ass of myself in front of Jim Carrey, and CLICK HERE to read all the behind-the-scenes dirt on Jim Carrey. More from my interview with the legendary Angela Lansbury and the film’s director & producer early next week.

Oh, and before I waddle on outta here…we have a giveaway! We are giving away a $50 movie theater gift card and a copy of the movie-tie-in edition of the book. Simply leave a comment down below on your favorite Jim Carrey character or quote.

WINNER!

The winner of the gift card and book giveaway is Angela Q.  Congratulations, Angela!

The post Mr. Popper’s Penguins—A Sappy Mom’s Review appeared first on San Diego Mama.

Truth be told, I was not a huge fan of the over-the-top, face-pulling comedian Jim Carrey of the Ace Ventura days (I know, I’m weird). But then emerged the genuine actor Jim Carrey in The Truman Show and I changed my tune. In that film, I saw a real actor with a lot of heart who had been masked by the mugging and the pratt-falling, and I was whipped. Then, after several years and a few good but not great movies, came one of my favorite films, Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind. His haunting performance of Joel Barish and his palpable chemistry with Kate Winslet won my heart forever.

Last week I had the opportunity to meet Jim Carrey in person at the press junket for the soon-to-be-released film Mr. Popper’s Penguins. He was even more impressive and charismatic in real life than he is on the big screen. He is dynamic, engaging and full of good energy. Though I stuck my foot in my mouth a few times (CLICK HERE TO SEE VIDEO) he made me, and all my fellow bloggers, feel comfortable and at ease.

Despite my blunders, I was actually able to squeak out a few articulate questions. I asked him if he had any advice for parents whose kids want to get into the entertainment business. His response: “Make sure that it’s about them (the kids) and not you, not how you’re seen in the world, not, ‘You’re going to make me look great if you do the right thing.’” He talked about some parents of child actors that he had encountered over the years who made it all about making money for the family, putting undue pressure on the kids, and ensuring a challenging road ahead.

Throughout the entire interview he spoke of putting children first and of loving them above all else, probably because a big message of the movie is the relationship of the lead character, Tom Popper, with his own dad and his two young children. Carrey reflected on a book that Steve Martin had once given called Drama of the Gifted Child which talks about people who suffered neglected or abuse-filled childhoods. “I think it’s really an important thing for parents to realize that they’re there to love their kids, their kids aren’t there to love them. They will, if you love them.  But, it’s not their obligation.  It’s up to us to love them and let them go and do their thing and not go, “You’re not making me feel good.”

This quote really stuck with me, as I have two young daughters at home and can admit that there are times when I find myself acting like the kid in the relationship. I appreciate the occasional reminder that I am the adult and that “it’s not about me.”

Aside from these heavier topics, the interview, on the whole, was light-hearted and full of fun. He did some of his famous faces and impressions, talked about his love for Dick Van Dyke and his adoration for his young grandson, Jackson.

Some fun facts I learned about Jim Carrey:

• He loves hockey (he’s Canadian, don’tcha know). When he plays, he says he feels like, “…a free soul. I’m completely like a bird.”

• He carried fish in every inch of his wardrobe during the shooting of this film in order to pacify the pesky penguins during takes.

• His character in The Truman Show is based on his dad, Percy Joseph Carrey, who used to open up for Rodney Dangerfield in Las Vegas. His face totally lit up when he spoke about his dad who died in 1994 from cancer.

• He credits his sixth grade teacher Lucy Dervadis for giving him a platform to perform stand-up at an early age. In order to get him to behave in class, instead of punishing him, she would bribe him with giving him fifteen minutes at the end of class to do whatever he wanted in front of the classroom if he would behave during class. She could see that he needed an outlet for his energy and creativity.

• His favorite iPhone app is a gun app. He said “Well this is totally inappropriate. You know, like if somebody says something stupid, you can just hold up an automatic weapon and go like that and shoot them. “

• He loves to tweet (follow him @JimCarrey).

• He’s always loved penguins, even before doing this movie.

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After his performance in Mr. Popper’s Penguins, and particularly after meeting him in person, Jim Carrey has moved to the top of my list of favorite celebrities. He is a super star for a reason. CLICK HERE FOR MY FULL MOVIE REVIEW AND FOR A CHANCE TO WIN A $50.00 MOVIE THEATER GIFT CARD AND A COPY OF THE BOOK.

Mr. Popper’s Penguins opens in theaters next week, June 17th, 2011.

The post Me, Myself, and Jim Carrey appeared first on San Diego Mama.

Thankfully, in between my blunders, I was actually able to get in a few articulate questions. CLICK HERE to read more about my interview with Jim Carrey and CLICK HERE to read my “Sappy Mom” review of the film.

******

Mr. Popper’s Penguins opens in theaters on June 17th, 2011.

The post How I EmbarrASSed Myself When I Met Jim Carrey appeared first on San Diego Mama.

Only a few days have passed since British singer-songwriter Adele released her second album, 21, and it is already soaring to the top of the UK and USA charts, including landing the #1 selling album slot on iTunes. Billboard magazine describes 21 best as, “delicate folk-soul…with headstrong forays into fiery disco-gospel, stomping blues and ’70s-styled R&B.” At times maudlin, at others majestic, the searing tracks will get you right in your core. You know that place inside where love and hate, hope and regret, sadness and sentimentality all live. The place where tears are born and shed into things of beauty, like 21.

At twenty-two years old, this stunning vocalist is just one year older than I was when I had a similar heartbreak to the one she sings about on 21. That was the mid 90′s so my soundtrack of sorrow was Alanis Morissette’s Jagged Little Pill. With this new CD, Adele has taken Morissette’s ballsy, scorned Pill and given it a 21^st century, bluesy, British makeover. She takes us on a journey through the desolate land of heartbreak, as she rolls in the deep, sets fire to rain and ultimately finds a boy.

Some of the stops along the way include: Rumour Has It, a rockin’ breakup anthem that will have you grooving in your chair like Napolean Dynamite followed by Turning Tables that will make you want stand outside someone’s window with a boom box on your shoulders. Next stop: Don’t You Remember, a melodic torch song where her pain is palpable and crushing; be sure to grab your Kleenex and box of old keepsakes.

Towards the latter half of the CD, Adele pays a quick visit to the 80′s, with her haunting rendition of The Cure’s Lovesong. And then, just as you’re feeling warm and fuzzy, she hits hard with a swelling piano and raw emotion and in Someone Like You. This song will bring you to your knees, I guarantee it. “Don’t forget me, I beg, I remember you said, ‘Sometimes it lasts in love, But sometimes it hurts instead’.”

According to Billboard, Adele has managed to become the first living artist since the Beatles in 1964 to have two titles simultaneously in the top five of both the U.K. singles and album charts. And I’m calling it right here and right now, she will be legendary. So don’t miss out on history in the making and go get yourself this CD. Whether you’re nursing your own heart back from break or you’re simply a fan of all things Lilith Fair-ish, this CD will feed your soul with timeless messages, brilliant vocals and luscious melodies.

For a taste of the lusciousness, check out this clip of Adele singing Someone Like You on the British show Later Live with Jools Holland. When you watch her sing you can see that she feels every note through to the tips of her toes. Her passion is rich and infectious; you can’t help but catch it.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s_Zs7XS3XUo

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Disclaimer: I did not receive anything in return for this blog post. I purchased it all on my own through iTunes and literally haven’t stopped listening to it since I bought it. It’s that good.

The post Adele’s 21: A Passionate Musical Journey Through Heartache appeared first on San Diego Mama.

ZAC EFRON (CHARLIE ST. CLOUD):

Any nervous energy I felt about meeting Zac Efron quickly dissipated when he walked into the room smiling, laughing and giving props to the mommy bloggers. His down-to-earth demeanor helped put us all at ease, and swoon, just a little.

ON THIS ROLE: When asked about the on-screen relationship between Charlie and his brother Sam, Zac opened up on his own IRL brother and father. He is very close with his younger brother, so was able to pull from that, and go to the emotional places he had to go in this movie.

Zac sees his character of Charlie to be a sort of father figure to Sam since their dad has passed away. “He teaches (Sam) the rules on how he lives his life.  If you put your heart and soul into something and you really commit and give it 100% then you can be the best at anything you want to do. And you can make it in this world.”  He went on to say that his own dad instilled those same principles in him and made him believe that he could do whatever he wanted to do with his life. That support and encouragement was a powerful force for him when he was growing up.

ON KIM BASSINGER: Zac gave a sheepish grin when asked what it was like to have Kim Bassinger play the cameo role of his mother and said that it was a little weird because, “she’s too pretty.” (And then all the mommy bloggers said, “Say what? Mom’s can’t be pretty? You better back up, son.” Okay, I made that up. Actually we all giggled loudly and gratuitously). But in all seriousness, he said she was wonderful to work with, very warm and open. After takes, instead of heading to the craft service table or his trailer, the two of them would stay on set talking together.

ON RAY LIOTTA: According to Zac, and not surprising to those of us who have seen Good Fellas, Ray knows, “everything to say that’s cool. He has a swagger that he doesn’t even know he possesses.” With Ray every take was different, so Zac was never sure what was going to happen next.

FAVORITE SCENE OF THE MOVIE: A scene early in the film when he and his brother Sam are playing catch in the street. It reminded him of playing catch with his dad.

WHO HE WANTS TO WORK WITH: Since he’s a big fan of last summer’s hit The Hangover, director Todd Phillips is on the top of his list. I can totally see Zac alongside Bradley Cooper for some Vegas-Bound High Jinks, particularly after his recent shenanigans in New York City.

WHAT’S NEXT: Zac is currently working on developing a few scripts with his new production company, Ninjas Running Wild. Rather than waiting for a script to come to him, he wants to proactively search for good material. He says it’s a more fulfilling method of working on a film. When asked about the name of the company he said he wanted something memorable but wouldn’t disclose how they came up with it.  Hmmm…very sneaky!

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CHARLIE TAHAN (SAM ST. CLOUD):

I had the privilege of sitting with this unaffected young star for fifteen minutes before the main roundtable began so I was able to get to know a lot about him. As you can tell by the brevity of his answers, he’s a typical 7^th grader with a ton of other things he would rather have been doing than hanging with an old mommy blogger like me. But nevertheless, he was adorable and delightful.

HIS FIRST ROLE: A Werther’s Caramel commercial when he was five.

WHAT WE HAVE IN COMMON: We both love Toy Story 3.

FAVORITE PART OF WORKING ON A MOVIE SET: The people and the free food.

FAVORITE CRAFT SERVICE TREAT: Crunchie Bars—sponge toffee candy bar

FAVORITE SUBJECT IN SCHOOL: Language Arts.

HOPES TO WORK WITH: Jack Nicholson & Will Ferell.

BEST ADVICE: “Just be yourself.”

FAVORITE SCENE OF MOVIE: Trash can lid surfing in the rain.

WHAT’S NEXT: He hopes to do a comedy…maybe with Will Ferell?

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AMANDA CREW (TESS CARROLL):

Amanda is a stunning, sarcastic, self-proclaimed klutz who has managed to (so far) keep her priorities straight amidst the shimmering lights of Hollywood and her attitude towards the industry grounded.  She found out on her birthday last year that she was in the running for the part of Tess and needed to do a “chemistry test with Zac.” Um, hello. That’s quite a birthday present.

ON HER CHARACTER: Amanda loved that Tess, a strong, ambitious young woman, with many layers, is a good role model for girls. Tess knows what she wants and goes for it. She credits this role as helping her grow into a more independent, brave woman herself. And for giving her countless bruises since she had never done much sailing prior to this film and had to learn on set. In fact, many of her real-life bruises are visible in a few of the scenes.

ON LOVE: When asked about the decisions her character makes regarding love, Amanda replied, “You can plan your whole life to do something but, as everyone experiences, different stuff comes in and shifts you off course and you have to re-evaluate things sometimes. When you feel that connection with someone it’s crazy. Love is scary. [Tess] didn’t run away from it.”

ON CHILD ACTING: Amanda’s mom waited until she was fifteen or sixteen to find her an agent, so she could have a little maturity under her belt, for which Amanda is very grateful.  Her advice to other kids: “Make sure this is what you want to do and if it’s your passion, don’t let anything stand in your way. Take classes and do what you want to do.”

WHAT’S NEXT: Amanda’s next film is an Independent dark film called Repeaters in which she plays a drug addict.

Trust me peeps, keep an eye on this gal!

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BEN SHERWOOD (AUTHOR/PRODUCER):

Though I adored my encounter with the three stars of this movie, particularly my chest/back rub action with Zac, the most fascinating, and actually my favorite interview was with Ben Sherwood, the author of The Death and Life of Charlie St. Cloud, from which the movie was adapted. As gracious and unassuming as you can imagine, he walked into the room, promptly shook all of our hands and proceeded to open up his heart to us about his book and the subsequent movie. It was a candid interview in which he shared precious stories about the recent birth of his second son, ironically named Charlie (not after Charlie St. Cloud, but after Charles Gibson who Ben used to work with at Good Morning America), and about losing his father at the age of seventeen.

BEST ONE LINER: When asked what he thought of Zac Efron in the title role, he replied. “I love Zac. I HEART Zac.”

He went on to say that Zac is a “young man who is filled with so much promise and potential–the definition of who Charlie is.” And after watching the film, I have to agree with Ben. Rockin’ the hard abs and good looks are one thing, but to possess that intangible star quality, that X Factor that Simon Cowell will soon be telling us all about, is quite another.

BEST INSIGHT INTO THE MOVIE: We asked Ben about the significance of Charlie and Sam playing baseball in the woods. He poignantly told us about his fond memories of playing catch with his dad. That memory of them tossing a baseball together is the thing he holds on to ever since his dad’s sudden death when he was seventeen. He remembers even the smallest detail of how his dad held the glove a certain way because it wasn’t fully broken in. Now, Ben’s older son loves everything about baseball and bought his new brother a tiny Dodger ball and bat.

WHAT’S NEXT: Ben’s first novel, The Man Who Ate the 747, is currently being turned into a Broadway Musical. You know I’ll be seeing that.

Jazz Hands.

And.

Scene.

P.S. Thanks to NBC Universal for including TodaysMama in on this press junket and thanks to Rachael for sending me on her behalf! Nope, still haven’t showered.

The post Hangin’ With the Cast of Charlie St. Cloud appeared first on San Diego Mama.

Prior to two weeks ago I had only heard of Zac Efron via Perez Hilton and Entertainment Weekly, but had never much paid attention since all I knew him as was a teenie bopper icon whom my daughters had been too young for, and I too old. But for the sake of good journalism, I started paying attention. Serious attention. And I have a strong feeling that women of all ages are going to be paying attention to this young superstar as soon as this movie hits the theaters.

So after having a leisurely drive to LA, with no kiddos screaming and no Yo Gabba Gabba music blaring, I checked into the swanky Ritz Carlton in Marina Del Rey, ogled the view from my room

and then promptly headed to the lobby to size up meet up with my competition fellow mom bloggers. Immediately the chatter began and bonds were formed.

At 3:00pm we were transferred to a private screening theater, located right along the Santa Monica pier…

…and anxiously awaited the movie to begin. I had seen the previews and knew I would most likely need tissue, so I snuck into the key-coded restroom and shoved some toilet paper in my purse—classy stuff. Then I heard my stomach growling and considered busting out the bag of Annie’s organic Cheddar Bunnies hiding in the bottom of my purse, but decided against it, as that would have just pushed the classy envelope too far. So snackless I sat, a little worried that my grumbling tummy would not withstand a two-hour movie. But, as soon as the lights went down, not one thought of hunger crossed my mind until the lights came back up, thanks in part to the amount of eye candy on the screen (more on that in my full review, out later this week).

Back at the hotel, Seana our contact from NBC Universal, had organized a lovely poolside cocktail party for all of us, complete with a veggie crudite platter and a specialty martini. Nothing like Ranch dip and a lemon-infused martini to get the party goin’.

We gabbed about Zac, the movie, and other famous people we have met in our lives. I dared not tell them about my Depeche Mode debacle for fear of them not letting me into the press room the next day.  Seana briefed us on what to expect during the round table and she gave me permission to ask Zac about his love for the Flight of the Conchords, if time allowed. Oh, it was on.

Saturday morning I awoke and ate only half of my $40.00 room service breakfast, as the jitters had already begun infiltrating my innards. I worked on my questions for the stars, director and writer of the movie, and said a few prayers to the gods of eloquence that I would not stutter, spit or trip over my words, as I have been known to do, particularly in the presence of hawtness.

Before the main round table began, I was called into a private hotel suite to interview the little cutie patootie, Charlie Tahan, who plays Zac’s brother in the movie. My one on one with the adorable 10 year old was priceless. Both of us were novices at the press junket thing, so it allowed me to work out my jitters and gave him a feel for what it would be like to be hammered with questions.

Once in the main round table room, aka the Big Love Cougar Den, the pressure was on. All eight of us “mommy bloggers” gripped our pages of questions, reviewed the production notes, and snuck in one last tweet before the stars arrived.

When Zac and Charlie entered the Den, the swooning, lash-batting and nervous laughter were in full swing. Oh, and the cougar claws were out, though slightly tempered by the fact that we didn’t want to scare off the innocent Charlie who accompanied him. I’ll be posting a full recap of the interviews later this week, but to answer the hot, burning question undoubtedly on your mind, yes, he’s really that good looking in real life. And even more impressive than his dreamy looks, was his charming, down-to-earth personality (okay not MORE impressive, but nonetheless impressive). He gave great eye contact when speaking and was very forthcoming with his answers. And the rapport he had with Charlie was just adorable. It was clear why their on-screen relationship was so believable.

I was able to squeeze in 2-3 questions directly to Zac, none of which had anything to do with Flight of the Conchords or GLEE (I really want to know if he’s a GLEEk. He’s got to be, right?). I’m sure my face turned red as soon as my first question left my lips, and I’m positive that I was guilty of at least four or five overly-zealous outbursts of laughter, complete with head toss and hair flip. My inner tween was taking over, which is truly the epitome of cougardom.

However, my official initiation into the Cougar Club came at the end of the interview when we all gathered together for a group photo. I swiftly headed directly towards the back of the pack, since my height always lands me there anyway, and lo and behold, I found myself directly behind Zac. As the photographer raised her camera, nervous laughter abounded and I, in an attempt to get my face in the shot (and next to Zac’s), moved in a little closer. So close, in fact, that the left side of my chest was touching his back. Yep, I said it. I got chest to back action with Zac Efron. Notice my flush cheeks in the picture.

I’m never washing my left side ever again.

Stay tuned later this week for my full review of the movie and my full recap of the awesome interviews given by Zac, Charlie, the director Burr Steers, and the writer/producer Ben Sherwood.

The post My Big Love Cougar Town Date With Zac Efron appeared first on San Diego Mama.

BASIC STEPS TO BREAK YOUR CHILD INTO THE BUSINESS:

1)    Find An Agent

Most casting directors use casting agents to hire actors, particularly child actors.  There are several reputable agencies in San Diego that are listed below. All agencies have varying procedures for submission which will be spelled out on their websites.

2)    Get a Work Permit

All minors need a talent work permit before working on a film/TV set or a modeling shoot that you can obtain from your local labor board (in San Diego it is located at 7575 Metropolitan Dr., Rm. 210). There is a form you can download on line and must be signed by parent/legal guardian, the employer and the child’s school.  The form takes a few days to process and must be updated every 6 months. It is the parent’s responsibility to keep the work permit updated.

3)    Set-up A Coogan Account

Coogan’s Law states that children must have 15% of their earnings put into a protected trust fund via direct deposit, which no one can touch until the child is 18.  The law was named after Jackie Coogan, a child star who had been discovered by Charlie Chaplin and became infamous for the brutal legal battles he entered into with his parents over his earnings. The Coogan Account does not need to be set up until an actual gig is booked.

THINGS TO KNOW:

1)    Children under 7 do not necessarily need a head shot. An amateur snapshot by mom or dad will suffice.
2)    The going rate for head shots is approx $200 – $300. No need to spend thousands of dollars (see below for a SPECIAL OFFER and leave a comment to win a FREE photography session!).
3)    When taking head shots, outdoor settings are preferable, no busy patterns or logos, no dress-up clothes and no make-up or hair done up.
4)    Agents are typically looking for twins and triplets, particularly for babies and toddlers, since the labor laws limit the amount of hours children can be on a set at one time.
5)    Actors Alliance of San Diego is a great local resource for beginning acting classes and seminars, as are the local colleges.

WORDS OF CAUTION AND RED FLAGS:

•    A legitimate agent will not ask you for money up front. NOT EVER. Agents make their money on a percentage of money brought in once a gig is booked.  So asking for money up front is a major red flag.
•    Before booking with an agency, make sure they are SAG franchised.
•    If it seems like a scam, it probably is. Listen to your parental instincts.

Stay tuned for more information on local children’s acting programs later this week.

LOCAL SAN DIEGO SAG FRANCHISED AGENCIES:
Artist Management
Shamon Freitas
Elegance  (specialize in children)
Jet Set
Nouveau

GIVE-AWAY & SPECIAL DISCOUNT:
Thanks to our friends at BuyWithMe.com we have a FREE photography session, valued at $300.00, to give-away to one lucky reader. The photographer is Adam Baruh, who recently moved to San Diego all the way from The Big Apple. Check out his work, it’s amazing! To enter the contest, just leave a comment. The winner will be selected next Monday, June 21st. Must be a SoCal resident, and/or able to come to San Diego for the photo shoot.

Also, BuyWithMe.com is holding a deal this week for an hour long session with Adam for only $79.00. CLICK HERE to get in on this hot deal, only a few days left.

The post You Oughta Be In Pictures appeared first on San Diego Mama.