Interview with Genevieve Farrell

Genevieve Farrell started acting at the age of 7. She has appeared in such shows as the Emmy Award winning “Zoboomafoo” as well as “American Girl on the Home Front”. Genevieve left acting in her teens and recently graduated from USC film school. Genevieve took time out her busy schedule recently to speak with Movie Mikes about her previous work and some of her upcoming projects.

Adam Lawton: What made you decide to get into acting at such a young age?
Genevieve Farrell: I was really shy when I was younger so I started to take acting and dance classes in an effort to meet people and get over some of my shyness. I really excelled at them and from there I got myself an agent and then went on my first audition which was for a McDonald’s commercial. I acted quite a bit before deciding to take a break to attend high school.

AL: How did you become involved with “Zoboomafoo”?
GF: That show was filmed in Montreal as well as New York. The casting director for the show had cast me in a few other previous projects and brought me in for an audition. I remember going in for one of the auditions and I had to talk about a plant. This was very different from many of the other auditions I had gone to. I had always been interested in animals and things that were talked about on the show so I think that really helped.

AL: You were also in “An American Girl on the Home Front” which was produced by Julia Roberts. What was it like working on that film?
GF: That was an amazing experience! I was just so excited to be apart a film that was targeted for young girls and also to be a part of something that has such a huge following. I also really enjoyed the fact that the film is based on the book and that they encourage reading. It’s great that you can watch the American Girl movies and learn about different things as the movie progresses.

AL: Besides acting you also produce films and model. Do you prefer one more than the other?
GF: I really enjoy making films. I graduated from USC film school last year and during the four years that I was at school I got to write, direct and produce projects which was really great. Getting to have my hands in all the different areas of the film making process made me understand the importance of each aspect. I really am most excited about making films and being able to contribute in any way I can. I do love writing and acting as well but it’s really great getting to bring your own projects to life as a producer.

AL: Can you tell us about your project “The Perfect Gentleman”?
GF: “The Perfect Gentleman” is a short film I did set in the 1950’s. It kind of deals with issues of the period and is based around my characters engagement party. It was a very interesting role for me to play. The film was shot on 35mm which gives the film a real vintage look.

AL: Can you tell us about any of your upcoming projects?
GF: I am currently in pre-production on a short titled “Angela’s Light” which is about a high school student who makes a rash decision to cheat on a math test. The film is really about when you are in high school and you’re very sheltered. At that age everything is a big deal. If you don’t do well on a test its going to ruin your life and you won’t get into a good college and such. So the film points out the pressures during these times. We look to start shooting in mid May. I play Angela in the film and it is being directed by Mu Sun who is an up and coming director that I went to film school with.

AL: Are you producing the film as well?
GF: Yes besides acting in the film I also am producing. I felt since it is my project and I am very passionate about it that it would have been a shame not to produce the film. I have a ton of excitement for the project and I really want to inspire people to work on the film.