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PLUS Youth Impact Report ’09 Fia r d y , D ecember 4 , 2 0 0 9 V a r iety . c o m / f e a t u r es n A 1

inside THE ON-SET OF CHILDHOOD wo “Twilight” films have opened since T last year’s Youth Impact Report, demon- strating once again how talent not yet old enough growing up to drink are driving some of the industry’s top properties. From teeny- bopper sensation to YouTube break-

Sam Emerson out social click: Nearly (aka “Fred”), these tyros in character are calling the shots. 2 million online fans were following when Top properties demand decade-or-more commitments from moppets — Peter Debruge, the teen celeb canceled her Associate Editor, Features account last October. By KATHY TRACY

Tweti e s xteen rom “The Chronicles of Narnia” to “Twilight” and “” to “Drake & Josh,” youth entertain- ment seems to depend less on one- T ech-savvy offs than massive multiyear proper- Fties. That in turn can put an enormous burden on the cast, who must commit the better part stars brave of their childhoods to playing characters indel- Power of Youth ibly identified with the franchise brand. In Variety fetes five stars – some cases, they are the brand on whom the WHEN DANIEL met harry: Radcliffe who’ve used their fame virtual space whole enterprise depends. (The Harry Potter and co-stars Rupert Grint and Emma Wat- to aid others – at its an- series was able to replace its Dumbledore after son have been playing kid wizards since 2000. nual philanthropy party. By TARA McNAMARA the death of actor Richard Harris, but could it page A2 survive the loss of its star, ?) ’s executive VP for talent. “In V talkshow appear- On the television front, the two kidvid our adult world, nobody accommodates us for Impact list ances, magazine heavyweights, Nickelodeon and Disney, follow down time. But in a child’s life on a set, we do Meet the 25 under-21 interviews and press T production schedules geared toward minimiz- take that seriously. At our studios on Sunset talents and adult mentors junkets are so 2008 when it ing work stress. Boulevard, where we shoot ‘iCarly’ and ‘Vic- who transformed youth comes to marketing young “We respect the balance between work torious,’ the greenrooms are filled with games entertainment in 2009. performers. Increasingly, life and personal life,” says Paula Kaplan, See GROWING page A24 brand builders find more page A5 power in using digital media to give fans direct (albeit vir- tual) access to their favorite celebrities online. “The traditional model is PR-to-media-to-consumer. Now we have the ability to go straight to the consumer,” Alumni update says Laura Ackermann, se- Last year’s Impact stars nior publicist for L.A. prais- are still making waves. ery Much and House, which Find out how they’ve represents such youth talent been keeping busy. as (“Imagine page A5 That”) and (“Hannah Montana”). According to Walt Disney Up next Records’ media honcho Matt You may not recognize Fitz-Henry, “It’s important to them today, but you will create content and distribu- a year from now. Meet tion networks that allow fans tomorrow’s young stars. to interact with our artists page8 A1 wherever they spend time online,” which entails making Looking ahead webisodes, iPod applications Teen writers guest- and special online widgets. edit a page of stories But it’s the (relatively) un- focused on issues See virtual page A26 affecting them. page8 A2

Inside: Knen edy center honors: Legends come from music, acting and even comedy. 9 Page A2

1204nyA01, A24, A26 1 12/2/2009 6:01:05 PM A 2 n Variety.com/features V p l u s n Y o u t h I m p a c t R e p o r t ’ 0 9 F r i d a y , D e cember 4, 2009

Power of youth: honorees Wht a : Variety’s Power of Youth ‘World’s Greatest Block Party’ When: Saturday – Noon to 4 p.m. Where: Paramount Studios’ Street, 5555 Melrose Ave.,

These five young stars — recipients of Variety’s Power of Youth prize — use their celebrity to help others in need

co rbin bleu Starlight spokesman sees org’s effect on families Who: Best known as ’s best friend Chad in the “High School Musi- cal” movies, has also made a name for himself in the music indus- try. Earlier this year, he released “Speed of Light,” his second studio . Film and television credits Junior league leads by include “Galaxy Quest” (1999), “Free Style” (2008) and “The Beautiful Life” example at Power party (2009). What: Replacing Jamie By TARA McNAMARA Lee Curtis, Bleu is the new national spokesperson for U going to the Variety Power of Youth?” Starlight Children’s Foun- at what a huge difference What’s next: Besides The tweet from 13-year-old actress Bella Thorne sums dation, dedicated to im- the (organization) makes recently launching a fund- up the excited Web chatter among kid stars in anticipa- proving the quality of life for not only these children raising page (firstgiving. tion of “The World’s Greatest Block Party” Saturday on for children with chronic but also their families, com/corbinbleu), Bleu will the Paramount lot. and life-threatening ill- who are also affected. I be participating in Star- RNow in its third year, Variety’s Power of Youth event has become nesses and injuries by pro- consider family one of the light’s annual the Great a hot ticket among teen talent, serving up fun, performances and food viding entertainment, edu- most important aspects of Escape holiday party at to both young stars and children cation and family activities life, because at the end of the CBS lot. “We convert directly affected by the event’s that help them cope with the day your family is who the whole space into a win- beneficiaries: Starlight Children’s the pain, fear and isolation is always going to be there ter wonder­­land with snow, Foundation, which helps seriously ill of prolonged illness. for you. When it comes to Santa Claus, gifts for the children and their families cope with these children, their fam- kids to take home, every- their diseases through entertainment Why: “I started about five ily is all they have because thing! These children get and education; and L.A.’s BEST, years ago when I did a hos- some of them never get to to forget about their wor- which provides after-school activities pital visit and was shocked leave the hospital.” ries for a while.” and education to more than 28,000 economically disadvantaged kids. The afternoon will include perfor- mi randa cosgrove ‘iCarly’ star seeks a cure with math mances by Honor Society, School of Who: ’s break- Rock and the casts through performance on Nickelodeon’s of “Fame” and ABC “Drake and Josh” led to her own show Family’s “Make on the net, “iCarly.” The actress-singer’s It or Break It,” film credits include “The School of Rock,” as attendees have “Keeping Up With the Steins” and an the chance to visit upcoming voice performance in Univer- activity stations set sal’s animated “” alongside up by sponsors Best Steve Carell. Buy @15, Electronic Arts, Sony PlaySta- What: St. Jude Children’s Research tion, Chipotle, Coca- Hospital, located in Memphis, Tenn., Cola and Kyocera. is one of the world’s premier pediatric Last year, teen stars and cancer research centers. Its mission is Miranda Cosgrove competed in a virtual to find cures for children with cancer dance-off. That kind of spontaneous moment and other catastrophic diseases through is what sets Variety’s Power of Youth event research and treatment. Cosgrove is apart (the year before, Miley Cyrus and involved with the organization’s fund- did an impromptu kara- raising program, Math-a-Thon, a free oke together), creating an unforgettable math curriculum supplement for grades day for disadvantaged and seriously ill chil- K-8. dren to interact with the performers they admire on a peer level. Young stars, too, Why: “I got a call about visiting the collect magical moments. “I remember one hospital with the and See event page A26 Angus Jones (“Two and a Half Men”). What’s next: Along with future visits We went and met the kids, who were so to St. Jude, Cosgrove will participate in Gen why: At last year’s event, from top, cool. That really got me into the (orga- another upcoming Math-a-Thon event. In Selena Gomez painted a mural for St. Jude nization). It just seemed like a perfect addition to recently completing its $1 bil- Children’s Hospital, Kyle Massey caught up fit, because I love kids and I love making lion, five-year expansion, St. Jude is ex- with Sprouse twins Dylan and Cole, Mitchel people happy, and at the same time, I panding the hospital’s Intl. Outreach and Musso visited with Variety publisher Brian had a lot of fun doing karaoke and draw- Domestic Affiliate programs as well as

m Gott, and Meaghan Jette Martin wore pink. I ing games and just meeting everyone an alliance with Rady Children’s Hospital

Getty ages and getting to know them.” and the U. of .

1204nyA02-A03 2 12/2/2009 5:57:31 PM F r i d a y , D e cember 4, 2009 V p l u s n Y o u t h I m p a c t R e p o r t ’ 0 9 V ariety.com/ f e a t u r e s n A 3

What: Variety’s Power of Youth ‘World’s Greatest Block Party’ When: Saturday – Noon to 4 p.m. Where: Paramount Studios’ New York Street, 5555 Melrose Ave., Los Angeles

jesse mcCartney Multihyphenate helps City of Hope raise funds for cancer research

WHO: Platinum-selling singer, the nation’s leading research I became a little obsessed.” Be- and actor Jesse and treatment for cancer, dia- sides frequenting the Duarte, McCartney sold more than 1.5 betes and other life-threatening Calif.-based center, McCartney million copies of his first album, diseases. Designated as a recently took to the Nokia The- “Beautiful Soul,” and most Comprehensive Cancer Center, ater stage with Miley Cyrus recently re-released his third City of Hope’s research and and for the second album, “Departure: Recharged.” treatment protocols advance annual Concert for Hope, rais- When he’s not recording and writ- care throughout the nation. ing funds for the center’s cancer ing songs for Toni Braxton and research efforts. Leighton Meester, McCartney WHY: “Bob Cavallo (chairman can be seen or heard (previously of the Buena Vista Music Group WHAT’S NEXT: McCartney and now) on the big and small and) the head of plans to continue fund-raising screens in “All My Children” Records, which has been my re- for City of Hope, which is in (’98-’99), “Law and Order: SVU” cord label for the last six years, the final construction stages of (2008) and as the voice of Theo- introduced me to City of Hope. a new facility, the Arnold and dore in “Alvin & the Chipmunks” Once I had the chance to really Mabel Beckman Center for and its upcoming “Squeakquel.” study the center and all of the Cancer Immunotherapeutics things that they do, especially and Tumor Immunology, open- WHAT: City of Hope, one of with their pediatric programs, ing in early 2010.

annaLynne McCord ‘90210’ vamp has a vision for the Blind Project

WHO: As the popular, influential, rich, bitchy on “90210,” AnnaLynne McCord is the poster girl for Beverly Hills teen snobs. McCord’s television and film credits include “Ugly Betty” (2007), “Nip/Tuck” (2007-09) and “Fired Up” (2009).

WHAT: The Blind Project, a nonprofit -based organization dedicated to raising awareness and improving the quality of life for sex-trafficking victims. The org, focused on Southeast Asia, provides access to rehabilitation services, quality education and innovative economic opportunities.

WHY: “Before ‘90210,’ I went through what I like to call a young-life crisis. It got to a point where I was done with Hol- lywood. I felt , which is when I got back in contact with my old friend and philanthropist Jessica Minhas and told her that I needed to be doing something hands-on. It was perfect tim- ing, because she happened to be helping to launch the Blind Project. I immediately knew it was an organization I wanted to work with, so despite having turned down ‘90210’ several times, I started researching the show and the hype around it and quickly realized what it could be for the Blind Project.”

WHAT’S NEXT: “My sisters and I are planning to go to Phnom Penh and Bucket to volunteer for the break. We are also starting an all-green clothing line, called Sisters 3, and are in the process of writing a book on beauty, skin care and fashion centered on beauty from within.” (Thir- ty-three percent of proceeds from both endeavors will go to the Blind Project.)

Helping motivate and inspire through the Boys & Girls Clubs of America Who: Singer-actress Keke Palm- for BGCA program It’s Cool to there is more out there in life than er’s breakthrough performance in Be Smart (ICTBS), which serves the neighborhood they live in.” “Akee­lah and the Bee” (2006) led underprivileged youth by provid- to her current starring role as a ing access to role models, music What’s Next: A visitor to Boys 15-year-old who runs the youth artists and positive messages & Girls Clubs throughout the division of a major fashion label in that encourage success in educa- country and throughout the year, Nickelodeon’s live-action comedy tion. she also flies winners of various series “True Jackson, VP.” BGCA contests to her premieres. Why: “The executive director Meanwhile, BGCA continues to What: Boys & Girls Clubs of of ICTBS, Curtis Benjamin, ap- work on Impact 2012, a five-year America, which provides young proached (me) three years ago and strategic plan launched in 2007 and people ages 6 to 18 with character- asked me if I wanted to go talk to which includes the establishment development programs. Created some kids about my experiences. I of new clubs in communities where in 1860, the national organization said sure because I love talking to the needs are greatest, aiming to now has more than 4,300 clubs, my peers. It ended up being a lot of reach a total of 5,000 local service serving some 4.5 million young fun. I love trying to motivate and locations by 2012. people. Palmer is a spokesperson inspire them and let them know — Profiles by Addie Morfoot

1204nyA02-A03 3 12/2/2009 5:58:09 PM 1204nyA05-A17 5 S age groups, particularly at 6 and 12 three key players in three different lescents, teenagers and young adults. actors to play the lead roles as ado- them. We lose that as we get older.” instant. Kids have that purity about on other than the line, other than that da, there’s nothing else going says. “There’s no other agen- just direct and simple,” Boyle absolutely unadorned. It’s less baggage. formers actually come with winner tell it, young per- In fact, to hear the Oscar on his 2004 caper “Millions.” ing worked with kids before Simon Beaufoy’s script, hav- young actors called for by more muscular than the pipsqueak described as markedly taller and Jacob, whom author Stephenie Meyer girl”) wouldn’t be able to portray Adventures of Sharkboy and Lava- , who plays wolf boy he’s got competition from 16-year-old , y a d i r F A the the “Valentine’s N “New ring role of Jacob in up to keep the star­ light” actor buffed in Garry in Garry T Lollipop Causes: yet. announce to he’s ready not “exciting projects” anumberof and h e “ pact: I m elmed “ h e “I have to say, searching for the The hard part was finding suitable “When they say a line, it’s eater Network. eater xt: D

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Update h as any teen can tell you, “Twilight” star. These days, was easily the most popular year ago, S driving all sectors of the business as well as the over-21 pros who help guide their creative endeavors c a o Y t e l lipse” rshall’s ade a D 9 0 0 2 , 4 r e b m e c Miley Cyrus: U H $155.5 million worldwide. M wood’s teen queen, saw “ T Variety’s a a . w e y,” o S - u r single “ vie” open No. 1, earning i­ . A . H ” topped charts. tne a Bo n Da nnah l his break in “The teen (who got ried that the slim producers wor- light” sequel, light the “Twi- time to green- the gig. almost didn’t get hards, Lautner known to Twi- lywood tale well Moon.” Jacob in “New love interest) (and stand-in P arty inarty the When it came But in a Hol- M I

n o S r mp ntana: t third annual spotlight on the under-21 talent scene, we single out the dynamic youngsters ill r

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ct Repo Tandan convinced Boyle to do some inauthentic (not to mention difficult), to speak English would have been more than anything, in spirit.” had to feel alike in so many ways, but says of her eight-month search. “They casting director Loveleen Tandan years, was the most challenging part,” trainer said, ‘Put anything in your Lautner said, “At one point, my eating as often as every two hours. weightlifting that did the trick, but 30 pounds of muscle. But it wasn’t to be made, he’d gained an impressive theaters. By the time a decision had regimen before “Twilight” even hit Lautner began an intense training Bella initially ignores. y Since asking Indian slum children Speaking on the set of “New Moon,” Not wanting to surrender the role, hit with his comedic turn Za l c in “17

serious film “ a E e & & e took a year after ‘Slumdog’ co-directors nd T f o ron: ronto to open. O A r g son Welles” r ain,” though S c t ored a L M : bigscreenkids e o v V s u l p in “New member of the Volturi her teen base as a she decided to build for several daring roles, earning cred with adults Dakota e leen t leen

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are genuine and speak plainly. ” things aren’t pompous, where people me,” Boyle says. “I like a set where ing with children, and that also suits mosphere on-set is conducive to work- helmer credit for her contributions. tions to the young cast, earning a co- one of the dominant characters.” worked three days or something to scenes in the first movie and only from a character that had three small Weitz, who points out, “He went made it work than director Chris at the time was only, like, 7.5%.” calories in you.’ Because my body fat gest shake possible, I just need to get mouth. Go to McDonald’s, get the big- A f ter “You have to make sure that the at- And no one was happier the actor I a m t c a p n helped translate his instruc- stepped outside her role and speak the language, Tandan And because Boyle didn’t of their dialogue in Hindi. d O H young the rshalled N “ of cast pact: I slum children, the Jai Jai the slum children, Causes: in girl teenage a about debut, directorial her for script the completed just has m o s e R car and and car urs” for for urs” xt: e a 9 0 ’ t r o p B Dakota Blue R o n her appearance in the i S B M yle will helmyle “127 under the radar. c S the “Golden — Gregory Ellwood pass” star has stayed l BC umdog umdog h e B a S t up a fund for the the for afund t up ar . e O ’ s “ archlight. archlight. . g — Shalini Dore D d D e s lory. lhi. u

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o Getty Images naways,” portraying isten on.” - - b g I lockbuster “New irl s lensing “ W hand puppet. speaks only through a repressed man who plays the son of a says Yelchin, who an artsy porn,” reference, like it’s make sort of erotic always want to insists. “People than it sounds, he far less scandalous Beaver” — a film Gibson in “The starring with Mel is currently co- York, I Love You,” anthology “New issues in the 2009 with prom-date portrayed a teen experience in the world.” nected to our culture and our it’s the most intimately con- art form out there. I think greatest, most relevant says. “Filmmaking is the ing. I’m a movie nerd,” he or the other to filmmak- or read, I apply in one way “Everything I learn about which has become his obsession. enjoy it, that was that.” myself,” he says. “We decided if I didn’t spot. “My parents just wanted me to enjoy commercial, it became his first and last TV resulted in booking a Chuck E. Cheese the right reasons. When his first Chekov) and “Terminator Salvation” (play- (as young Russian Starfleet officer Pavel mer by booking iconic roles in “Star Trek” “Alpha Dog”) to blockbuster star this sum- - S p t “ tor ’s R siac” with a N nator T arred “ blockbusters, mer’s biggest sum­ the of in two pact: I unk band’s m ewart: T r o Anton Anton e Yelchin, who also So Yelchin focused on the bigscreen, T ek” and “ and ek” h berts, berts, then direc­ — Tara McNamara xt: e e enage B B “ S e T e a M lla in h aver.” lvation.” S

e e R moirs of E t A V e­ T m m / m o c . y t e i r a e Franchise freshman ma rmi­ ne­ indie actor (“Charlie Bartlett,” Yelchin went from respected career, 20-year-old Anton ith 30 roles in a decadelong S t ar ar he would only act for with his parents that Yelchin made a pact you can experience.” and imaginary things sides of yourself exist see how many different about this job is you can the beautiful things Yelchin says. “One of the same thing,” ing Kyle Reese). y From the outset, “I’d be bored doing e A misma luna” star has a handful of f in production, including d e lchin “ r E and is still courting s e r u t a H ian l muro de al lado,” o llywood. A M l 12/2/2009 6:48:13 PM onso: e xican pics n “La

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D ominique Charriau/WireImage.com 1204nyA05-A17 6 F working. Though not legally required,and stu-nurse on set when an infant orthere baby mustis be a guardian, social workerof the cameras. The law also dictatesto spendthat a maximum of two hours inbies front (ages 6 months to 2 years) are allowed strict codes and union regulations. the treatment of babies, thanks to more closely regulated on set than stuff. However, few things are tots through some pretty tough year’s R-rated films appear to put baggage carousel in “Bruno,” this trieving “Baby O.J.” at the LAX 6 A in real life. On the set of ’ ence for Breslin, 13, who has only brothers portrayal of fiercely protective sisters in both. Ga., together.” drove four hours from to Valdosta,ticing how to use a gun with Ruben. WeStone. also “I met her at a shooting range, prac- sis Emma Stone. shotgun-wielding partner-in-crime to big “Zombieland,” Breslin plays a shrewd, better,” she says. can focus completely on the person getting died of lung cancer. “I know how a family was personal to Breslin, whose grandfather theme of a family struggling with cancer T H and needs, medical long-term have who dren chil- for provides S New Jersey. New Welfare C way. on revival M rehearsals for “ for rehearsals N bieland.” “Zom- and Keeper” owed owed in “ year this range her off pact: I m l b l Abig u u a e

According to California state law, ba- Such female bonding was a new experi- “We became really close,” she says of In Ruben Fleischer’s postapocalyptic i racle Worker” Worker” racle nshine, which which nshine, bert’s bert’s uses: Just started started Just xt: Alumni n s e r u t a e f / m o c . y t e i r a V Youth re- in “The Hangover” to ing his head on a cab door rom “Baby Carlos” bonk- C M S A common, except for ’s bieland” have almost nothing in Keeper” and undead comedy “Zom- he tearjerker drama “My Sister’s P

Update e B h y n r nter in nter oject oject S r imal S oad- Little sister,Little big roles t and and D pipeline,in the including pics office. box the million at $67 respectable Witch Fickm Andy i . ster’s ster’s i a sney comedy “ comedy sney T h P e i a M r’s “Give o untain” earned a earned untain” was so helpful.” just sit with us, and it were no monitors. He’d scenes right. There to get all of the difficult Nick worked with us calls. “During the shoot, bedroom,” Breslin re- stuff that’s in our set to go shopping for the filming, Sofia and I got their lives. as it takes over both and the agony of cancer The two share a room stricken Sofia Vassilieva. ing sister of a leukemia- the bone-marrow-donat- “Keeper,” Breslin played The film’s central “Before we started a I H n M mp r a : “ Y s a few s afew e a o R u e a A C ce to to ce g a slin ain” ll.” a

ct Repo ed b ed R-R lined up. “ has she to went sequel light” R wicke: C i a de” “ and C t hr herine herine “In ‘Lemony Snicket,’ the babies actu- need to be performed on a shooting day. ways to make games out of tasks that of Unfortunate Events,” tries to find worked on “Lemony Snicket’s A Series help keep a child in the right mindset.dios also often employ a baby wrangler to a is Weitz, but but Weitz, is T Dawn Jeffory-Nelson, a wrangler who t M h until ‘New Moon’ opens.” cousin have been counting down the days not mature,” she says. “In fact, me and my wunderkind. tory, she says she’s no unapproachable youngest Oscar nominee in Academy his- e “ a I f ximum Ha “I am a normal teenager. I am definitely Although Breslin may be the fifth- I T

S w r t ay” ay” i- r d- t : bigscreenkids a b V s u l p L F ies ies r a — Sandie Angulo Chen ench helmer’sench highly acclaimed “ acclaimed earned an an earned u “ Japan’s to lost but movie foreign-language for tion D rent rent e partures.”

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Stealing scenes in ‘Bruno,’ Hangover’ ‘The and ‘Precious’ O Y n T s o tet: h car nomina- car e h t u C l ass” ass” T h e I m playhouse to them.” ever felt uncomfortable, so the cage was a always opened the cage instantly if they inside the cage with their toys, and we were staying,” she says. “We played to be used delivered to where the babies scenes, so I had the cage that was going ally needed to be inside a cage for some t c a p

Vera Anderson/WireImage.com P and fah Lati- Queen with “Just Wright” S P D R r a e e oducing oducing e tton. archlight’s archlight’s br 9 0 ’ t r o p a ings they are supposed to portray.” (dealing with) actors or the feel- and all these concrete things than in technical matters and cameras phobia.’ It’s much easier to engage of having actor-phobia — ‘thespia- my fellow directors, it (would be) on autopilot. If I could diagnose much rather work with to deal with actors at all and would some of my colleagues don’t want child actors is overstated. “I think directors prefer not to work with Weitz, who thinks the claim that technically proficient actors,” says people, I am dealing with quite cast. “Even though they are young for his teen and early-twenties a book many deemed uncinematic. tackling the challenge of adapting director Catherine Hardwicke, took over the “Twilight” saga from Compass.” Most recently, Weitz overseas hit “The Golden confidence to carry the Blue Richards with the vided newcomer Dakota in “About a Boy” and pro- own against Hugh Grant old Nicholas Hoult hold his can Pie,” helped 12-year- inal teen sex farce “Ameri- teen careers with the sem- cade, he launched several stars. Over the past de- of Hollywood’s top young hand in grooming some Chris Weitz has had a T

Ma P a But Weitz refuses to take credit F ula r o x tin tin

C producer-director way, writer- planned it that hough he never h a s e: Fresh blood for ‘Twilight’ franchise s weitz s ch C tection by her “Wizards of Waverly 2009, only to be trumped as the No. 1 cable telecast of P S l h e ace: annel movie “ l e n T a P h r

r e Gomez: ogram” premiered M i twins Chigozie and Chibundu Orukwowu. Bruno’s African baby alternated between Hangover’s” credits), for example, and (whose names were omitted from “The that rules about time on set are followed.”backup babies are often cast to be sure o vie.” P Baby Carlos was played by twins r

incess H e reach college age,” he says. must feel when they see their kids film Weitz also co-produced. year-old actor in “,” a , who cast the now-20- an all-grown-up Hoult to director Not long ago, Weitz introduced watch past collaborators mature. precocious stars, he’s also proud to ing dialogue and motivations with r Management. “Identical twins and Morawec, owner of Major Minors to anyone and be happy,” says Alexthat’s stranger-friendly, who can go task falls to the extras department.located the right kid. Usually, directorthat Lee Daniels’ niece who off her lap in “Precious,” it was syndrome baby Mo’Nique pushes E C speak barely can who a between relationship the on will focus N Kham Kid-friendly helmer took over helmer took “ Kid-friendly the pact: I D m n a e i “It makes me feel what parents And while Weitz enjoys discuss- M sney glish/half- uses: “ xt: P “You’re really looking for a baby With “Little Mongo,” the Down e r F o- xican immigrant and his teen son son histeen and immigrant xican T A w r i T ilight” saga for “New “New for saga ilight” , y a d i d h D F e Gardener.” o i sabled sabled undation (relief for S p — Gregory Ellwood anish-language drama drama anish-language D e A — Karen Idelson 9 0 0 2 , 4 r e b m e c m erican Veterans, Veterans, erican E C Layton and the the and Layton film “ the with in Japan M S next. T t o p ernal ernal a h ntinues to work work to ntinues anish. k e half- i P 12/2/2009 6:49:32 PM H r T M D ofessor ofessor o i betans). i o rikit va” up on.” a :

1204nyA05-A17 8 8 A

W it,” Gubitosi observes. foni, as well as the age I was when I conceived “Seventeen is the age best represented at Gif- reinvention can bring. The irony is that now, testimony to the limitless growth that constant Gubitosi last week in Warsaw, Giffoni stands as such as a European Youth Media confab held by Giffoni Australia, and cross-border activities, at this cinematic camp. latest films but rather to conduct master classes Ryder, who made the trek not to tubthump their , and Wynona celebration of kids and moviemaking based in the the planet’s prime fixture for children’s cinema, a Alumni n in active also is and derprivileged A Giffoni’s launch Causes: in 2014. ready be — should studio production a and film museum achildren’sdigs, fest ing expanded compris- complex, million — a$45 M N in 2010.anni 40th its celebrates fest kid-focused world’s leading kids in kids to movies brings e pact: I s e r u t a e f / m o c . y t e i r a V m u e dio gubitosi dio cl With a wide web of global offshoots, including Gubitosi’s inspiration germinated into Giffoni, u Youth A ra charity, which which charity, ra Giffoni Giffoni xt: ltimedia Valley ltimedia

Update f rica. I t M a in “ song closing the 1series. No. “i Miranda Cosgrove: aly’s un- T a H C C e h e h a atballs.” h C rly” is Nick’s is rly” u ance of of ance l oudy With With oudy S elped elped world of cinema for kids. was then the obscure ghettolike an idea for an event exploring what hen Claudio Gubitosi was 17, he got o uth uth Giffoni guardian S I a such stars as , local families, along with 42 countries as guests of 2,800 jurors ages 3-17 from foni Experience hosted the newly rebranded Gif- 21. No longer just a fest, second on 13 all the way to focused on ages 3-12, the to two weeks — the first edition doubled in length Giffoni, just protagonists.” “There are no spectators at around its defining concept: cultural enterprise centered decades into a year-round has flourished over four and the then-Soviet Union from Northern Europe showcase for kiddie pics what began as a tiny Piana, Italy. small town of Giffoni Valle ng ng mp This year, Giffoni’s 39th Driven by his vision, a

ct Repo — Nick Vivarelli S and his role in “ cles” may have been canceled as a cancer patient in “ Tho tor: but he gave a moving perf i ster’s Keeper.” T m h e a s S a D rah e kker: C F o a nnor me” recast, r “ T t e C M rmina- h y roni- : bigscreenkids

Getty Images V fest (Harris suggests teens start out helming shorts,all ages, selecting roughly a quarter of them for the money and make a feature film with it,” Harris s u l p J Mark Mark c B stealer busy. young scene- is keeping the fourth season, a N features event neutral Causes: a Without to alternative pany F with system sion submis- online festival N -founded talent. 22-and-under ages to dedicated fest N pact: I justice messages. justice social or environmental with films on focusing m e a r F e B ancisco-based com- ancisco-based tty,” now in its t FTY xt: o F o x. FTY it would be a good idea to take my college be one. “Basically, I convinced my parents facing teen filmmakers. After all, he used to esse Harris knows all about the challenges I : “ n D , t I

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T rth sidebar sidebar rth e carbon- V a e Y o s an s an h t u S a Fast fest learner n I m t c a p 400 submissions from kids of his team receive more than Three years in, Harris and to helmers 22 and younger. dedicated exclusively Youth (NFFTY), a sprocket Film Festival for Talented him to co-found the National own projects, motivating advice and help on their began to contact Harris for ers from around the world of his story, young filmmak- ticity release. fore securing a limited mul- hustling it to festivals be- and directed “Living Life,” says. At age 17, he wrote As others caught wind id k id Da a quite live up to its name). its live to up quite “ telepic Nick and Josh” and “ special holiday between ducer full hands her had L R M S a e p uren e ectacular!” (which didn’t (which ectacular!” 9 0 ’ t r o p rry rry v C hr L e istmas, istmas, i vine: s

T D h e pro- r ake ake r o W not hard to fall in love with her.” star. “Kate’s very funny and smart andportrayal charming, of hisand onscreenit’s affair with his Oscar-winning co- ishly adds, “I never want to see the filmshe with saw myhis parents.” critically hailed performance, but he sheep- ‘Krabat,’ and I wasn’t the best student, missedso I hadfour tomonths make ofa school to make my previous movie, writing a check. acheck. writing just than more it’s where cause a find he’s says to waiting Kross Causes: age,” jokes. he my someone with time in love, “this falls who tourist German a young D “ story true in the N lover. much-younger her “ in performance ld O Winslet’s Kate opposite his own pact: I m S T i s e ss ss fferent,” about about fferent,” h a Not that Kross says he has any complaints about the car-winning xt: e me use the best theaters in Seattle.” like we just screen these films in a classroom. We raise the money every year,” he explains. “It’s not els. “It’s kind of like producing a film. You have to Harris hosts a number of industry guests for pan- makers present. In addition to showing their films, more at the story when we’re picking films.” to a kid who made a film for $10. We really look from a really rich USC student who spent $30,000 old,” beams Harris, now 23. “There’s everything which make up the majority of NFFTY’s program). offering. most popular is Life of the can Brenda show “ R S e S A t Attendance topped 4,000, with most of the film- “Our youngest filmmaker to date was 7 years ader” as as ader” arring arring a H BC T me but me but e e Revealing ‘Reader’

enager,” T F h a able to graduate from school. “I had alreadyer,” his mother worried whether he wouldauditioned be for Stephen Daldry’s “The Read-hen then-16-year-old initially e mily’s H A S a m e m cret eri- p t o the camera ” on.’ he just said, ‘Improvise, and I’ll turn graphed and technical. It wasn’t like portive, and it was all very choreo- Stephen and Kate were very sup- scenes,” Kross, now 19, admits. “But really, really nervous to do those to shoot the film’s steamier scenes. ry waited until after Kross turned 18 17th and 18th birthdays on set. Dald- ing his English and spent both his working with a dialect coach improv- however. He spent three months my God, I have to do sex scenes.’ ” of when I read the film’s script: ‘Oh star . nude scenes he’d have to shoot with about something else entirely: the man actor, who was himself worried deal with her,” recalls the young Ger- n:

H As for his mother, Kross knows “I was terrified, of course. I was Kross had ample time to prepare, “That was the first thing I thought e r F r , y a d i — Sandie Angulo Chen ney R O M studios in studios the chair to tapped was per i c o c tober. use use h D C h e R annel top- o H 9 0 0 2 , 4 r e b m e c — Peter Debruge o ss: use use D i s- 12/2/2009 6:50:38 PM 1204nyA05-A17 9 rity that’s encouraged the rest of the cast to dig “Everyone’s Hero” and “The Ant Bully.” Diego, Go!” and smaller parts in bigscreen toons career, playing the lead in Nickelodeon’s “Go, fect Game.” He’s also had a thriving voiceover for Dogs” and Lionsgate’s upcoming “The Per- broadened his resume with key roles in “Hotel both very adventurous,” says Austin, who a lot of me in Max. He’s the wild card, and we’re ally relate to the family dynamics of ‘Wizards,’” play her supernatural sibs. David Henrie (20) and Jake T. Austin (15), who T , y a d i r F the men of ‘wiz of men the Jude children’s hospitals. A C the Los helps homeless teens. for ing and directing a short C A Weapon,” while Jake from “ Fox’s animated “ P will play the lead in N Greenwald. P exec for producers hit an into Waverly of ards “Wiz- series, popular D Gomez lena the in turning crucial were guys these but spotlight, the may steal pact: I m l e u u a a i e “David and Jake both bring an acting matu- “I’m from a big Italian family, so I could re- atinum sney sney stin attends events for ter ter stin lends his voice to rlos uses: xt: C

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B m h H vid also rests on the shoulders of actors “It” girl Selena Gomez, but its appeal may be a starring vehicle for Disney op-rated “” n S rrieta and and rrieta C ldanha. D

Update A l annel’s most annel’s most geles and e e ue, which o my-winning g e nrie is writ- mics’ “ H e” director 9 0 0 2 , 4 r e b m e c Girl” is still going strong. season’s big hits, and “Gossip D P for the of “ c Dawn Ostr e hief has seen mixed ratings l i nrie ace,” but “ aries” has been one of the P R l i ace,” o,” T T S h o T e t dd dd . . T o h f e Vampire start modeling. “There’s funny voices,” got his entertaining and doing of attention, constantly wanting to be the center he grew up “always tious Austin, who says next year). “Wizards” that will air scripts (including one for tion and writing his own learning about produc- er,” spends his free time “How I Met Your Moth- “That’s So Raven” and its include “The Pitts,” young actor, whose cred- acters in real life.” different from our char- play, as we’re both so show, which is great to very combative in the “My sister and I are job was on “Providence.” says Henrie, whose first I f: mp M

T The equally ambi- The accomplished e h lrose e Meet the young stars and their producers

C W a ct Repo series, “ up its first live-action Network recently pick H saw his C R h i o story.” a ief content officer b

S o r C r U tailored the role especially for the Clovis, Calif., may be slightly biased, as Murphy created and then who plays gay fashionista Kurt. Of course, Colfer adult snarkiness of “Nip/Tuck.” lived high school series “Popular” with the twisted ly combining the dramedy of his beloved but short- aspiring screenwriter , do it? By clever- phenom. and has quickly gone from cult obsession to national a week (most in the highly desirable 18-49 demo) song-and-dance comedy averages 8 million viewers T a cher: n d rtoon natural “He’s a genius,” says 19-year-old Chris Colfer, How does Murphy, who co-created the show with s of w of s what others think’ attitude.” love his ‘you can try new things and not care to his character that really clicks with kids. They he just nailed that. And Jake brings a confidence head to head with a tough female character, and “David had a challenge, playing a nerd going wald, who exec produces with Peter Murrieta. deeper,” says “Wizards” creator Todd Green- r by the throat, so to speak. The exuberant of the youth market — he has it firmly Murphy not only has his finger on the pulse hanks to his breakout Fox hit “,” Ryan t : channeling talent Murrieta, left, Austin, Greenwald and Henrie V s u l p a though the bigscreen 3- bigscreen the though 1.5 sold tour million tickets, J o n v tie-in barely scratched scratched barely tie-in as as to go solo in January. solo go to $20 mil $20 year-old sib Nick plans year-old plans Nick sib e

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t c a p — Iain Blair a n c reprises his part as as hispart reprises and role arecurring with dore in “ dore film. m Mc Jesse munks: munks: R ains busy in music, in music, busy ains e e’ 9 0 ’ t r o p B o arded skein “Greek” “Greek” skein arded T A h l period — I just watched ‘Nip/Tuck,’” he jokes. Murphy’s “Nip/Tuck.” “I never had a teenage rebellionfor me,” says Colfer, who calls himself “a hugeexperience fan” of isn’t so great — it makes the role easygreat into a show and a character whose high schoolcoming from a high school experience that wasn’t so is 24). thesps (Cory Monteith and Mark Salling are both 27, cast of teen characters played mostly by mid-20s experience,” he says. was the most surreal element of this whole amazing another character so I could be in the show? That then to find out that Ryan had decided to get rid of native. “It was the first thing I ever booked, and vin and the the and vin e C r a S qu rtney: “I was literally in high school just last year, and The “show embryo,” Colfer is the youngest in a p eakquel.”

I they are there for you,” she says. are there for other people, the way positive standpoint to make sure you survive another year. I live life from a of kids who didn’t know if they would (with the St. Jude charity) meeting tons especially because I was in a situation Hospital. such as St. Jude Children’s Research involved with charitable causes “amazing people” and become given her, allowing her to meet “I think a lot of families don’t communicate. I grew up in an and their kids, and they watch it together,” Woodley says. h T P E C C N T the of her mother.her with she’s starting org anti-bullying an and Foundation ises for the show. she prom- drama!” wedding, a lot more a break apart, relationships that pregnancy scare, million viewers. 3.2 some averages s ar of of ar “ pact: I h m e earch earch T T l e h a e C “I feel I’ve become more worldly, “The show has opened up incredible avenues for them izabeth Glaser Glaser izabeth eo- R enager,” which h diatric diatric V a ildren’s uses: xt: y h of her most surprising feedback from parents. cret Life of the American Teenager,” has received some Woodley, the 18-year-old star of ABC Family’s “The Se- t’s one thing to be popular with her peers but Shailene e- e ip- S nd nd “ A

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cret Life Life cret no o S S AIDS ‘Glee’ club coach erican erican spital, spital, t R t ther ther . Jude . Jude e- T edy “Valentine’s M C C E the youngest person to win a n a o

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M S Teenage ‘Secret’ keeper w u show has tunities the the oppor- grateful for ley, who is says Wood- audience in,” ly tuned the that ultimate- Sarah Palin thing with ‘Juno’ and the out in the public eye that started to come the kind of subject ed right away. It was school. hassles of going to high mom as well as the regular day-to-day deals with the stresses of being a new got pregnant the first time she had sex, munication and creates less mistakes.” open family; I think it creates open com- sic ift: “The success start- Woodley’s character, a 16-year-old who A — Lisa Carroll w

D B Y a ards. e e y.” came ar at the V / m o c . y t e i r a — Iain Blair

Jason LaVeris/FilmMagic.com f is due out next year. next out due is album Next charts. board board at No. 5 on the the 5on No. at S i album, second e S o s e r u t a o u ulja l j B and Javier “ P S N “Glee.” with school high to back e went ducer exec pro- pact: I Julia starring production on wrapped H m B P a r o a e i ay Love,” o o p- rdem. ny’s “ y 12/2/2009 6:54:02 PM xt: Bo y, peaked pular” pular” H R Just y o o p/ : berts berts n E H T a B R

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F r i d a y , D e cember 4, 2009 V p l u s n Y o u t h I m p a c t R e p o r t ’ 0 9 V ariety.com/ f e a t u r e s n A 1 1

Youth Impact Report: channeling talent

keke palmer dan berendsen King of tweens Multitalent ‘True’ and through annah Montana: The Movie,” he sky is the limit,” Keke Palmer “Wizards of Waverly Place: says of her career, “but I’m not up to The Movie,” “The Cheetah the sky yet.” Girls: One World,” “ H3: A Twist in Time.” With a resume fea- Still, as the success stories of 16-year-oldsT go, it’s hard to do better. Palmer turing dozens of such credits, Berend- is the rare multitalent to act and sing for sen could be the most influential both Disney and Nickelodeon. Now in its screenwriter reaching kids today. second season, her Nick “I’m a product of that late-’70s to ear- Impact: Her show show “True1204 Jackson, DVGV LewisBealTnt3x5_375 11/9/09 2:16 PM Page 1 ly-’80s time where you had ‘The Brady “True Jackson, VP” VP” is second only to Bunch’ on TV and nabbed the biggest “iCarly” for the cabler. making movies like ‘E.T.’ and there was audience for a live- When Nick offered this kind of idealized suburban America action series debut Palmer her own series, where it was great to be a kid,” Berend- in Nickelodeon’s she was already a re- sen says. “So, when I’m writing, I’m history. spected film actress, hav- coming from that background.” After more than 10 years of creating TV shows Next: An album for ing starred in “Akeelah Impact: The and the Bee” and Tyler and films for kids, Berendsen believes construct- ing stories and characters for this younger audi- top screenwriter that Palmer intends Perry’s “’s Family for tweens, he ence means remembering what his own feelings to be R&B with Reunion,” and Palmer wrote “Wizards -style questioned whether it were like when he was a teenager — that every of Waverly Place: lyrics “girls can was the right move. experience feels like the first time because it is. The Movie” relate to.” “I didn’t want to make The writer also has a solid respect for his viewers and “Hannah Causes: Boys & it seem like I was less se- and knows that if he doesn’t hit the mark with them, Montana: The Girls Club of Amer- rious about movies, but they’ll head to the lobby for some popcorn. Movie.” “The reason these shows and these movies ica (see page A2). I’m about to do an album Next: Working with Interscope and my are so popular right now is that they’ve stepped on an adult- parents thought it would be good to broaden up and they’re speaking directly to the audience targeted for my audience with kids. I am now so glad I (instead of) talking down to them,” says Berend- ABC and “High sen. “Kids know what they’re watching and when did it,” she says. “Execs watch the show with School Musical sion. “I would hope that I’d inspired young someone is trying to fool them.” their kids and think of me for projects. They 4: East Meets girls, that I’d changed music in some way, Still, Berendsen is quick to point out he’s dif- see I have a big fanbase, and it opens doors.” West.” put a name for myself in the acting world,” ferent from his high-profile characters. This year, Palmer launched her TV char- Causes: GLSEN says Palmer, who ultimately wants people “If I were cast in one of my movies, I would be acter’s fashion line Mad Styles at Wal-mart (Gay, Lesbian to think, “Wow, she can do this, she can do ‘High School Student No. 12’ who stands left of — yet another upward step in her career — and Straight that, and she has a really good head on her the star,” he says. “I never got to be the lead, so though the mogul-in-the-making insists her Education Net- shoulders.” maybe in writing these stories there’s some wish true goal is just to leave a lasting impres- work). — Tara McNamara fulfillment.” — Karen Idelson

bi ll hayes Reality brood-caster ill Hayes thinks of himself as “the anti-producer producer.” The Figure 8 Prods. prexy doesn’t believe in meddling It is with the continued success Bwith his subjects. His m.o.: “Let the subjects speak for themselves and focus on people who can and support that we announce Impact: Exec be really emotionally produces honest so they draw several reality the audience into The opening of shows featuring their story.” families with That perspective multiple kids, has guided Hayes Lewis & Beal Talent Agency including the through such real- wildly popular ity shows as the wildly popular “Jon and Kate “Jon & Kate Plus Plus 8,” in which he let the Gosselins — par- Eight.” ents and kids alike — express themselves Next: A half- without a narrator. hour show about “It’s a story people want to follow because Jackie Lewis people who they don’t know what’s going to happen next,” capture venom- Hayes says from his North Carolina home. ous snakes for “Kate is obviously very charismatic and relat- Animal Planet. able, but what’s really disarming is that she’s Debbie Palmer Beal Causes: willing to be so honest about her problems. Teaches as an And the kids are always saying and doing adjunct profes- things you don’t expect.” Katie Floyd sor at the U. of Hayes is also responsible for bringing cam- North Carolina. eras into the homes of other large families, exec producing “Table for 12” and “18 Kids and Counting” for TLC, as well as special-interest skeins such as “Little Parents, Big Pregnancy,” about little people longing to be parents, and “Joined for Life,” about conjoined twins. “Family struggle is a good story because people love to see other people overcome their challenges,” says Hayes. — Karen Idelson

1204nyA05-A17 11 12/2/2009 6:54:50 PM A 1 2 n Variety.com/features V p l u s n Y o u t h I m p a c t R e p o r t ’ 0 9 F r i d a y , D e cember 4, 2009

Youth Impact Report: channeling talent

P aul Lee & kate juergens Putting ABC Family first

ith “10 Things I Hate About You,” “Greek,” “Lincoln WHeights,” “The Secret Life of the American Teenager” and “Make It or Break It,” Paul Lee and Kate Juergens have managed to keep ABC Family teen-friendly while confronting major issues. “Teen pregnancy, drink- ing, drugs — we deal with issues that are very real, but we always do so responsibly and optimisti- cally,” says Lee, the cabler’s president. “At the end, jeff ‘swampy’ marsh & dan povenmire these families will always Double-trouble toonsters come together to resolve those problems, even if their lives are spinning out of con­trol.” Impact: Successful he /Disney XD ani- NASCAR track in their backyard) and those Thanks to this programming philosophy, launches of “Make It mated series “” of their pet platypus, Perry, who leads a double ABC Family has become the No. 1 basic cable or Break It” and “10 network in primetime among female viewers Things I Hate About clicks with kids because there’s a life as a secret agent. But creators Dan Poven- You,” contributing to boyish believability to the mire and Jeff “Swampy” Marsh take 12-17 and 12-34. In the third quarter of 2009, it a fifth straight year anticsT of its titular not-quite-tween great pride in grounding the show in advanced to No. 9 in overall audience. Impact: Their of network ratings stepbrothers — an authenticity rein- “Phineas and contemporary reality by depicting Juergens, the exec VP of programming and growth. forced by the use of young thesps in Ferb” was the a blended family with no fanfare or development who came to work with Lee two Next: Three pilots, key roles. Teenagers Vincent Martel- top-ranked toon “very special episode” messages. months after his April 2004 hiring, notes that including a Joey la (who voices Phineas) and Thomas with tweens for “Once we got the idea for this with the rise in viewer confidence in ABC Fam- Lawrence/Melissa Sangster (Ferb) aren’t far removed most of 2009. show we believed in it so much,” ily, the network has been able to make bolder Joan Hart starrer, from the age of their characters. Next: “Phineas Povenmire says, noting that it took choices. are competing for The toon has tapped the well of and Ferb Christ- them 16 years to find a buyer. According to Juergens, “We are able to take what’s expected to Mouse House talent by enlisting “High mas Vacation.” The exec who finally told them on things that might seem a little riskier than be two series slots School Musical’s” as Causes: The Itty “yes” says he was sold on the way we could do a few years ago when we were just on the 2010 slate. well as “Hannah Montana’s” Mitchel Bitty Art sale. Povenmire and Marsh emphasized getting started.” Causes: “Greek” Musso and Moises Arias and “Camp that the title characters were In turn, ABC Family has ever greater trust Pledge Yourself Rock’s” for semi-reg- dreamers, not miscreants. that its viewers will give them a fair shake. to Do Something; ular roles. The show’s growth in the past year “It’s a humor built on optimism and hope, “The thing we know about this generation, national PSA for has made it a hot ticket for guest stars ranging not negativity and nastiness,” says Disney they really have an amazing antenna for what is Boys & Girls Clubs from Malcolm McDowell to Jack McBrayer. Channel Worldwide entertainment prexy real and what is fake,” Lee says. “And if it’s not of America with members of “Lin- Episodes are built around the brothers’ Gary Marsh (no relation to Jeff Marsh). real, they literally will be telling us immediately.” coln Heights” cast. wild adventures (such as trying to build a — Cynthia Littleton — Jon Weisman

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M att Kent/WireImage.com , y a d i r F O Alumni the attention of the compa- , Lovato quickly caught ney Channel casting call in she says. “making it in the music business,” opportunity to soak up advice on instruments, but she also used the learned how to write songs and play Linda Septien in , Lovato practicing,” Lovato explains. I started taking lessons and really age. “I loved to sing, so that’s when which they competed at a young talent portion of the pageants in her sisters needed a skill for the to her. she’s enjoying was hardly handed Lovato, the music and acting career a surprise. But in the case of Demi Discovered during a Dis- Studying under vocal coach since age 5, Lovato and Youth

Update D e 9 0 0 2 , 4 r e b m e c big at at big ncent: M “ of installment third Steven charts. music the on success seldom comes as multitalent, chart-topping nel gets behind a young nce the Disney Chan- u sical” hit hit sical” H i gh gh B . O S V . c and and i hool hool demi lov demi I mp

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g of music marketing and T .” become a major artist like Pink or tion,” Vincent says. “I think she will rare to find that kind of combina- She can sing and she’s funny — it’s “Princess Protection Program.” “” and Selena Gomez in also co-starred with the Jonases in “,” Lovato mer. The star of Disney Channel’s concert tour of her own last sum- Go Again,” culminating in a popular CDs, “Don’t Forget,” and “Here We Experience” and release two hit “Jonas Brothers: The 3D Concert soundtracks. Steven Vincent, VP of music and begging to work with her,” says ny’s music department. i me C a o “She’s got unlimited potential. Lovato went on to perform in “When I first heard her, I was hn: R t u sh” and Victoria

T o h e Nick senior O r kept posting more and more,” he tells ended up just getting bigger and bigger, and I ed videos of the competition on YouTube. They that weren’t there wanted to see me, so I post- singing competition, and my friends and family hometown of Stratford, Ontario. ture into online stardom three years ago in his Top 40 singles before the CD was even in stores. “My World,” which charted a record-setting four Tube, on Nov. 17 he released his debut album,

S Bieber uploaded videos of himself sing- “When I was 12 years old, I was in a local The 15-year-old Canadian began his ven- t Singer’s ‘Sonny’ forecast ony : young at chart After nabbing 80 million views on You- Justin Bieber is having quite the year. to translate into a genuine pop star, ne of the very first Internet sensations V — Lisa Carroll s u l p tinues to resist the by toplining Daniel Ra R B “ H e u o ally siness Without B w to r oadway tuner T

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C o justin biebe justin o C T N 2. 1 and d teuse’s two D “ filming finished just album; another ing on P D M P nered with the e pact: I for org; involved with againstbullying. launch teens­ tter I m n­ C ebuted at Nos. Nos. at ebuted r a h a m i i e i sney’s Friends oject Green. sney chan­ sney nnesota to cer a e Final Jam” e Final uses: Work­ xt: C t c a p mp h ange: C e R

nter in Variety. P T o a ck 2: 2: ck h rt­ R CD e Los Los E Ja 9 0 ’ t r o p s thanks to a revival of of arevival to thanks n “ his T P joyed some positive positive some joyed s a a per Forum. per o A B rade” at the the at rade” n Robe n r geles exposure exposure geles oadway show show oadway stops of her “Fearless” tour. neres Show” and opened for Taylor Swift tappedon two a second appearance on “The Ellen DeGe- hang out with my friends.” make sure I still have time to play sports and mom’s been with me since day one, and we of his experience since. “But it’s been fun. My signed with . lanta to meet , who arranged to have him discovered Bieber’s videos, he took him to At- Braun, a former marketing exec at So So Def, ting Bieber signed to his label. When Scooter Oddly enough, it was Usher who ended up get- Stevie Wonder, Justin Timberlake and Usher. ing songs by artists such as ,

Busy promoting his album, the singer just “It’s been crazy, crazy crazy,” Bieber says r t

B M r (though having Kevin Jonas, as her handler can’t hurt). gust — a smart way to reach her tween-plus demo head-on for the Jonas Brothers in May and in Au- Play)” — made the Billboard top 10. track and Sparks’ Shannon cover “S.O.S. (Let the Music made Sparks a fave on “Idol.” Two of the singles — the title for tracks showcasing the dramatic R&B-pop range that tlefield” debuted in July, earning praise months preparing her soph album. “Bat- she wanted to work with and spent four the adult contempo category. nod and an American Music Award in worldwide and snagging both a Grammy at the time), selling 1.6 million copies the youngest “Idol” winner (she was 17 album just four weeks after becoming every day.” says. “I carry those lessons (with me) are watching and judging you,” Sparks every week and understand that people “American Idol” set. the hard part begins once you leave the W o a wn: rk rk She allied herself with other hot acts on stage, opening Then she identified top producers She hustled out a self-titled first “On ‘Idol,’ you have to be prepared r in sp in jo

John” and “ away hit. upcoming roles in “ slate continues to grow with “Vampire C A Tuned into YouTube l b ient Nina r by understands, your singing career, but as be a great way to launch inning a music pageant may d B l ue A D m D i aries” was a run­ M s anda o t a brev’s one: rmaduke.” S D e V — Peter Knegt T yfried’s e / m o c . y t e i r a V ar skein a r — Anthony D’Alessandro k ings on impressive rat­ continues to pull a skein “ A W n H e gus s s al n f d f e M i T T

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Getty Images 1204nyA05-A17 15 I be a role model.” best friend. You have to guide them and down to them, but you also can’t be their are prodigies,” he says. “You can’t talk cially in a celebrity-obsessed culture. in how they present themselves, espe- courages his clients to be responsible press day and photo shoot, says he en- the big PR agencies.” it, because kids weren’t cool enough for answers,” he says. “Nobody was doing not come off as shy, not give one-word Wine and co-owner Cindy Osbrink are get to sprinkle it on the right people.” alive. “I feel like I have magic dust and , De D , A D I F r C It”). Break or It (“Make Loren Josie and 2”) Rock (“Camp Bridges Chloe clients on eye an Keep Next: opps. press handle to how on others advising while Moon,” “New with auds teen court Fanning Helped Dakota pact: I for blood cancer.” raised over $20,000 past two years and nine triathlons in the Society. “I’ve done kemia & Lymphoma m a “The vast majority of these kids Wine, who sits in on nearly every A partner at the Osbrink Agency, uses: (15) than most of them have been more years coaching young clients reers,” says Scott Wine, who’s spent ’ve always been into building ca-

Alumni wine scott y Youth Update The Leu- Teen media trainer c in “The Last Airbender.” Last in “The Ringer, stars who Noah been : It’s thesp for good looks 2010 Brothers. Jonas the and Gomez Selena clients for year a big Sty Nick e m b — Sandie Angulo Chen e r off as know-it-alls, without coming address the press these kids how to we needed to teach with the idea that of responsibilities. licity to his roster has also added pub- the past year, Wine James Williams. In Chris” star Tyler “Everybody Hates out and Montana” break- Fanning, “Hannah Dakota and Elle clients, who include proach to their a managerial ap- known for taking n

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a ct Repo Last Airbender.” Last in “The work booked Seychelle and Peltz Nicola Clients Moon.”in “New Lautner Taylor keep to Managed T h Bradwell: or M my name on her kid’s resume at the old agent. “One mom wouldn’t even put weren’t sure about trusting a 22-year- the respect of skeptical parents who tion, not realizing she’d have to earn abruptly, Patredis accepted the posi- approach to the position,” she says. a chance on me and let me bring my own Dallas, where owner Lisa Dawson “took sistant at the Kim Dawson Agency in Patredis began her career as an as- geles, where she now works at CESD. tenpercenter’s own move to Los An- kids that motivated the Dallas-born tually, as it was Patredis’ eye for such to spot the difficult ones and partner with those who get it. a decade, both also can cope with stage parents, knowing how After developing and nurturing minors’ careers for more than Thorne, who joins the cast of HBO’s “Big Love” next season. include , 11, of “Gary Unmarried” and Bella Josh Pence in “The Social Network.” Her younger clients models make the transition to acting. Most recently, she placed parition”), a TV principal (AnnaLynne McCord on “90210”) a film lead (Ashley Greene in Joel -produced “The Ap- ting their start in Hollywood. agent Jennifer Patredis to thank for get- Madison Pettis and — have mons, Hunter Parrish, Kenny Baumann, Gomez, Mitchel Musso, Johnny Sim- A with McCord. with Project Blind the on closely works son Hirschen- efforts. philanthropic ents’ cli- their facilitate C roles. right the finding remains challenge the talent; spotting for knack proven Next: McCord. AnnaLynne star “90210” handles Hirschenson members; cast reps Moon” Daly “New six pact: I m a When the company’s kid rep left Hirschenson (who is also a lawyer) has helped a number of The equation works both ways, ac- Both help help Both uses: r E a

t ch has a has ch cluding Demi Lovato, Selena small number of them — in- stars hail from Texas, and no surprising number of teen Ja “Sucker Punch”). (’s Vanessa Hudgens for Blake Lively and image-expanding roles The agent helped line up : primopercenters break out teen and early-20s talent, whether as Daly and Melissa Hirschenson work as a team to young clients, Innovative Artists duo Ryan atching the energy and enthusiasm of their s o n V

W s u l p e d A R i that creates egotistical actors.” don’t want to contribute to the machine “I try to keep them humble,” he says. “I to maintain perspective for his clients. working up the assistant ranks, strives when she was 17. Greene at a talent search convention when the thesp was 15; Daly signed met McCord in a Miami casting session and developing unknowns: Hirschenson Both have had major successes spotting integrated within Innovative Artists. ment,” the two agents are now fully as part of a separate “breakout depart- transitioning them to adult roles. Ensure career longevity by ultimately the client, the goal remains the same: “Desperate Housewives”). No matter or series regular (Joshua Moore on n b y e Daly, who advanced to agenting after Though they once shared an office rg:

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hi r Lone scout Star s M million. less than $20 earned Body” turn in “Jennifer’s B.O., while her titular 2”formers ruled the e chenson ga the big leagues.” spirit who deserved a chance to play in works at UTA), calls her “a kindred who headhunted Patredis (and now talent back in Texas. Mitchell Gossett, CESD beckoned, Patredis still scouts in Dallas came to an end last year when tredis booked on their first pilots. Lovato and Selena Gomez,” whom Pa- gether developing talent such as Demi most to my success, as we worked to- “who oddly enough contributed the local acting coach Cathryn Sullivan, start,” she remembers. That mom was opportunities for them. for opportunities into women of oppression the turns which C “Smitty.” indie film booked Tyler Russell Brandon and Rush” Time “Big Nick’s joins Henderson Band,”in the Logan XD’s“I’m Disney Millerlanded Logan Next: act: brought Patredis to C I n mp a

And though her eight-year tenure Fox: Vital Voices, a human rights org org rights ahuman Voices, Vital uses: V a I R “Trans- Her track record with Texas talent e t y . c M O E / S f D in L.A. e a is shooting Boston- “” star Blake t Town” with director based thriller “The . u — Iain Blair r e — Justin Kroll— Justin s 12/2/2009 6:58:52 PM L

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The 5 1 A

Richard Harlow Jason Dolley Ayla Kell Ryan Wynott The Secret Life Of An American Teen - Make It Or Break It Flash Forward (ABC Family) (Disney Channel) (ABC Family) (ABC)

Kylee Benesh Michael Yallourakis Stephanie Yallourakis Chrysler Town & Country Hannah Montana: The Movie Hannah Montana: The Movie

Ryan Malgarini Bravo Zach Mills Isaiah Montgomery Gary Unmarried Rita Rocks, Mr. Magorium’s Wonder Men Of A Certain Age Lilla Crawford Savvy Crawford Brooke Bryan (CBS) (Nickeloden) Emporium (TNT) Novartis, Quilted Northern, Mamma Mia Like Dandelion Dust, Faith Of Our Cox Communication Fathers, Grey’s Anatomy

Taylor Gray Bryan Carig Perry Mattfeld Andrew Astor Isabella Astor Cora Lakey Jeff Braine Misha Huang Darnell Cates Jackson Odell Joseph Aceves Untitled Surf Show, Hawthorne The Untitled Michael Jacobs Project Wiazrds Of Waverly Place Santa Buddies, The Hangover, Racer Kids, The Huntleigh Files, Grease (Sandy), Wizard Of OZ, Comcast, Adventures Of Food Boy, The Unit, Salvation Road HP (Commercial), The Play, Private Practice, Disneyland, Criminal Minds, ER, Saving Grace Bad Bunny (Dorothy) Regarding Beauregard Lincoln Heights Tracey Ullman’s.. State Of The Union

Shawn Huang Sophia Linkletter Keegan Boos Tyler Poulsen Ryan Ballance Rachael Marie Hunter Gomez Benjamin Bryan Lexie Behr Rylie Behr ABC Promo, Chuck, Little Big Men She’s A Fox, Fosca/Opera, Lost, Beginners Once Upon A Mattress, American Maytag (Commercial) House, Janet Saves The Planet, Ghost Whisperer, The , New Adventures Of Old Christine, Children Of The Corn, The Crazies Children Of The Corn, Impulse InCybers Idol (middle school theater) The Middle Suite Life Of Zack And Cody , Final Fantasy

Kelly Heyer Avery Larson Mackenzie Larson Molly Ryan Lindsay Ryan Kaleigh Ryan Haven Hill Bobbie Prewitt The Pregnancy Pact, Pandemic Thomas’ English Muffins, Renault Cars, Crestor 2 How The Grinch Stole Christmas, How The Grinch Stole Christmas, Heroes, Road To The Altar Moxie Girl I’m Alive Travelocity The Ventura Girls Connect 4X4

6212 Banner Ave • Hollywood, CA 90038 • USA

Sydney Gough Jordan Van Vranken Sam Fuller Dylan Crowley Jenna Stone Jackson Fox Michael William Arnold Mason Hsieh 323-461-8316 Dinosaur Train, Thoroughly Men Of A Certain Age, InCybers, The Staring Contest, Bill Of Rights, Uninvited Guest With Bill Devlin, Controlling Howie, Stiches And Gary Unmarried, Private Practice How The Grinch Stole Christmas, Superdude, Motorola, Terminal Man Modern Millie, Mamma Mia Calling All Angels Taking A Shot At Love The Canbees, Stronger Than Daylight Bleach, My Own Private Idaho The Middle, Spork [email protected]

1204nyA05-A17 16 12/2/2009 7:04:17 PM 1204 DVGV SAVAGE AGENCY_full page + 2 col.indd 1-2 12/2/09 5:56:25 PM F r i d a y , D e cember 4, 2009 V p l u s V ariety.com/ f e a t u r e s n A 1 7

Youth Impact Report: stage & web

thel ‘bil y elliot’ boys Kiril Kulish, Trent Kowalik and David Alvarez

o many actors actually want that thing, remains impressed. and I got it after only a year,” marvels “The physical demands of that role are David Alvarez of his Tony Award. awe-inspiring, and when they muscle through Yeah, rub it in, kid. it, it’s kind of miraculous,” he says. “When you SFifteen-year-old Alvarez (a trained bal- see the simplicity and the Shailene Woodley Jason Dolley Ayla Kell Ryan Wynott let dancer before he went legit) was one of Impact: A joint unconditional discipline The Secret Life Of An American Teen Good Luck Charlie - Cory In The House Make It Or Break It Flash Forward the three original actors to play the lead in Tony Award for they show, it helps clear (ABC Family) (Disney Channel) (ABC Family) (ABC) “Billy Elliot” on Broadway, and in June he best actor in the the crap out of your own and fellow Billys — Trent Kowalik and Kiril title role of tuner perspective.” Kulish — shared the best actor trophy for “Billy Elliot.” One of the tragedies their turns in the demanding role, which is Next: Two continue of the role, of course, rotated among a team of young thesps. in “Billy” until they is that the adolescent An English boy who’s just gotta dance outgrow the part, actors can’t play it for despite the limitations of his working-class while Kulish tries long, before their voices environs, Billy would be a Herculean part “The Nutcracker.” change. Kulish has al- even for an adult, with almost three hours Causes: Broad- ready moved on, and Kylee Benesh Michael Yallourakis Stephanie Yallourakis of near-constant stage time that includes way Cares/Equity while neither Alvarez Chrysler Town & Country Hannah Montana: The Movie Hannah Montana: The Movie singing, dancing and acting (not to mention Fights AIDS. nor Kowalik has a defi- speaking in an authentic-sounding Northern nite date of departure, English accent). both know their exit is nearing. The original trio trained for close to a “I don’t have a lot of time left,” Alvarez year to appear in the show, and adult thesp says. “I’m getting really old.” Gregory Jbara, who portrays Billy’s father, — Gordon Cox

Ryan Malgarini Ciara Bravo Zach Mills Isaiah Montgomery Gary Unmarried Big Time Rush Rita Rocks, Mr. Magorium’s Wonder Men Of A Certain Age Lilla Crawford Savvy Crawford Brooke Bryan (CBS) (Nickeloden) Emporium (TNT) Novartis, Quilted Northern, Mamma Mia Like Dandelion Dust, Faith Of Our Cox Communication Fathers, Grey’s Anatomy

Taylor Gray Bryan Carig Perry Mattfeld Andrew Astor Isabella Astor Cora Lakey Jeff Braine Misha Huang Darnell Cates Jackson Odell Joseph Aceves

Untitled Surf Show, Hawthorne The Untitled Michael Jacobs Project Wiazrds Of Waverly Place Santa Buddies, The Hangover, Racer Kids, The Huntleigh Files, Grease (Sandy), Wizard Of OZ, Comcast, Adventures Of Food Boy, The Unit, Salvation Road HP (Commercial), The Play, Private Practice, Disneyland, Criminal Minds m Criminal Minds, ER, Saving Grace Bad Bunny (Dorothy) Regarding Beauregard Lincoln Heights Tracey Ullman’s.. State Of The Union I Getty ages

lucac s ruikshank Web’s ‘Fred’ head or as long as I can remember, I’ve always Cruikshank’s self-made celebrity with young been creating characters and making ran- auds, industryites have been quick to ally them- dom videos with my mom’s old camera,” selves with the phenomenon. Nickelodeon invited Shawn Huang Sophia Linkletter Keegan Boos Tyler Poulsen Ryan Ballance Rachael Marie Hunter Gomez Benjamin Bryan Lexie Behr Rylie Behr 16-year-old Lucas Cruikshank tells Va- Cruikshank to appear on an episode of “iCarly” ABC Promo, Chuck, Little Big Men She’s A Fox, Fosca/Opera, Lost, Beginners Once Upon A Mattress, American Maytag (Commercial) House, Janet Saves The Planet, Ghost Whisperer, The Family Guy, New Adventures Of Old Christine, Children Of The Corn, The Crazies Children Of The Corn, Impulse Friety. “Even before YouTube started, me and (as both Fred and himself), InCybers Idol (middle school theater) The Middle Suite Life Of Zack And Cody Without A Trace, Final Fantasy my family would just make random videos.” Walden Media hired Impact: In spring, Then YouTube came along, and Cruik­ him to promote the his series of shank started posting them. film “City of Ember” “” “I didn’t really understand YouTube in “Fred” episodes, webisodes became at the time,” he says. “I didn’t know that and, most recently, the the firstY ouTube millions of people could watch your video. “Fred” character was channel to crack 1 I just thought that the friends I sent it optioned for a feature- million subscribers. to could watch it. So I was really sur- length film. Next: Cruikshank prised when I posted ‘Fred’ and it “It’s the first is taking “Fred” to Kelly Heyer Avery Larson Mackenzie Larson Molly Ryan Lindsay Ryan Kaleigh Ryan Haven Hill Bobbie Prewitt totally blew up.” thing to go from a whole new level The Pregnancy Pact, Pandemic Thomas’ English Muffins, Renault Cars, Crestor 2 How The Grinch Stole Christmas, How The Grinch Stole Christmas, Heroes, Road To The Altar Moxie Girl I’m Alive with the produc- Travelocity The Ventura Girls Connect 4X4 That would be Fred Figgle- the Internet to the horn, a fictional young character movies, which is tion of a feature Cruikshank began creating vid- crazy,” Cruikshank film based on the eos about. He posted the first says of the indie character. one in 2006, and by April, the film, which is in “Fred” channel had more than production for a 2010 release. “The 1 million subscribers, making movie is going to take the character to it the first YouTube channel to a whole other level.” 6212 Banner Ave • Hollywood, CA 90038 • USA hit that mark. By this point, Beyond “Fred,” Cruikshank said Cruikshank had added dozens his dream is to become a Hollywood Sydney Gough Jordan Van Vranken Sam Fuller Dylan Crowley Jenna Stone Jackson Fox Michael William Arnold Mason Hsieh 323-461-8316 of other characters — all played by triple threat. “I’d love to be an actor- Dinosaur Train, Thoroughly Men Of A Certain Age, InCybers, The Staring Contest, Bill Of Rights, Uninvited Guest With Bill Devlin, Controlling Howie, Stiches And Gary Unmarried, Private Practice How The Grinch Stole Christmas, Superdude, Motorola, Terminal Man himself — to the “Fred universe.” writer-director,” he says. “Kinda like Calling All Angels [email protected] Modern Millie, Mamma Mia Taking A Shot At Love The Canbees, Stronger Than Daylight Bleach, My Own Private Idaho The Middle, Spork Given the enormous appeal of Tyler Perry.” — Peter Knegt Jason Merritt/WireImage.com

1204nyA05-A17 17 12/2/2009 7:06:01 PM 1204 DVGV SAVAGE AGENCY_full page + 2 col.indd 1-2 12/2/09 5:56:25 PM A 1 8 n Variety.com/features V p l u s n Y o u t h I m p a c t R e p o r t ’ 0 9 F r i d a y , D e cember 4, 2009 UP tyros tipped for takeoff NEXT Meet the stars of 2010’s hot projects — young talents poised to make an impact in the coming year

Jimmy Bennett ‘B RUSH’IG Time

hough only 13 years old, Jimmy Bennett already ssembling a hit boy band is tough has some 35 acting credits to his name, ranging enough. Small wonder that it Tfrom guest appearances on “” and A took 18 months and a nationwide “CSI” to considerable roles in 2006’s “Poseidon” and search to find four teen guys who could 2007’s “.” not only sing but also act for Nickel- When Tim McCanlies, director of the upcoming “Ala- odeon’s new comedy series “Big Time bama Moon,” came across Bennett as a possibility for the Rush,” about a group of wannabe pop lead part in his film, he was shocked at how much experi- stars who get the chance to make it big ence Bennett had. “You in the Los Angeles music scene. don’t see many kids out “We didn’t want four kids who there with resumes like looked alike,” says Nick exec VP of Jimmy’s,” he says. original programming and develop- In the past year, Ben- ment Marjorie Cohn. “Each one nett has scored some brought some of their personality to major additions to that the table, which in turn inspired (cre- resume — from playing ator) Scott (Fellows).” Michelle Monaghan’s son The cast consists of Kansas-born in indie “Trucker” to nab- lead singer , “Making bing the lead in Robert Menudo” finalist Carlos Pena, East Coast Rodriguez’s “Shorts” to, transplant and relative most notably, taking on newcomer (“Friday the role of young Captain Night Lights”). “When we saw these four Kirk in “Star Trek.” together, it all just clicked,” she adds. Bennett already has Cohn believes the show (which pre- a few films on tap for viewed last week after “iCarly” and 2010: “Stolen Lives,” a launches in early 2010, featuring music thriller where he plays from Columbia/Epic) taps into the opposite Jon Hamm and ; “Bones,” an indie “American Idol” zeitgeist of wish fulfill- about four teens growing up in 1989 New York; and ment and beating the odds. “We think “Alabama Moon,” based on Watt Key’s novel. kids and tweens will really relate to the “So many actors that age in L.A. are these modern boys and a really funny take on what kids, but Jimmy has this old-fashioned, Huck Finnesque happens the day after all your dreams way about him. He’s just such an old soul,” McCanlies says. come true. It’s classic Nickelodeon.” — Peter Knegt — Iain Blair

JASODu N Er lo t 20, singer-songwriter Jason Derulo is any- Heap’s electronic-vocal “Hide and Seek,” fusing thing but a tenderfoot, having penned lyrics a love ballad with house music. Inspired by his A since his teen years for such hip-hop artists brother’s relationship, the track chronicles a man’s as Lil Wayne and Danity Kane. Though several fallout with his soulmate after he cheats on her. labels had tried to woo Derulo after being intrigued “People go through this every day, where they by the wunderkind rep he was building in the mess up and beg for their love back,” Derulo says Miami music scene and on his MySpace page, it of “Whatcha Say’s” wide appeal — the song re- was L.A. producer J.R. Rotem who succeeded in cently notched the top spot on the Billboard Hot bringing him in for a recording session. 100 after 12 weeks, with 1.7 million copies sold. The duo clicked creatively, leading to a job Opening for on her tour, Derulo writing for another of Rotem’s proteges, Sean plans to release his self-titled debut album in m I Kingston, and an offer to launch Derulo’s solo ca- March and will appear in the MTV doc “Turn

Getty ages reer. His first single, “Whatcha Say,” flips Imogen the Beat Around.” — Anthony D’Alessandro

agency director - Shawn Brogan

Ari NisseNbAum Giselle NisseNbAum KAtriNA HuNG Josie HuNG eriN Heft DANNy PADillA

1204 LANY BROGAN_5x2.5 FINAL.indd 1 12/1/09 1:33:07 PM

1204nyA18-22 18 12/2/2009 6:21:27 PM F r i d a y , D e cember 4, 2009 V p l u s n Y o u t h I m p a c t R e p o r t ’ 0 9 V ariety.com/ f e a t u r e s n A 1 9

UP tyros tipped for Takeoff NEXT sa nrammi Ha tty ElliKn e e drick

ut of the blue, 2-year-old Sammi Hanratty told her mother ou’ve probably already seen up-and- she wanted to be on TV. A year went by and she wouldn’t comer Ellie Kendrick on the big- Olet up, so her mother got the name of an agent and set up a Yscreen, though you may not have re- meeting. She booked her first job the next day. alized it. The 19-year-old Brit played Tina, Eleven years later, Hanratty has starred in Pringles com- one of Carey Mulligan’s school friends in mercials, had a recurring role on Disney’s “The Suite Life of Zack “An Education.” But it’s the title role in and Cody” and “Pushing Daisies,” starred alongside her sister the “The Diary of Anne Frank,” a BBC Danielle in “The Unit” and voiced three characters for “Disney’s five-parter set to debut stateside in April A Christmas Carol.” on PBS, that Now she is starring alongside Kris Kristofferson in “The should catch 1204 GreeningLANY Chipotlepwer5x4_5 of Whitney Brown,” 11/24/09 which just 2:18 wrapped PM Pageand is1 slated the industry’s for a spring 2010 release. She has four other films coming out in attention. the next year, including the Indiana Jones-style family adventure According to “The Lost Medallion: The Adventures of Billy Stone.” In the case Kendrick, play- of “Whitney,” she nailed the role after going up against actresses ing Anne Frank like , Isabelle Fuhrman (“Orphan”) and Madeline came easily, but Carroll (“Swing Vote”). the aftermath Hanratty distinguishes herself with her focused attitude and made for a constant energy — her colleagues describe her as a teen without “weird experi- the teen angst. ence.” In the “After she wins her multiple Academy Awards, I hope she re- U.K., the entire members me, because I would love to work with her again,” says miniseries was “Whitney” director Peter Odiorne. — Jennifer Konerman broadcast five nights in a row. “I’d go on the train, and people would ask me if I played Anne. That was really strange,” she says. AARON JOHNSON As a youngster, Kendrick went to an ackup plans are for wimps, says “Kick- is more painful than you’d think in the real all-girls school, where she was often cast Ass” star Aaron Johnson. “The mo- world, followed by a turn as the young John in boy roles, such as the Artful Dodger Bment you make your backup plan, you Lennon in “Nowhere Boy.” Wrapping his in “Oliver!” Before long, she’d landed an fall back on it,” he warns. Ever since he head around these disparate roles in a rela- agent and was going out for professional began acting as a youngster in local theater tively short span wasn’t easy, Johnson says. work on the stage and screen, landing the productions, Johnson has thought of little “I auditioned halfway through ‘Kick-Ass’ female lead in a Shakespeare’s Globe The- else, building a modest profile with small where I was playing this nerdy, comicbook ater production of “Romeo and Juliet” last roles in British TV and such films as “The sort of role with an American accent. Dur- summer. Illusionist,” Sundance selection “The Great- ing breaks I’d go back to and go on Though Kendrick is now studying Eng- est” and the U.K. teen hit “Angus, Thongs YouTube picking up clips of John Lennon and lish in her first semester at Cambridge, and Perfect Snogging.” trying to learn his accent and how he talks.” she hopes to continue her acting career, That should change with Lionsgate’s Johnson has also wrapped the indie thrill- noting, “I think I still have a long way to m I “Kick-Ass,” in which Johnson plays a teen er “Chatroom” from “Ringu” director Hideo go, but I’m up for it.”

Getty ages who discovers that becoming a superhero Nakata. — Gregory Ellwood — Gregory Ellwood

1204nyA18-22 19 12/2/2009 6:22:15 PM A 2 0 n Variety.com/features V p l u s n Y o u t h I m p a c t R e p o r t ’ 0 9 F r i d a y , D e cember 4, 2009

UP tyros tipped for Takeoff NEXT JO EY KIng Sterling Knight

or actress Joey King, age 10, playing beloved kidlit character rowing up a self-proclaimed “theater Ramona Quimby opposite Selena Gomez in “Ramona and kid” in Houston, Sterling Knight didn’t FBeezus” had less to do with acting than simply feeling the G always think he’d become a paid actor. role. It was King’s intuitive approach to the character — a mis- “I was just doing it for fun, but then one understood girl whose overactive imagination frequently gets day I realized having the opportunity to do her in trouble — that impressed something you love and get financially com- director Liz Allen while working pensated for it is so rare, so I went for it,” with the young up-and-comer. says Knight, whose first job came in 2007 “She’s so honest. Her perfor- when he moved to Los Angeles and landed a mance hasn’t built up any barri- role in an episode of “Hannah Montana.” ers,” Allen says of King, who has “It put me in debt,” he recalls with a laugh. racked up more than 15 film and “They don’t really pay guest stars much.” television credits over the past The gig actually paid for itself quickly, how- three years. “Some adults get in- ever. After a few more guest spots (on “The timidated because she’s so raw and Closer” and “Grey’s Anatomy”), Knight landed real. I truly believe she can do any- the role of Demi Lovato’s love interest in the thing,” Allen continues. “She’s only Disney series “Sonny With a Chance” and Zac 10 and can improv, do any accent Efron’s son in bigscreen comedy “17 Again.” and cry completely on cue.” “I’ve really relished the fact that I’m After starting her career in com- learning so much,” Knight says. “I’ve been mercials at just 4 years old, King so lucky to work with such gracious and experimented with a variety of different roles, from guest intelligent people who have put up with my spots on television (including “CSI” and “Entourage”) to ani- naivete.” mated features (she played a beaver girl in “: Dawn of Next up for Knight are a starring role in the Dinosaurs” and a baby yak in “Horton Hears a Who”). Disney Channel movie “Starstruck,” which King follows her turn in “Ramona and Beezus” with the UFO- will air around Valentine’s Day, and another standoff thriller “Battle: Los Angeles,” set for release in 2011. season of “Sonny.” — Lisa Engelbrektson — Peter Knegt

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1204nyA18-22 20 12/2/2009 6:22:54 PM F r i d a y , D e cember 4, 2009 V p l u s n Y o u t h I m p a c t R e p o r t ’ 0 9 V ariety.com/ f e a t u r e s n A 2 1

UP tyros tipped for Takeoff NEXT

JENNIFER LAWRENCE BileeMa adison ennifer Lawrence always Her first break was “The Bill en-year-old Bailee Madison Sheridan drama “Brothers” as wanted to be a doctor. Engvall Show,” but Lawrence doesn’t remember her act- ’s daughter. JLuckily for Hollywood — really got noticed for playing a Ting debut, which is excus- “Bailee is a true actress,” “and maybe also the medical teen violated by her mother’s able, since she was only 2 weeks Portman says. “She can switch profession,” she jokes — the pimp in “The Poker House,” a old at the time. “My big break from the smiling, sweet girl she Louisville, Ky., native quickly tricky role that earned her kudos was ‘Bridge to Terabithia,’ but is to the crying, disturbed char- abandoned at the 2008 Los Angeles Film the first thing I did was an Office acter she’s playing on ‘Action!’ ” that notion Fest. She followed that up with Depot commercial,” the young The much-in-demand Madison after being another powerful performance in actress says. has four films out next year: “An discovered “The Burning Plain,” for which Since then, the vivacious Invisible Sign of My Own,” “Betty on the she won the Marcello Mastroian- Florida native has appeared Anne Waters,” “Letters to God” streets of ni Award at the Venice Festival. in such varied fare as “Lonely (“based on a true story of a New York at Now 19 and based in Los Hearts,” “Phoebe in Wonder- young boy’s fight with cancer,” the age of 14. Angeles, Lawrence recently land” and Nickelodeon’s “Merry she says) and the starring role in “It was wrapped “The Beaver” with Mel Christmas Drake and Josh.” Guillermo del Toro’s “Don’t Be m

a complete Gibson and Jodie Foster (who I She can currently be seen Afraid of the Dark.”

fluke,” she also directed). — Iain Blair Wire age.com playing a pivotal role in the Jim — Iain Blair recalls. “I was there for spring break with my mom, someone took my photo and suddenly all these agencies wanted to meet me.” Auditioning and reading scripts “was like meeting my soulmate,” she adds. “I knew I was destined to do this.” Celebrating Our 22nd Year! 10657 Riverside Drive • Toluca Lake, CA 91602

os Angeles native Logan Bonnie Howard Lynn Eriks Lerman began acting Owner/Theatrical Agent Commercial/Print Agent Lat age 5 and got his big break at 7 playing ’s youngest son in “The Patriot.” “OUR TOP BOOKERS” “It was my first movie, and I just wanted to get out of school,” jokes Ler- man, who also ap- peared as the young version of Gibson’s character in Nancy Mey- ers’ “What Madison Elhaik Jacob T. Endelman Fanelli Women Want.” “It’s only when I hit 12 that I started to take it all seriously,” admits the now- 17-year-old thesp, who went on to book a title role in the WB Adam Bernstein Mark Fanelli drama series “Jack and Bobby.” Since then, Lerman has played significant supporting parts in “3:10 to Yuma” (as Christian Bale’s son) and “The Number 23” (“Studying up close and getting his advice is the best film school Spencer Ford Jake Hemphill Joseph Lighthill you could have,” he says). Next up is a high-profile leading role in Fox’s “Percy Jackson and the Olympians: The Lightning Thief.” Based on the bestsell- ing book series, the Chris Columbus-directed film about a trouble-prone teen who discov- Samantha A. Lewis Harrison Thacher ers he’s descended from a Greek god could become a “Harry Potter”-style franchise. “I signed to do three, so I’m hop- ing it’ll do well,” Lerman says. Christian Sebetic Aman Sehra Shawn Sehra — Iain Blair

1204nyA18-22 21 12/2/2009 6:31:52 PM A 2 2 n Variety.com/features V p l u s n Y o u t h I m p a c t R e p o r t ’ 0 9 F r i d a y , D e cember 4, 2009

UP tyros tipped for Takeoff NEXT Chloe grace Moretz J ADEN SMITH hloe Grace Moretz wasn’t the first in her or , acting is a “Maybe because both his posure to his parents’ work has family to pursue acting. In fact, it wasn’t family affair. The 11-year- parents are actors, it’s in his taught him the discipline and Clong after helping her older brother Trev- Fold son of and blood,” says Chan, who plays instincts so important to acting. or learn his lines for roles at New York’s Pro- Jada Pinkett Smith broke the Mr. Miyagi role reinvented “Will and Jada exposed him fessional Performing Arts School that Moretz onto the scene in 2006 oppo- as a Chinese kung fu master. to the film world, and because started pestering her parents about letting her site his dad in “The Pursuit “I’ve seen actors who have he’s such a smart kid, he picked do it, too. Her mother finally relented, and by of Happyness.” Earlier this trained for years and they up a lot by just observing,” Chan the age of 7, Moretz had landed her big break, year, he appeared in “The don’t have the ‘feel’ for acting. says. “When I started working appearing in Day the Earth Stood Still” Jaden was probably just born with him, I found that he was two episodes of and landed the starring role to be a good actor.” respectful, dedicated and a very 2004 TV series in upcoming “Karate Kid” re- Chan, who’s worked with hard worker. He also has a good 1204 LANY ActFnd4x4_25 11/20/09 11:24 AM Page“The 1 Guard- make “Kung Fu Kid” opposite many children in his four-decade sense of humor, so we had fun.” ian.” Jackie Chan. career, says Smith’s lifelong ex- — Sandie Angulo Chen Five years Getty Images later, Moretz has moved on to the N Oah RI Ger bigscreen, appearing in he Sixth Sense” tae kwon do club. such films as director M. Night Touting a first- “500 Days of TShyamalan has degree black belt and Summer” (as a pretty good track a proficiency with Joseph Gordon- record for launching various Eastern Levitt’s preco- child stars in his thrill- weapons, Ringer not cious kid sister) ers, but “The Last only bore an uncanny and “The Airbender” (which resemblance to Eye.” Next bows next July) posed (complete with shaved year brings a special challenge head) but also im- major roles in since it was based on pressed Shyamalan several movies, Nickelodeon’s popular with his sincere gentle- m I including kidlit “Avatar” cartoon. ness — a characteristic Wire age.com adaptation “Typically I’ll find the director felt was es- “Diary of a Wimpy Kid” and Nicolas Cage star- the actor and then sential to play a monk rer “Kick-Ass” (she underwent and mold the part to fit who brings balance to a combat training to play Hit-Girl). Moretz is in the child, but this was warring world. ARLWIN IE Ter shooting the lead in “Let Me In,” a a pre-existing character, and I had to “Night wanted me to be natural,” remake of Swedish vampire tale “Let the Right hope that this person existed,” Shya- says Ringer whose first stab at acting hen Ariel Winter was 4, One In.” malan tells Variety. came when prepping for the audition. her parents found her Now there’s no turning back, Moretz in- After conducting a yearlong world- “He didn’t want me to be Aang; rath- Whitting her head against sists. “I get to be a different person every wide search for a young martial artist er, he wanted Aang to be me.” the TV. “I was watching ‘Dora day. One day I can be a vampire, the other I to play Aang, the director came across Looking forward to more acting the Explorer,’ and I kept say- can be Hit-Girl. It’s like . I can do a video from Dallas-based 12-year-old roles, Ringer recently signed with ing, ‘Come on, let me in! I want what I love — and act like a 3-year-old.” Noah Ringer, who’d heard about Para- CAA. to explore with Dora!’ ” recalls — Gregory Ellwood mount’s open audition call through his — Anthony D’Alessandro Winter, now 11 and a series regular on the ABC “Modern Family.” Winter’s parents started her out in commercials and print to see whether it was the right fit, and before long, she was tackling film and televi- sion roles, including several animated blockbusters. “When I booked my first movie, ‘Kiss Kiss Bang Bang,’ I realized that’s what I wanted to do with my life,” she says. Rather than taking acting classes, Winter approaches each role as a test of her imagination. “I like thinking, ‘What would I feel if I were in that character’s shoes?’ ” she says. With the thriller “Duress,” the twist hinges on her char- acter (spoiler alert), so Winter had to fool auds into thinking she was innocent until it’s time to reveal her terrible secret. “I had to pull from my emotional bank, and I plucked out evil,” says Winter, who will soon be seen taunting in “A Thousand Words” as well. — Peter Debruge

1204nyA18-22 22 12/2/2009 6:24:09 PM A 2 4 n Variety.com/features V p l u s n Y o u t h I m p a c t R e p o r t ’ 0 9 F r i d a y , D e cember 4, 2009

Franchise stars also bear believe gave him the leverage the added pressure of being and credibility to get a lot of GOR WIN responsible for the livelihoods other roles.” Continued from page A1 of castmates and crew. By contrast with Duff, whom and Rock Band. We create an While “Roseanne” may Marsh feels left the Disney fold environment where they can have been able to replace too early, LaBeouf bided his time have fun with their colleagues Alicia Goranson with in features, taking small roles in and take it easy.” Sarah Chalke and not miss big movies like “Charlie’s An- Labors laws restrict kids’ a beat, the entire “Han- gels” and “I, Robot.” “He kept workdays, mandate that re- nah Montana” operation building his audience further laxation periods and breaks depends on Cyrus. Same to dimensionalize his appeal, so be built into the schedule, and goes for Jamie Lynn when he got ‘Transformers’ and 1204 requireLANY RadioDisney5x6_5 a certain amount of time11/24/09 11:33 AM Page 1 Spears, whose pregnancy ‘Indiana Jones,’ he brought along pass between dismissal and forced “” to end a built-in audience who will pay callback. “On top of that, school- production. money to see him.” ing has to take place during the Knowing that restless Young actors known for week,” Kaplan says. actors can be franchise their film franchises, such as It wasn’t always this way. busters, Disney encourages and Zac Efron and Radcliffe, need Angela Cartwright, who starred facilitates its talent to pursue to have similar strategies, says in the classic series “Lost in life after disney: Shia LaBeouf, left, took his time grad- other creative avenues, such as Marsh, noting, “If they are Space” as a teenager, says she uating from “” to non-Disney roles, while Hilary ’s music career (cour- smart, they will be conscious and Bill Mumy were not given Duff may have set her career back by trying to break out too early. tesy of ) and about building their own brand breaks: “None of that poufy Raven Simone’s clothing line, at the same they are building stuff for us — we were in show high school and assumes the life around these kids on our series developed in conjunction with the film franchise brand. It business! We shot straight of a typical teenager — even during their workday is their Disney Consumer Products. means they have to be smart through, and we shot a lot more though the series has made him friends. On Disney Channel, the The key is giving them the about the other roles they do, episodes, so there were only a a millionaire at the age of 16. set is their playground.” opportunity to build as big a whether it’s a play (such as couple months off.” Similarly, 15-year-old Dakota “Here, you get to act like career platform as possible, says Radcliffe’s turn in “Equus”) or Even during hiatus, Cart- Fanning attends high school be- you’re just a normal kid. We’re Marsh, citing former Disney another movie or even how they wright was tutored on the lot. “I tween films and is a cheerleader. all just kids going through the Channel star Shia LaBeouf conduct themselves in public.” only went to regular school the “Balance is the answer to same stuff, and we can be in it (“Even Stevens”). “He stayed Kaplan and Marsh agree that last quarter of my senior year, success everywhere,” says Dis- together,” says “Hannah Mon- on the series and built a fanbase. today’s franchise stars are cogni- and you can imagine how easy ney Channel Worldwide enter- tana” star Miley Cyrus, credit- Then he did an original Dis- zant that what they do offscreen that was trying to fit in,” she tainment prexy Gary Marsh, re- ing Disney with minimizing the ney Channel movie called ‘Tru can affect their onscreen careers. remembers. cently appointed chief creative boring, “work”-like aspect of the Confessions’ where he played a “This generation is very serious By contrast, when “Two and officer. “On an adult series, a job. “We all have fun. You get to developmentally disabled . about their work,” Kaplan ob- a Half Men” is on hiatus, star young actor will be surrounded do stuff that you’d never get to It was an unbelievable acting serves, “and they know profes- Angus T. Jones attends regular by adults. The circle of people do on a normal day.” performance that to this day I sionalism can lead to success.”

1204nyA01, A24, A26 24 12/2/2009 6:01:52 PM A 2 6 n Variety.com/features V p l u s n Y o u t h I m p a c t R e p o r t ’ 0 9 F r i d a y , D e cember 4, 2009

contest. Among those who are was dating , Lovato visitors exclusive content. “We he adds: “She is put at risk. already famous, most are too squashed the rumor by tweet- give the fans something extra That’s just the cost of being the v irtual busy to manage their own on- ing an adamant denial. In an- in a safe environment because, biggest star in the world.” Continued from page A1 line presence, with update duty other case, fans felt they were in the end, one of the negatives Indeed, when it comes to scripted persona many young falling to stage parents, publi- backstage with Taylor Swift is sharing too much information those who do their own updat- stars present to the world via cists or an entire staff of Web- when she tweeted three min- with young kids,” Gluck says. ing, publicists often coach their 0924 DVGV CocaCola4x8_25social networks 9/22/09 and 12:29 services PM Page savvy1 young marketers. utes before going on camera, No one knows that better underage clients about how to that foster a connection with Twitter seems to be the “SNL is about to happen. Wow. than Cyrus, who has unwitting- protect themselves online. “If their fans. favorite of Young Hollywood, I’m excited. And happy. And ly become the poster child for they’re going to be on Twit- On MySpace or , making it easier to interact with nervous. And excited. Watch?” how new media can be useful as ter, I tell them to think twice kids — not to mention a po- fans by sending short messages (turning a savvy plug for her well as abused: Suggestive pho- before they hit ‘send,’” says the tentially alarming number of from their cell phones. Their appearance into a candid- tos popping up on MySpace and Obrink Agency partner Scott adults — can “friend” their 140-characters-or-fewer mis- sounding update). Twitter, a YouTube video that Wine. “I don’t want them to be favorite stars, keeping tabs sives can be programmed to pop Maintaining an active new- was perceived to be making fun sterile and have no personality, on their activities via status up immediately on their web- media presence is vital to an of other Disney Channel stars, but they need to learn to keep updates or blog posts. Singer- sites, blogs and Facebook and established performer like and personal information on certain things to their close-knit songwriter Josh Golden used MySpace pages, where they are Miley Cyrus. “For someone Twitter and blogs that became circle of family and friends.” MySpace to build his own often seen and “retweeted” by who is so unapproachable to the fodder for gossip mavens likely (When embarrassing informa- brand. After getting a posi- fan sites or teen magazines. everyday kid, how do we cre- contributed to Cyrus being tion or photos do get online, it tive response to some scratch Getting the word out this ate this unique, lifelong bond?” voted “Worst Celeb Influence” spreads fast and can be virtually tracks he posted on the site, the way certainly has its advan- asks Jason Gluck, president of by AOL’s tween site JSYK.com. impossible to control, as “High 15-year-old musician kept feed- tages. When fell ill Mileyworld.com. For Cyrus, the “She’s the most successful, has School Musical” star Vanessa ing new material to his growing while on tour, the Jonas Broth- solution has been a Children’s the most successful fan club, Hudgens learned last year.) number of MySpace friends, ers tweeted that the show was Online Privacy Protection Act- has the biggest MySpace online The immediacy and availabil- which led to his being a final- canceled. Moments after a blog- compliant social networking site community,” Gluck says. ity of information about these ist in Disney’s Next Big Thing ger gossiped that Demi Lovato that gives its 2 million unique But because of that access, high-profile minors concerns many. “I definitely think it’s superdangerous. That’s exactly why Miley left Twitter,” says Jared Eng, the blogger behind teen site JustJaredJr.com. “Also, Twitter can create a flash mob (where local fans show up to catch a glimpse of a favorite star), and that can be danger- ous if your following is of that magnitude.” Since kids are often savvy about new media and thus the ones pioneering the use of emerging technologies, “(The trick) is just trying to guide as much as you can, but part of embracing social media is giv- ing up control,” Ackermann says. “It’s a new struggle yet a wonderful thing.” e vent Continued from page A2 “I remember one girl in particular who really touched my , named Ellen,” recalls Power of Youth ambassador Madison Pettis. “At just 4 years old, she had the courage to sing beautifully in front of all of the people at the Power of Youth event last year, despite the fact that she had lost all her hair due to her cancer treatment.” The Power of Youth initiative was created to motivate young talent to become involved with philanthropic and humanitar- ian causes, and this year, five celebrities under the age of 25 will be honored for their indi- vidual activism and support with Variety’s Power of Youth @15 Award, presented by Best Buy. “These are kids who don’t just stick their faces on some- thing; they are out there re- ally working to try and effect change,” says Variety pub- lisher Brian Gott. “The whole idea of the Power of Youth is empowering young Hollywood to get involved, give back and get their fans to do the same.”

1204nyA01, A24, A26 26 12/2/2009 6:04:40 PM A 2 8 n Variety.com/features V p l u s n Y o u t h I m p a c t R e p o r t ’ 0 9 F r i d a y , D e cember 4, 2009 junior journos Working with Variety mentors, the newsletter staff for Looking Ahead (a program dedicated to helping young performers transition to adult lives) guest-edited these stories about issues affecting their peers.

The pros & L ittle ‘orphan’ isabelle cons of stage other roles await Young actress shares advice on parents how she aced a grown-up role Kids’ choice former child stars By COSIMA CABRERA Children should rphan’s” unmis- - never be pushed to By PHILOMENA BANKSTON takably creepy be in front of the camera, and CA’SHAWN SIMS image of a curly- and many agents start by O haired brunette with asking young would-be howbiz is one of the only busi- ribbons around her performers why they want nesses to hire children as pro- neck and a uniquely to act. If their answer isn’t fessionals, but how many people morbid countenance convincing, it was prob- can really be sure what they ably the parents’ idea. is nothing like the want to do with their lives at effervescent actress When children Sthat age? And even if their minds are who plays her, which genuinely want to fixed, opportunities could dry up when might lead you to act,+ stage parents can their voice and body start to change. wonder how actress be their best advocate. “Puberty made that decision for me,” While agents and manag- says Jeff Cohen, who played Chunk Isabelle Fuhrman, ers are distracted with in “The Goonies” and now works as a now 12 and distinctly many clients, parents can successful entertainment lawyer with mature for her age, proactively try to find au- Cohen & Gardner. His background helps was able to play a role ditions and opportunities him understand what actors need, and that could have been for their own kids. the new role allows him “to be an advo- emotionally dangerous cate for the rights of artists.” for most children. o ne life to live While many young performers even- Following in the footsteps of “The tually leave the business, Cohen is just Exorcist’s” Linda Blair, Fuhrman worked

Some stage parents one example of others for whom the hard to play an evil character with a dark - seem to live through same passion that brings them to Los secret. She acknowledges that at times their kids, not recogniz- Angeles in the first place can steer them second acts: Chris Rossi, with the scenes were challenging, but that is ing when they are push- toward other careers in entertainment. Bailee Madison at the ‘‘Brothers’’ pre- precisely why she was interested in the ing too hard or being When Chris M. Allport (who voiced miere, moved from acting to publicity. part. Besides, Fuhrman insists, director slow to adapt when their Tootles in Fox Kids’ animated “Peter Jaume Collet-Serra and the crew made

budding young star loses Pan and the Pirates” series as a teen) to open his own firm, Rossi Public Rela- sure the on-set experience was fun, not interest in performing. transitioned into producing, he didn’t tions, in May of this last year mainly scary, for the actress and her kid co-stars, Young performers see it as a change in career, but an “ad- because he felt like with his own back- Jimmy Bennett and Aryana Engineer. can sometimes be dition.” Though he still acts from time to ground in acting, he could better relate When asked what advice she has for too+ focused, and good time, Allport enjoys the independence to what the actor wants and needs from other young performers cast in horror films, Fuhrman recommends, “Just try parents encourage them of filmmaking (he recently finished “The their publicist. ‘‘ to balance their lives by Bilderberg Club,” which premieres this Though many young performers focus to be as crazy as possible and really leave attending college, playing month). Instead of chasing down work, entirely on acting, as these success stories yourself behind.” Offscreen, Fuhrman is sports and pursuing hob- he now has the power of making oppor- show, other entertainment jobs await for a genuine kid who has every Taylor Swift bies apart from acting. tunities for himself. those who keep an open mind — and they album, participates in Fun League sports For 21-year-old Chris Rossi, moving needn’t take the place of acting either. at her school and is now writing a chick from acting to publicity was a natural For Rossi, his new career actually makes flick called “Days of December” with a mo ney matters step. “Everybody said, ‘Chris, you’re so auditioning easier. “Because I work with friend for school. Unlike other kids, how- In many cases, suc- great at interacting with people in the these people now, if the right part comes ever, Fuhrman now receives fan mail and cessful young actors industry, it’s like you naturally just do up, they will say, ‘Chris, come in for that,’” is eagerly anticipating her next role. are- treated as cash cows the PR thing,’” says Rossi, who decided he says. for their parents’ benefit. If a child’s earnings are properly man- Auditioning is hard enough for adults. For teens it can be downright nerve-racking. I remember one casting aged,+ it can make their Paying their dues: adulthood considerably director for whom I could never get my lines right when I auditioned. All my words would come out in a big garbled mess — embarrassing. Here more comfortable. are a handful of insights from other young performers that might make the process easier for others. — Compiled by Tanner Richie, “Nip/Tuck” right attitude “When I was 8, I had “On the set “I’ve learned “It is impossible When the parents’ my first audition. I one time, that if I don’t get for any audition happiness relies on had just gotten my new I had to a part, it wasn’t to be a ‘failure.’ their- kids’ success, it can stage name and was dress up in meant to be. Looking past put too much pressure on the child and possibly lead practicing it repeatedly. a tiger suit Maybe I wasn’t the end result of to emotional problems. I was so nervous! When and wear the right look or getting the job Parents who show I got into the room, I slated the wrong red blush on my cheeks. The height; it’s nothing personal. I and just focusing on having fun they’re proud of and ‘‘name. I had to talk with the casting suit was hot and I felt em- always remember that if I don’t with your work can make act- love+ their children even if director afterward and say, ‘Excuse me, barrassed to walk around book a part, something better is ing more rewarding than you they aren’t booking jobs. but I forgot my name in the audition.’” anywhere!” on its way.” could imagine.” — Rebecca Knight — Ashley Ann-Michaels, — Eric Don, — Rebecca Knight, — Tyler Neitzel, “The Next Movie” “” “The Bernie Mac Show” “300”

1204nyA28 28 12/2/2009 6:27:06 PM FRIDAY, DECEMBER 4, 2009 V a rie t y . c o m / AWARDCEN T R A L n A 2 9

Mel Brooks Dr. Billy Ingram/WireImage.com

d.c. fetes arts’ best: is being honored after making pics from “Taxi Driver” to “Everybody’s Fine.”

cul ture calls: kudos on the potomAc performers nonpareil This year’s honorees include legends in jazz, rock, opera, acting and comedy Kevin Mazur/WireImage.com By DAVID MERMELSTEIN talent of others to convey his singu- pianist, of course, but also as a com- lar comic sense. “A lot of people are poser, which is what bassist Christian he Kennedy Center Honors, talented,” says Gene Wilder, who McBride — a musical partner and our nation’s highest cultural collaborated with Brooks on three friend of more than 10 years — consid- awards, place its annual re- of the most beloved comedies of ers his greatest achievement. “I’ve cipients in an especially con- the past half century: “The Produc- always thought the essence of him centrated spotlight. Yet even ers,” “Blazing Saddles” and “Young was in his compositions,” he says. ifT modesty forbids them from acknowl- Frankenstein.” “Mel’s humor is not “There’s a certain feel and sound to edging it, these figures are like other people’s. He’ll try them, even the larger-scale works like used to the limelight. Here things, and sometimes he the choral and ensemble pieces. But the colleagues of this year’s Tip Sheet misses, but then all of a sud- there’s also the classic quartet, with crop — movie actor Robert What: 32nd den it’s an avalanche. He and Paul Desmond, and that has a signa- De Niro, writer-director Mel Annual Kennedy Zero Mostel were probably ture sound, too.” Yet it all comes back Brooks, rocker Bruce Spring- Center Honors the most unique creators in to the keyboard: “He has such a very comedy I’ve ever known. lyrical sound. It’s this nice hybrid of steen, jazz legend Dave Bru- Where: Kennedy beck and opera singer Grace They had this special qual- the European classical tradition, the Center, Washing- Bumbry — make an attempt ity. Like a rocket ship going stride-piano tradition and the modern- to describe the impossible: ton, D.C. to the moon, they’d glance ism of Art Tatum.” what makes them great. When: Sunday across absurdity. And when Bumbry has also divided her Kirk Jones directed Telecast: CBS, it connects, it’s huge. It’s a talents, though in a most unusual De Niro’s most recent pic, Dec. 29, 9 p.m. revelation.” way, distinguishing herself first as Gary Gershoff/WireImage.com “Everybody’s Fine,” and he Web: kennedy- Springsteen’s achieve- a mezzo- and then a soprano regards the thesp as “the center.org ment is synthesis — at least on the world’s great stages. She was very greatest actor who ever according to E Street Band also the first black singer to appear at lived,” adding, “I don’t think guitarist Bayreuth, the German temple to ’s an overstatement.” The ac- (“The ”) and the rocker’s things Wagner. Soprano Martina Ar- tor’s secret? “I think that there’s two friend since adolescence. “We weren’t royo shared the stage with Bumbry things,” says the helmer. “(The first really sure where we were going, so many times, perhaps most memorably is) the physicality to his face, which we were learning each of the genres in “Aida” at the . enables you to read everything that’s as we went, ” recalls Van Zandt. “And She says her colleague’s devotion to going on in his head. Henry Braham, then Bruce takes that — the folk rock, character was especially intense. “You our cinematographer, said you could country rock, jazz, British Invasion, could feel it emanating from her,” Ar- see everything he was feeling. There’s girl groups — and uses it. Everything royo says. “She always knew who she something very special about the he ever heard, he uses. And yet some- was. I recall a mesmerizing ‘’ physicality, and the eyes. how it always manages to be him, in at . You could see in ‘‘And as we know, screen acting is his voice. He doesn’t take a genre and her face how she could manipulate all about subtlety. He knows the power then leave it behind, like a fashion. Herod. And her Amneris seemed to of underplaying a scene. He was born He actually absorbs them all. You be boring right through me at the Met with the gift of a genius actor, but he can hear the influences, but his songs in ‘Aida.’ On top of that, she had such was also born with physicality that are uniquely him. It’s always Bruce a beautiful voice. Often singers have helped convey those feelings.” Springsteen music.” either intensity or a beautiful voice, Grace Bumbry Brooks’ talent lies in shaping the Brubeck is being celebrated as a but Grace had both.” Stella Boda

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