Sean Michael Afable – Beeing the Best

Q) What are the current projects that you are working on?

A) I am currently working to get my website ready for when my film Akeelah and the Bee comes out. I am also just working to promote the movie, which will be released on April 28, 2006!

Q) Please tell us about your character Dylan in the film Akeelah and the Bee. 

A) I play the role of Dylan Chiu and he’s a fourteen-year-old kid who is pretty pressured by his dad to win the national spelling bee. In the beginning, he’s a jerk to Akeelah because he sees her as a real threat and this is his last chance to win the national spelling bee. He’s afraid of the consequences of not winning and as the movie progresses, you’ll get to see him having a change of heart.

Q) What made you want to be a part of the movie?

A) It’s a really awesome movie. When I first read the script it was so inspiring! I loved the fact that it reminded me of a personal goal that everyone has. Plus, I loved the theme of going on (despite adversity) reaching for the stars and being the best you can be.

Q) How was it getting to work with director Doug Atchison?

A) He’s such an awesome and nice guy! His script is amazing. He’s an amazing director and did an incredible job!

Q) What was your most memorable moment from filming the movie?

A) I think the most memorable moment is probably all of the times when Keke, the rest of the group and I were hanging out on the set. It was a lot of fun!

Q) On the film, you got to work with Angela Bassett and Laurence Fishburn. Who would you most like to work with in the future?

A) I, honestly, don’t know. I just look up to the really good actors out there. I’m willing to work with anybody. It’s just fun to meet a lot of people.

Q) Why should viewers take the time to see Akeelah and the Bee?

A) As I said before, it’s a great inspirational movie about reaching for the stars. There are a lot of movies that are out now that are not so great, but this is not one of them!

Q) You’re a veteran hip-hop dancer and an aspiring break-dancer. How did your interest first get sparked?

A) When I was younger, I went to New York to try out for “The Lion King” on Broadway. I came so close to getting the part of Simba, but I didn’t have any dance background or experience. That really pushed me to want to get experience so that when other parts that needed that background I’d be ready and could get some great parts.

Q) You’ve worked on a lot of Disney shows. What makes working for the network so appealing?

A) I think that working for them is really cool because usually you are working with a lot of kid actors your age and you develop a fan base of your peers and it’s a really fun environment!

Q) What do you do in your spare time?

A) I love snowboarding. Going up the mountains is so nice right now! I love basketball and hanging out with friends. I’m working on a t-shirt company with my friends now and we’ll see how that goes. I just love life!

Q) What is your latest obsession? A band? A sport? A movie?

A) I am really into my church youth group now. It’s really cool because all of my friends are there and there is a lot of fun stuff. I also love getting to drive!