Vanetta Smith – Freedom Writers

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

A) Right now, I am auditioning and have some things on the horizon. I am in also in talks to put out my first CD.

Q) Please tell us the premise for your movie Freedom Writers and about your character Brandy?

A) Freedom Writers is based on a true story and it stars Hillary Swank and Patrick Dempsey. I play Brandy who is a troubled girl that is going through a lot. She doesn’t really know how to speak up for herself so she writes it. That’s one of the reasons why in the movie that she is one of the first people to pick up a journal. She’s the first person to change everything. I play a really emotional character. She’s emotional on the inside, but doesn’t show it.

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

A) I thought the part was really inspirational. When I first auditioned for it, I didn’t know it was based on a true story and that it starred Hillary Swank. So, after I found all of that out, I REALLY wanted it.

Q) What was it like working with Hillary Swank?

A) It was really good! Hillary is the best, she’s one of my role models.

Q) The Paramount Executives feel that there could be some Oscar buzz around you. How does that make you feel?

A) Wow! I didn’t know that. That makes me feel really good. It makes me feel like I did a really good job on the movie and everyone else did a good job, as well.

Q) What was the most challenging part of your role?

A) The most challenging thing about my role was the emotional parts where my dad beat me.

Q) Why should viewers take the time to see the film?

A) People should go see it because it is really inspirational. When I was working on it, it was so inspirational to me. A lot of inner city kids and gang members should go see it because it will inspire them to do something else with their lives and not just shoot people if they are a different race. I am really trying to get my friends that I know who are involved in gang violence to go see the film because it will really change their lives.

Q) What made you want to be an actress?

A) Will Smith. When I was five years old, I used to watch him all the time. I felt like I just needed to be like him. I’d just sit there and watch him on “Fresh Prince of Bell Air.” I knew all of the episodes by heart and still know them to this day! I used to record all of the episodes, play them back, memorize all of the lines and perform them in front of the TV. He just really inspired me.

Q) What do you do in your spare time?

A) I hang out with my boyfriend, go to the movies, hang out with my friends, go to the mall, shop and go to the beach. I do whatever every teenager does.

Q) What is your latest obsession? A movie? A sport? An activity?

A) Basketball is my obsession. I love it and I try to do it every chance I get.