Read our exclusive interview with up-and-coming actress Kirby Bliss Blanton, who can currently be seen in the new comedy ‘Project X.’ The highly anticipated film, which was helmed by first-time director Nima Nourizadeh, follows three high school seniors who decide to throw a house party when their parents go out of town. While the teens are aiming to make a name for themselves before they graduate, the party quickly spirals out of control after word about it quickly spreads on the Internet.
‘Project X’ has garnered hype because it’s one of the first comedies to be shot through the point-of-view of the camera of one of the students filming the the party. Todd Phillips, the director, writer and producer of such hit comedies as ‘The Hangover’ and ‘Old School,’ also served as a producer on ‘Project X,’ marking his first high school party film. He also decided to cast many un- or little-known actors for the main characters, to give up-and-comers the chance to be cast in a movie. Blanton discuses with us, among other things, what it was like working with both Phillips and Nourizadeh, and why casting un-known actors helped bring an authenticity to the characters.
ShockYa (SY): You portray Kirby, the female lead, in the new comedy ‘Project X.’ What was it about the script that convinced you to appear in the film?
Kirby Bliss Blanton (KBB): I really didn’t know too much about the script and the story until I was attached, just because it w so hush-hush. But I did know that Todd Phillips was involved, and I was definitely a fan of his work before. I was a fan of ‘Old School,’ and I knew ‘The Hangover’ really well. They’re both legends.
It was enough that I knew that comedy was definitely something I wanted to do. With Todd attached, that was enough for me. Then there was Joel Silver, who’s a huge producer, he does things on a huge scale, so that was a huge incentive.
SY: Like you said, Todd is known for directing and producing such male bonding/partying movies as ‘The Hangover’ and ‘Old School.’ What was it like working with him, and what is it about his approach to films that makes him so successful?
KBB: I think everything was a little less serious this time around, just because Todd wasn’t actually directing. We had a first-time director, Nima (Nourizadeh). So Todd wasn’t on set all the time, and the same with Joel. They were there, but not always. I think it’s something they both wanted to do, and then they let Nima take it and run with it, which was great. That’s why I think the movie’s so visually stunning.
SY: Like you said, ‘Project X’ is Nima’s feature film directorial debut. What was it like working with him, as a first-time director?
KBB: Once you get used to the fact that you’re not sure where the camera’s going to be all the time, which is also the way that we shot this, there were two different cameras. It was shot like a music video, which is why it looks like a music video. That’s mainly what Nima had done before. But it’s perfect for the whole party scene, because you feel like you’re there.
Once I got used to the fact that the camera was just going to be watching, and it’s just part of what’s happening, it was really great. He definitely knows what he’s doing. Once I saw the finished project, I was just astonished.
SY: ‘Project X’ was filmed through the first-person view of the cameraman observing the party, in an effort to create the effect of the audience being in attendance. Do you think the technique was beneficial in showing how the main characters were experiencing the party?
KBB: Absolutely. It’s interesting, because it’s like if you were at the party, or if you got a little glimpse into someone’s life, you do get to see things that you wouldn’t get to see in other movies. The camera does follow, or hide, to show intimate moments, which is really fun.
It’s great for the actors, because it’s not like the camera is right up in your face. You’re not trying to look in the lens, it’s more organic.
SY: The camera technique used in ‘Project X’ has become popular in recent years, particularly in the horror genre. Why do you think fans have responded to that technique, and do you think it’s helpful in this movie?
KBB: One thing I’ve definitely heard from a few people is that this movie isn’t shaky or blurry. It doesn’t make you feel seasick. I know a lot of people are comparing it to ‘The Blair Witch (Project)’ or ‘Cloverfield.’ (In) those movies, the camera was dropped a lot.
In ‘Project X,’ it was a very nice camera, and the character was supposed to know how to use it. He was like in the AV club. It looked great. I think that’s half of the fun of watching the party, because everything is aesthetically great.
I think it’s great to finally see a comedy in this prospective. It has only been horror films. I think you get to see things and catch things that sometimes you wouldn’t get to, because the cameras keep rolling. I think everyone will really enjoy it.
SY: Do you think the technique will be beneficial to comedies in the future, and expand to all genres?
KBB: Yeah, I hope so. I hope we’re breaking the barrier. It doesn’t just have to be with horror films or documentaries. This is a huge studio film, and I think it’s fun. You get to feel more a part of it, because you feel like you’re there.
SY: How prepare for your role as Kirby? Is her personality reflective of how you were in high school?
KBB: I didn’t get to finish high school, because I came out here (to California) to do acting. But I was definitely a tomboy, and I definitely had that in common with the Kirby character. I had brothers growing up, so I was always playing sports, and things like that. I definitely had no problem playing one of the guys. So it was really easy for me.
SY: Like yourself, there were several main actors whose characters had the same names as they did. Do you feel this was beneficial in telling the story, and reflecting on the actors’ personalities?
KBB: Yeah, I do think so, I think we’re all playing an extended, or exaggerated, version of ourselves. It was definitely easier during improv, and I feel like the audience really knows who we are. Now everyone who sees this movie knows my name, which is great, because I’m an up-and-comer. So it definitely benefits more than anything.
SY: Speaking about being up-and-coming, Todd and Joel decided to create a nationwide open casting, in an effort to cast un- or little-known actors who would not normally be given a chance to star in a film. Do you think that casting actors who are making their major film lead acting debuts provided an authenticity to their portrayals of the characters?
KBB: Oh, definitely it brings an authenticity, because you’re not comparing our performances to other movies that you’ve already seen us in. But I think it finally gave some people a chance.
What’s great is that this comedy is for younger people. These are high school kids, which is funny, because most of the time you see party movies, it’s college kids. I think that we did a really good job because I feel that everything we did is going to be perceived really well.
SY: Do you think ‘Project X’ is similar to Todd’s previous movies, such as ‘The Hangover’ and ‘Old School?’
KBB: In a way, because it kind of spirals out of control. At some point, you think everything’s going to end, and everything’s going to get better, but everything just gets worse. Everything sort of snowballs, and Todd has a tendency of doing that. He also has a tendency of breaking the rules sometimes, and pushing boundaries. I think it’s important, though, for a comedy to do that.
But it’s definitely different than everything he’s done before. It’s for a younger audience, and it was shot differently. I think once he was involved, he let us play.
SY: The film follows the main three male characters as they throw the party to make a name for themselves before they graduate from high school. Do you think the story is something everyone can relate to?
KBB: Yes, definitely. Everyone’s kind of been in that spot, wanting to get noticed and to have some notoriety. I think it’s especially heightened in high school, because you’re kind of figuring out who you are, and coming into your own. I think everyone can relate to this, but I just hope they don’t try this themselves, because we spent a lot of time and money making this.
SY: ‘Project X’ was shot over a five week period between 5pm and 5am. Did that place any difficulties or limitations on what you could shoot?
KBB: Yeah, lighting wise, definitely. We had to light things, and make sure things were dark always. We did two weeks specifically of just straight night shoots, which is where you hope you can stay asleep until 6 pm, and work the whole night. It was kind of like being nocturnal. What’s interesting is that most of the stuff is at night, so it worked in our favor, and it was necessary. I think it looked cool, visually.
SY: You have also appeared in several television guest-starring roles, on such shows as ‘Hannah Montana’ and ‘Entourage.’ How was appearing in those roles similar and different than appearing in ‘Project X?’
KBB: I think television overall is a lot different than films. In films, you kind of get to focus on one thing, and you’re usually doing it for a month or two, sometimes more.
With television, you have about a week or so to do each episode. I always kind of felt rushed, even when I was just an episodic person, which means I was written part of the main cast for one episode. I think certain people like that, getting everything done by a certain time. But I think with movies, you have more of a longevity.
SY: Do you have a preference of one medium over the other?
KBB: Yeah, I’ve kind of grown to love movies, because I think you can do so many different things. With television, I think you can get stuck with one character, which is great, because you’re getting paid consistently. It’s kind of a catch-22.
SY: Do you have any future projects lined up that you can discuss?
KBB: Yeah, I did a show called ‘The Inbetweeners,’ which is really big in the U.K., and we’re doing an American version on MTV. Also, I did a Polish Brothers film called ‘Hot Bot,’ and it’s about these two nerdy guys and this robot sex toy woman. I play one of the guys’ good friends who’s there for him once he falls out of love with the robot.
Written by: Karen Benardello
