Inspire Magazine | Online Teen Magazine

Katerina Graham

Hi Katerina, thank you for taking your time to answer our questions. How has life been lately? Busy?

It has been crazy. I'm currently in rehearsals for my first dance film "Boogie Town". I just finished writing my 9th script and now getting my first plays in music at clubs, radio etc.

So, you are in the new movie that has everyone talking, "17 Again," what exactly is it about?

17 Again is sort of like that old movie "Big" where the man becomes young again. Matthew Perry becomes Zac and decides to go back to school to try and fix the relationship he has with his kids and wife.

You play Jaime, does she play an important role in the film?

I think she's important! I play Michelle Trachtenberg's best friend in the film. I'm a part of the "wonderbras" which are the three girls that run the school. The character is great because it shows the difference from when Zac first arrives at the school, and how out of sync he is with the youth, to later being accepted. We have some hilarious scenes.

Where were the movies filmed?

We shot all the high school scenes down at Santa Monica High School, which was crazy for me because I homeschooled high school, so I had never been inside of one of their class rooms or in that environment for that long of a period before.

Were you able to meet the entire cast while shooting? Michelle Trachtenberg, Zac Efron... Matthew Perry?

I've has scenes with all the cast. We're all friends still. Did you learn anything in particular that was interesting about the cast or crew?

I learned a lot actually. I learned the importance of humility. I was working with some of the biggest stars and what I noticed was how incredibly humble and sweet they were. It was comforting.

What was it like behind the scenes? Was it fun to just hang about with your cast/crew?

I can't even tell you what a blast it was, especially working with my girls and Michelle. The producers always had me in smiles. That was just an all around really great set. I miss them a lot.

What kind of food did the craft team serve?

I actually became friends with the caterers from being on set. They would change it up a lot. We always had a theme which was amazing. I got into cooking from being on that set, that's how good they were.

Did you have your own trailer?

I did. But I was never in it, or we all would be in one trailer hanging out. We all were friends, and when you're not working you want to be with your friends.

I can't say because I don't want to give it away, but it's close to the end of the movie with Zac.
Were there any embarrassing moments on set? Missed a line? (You or someone else)
Oh yeah I had a good one! I was talking to Michelle I think and was pretending I was a cartoon character, and how they always walk to the side but their bodies are facing forward, it was a very silly impression believe me. Well anyways as I was walking I literally ran into a table and knocked over all of this food. It was in front of a whole cafeteria of people. I'm not sure how many people noticed, but Zac and most of the cast were in the room. I have a good sense of humor though. I just laughed at myself and shrugged it off.
What induced you into being a part of this movie project?
It was a great role, a great script, a great cast. What was not to love?
You are a professional dancer as well, what influenced you to dance? What was your first project?
I don't dance for other artists anymore, but I did for a long time. I had been dancing since I was 4, running around and getting dropped off at baby ballet classes. So I can't really say what influenced me because dancing has always been a part of me, a part of who I am inside. It wasn't until I was 14 that I wanted to dance professionally. My first project was dancing for Bow Wow at the BET Awards. We had pyro, and they had me on this really high platform. I'm not gonna lie, I was a little scared I'd just fall off or have a Michael Jackson moment maybe and something catch fire. I remember it very well still to this day, and how much I loved dancing and how bad I wanted to perform as an artist too on that stage.
And you've also sung in songs for Will.I.Am!
I worked with Will on his last release the "Songs About Girls" Album. I sang two records, "I got it from my mama", and "the donque song" ft. Snoop Dogg. I did all the promotion with him and he took me on a world tour with him and The Black Eyed Peas.
So besides acting, singing, and dancer, what are careers are you hoping to evolve in?
Those pretty much sum me up. Acting and music take so much of my time alone it's difficult to put your energy into anything else. I love writing screenplays, so hopefully go into production more seriously within the next two years, as well as music production because I make my own records, beats, recording etc.
What are the worst things you always come across when you are performing? Either in a movie, show, or on the stage?
The worst things? The worst thing for a performance is if your music skips, or your mic doesn't work, or if you can't hear yourself through the monitors. The worst for a film in forgetting a line, or dealing with a big ego on set, you know stuff like that. But I don't always come across those things. Those are things that can just randomly happen. You just have to be prepared for them.
Was it at all difficult to get started in this business, as it is for some people?
It took me 10 years to even be apart of a film like 17 again and I still have a long way to go. It's not an easy business, but if it's what you love, then you can't not do it. So the answer is yes. It is hard, but stay encouraged, my story may not be yours.
You were born in Switzerland, do you still remember the country?
I actually do remember it. It was so beautiful, and my father had an amazing home there.
Have you gone back since the time you moved to the U.S?
I was there for an 8 hour layover after I did the MTV EMAS with Will. But I never left the airport.
Who has been your guiding light all these years? (Your role model, influence...)
My manager Jon Simmons. My father, my mother, my family, GOD. I don't really have a role model. My mother always taught me to look inside myself for guidance. But, I can honestly say someone like Angelina Jolie who gives so much and is a great example of what celebrities and people in general should do with their money and time, is someone who has somewhat of an influence on me.
So, I hear you speak 4 different languages - what are they? How were you able to learn all of them?
I speak Hebrew, French, English of course, and some Spanish and Portuguese. My mother is Jewish so that's why I know Hebrew. Both of my parents speak French, and I went to a French school for a couple years. I had to learn Spanish when I was doing the campaign for the drink Fanta. And Portuguese I learned from my father who now lives in Portugal and Brazil.
You are just exploding with more film projects, may you share us a snippet of each?
Sure. Well you already know about 17 Again. The other film "Chicago Pulaski Jones" is a film directed by comedian Cedric The Entertainer in which I play Chaka Lovebell, an artist and love interest of Chicago, played by Kel Mitchell, who comes back to take over his uncle's club. "Our First Christmas" is a hallmark Christmas film out in December about a new family and their conflict on where to spend Christmas. I play the role of Bernie. It's a cute film. "Bleachers" is like the modern day breakfast club. I play the role of Melanie. And "Boogie Town", my newest project, is a dance film that takes place in the future. It's a Chris Stokes film, who is same producer, director, and writer from "You Got Served". Whew! That's all of them!
What kind of film projects would you like to star in, and who with?
Edward Norton is my dream actor, or Thandie Newton. I would love to be a Bond Girl one day as silly as that might sound. Or do an amazing drama.
Are there any plans of a debut album?
I'm working on it right now.
Will you be writing all your own songs? Co-writing?
I have songs where I've written solely by myself. But I love to collaborate with other artists, producers and writers.
So the presidential elections recently passed, may you let us know which president you voted for and why?
I voted for Obama. Unless it's in regards to humanitarianism I most likely won't go into politics. But I will say that I voted for Obama because I simply believe in him and what he stands for.
What are a few things you'd like this world to change?
Only a few? Well I suppose the mind state of the world to one of peace and generousity. To end the human trafficking, child soldiers, neglected refugees, world hunger and poverty. There's so much change needed and so much work to be done.
What is 1 thing you need to make it through the day? (An item...person, etc)
Love and laughter. I'm not a materialistic person. I've never needed much.
What is your life long goal?
To become a successful actress and artist and better this world.
Your all time favorite candy is...
I'm down with Reese's peanut butter cups.
Your most favorite show? Your least favorite?
I really like Entourage and Anderson 360. My least favorite, I can't really say, but their generally any boring reality shows.
Who is your celebrity crush?
Craig David and James Franco.
Do you have a bad habit? If so, what is it?
Thinking too much.
What do you not tolerate?
Arrogance, indecision, and selfishness.
What do you enjoy doing when you aren't busy working?
I love skateboarding, making beats, and cooking.
For all those ambitious actors, singers, and dancers - do you have any advice?
I do, and I actually got this advice from Neyo, "Don't ever stop".
And in general, what would you like to say to your fans?
That I really love them and that I support them the way they support me, and that I'm grateful for everything.