The beginning of August is sort of an awkward time. The novelty of summer has worn off but it’s too early to feel excited for back-to-school. Get out of that mid-summer rut by watching DIARY OF A WIMPY KID: DOGS DAYS. The third movie in the series takes place during the summer, so it’s the perfect film for the situation! We talked to Peyton List, who plays Holly Hills, and she had lots to say about DIARY OF A WIMPY KID and JESSIE, where she plays Emma.
What inspired you to get into acting?
When I was four years old my mom took me to see my first Broadway show, “Wicked.” I remember being so amazed and thinking how magical it was. That was what really made me want to be an actress.
How are you similar to or different from your character on JESSIE?
I am similar to Emma because we both are very into fashion. I actually collaborated with wardrobe on set and helped create Emma’s style.
What is a typical day on the set of JESSIE like?
Monday we have table reads
Tuesday rehearsal (we call it Hard Workin’ Tuesdays)
Wednesday executive run throughs
Thursday We shoot
Friday is live audience taping!! (My favorite day!)
What has been your favourite episode or scene to film on JESSIE?
That’s a hard one because I love all of them but if I had to choose one, I would say “Princess and the Pea Brain” because we got to go back to medieval times and I also got to work with pigeons! Another episode that I love is “Badfellas” which hasn’t aired yet, but everyone will get to see a side of Emma that’s never been seen before.
What is your favourite part about filming a TV show?
I love the cast and crew. They are so nice and fun and I don’t feel like I am going to “work.”
What is the most challenging part?
I would say working with the four cameras is so new to me since I am used to working on movies with one or two cameras, so now I have to learn to cheat my body out toward the cameras and always make sure the cameras can see both of my eyes.
Can you tell us about your role in DIARY OF A WIMPY KID: DOG DAYS?
It is now summer time and Holly Hills has a big summer planned of volunteering, hanging with friends and sports. Greg is now realizing that if he is going to get Holly, he has got to make his move now before school ends so he can see her over the summer.
How has your DIARY OF A WIMPY KID character changed throughout the movies?
I would say that at the beginning she was a sweet girl that Greg has a crush on but now in the third movie we will learn a lot more about Holly. What she does in her free time, what her family is like and even meet her older sister, Heather Hills.
What’s the best advice anyone has ever given you?
I actually found this on the back of a juice box which said “Be yourself because everyone else is already taken” – Oscar Wilde
Getting to Know You!
My favourite 3 songs right now are:
1. Starships
2. Young, Wild & Free
3. Mr. Know It All
The person I most admire is: My mom
I can’t miss an episode of: JESSIE and SMASH
Something I’d love to try that I’ve never tried before is: skydiving
If I didn’t act, I would: be a director
Thanks, Peyton!
Don’t forget to catch DIARY OF A WIMPY KID: DOGS DAYS when it hits theatres on August 3rd.