Jessica interviewing Robert Hoffmann.

Talking to the Stars

Hangin' with Amanda Bynes and Robert Hoffmann

By Danielle and Jessica

Great movie, great food, great accommodations, great company; that is what my Saturday consisted of as I got to pose as a reporter for the day.

Movie: "She's The Man"
Food: Tasty sandwiches, salads, drinks and desserts
Accommodations: The W Hotel at Times Square
The Company: Amanda Bynes (so sweet) and Robert Hoffman (so cute)

Covering the Entertainment Beat

On Saturday, February 25, 2006, I, along with my friend Jessica, was able to see a special screening of "She’s The Man"—an updated classic to the Shakespearean play "Twelfth Night." The updated movie follows the play's formula of mistaken identity, romance, and hi-jinx for a fun look at life and love in high school. The movie comes complete with a hot new cast whose energy leaps off the screen. Read At the Movies with Danielle and Jessica to check out our review of "She's the Man."

Sneak Preview

Jessica and I were able to see the movie as part of a press junket for DreamWorks. This press junket was unusual because it was the first time DreamWorks opened its doors to high school students from all over New York City.

Everyone had a little over an hour to eat, mingle and make sure their questions were ready for Amanda Bynes and Robert Hoffman. While we waited, ate, sat and wrote down questions, I could feel the nervous tension start to grow and move throughout the room, I even caught a little of the bug. While I waited, I learned about the other students' schools and newspapers; when everyone's deadlines were, and how excited everyone was to meet Amanda Bynes and Robert Hoffman.

Hanging with Amanda

Amanda Bynes is a real low key, down to earth girl, which made it easy for the students around the table to ask her questions. She was eager to answer all of our questions and made sure that each person at the round table had a chance to speak with her. She wore a yellow leopard shirt with jean and stiletto boots. It fit her personality because the shirt matched with her bright and cheery disposition. The leopard print showed that she, like her personality, likes to stand out from the crowd and can be a little wild at times. Her clothes were comfortable; giving off the vibes that she was ready to give the interview her all, which she did. The fifteen minutes went by too quickly and soon everyone was taking snap shots with her, even me and I hate taking pictures.

Hanging with Robert

It was easy for the round table of students to speak with Robert Hoffman because he put everyone at ease with his quick wit and jokes. He came into the room, calm, cool and collected in a plaid shirt and jeans. He threw paper balls at another table, told us stories about his home movies of him as a ninja, and of his passion for dance. Rob also made sure everyone had a chance to speak with him if they wanted. You could see the love for dance in his eyes as he spoke about a former project he had done called "You Got Served" in which he not only danced in but chorographed. The picture session with Rob was very interesting as he made every snap shot a different scene. He told me I was his prom date as we held hands, and I made a cheesy prom picture face for the camera.

Having such down to earth people to talk with made my first experience as a reporter fun and memorable. I was able to ask a few questions to both actors and they were ready to dish about anything to help us with our articles. I am glad that I was able to participate in this DreamWorks event. The experience is definitely on my top ten things I have done so far.