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Other
key roles were cast with actors with whom the filmmakers were already familiar
from other projects. Producer
Stevens had recently directed Marley Shelton in his film Just A Kiss, and actor
Donald Faison worked with Yakin on Remember the Titans. Yakin says he immediately knew he wanted both actors for
Uptown Girls.
"I
had to have Marley Shelton as Ingrid," Yakin says.
"She's able to convey Ingrid's sensitivity and high
strung-qualities, and she's just a really good actress."
As
for Faison, Penotti recalls that Yakin was absolutely sure he would make a great
addition to the cast. "One of
the first things Boaz said when he agreed to direct the film was, 'I have the
perfect Huey,'" says Penotti.
"I
knew we needed someone immediately charming who represented the party side of
Molly's life," says Yakin. "That's
the thing about Donald - all he has to do is walk on screen and he is the
party."
Brittany
Murphy enjoyed being reunited with one of her Clueless co-stars - Faison was in
that film as well. "It's like
being able to work with someone you've graduated from high school with,"
she says. "We did our first
film together seven years ago. Having
him around is like having a family member around."
To
fill the role of Neal, Molly's love interest, Yakin wanted someone girls would
immediately fall in love with but who was also capable of the subtle nuances he
felt the character required. The
filmmakers found the right relaxed charisma in handsome Australian newcomer
Jesse Spencer. "He's very
young, but he's already comfortable with himself.
It may come from being Australian," laughs Yakin.
Spencer's musical talent and experience were an added bonus for his turn
as a budding rocker.
A
more spontaneous casting coup was landing Heather Locklear to play Roma Schleine,
Ray's mother. Filming had already
begun when Locklear was snared for the crucial role.
"We racked our brains to think of someone who in a very short time
would establish the character in a strong, decisive and also comedic way,"
says Penotti. "And Heather plays the role in a such a distinctive way.
She makes it elegant and funny."
Aside from having the right look to be believable as Dakota Fanning's
mother, "Heather brought a real rock and roll kind of vibe to the
part," says Yakin, which was also key.
Locklear
used her connections and had some fun researching for the role of a music maven.
"My husband set me up with a woman at Def Jam Records," says
Locklear. "I got to sit in on meetings and get that whole vibe,
which was great. I was like, 'Ooh,
I want your job.' She said, 'I bet
you do. And you can't have
it!'" she laughs.
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[ Ray's Tea Party ] [ Ray at the Ballet ] [ Molly and Ray ]
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