Jonathan Currinn
The brand new film, Alex & Me, got released a few days ago on Blu-ray and DVD, with the digital release being dropped a week earlier. We plan on dropping our film review soon – so watch out for that. We’ve also released a giveaway where you can win Alex & Me on Blu-ray, so enter now while you still can. Starring in the film is Lily Mae Silverstein – she plays Penny – and we had the amazing opportunity to interview her.
The young actress has appeared in many films and TV series’, she’s best known for playing Lydia in Bunk’d for six episodes. Other credits include A Happening of Monumental Proportions, Chevy, Mary Poppins Quits, OowieWanna, and Outnumbered. She’s also appeared in one-off episodes of Modern Family, Parenthood, Walk The Prank, Teachers, and Fresh Off The Boat. She’s definitely one we’ll be watching.
We managed to talk to Lily Mae Silverstein about being in the new film Alex & Me, about the character she plays – Penny, as well as her time on Bunk’d and what she hopes the future will bring.
Hi Lily, how are you today? What have you been up to lately?
I am up to my neck in summer school and “summer” means nothing to my new high school teachers, but other than that, I am doing great. I am extremely happy to say that my third episode of “Walk the Prank” was recently released and I am waiting for my episode of “Henry Danger” to brighten the small screen. I am still going on multiple auditions to fill-in my free time, but they are all getting me closer to my next role. I am excited for what the future holds.
You are in the new film “Alex & Me” can you tell us more about the movie?
“Alex & Me” is an empowering movie involving a girl’s soccer team called the Breakaways, soccer superstar Alex Morgan and her protégé, Reagan Wills (played by Siena Agudong). The Breakaways learn to work as a team to achieve their goals. Throughout the course of the movie, Reagan Wills works hard to whip the team into shape and defy all expectations from others. While filming this movie, I have formed a family with my cast-mates and cannot wait to share some funny moments while on set, and what I’ve learned from this amazing experience.
You play Penny, can you tell us more about your character?
Penny is a sarcastic character and tends to set high expectations for herself and teammates. Overall, you will learn that she always wants what’s best for her team, but she has an odd way of showing it. Penny may seem a little mean at times, but her love for soccer and the Breakaways outshine her demanding personality. Those qualities are evenly matched with her love for winning.
What sort of role does Penny play in the film?
Penny is not only the harsh motivator and source of “constructive” feedback but is also a powerful player in the game. Penny is the person who is not afraid to yell at you when she feels the need to tell you something and is very comfortable when speaking her mind.
The film is written and directed by Eric Champnella, what was he like to work with?
Eric Champnella wrote the script inspired by his amazing daughter, Reagen Champnella who we call Bug. She is a fellow redhead. Due to our striking resemblance, and hilarious relationship, we “adopted” each other as sisters. Eric has such a great dynamic with the cast and I’m proud to call him family. Throughout the process of casting and filming, he was awed over the fact that this cast has become so close. He made all of us feel comfortable with such stress surrounding us during the shoot. He truly is an amazing director, writer, and editor and I am so fortunate to go on this amazing journey with such a great “director dad!”
What was it like to act alongside the other co-stars in the film?
Every actor and actress in this film was amazing and gave spectacular performances! We would rise early in the morning and get home late in the afternoon, and always make time to meet in someone’s room and talk. We were having play dates and adventures all over New Orleans (NOLA). I have never had so much fun with a group of girls in all my life. I was truly lucky to work on this project.
Who did you enjoy working with and why?
It was a group of six girls laughing with each other on set and sharing secrets every night. I enjoyed working with each of them and the other NOLA local soccer team girls that played on the Breakaways as well. I especially loved the opportunity to work with Alex Morgan and Jerry Trainer who were both so nice and calm when they were surrounded by a bunch of crazy kids.
Do you have any behind-the-scenes memories of filming “Alex & Me”? Any you wish to share with us?
There are so many behind the scenes moments from filming this movie that I keep gradually sharing. One of my overall favorite funny moments was when we saw our new field. Reagen Wills and her dad had just cleaned up a lot for the new home of the Breakaways. Us girls were supposed to walk in with a random conversation, notice the field, drop our bags, and run on to start playing. We started out the scene talking about an actual sleepover that had happened the night before. That was a hidden Easter-egg for just us girls. We gave our reactions to the beautiful new field and started to run. As I was running to the new field I dropped my bag and got my foot caught in the handle. I tripped and face planted behind everyone else. I have never laughed so hard on camera. I still wonder if they kept a hold of that clip to this day. It would make a truly great scene for the Blooper Reel.
How did filming this film differ from your past experiences working on films and TV shows?
I have never created such a close bond with the cast and crew like I have with this movie. I usually work with a cast for a week or two and occasionally keep in touch. But, the “Alex & Me” family have kept in touch for months now and we have seen each other offset as best friends, which is rare in the industry. We’ve done several fun things like sleepovers, Go Karting, shopping at The Grove, etc.
Your most-known role is Lydia on the TV series Bunk’d, what was that like to film?
It was amazing! This was one of the first shows that I’d been a part of that allowed me to experiment with stunts. The cast is so funny and supportive. I love keeping in touch with the amazing cast. I have made such great friendships with fellow castmates Nina Lu and Nathan Arenas. Bunk’d was such a great experience and much needed validation for all the hard work over the years. Make sure to watch season three coming out soon, where you may see a familiar face (wink, wink).
What do you hope to achieve in the future?
I hope to expand my platform as an actor and filmmaker as I grow older. As I establish my career, I can spread positivity about the world and contribute my opinions and thoughts. I also hope to expand on my passion for writing and animal activism. I also see a promising future in being able to have my own show one day and star in a movie. But, this all comes with hard work and perseverance.
Who do you look to for inspiration? And what stars do you look up to?
I look up to my best friend who just graduated college whose name is Molly Quinonez. I don’t give her enough credit for everything she does for me. She is my number-one biggest inspiration second to my family. She is hardworking and wants to become a lawyer. She is the most amazing person in the world and I hope she knows that. I also love my family for always supporting me in this passion that I have been pursuing for 12 years and counting. I love them all so much. Also, he may never know it, but I freaked out when he walked behind me and said: “Hi, my name is Nathan Kress, and I’ll be your director today.” (Nathan Kress from iCarly just introduced himself to me! There may have been some tears when I got home.) He inspires me because he has a big background in acting, but was an amazing director too. This is a status I hope to accomplish in my future as well. He knew what he was talking about and was so incredibly nice.
Going back to your new film, why should people watch “Alex & Me”?
“Alex & Me” is an empowering movie showing viewers that girls can do anything they work towards with a little help from family and friends. “Alex & Me” is funny and a project that we were all really passionate about creating, and we are ready to share it with you!
Finally, have you got a message for your fans?
I love you guys so much, and I want you to know that you inspire me every day. I am extremely
grateful to get these opportunities and, hopefully, continue to inspire you guys as well. I love you all
and want to thank you for all of your support.
Thank you, Lily Mae Silverstein, for this brilliant interview, we enjoyed chatting with you. We’re excited about Alex & Me and look forward to your future endeavours.
We can’t recommend this film enough and this interview suggests that the whole cast had a great time on set. Our review of the film is coming, but while you wait, why not enter our giveaway where you can win Alex & Me on Blu-ray.
GIVEAWAY: Win An Alex & Me Blu-ray DVD Which Stars Alex Morgan & Siena Agudong
