Journal
Jemma McKenzie-Brown - Part One
We managed to grab a few minutes with Jemma McKenzie-Brown, the new star of High School Musical 3: Senior Year, and quizzed her on the movie, her diet, and what she does to keep fit.
What was it like finding out you’d landed a role in High School Musical 3?
I was so excited when I heard the news I screamed and immediately rang up all my best mates to tell them! To be a part of such a phenomenon is an amazing opportunity and I am incredibly grateful.
What do your friends think/say about it?
They were all really pleased for me and were just as excited as I was as we were all fans of the first two films. I remember before the first movie came out in England, my friends and I already knew most of the songs and were singing along in the cinema! It didn’t matter because everybody else was too!
Which of the stars did you get on best with?
They were all great! I did most of my scenes with Ashley Tisdale and she was such a lovely girl. She put me through the ‘Sharpay Boot Camp!’ to get me into shape – it was hilarious!
What are your tips for staying in shape?
Exercise is important. Whether you just walk your dog through the park or go jogging with your friends. I enjoy dancing the most and it’s a great way to have fun too!
Did you have to do lots of training before filming to be able to do all the dance routines?
We had a few weeks of rehearsals before we went into filming which were vigorous. A healthy meal helps you not get so tired and avoiding sweets and chocolates means your energy levels stay stable throughout the day.
Is Zack as cute in real life as he is on screen?
Well thousands of screaming teenage girls can’t be wrong can they! Yes, Zac was really nice to me and made all of us ‘new wildcats’ feel welcome.
Are the actors similar to their characters in the films?
No not at all! However everybody has a say about how they think their character should be and you get to know your alter ego so well by the end that you do sometimes start talking like them in real life!
Are you similar in real life to your character, Tiara?
Well we are both English and I look a lot like her! But, no not really.
Do you like cooking? If so, what’s your speciality?
I like making fun, healthy desserts that I pick up from cookery shows! I would say my speciality is baked oranges with cinnamon and Greek yoghurt.
What’s your favourite food?
I like almost everything but I love fish and seafood the most. I grew up on it as my parents love it too! Fish is a great source of Omega 3 which helps your bones grow stronger!
Want to hear more from Jemma? Then take a look at the second part of our interview.