MEDIA

INTERVIEWS

"Acting Up" TV HITS Magazine May 2002 Issue #165

In a top secret location in New Orleans, about an hour’s drive from her home town of Kentwood, Louisiana, TV HITS sat down and had a heart to heart with Britney Spears.

The princess of pop was keen to talk about the most important things in her life, including boyfriend Justin Timberlake and her new movie Crossroads. We also asked THE question: Is she still a virgin? In the movie Britney plays Lucy. After graduating from high school she heads out on the road trip of a lifetime with her two buddies Mimi (Taryn Manning) and Kit (Zoe Saldana).

Hi Brit! Were you nervous about your feature film debut?

I was a little nervous. But after I finished my last tour this was something I had to do, because I’ve wanted to act since I was a little girl.

Is it true the idea for the movie was yours?

I came up with the idea of Crossroads with a friend and then I got a writer to come in and collaborate.

What was it like filming the scene when you’re dancing around in your underwear?

It was a little awkward, but I’ve been performing for a while now so I think that prepares you for doing things like that.

Does acting come easily to you?

I think it helped that I did some acting when I was on The Mickey Mouse Club. I think you have to have a knack for it. It is hard to be an amazing actress and that’s something that I know is a challenge for me.

In what way?

As a performer I know what I’m doing but acting is such new territory for me, and it is nerve-racking but that’s what makes it so exciting.

Were you worried Crossroads might bomb at the box office?

(Laughs) Well, you know it could’ve been a huge flop but I was totally prepared for that. I believe everything happens for a reason and if that did happen with this movie, then I’d know what not to do next time.

Where does your ambition come from?

I think I was born with it because I find it in my little sister as well – it’s in her eyes. But I think it’s about doing something you love, and I love what I do, it pushes me to do more and just have fun with it.

Do you feel like you missed out on anything growing up?

Honestly, after The Mickey Mouse Club – which wasn’t even a hard experience because I had other kids on the show – I went back to high school and experienced stuff like playing basketball and going to prom. And I still make an effort with my friends. We get together and party too hard!

In the film your character loses her virginity. What was it like filming the sex scene?

Well, it’s not really a sex scene. (laughs) but Anson tried to make me feel as comfortable as possible. I was nervous, though!

So, what did Justin think about THAT scene?

With things like that we just accept that it’s part of what we do, and it’s just acting.

How do you deal with watching Justin kiss other girls in his video clips?

For some reason I can’t get used to it and I just have to turn my head and it’s the same for him. He just turns his head.

In real life your virginity if a much talked about subject. Are you still a virgin?

(Smiles) I’m sorry I can’t really talk about that. I’m sorry.

OK. *NSYNC’s Bye Bye Bye is in the movie, how did Justin feel about that?

He was like, “That’s really great babe. The cool guy doesn’t like it and the dorks totally dig my song!” I was like, “Baby it’s just a movie, it’s OK!” But he totally liked it and he thought it was cute!