“When I auditioned for the movie I didn’t know what I was auditioning for,” Smith told me during a phone interview to promote the DVD/Blue-ray release of the sequel on Jan. 24. “I was just asked to show up and not prepare anything. After a few auditions they started telling me more about the movie. When I found out it was ‘Paranormal’ it was very exciting.”

Although it is the third installment of the franchise, “Paranormal Activity 3” is actually a prequel to the first two movies. It begins when the adult sisters haunted in the first two films are children.

During our interview, Smith talked about some of the bold choices directors Henry Joost and Ariel Schulman made to complete the trilogy and why he thinks the “Paranormal Activity” franchise has been so successful over the last five years.

How did it feel coming into this franchise knowing how popular the first two movies were?

It was really exciting. It sort of took the pressure off knowing that the franchise was already such a big success. I knew I was in good hands especially after I met everyone involved.

Had you seen the directors’ last film, “Catfish?”

Yeah, I did see it. [Directors] Henry [Joost] and Ariel [Schulman] are actually buddies of mine from New York. A couple of years ago they told me about “Catfish.” Obviously, my interest was peaked. It was amazing what they captured. They’re very good at building tension. I think that was really well utilized in “Paranormal.”

Something I really liked in this new “Paranormal” movie was that instead of having stationary cameras like in the first two, there is a camera panning back and forth, which makes it more intense because the frame of the footage is always changing and you never know what’s coming.

Yeah, when they told me they were going to do that I thought it was such a great idea. It was such an innovative, thoughtful way of moving the franchise forward.

How did you feel playing the role of a father? Did it come natural?

Well, I have a lot of younger cousins, so I’m really like the fun older cousin. That’s one of my roles in the family I take a lot of pride in, so hanging out with the girls in “Paranormal” was really fun for me.

Something I found interesting in this new installment was that the entity that is haunting the family actually causes physical pain to one of the little girls. I thought that was a pretty gutsy move in the script.

Yeah, I don’t think the audience reacted negatively to it. If anything, it was an exiting and maybe even scarier part of the movie. I mean, kids can get hurt sometimes, so it made it more realistic.

What do you think it is about the “Paranormal Activity” franchise that keeps audiences wanting more?

It’s this notion that something bad can happen at night in this big house. The filmmakers have been really clever about it, especially with a lower budget than most films. They’ve really been able to find new subtle ways of scaring people.

Since finishing this movie, has your sleeping pattern been affected in any way?

(Laughs) No, not at all. I still can’t sleep. The making of the movie was actually not scary at all. Watching the movie was also not scary for me because I experienced almost every frame in real life. I always knew what was coming.

What scared you as a kid?

I would have recurring nightmares about spiders. I really related to this franchise because when I was alone in a dark room as a kid my imagination would runs wild. Before you know it I was running up the stairs and hiding in my tent.

Part 4 of this franchise is coming in October. Where do we go from here? I mean, what else can you do with this series?

I don’t know. I’m very excited to see what they do. I really have no idea. I’m sure they’ll think of something. They’ve done it before, so I’m sure they’ll do it again.

During an interview with me, Mewes talked about kicking his addiction and how podcasting has changed his life.

Do you really think you’re getting old?

Not really. Well, not until things like 10-year-reunions come around. That’s when you realize it’s kind of crazy. I feel like I’m old when I see someone I’ve known since they were in diapers with a house and two kids and a dog.

Does podcasting come natural to you now that you’ve been doing it for a while?

Yeah, definitely. I used to jot down a lot more notes before. We would never plan anything, but I liked to jot down a few topics. Now, it flows better. There have been times when Kevin and I don’t even talk before the show. He’ll show up and we have to jump on stage a minute later. It’s gotten a lot easier.

Have there been times when you ended a podcast and thought, “Why did I say that?”

There’s probably been like two or three times, but not anything where I’ve thought, “Oh, man, let’s turn back time!” But there have been a few times when my wife was in the audience and I would tell a story about us from the night before and thought, “Oh, that’s probably going to embarrass her.” There have been a few shows where Kevin’s mom was in the audience and I’ll start telling a story and she’ll be staring right at me.

Has talking about your past addictions during the show helped you tackle some of those issues you might’ve ignored before?

The whole podcast has been helpful in me getting things out. It’s been really flattering when people come up to me after a show and share their stories with me and tell me how the podcast has inspired them and helped them through their own addiction.

How have you kept yourself from going back to that place?

Well, it definitely feels good to get away from that place. It got really bad. I was literally moments away from being homeless. None of my friends would talk to me. Now, I’ve built everything back to a good place. Everything just feels better – physically, mentally. It’s the podcast and everything combined that helps me wake up and think about what I want to accomplish and what I don’t want to do.

Before you got sober back in 2006, you burned some bridges with Kevin. Did you think the friendship could be mended?

I got worried. I knew it could be mended, but I didn’t know if it would ever be the same. It’s great now. We spend more time together than we ever have. He’s played a major role in helping me all these years. I really don’t know where I’d be without him.

“It was about 20-30 degrees below zero with 80 mph winds,” Bray, who is of Irish and Mexican descent, told me during an interview last week. “Our heads were freezing so badly, we could barely say any of our dialogue.”

In “The Grey,” Bray plays Hernández, an airplane crash survivor who must survive in the wild while a pack of grey wolves stalk him and his team of oil drillers.

During our interview, Bray, who has worked as a stuntman in the film industry for nearly 20 years, talked about playing an actual character in a movie and how he thinks special effects have changed the way directors confront certain scenes in their movies.

Tell us about your character Hernández and what you liked so much about him.

He is obviously a bad guy, but he seems to be one of those guys that could’ve gone to the good side or the bad side at a young age. I just understood him as a guy who was at the wrong place at the wrong time. I think there is a nice guy in Hernández, but he was just exposed to the wrong situations. But there is a soft spot to him. He has a heart.

Most of your career has been as a stuntman, so what is the experience like for you when you get the opportunity to play an actual character in a movie?

You get to be emotionally involved in a character at that moment. It’s an art form. It’s a different type of art than stunts. Stunts are more technical at times. As an actor, you come in as an emotional being. It was a fantastic experience.

How have special effects changed the film industry for you as a stuntman?

It’s affected us. We’re always worried about those things. I mean, special effects have its place in certain circumstances. I still think it’s hard to fool the audience. They know the difference between a CGI person and a live-action person. There have been times where I’ll be in a production meeting and the script will show a six-car pile up with people running out of the vehicles and a huge explosion. Then they say, “Instead of having 12 people running out we’re going to have five people and we’ll add smoke and fire later [with CGI].” That’s the tough part. The business is evolving. Some directors are OK with it and some directors like Joe Carnahan [of “The Grey”] love live action want to keep the film as real as possible.

So, no CGI wolves in “The Grey?”

Well, we use actual wolves, yes, but like I said there is a place for special effects. In “The Grey,” there are CGI wolves, but we also have real wolves. Here is a perfect example of having to use CGI in specific scenes. These grey wolves are much bigger than the average wolf. They are almost prehistoric. These wolves are so menacing and vicious, but real wolves are more like dogs. They’re not as vicious as the wolves in this story. So, there had to be CGI wolves in reference to the action.

When someone asks about your background as a stuntman, what films would you tell them to see to get a better sense of what you do?

Well, my background is boxing. I was the stunt coordinator on “The Fighter” with Mark Wahlberg, so I’d want them to see that. But I’d also want them to see “The A-Team,” which shows a mixture of CGI and action. Those two films would really show a young stuntman who wants to be part of the industry what it’s all about.

“I rarely watched the show before Season 10,” Rodríguez admitted to me during an interview to help promote Season 11, which premiered last week. “Now, I know what it’s like to be there, so I’m probably going to want to see everything.”

Last season, Rodríguez, who is half Dominican and half Peruvian, finished in 12^th place after making it to the semifinals. She was commended by many Latino viewers for making a bold choice to sing in both English and Spanish during the competition.

During our interview, Rodríguez talked about why she connects more with Spanish-language music and what it’s really like singing in front of someone like Jennifer Lopez.

“American Idol” airs Wednesdays and Thursdays at 7 p.m. on Fox.

Last season when you were a contestant, why was it so important for you to perform in both English and Spanish?

Spanish is my first language. My parents are from the Dominican Republic and Peru. They both came to the U.S. to seek opportunities. For me to have an opportunity like “American Idol” speaks volumes. A lot Latinos are still coming over here to the U.S. to seek those same dreams, but there are so many out there who don’t feel like they’re represented. I wanted to be their voice and speak for all of them. I want to tell them, “You can be President. You can get that job. You can be the net big pop star.”

Did you ever worry you would disconnect yourself from the TV audience who were not bilingual?

No, because I feel like I have the best of both worlds. I am Latina and I am an American. Eventually when I do become the artist I know I can be I’m going to want to sing in both languages. I wanted to show people who I am from the very beginning. I want them to know I’ve been real this whole time.

When you sing in Spanish does it feel different than when you sing in English? Do you deliver the songs differently?

I think Spanish music is so much different than English music, especially the Spanish music I grew up hearing and singing. I think I might connect with Spanish a little more. Spanish music tends to have more emotion. There is a lot of pain in boleros and rancheras. When singers like Celia Cruz or Marc Anthony sing a song in Spanish about heartbreak, they leave their pain on the stage. You can hear the cries in their voices. That’s what I try to deliver as well.

What was it like singing in front of someone you idolize like Jennifer Lopez?

How many people get to sing in front of their idol every week? I had been following her career since I was eight years old. I grew up listening to all her songs and buying her albums. To have her there and develop a relationship with her through music was great. She’s been one of my guides in my career.

Last year was the first year Simon Cowell was not on the judges’ panel. Some critics said the judges were too easy on the contestants. Even Jennifer Lopez has stated the judges are going to be tougher this season. Did you feel like you received enough constructive criticism or would you have liked more?

I think it was the first time for Steven [Tyler] and Jennifer so they were trying different things out. Personally, I loved the judges when I was on the show. It was like they were doing comedy. We knew we weren’t going to go on stage and feel like we were going to be attacked. Contestants that had Simon judging them probably felt a little scared. For me, I just tried to go out there and do what I do. If they liked it, that was great. If they didn’t, they would tell us with care and love. I think that’s something everyone needs from their mentors. At the end of the day, I knew that when I performed on stage I was going to leave with a smile on my face.

Since then, Perlman, 61, has starred in a variety of films and TV shows including last year in “Drive” and “Conan the Barbarian.” In his latest film, “The Scorpion King 3: Battle for Redemption,” Perlman plays Egyptian king Horus. During an interview with me, Perlman discussed his first trip to Thailand to shoot the film and what he thinks about all the Oscar buzz his fellow “Drive” co-star Albert Brooks is receiving.

“The Scorpion King 3: Battle for Redemption” was released on DVD and Blu-ray Jan. 17.

What drew you to a role like King Horus in “The Scorpion King 3?”

I admired the heart and mind of this king. I admired the ramifications of his decision making. I admired he was always thinking in terms of the greater good. He was always taking into consideration the long term aspects of the positions he took. He was someone I respected, which is one of the reasons I wanted to play him.

You were also in “Conan the Barbarian” last year. What is it about these action fantasy films that resonate with you?

The only thing that ever matters to me is how well the story is rendered on the page and how interested I am in exploring the particular humanity of the character they offer. It’s never about the genre or other trappings like the period or whether it’s a comedy or drama or action film. In both instances, I really admired the characters and felt like the storytelling was really interesting, unpredictable and smart. The fact they are both period pictures with sword fighting is truly coincidental. It has no weight on whether or not I decide to be a part of the film.

As an actor, is a film that is going straight to DVD like “The Scorpion King 3” as rewarding as a film that has a theatrical release?

I never really concern myself with what happens to a project after I’m finished working on it. I mean it’s nice when you’re part of something that’s successful and that people love and respond to positively, but you have to be prepared for the opposite of that as well. The only thing that I know that I have any control of is the time I spend working on a project. If I’m happy with what I’ve done and other people I’m working around are happy with it, then I don’t concern myself with whether is goes to DVD or 8 million screens across the universe.

What was it like shooting the film in Thailand? Had you ever shot a movie there before?

It was my first time in Thailand and it was a beautiful experience for me. I’m kind of obsessed with immersing myself in new cultures and trying to understand how people think and why they move through life the way they do and what are the things that are culturally and socio-politically affecting them. It’s really interesting to go to as many places around the world as humanly possible and explore all those things. I was really struck with how beautiful the people of Thailand are. They’re very generous and joyful. They have dignity even in poverty. I try to understand how that is possible. Thailand was a phenomenal addition to a very lucky life of moving through the world that my profession has afforded me.

Now, you’re in pretty incredible shape yourself, but does sharing the screen with guys like Batista and Kimbo Slice ever get even a little intimidating for you?

Well, first thing I do when I get on the set is challenge them all to a fight. (Laughs) Then when I finish kicking their asses, we know who the real deal is. I have nothing but admiration for guys like that who are dedicated as they are and keep themselves in the condition they do. We all start out on this unbelievable respectable level with each other. We all know we’re here to do this movie together. We all know we all make each other look good. It’s great to work with guys that have delighted you in a lot of different ways.

What makes an actor like Billy Zane easy to hate as a movie villain?

It’s just the way he throws himself into a role. He’s one of the most theatrical performers that I’ve ever worked with. He doesn’t do anything halfway and he makes big, broad choices. So, when he’s playing a bad guy, that guy’s really bad.

Congratulations of everything that is going on with “Sons of Anarchy.” It must feel pretty great to be on a TV show with so much substance and to be able to mold your character every season.

It’s amazing. That’s one of those truly delightful aspects of life for me in these last few years. The public has really embraced that show. The critics are starting to realize the scope of the show and have really given us a second look. We’re getting a lot of love critically and in a populist way. Those things are rare in my business – to be that successful. At my age I’ve done a lot of things before that have fallen flat on their faces, so nobody appreciates a show like “Sons of Anarchy” more than I do.

On that note, someone who has found a lot of success in the last year is your fellow actor in “Drive” Albert Brooks. What are your thoughts on all the Oscar buzz his role is receiving? When you were shooting the movie did you realize it was an Oscar-worthy performance?

Well, yeah, all you have to do is read the script and see that the role of Bernie Rose is phenomenally rendered. [Director] Nicolas Refn might be the only guy on the planet that would’ve thought of that particular casting. It’s so interesting to put Albert Brooks in that role. You know what you’re going to get on the screen is going to be compelling and watchable and very unobvious. That’s one of the reason it’s attracting great praise and critical attention. I’m not surprised at all. Albert is one of the great American icons. He’s truly and American treasure and has been since he first burst onto the scene a few decades ago. It’s delightful to see him being noticed for this role.

If you could tell your fans to revisit one of your movies that you don’t think received enough attention, which would it be and why? Personally, I think more people need to see a little dark comedy you made back in 1995 called “The Last Supper.”

“The Last Supper” is definitely a film I’m quite proud of. I did a little movie about three years ago called “I Sell the Dead,” which got a lot of attention at the film festivals. People loved it critically. Audiences loved it. It got a horrible release and no one saw it. I was so proud of the work we did in that movie. That would be the movie I would recommend people to go get. It’s pure entertainment and really effective.

The new animated series “Napoleon Dynamite” joined Fox’s Sunday night lineup for the first time last weekend. During an interview with me, actor Efren Ramirez, best know for his role as Napoleon Dynamite’s sidekick Pedro Sanchez, talked about reprising his role as the sweet-hearted transfer student from Mexico and how revisiting a character like Pedro will be good for him.

“Napoleon Dynamite” airs Sundays on Fox at 7:30 p.m.

“Napoleon Dynamite” has returned but in animated form? What’s going on?

(Laughs) Yeah, Jared [Hess], who directed “Napoleon Dynamite,” always wanted to do something else with the film. The studio thought of doing a sequel or a prequel. I think Jared also had the idea to make it into a cartoon. They definitely wanted to create something that was as great as the first. You want to do something bigger and better without destroying the characters or the story. There are so many fans out there that are so excited that “Napoleon Dynamite” is coming back.

Not only that, but the entire original cast is back to voice their characters, right?

Yeah, I’m really excited they got the original cast. The ensemble cast in “Napoleon Dynamite” really got close to each other. We all became good friends, so to be able to be on set with them again is like working with family. It really gives us the opportunity to participate even more in the creative process.

What did you think of Pedro when you saw him in animated form for the first time?

(Laughs) Well, my head doesn’t look like a football and it does look kind of goofy, but that’s fine. I just kept thinking, “This is really sweet!” Seeing Pedro in cartoon form is still really surreal. I’m really excited about the show and can’t wait to do more episodes.

“Napoleon Dynamite” is joining heavy hitters like “The Simpsons” and “Family Guy” on Fox’s Sunday night lineup. Is there any pressure?

(Laughs) Well, on a grand scale, I think each show is really different even though they are all animations. They each are in their own genre. To be a part of that is just amazing. I hope we can dominate like those show have done – for at least 50 years or as long as I’m alive!

The last time I interviewed you, you said it was important for you to distance yourself from your role as Pedro so directors wouldn’t automatically think of you as “that guy from ‘Napoleon Dynamite.’” Do you think reprising your role might take you in the wrong direction as an actor?

There is a great divide when you get into this business. You can work on things that are artsy and build on story and character or you can do things that are popular and just keep playing the same thing. But let’s look at this with perspective: Buster Keaton and Charlie Chaplin played one specific character in all their films and they were very funny. When I get roles like Pedro I think about the premise of the story and where can I take the character. If it’s heartfelt, then people are going to want to know the story and the character. I still want to be an actor that can do lots of different things. I’ve been doing that ever since “Napoleon Dynamite” came out.

What can we anticipate from an animated version of Pedro?

Well, we get to see more and explore more with Pedro and the rest of the characters. You also get to see more of the world they live in. In an animated series things can blow up and people can die, but they’ll be back the next week.

Have you ever played tetherball against Jon Heder? Who won?

(Laughs) No, I haven’t, but I’m sure he’d probably win because I’ve heard he has some mad skills.

What is the coolest piece of “Napoleon Dynamite” memorabilia you own?

I have this “Napoleon Dynamite” poster from the U.K. that is very different. I also have the two original “Vote for Pedro” t-shirts from the movie. I hope to give them to my kids one day if that day ever comes.

In the film Palmer plays Olivia Hill, a talented church choir member whose mother (Queen Latifah) is put in charge of leading their group to a national competition.

“I grew up in the choir and my mother was a choir director as well,” Palmer, 18, told me during an interview last week. “The whole theme of the movie was very similar to my story. When I heard about it I immediately wanted to jump on it. I was like, ‘I have to do it!’”

Originally from Harvey, Illinois, Palmer rose to prominence in 2006 with the lead role in the drama “Akeelah and the Bee” opposite Laurence Fishburne and Angela Bassett. Along with her movie career, Palmer stars in Nickelodeon’s “True Jackson, VP,” a sitcom that makes her the fourth highest-paid child star on TV.

During our interview, Palmer, who plans to release a new album this year, talked about why gospel music fans aren’t going to be the only ones that will like “Joyful Noise” and why she plans to focus more on her recording career this upcoming year.

I’m not necessarily a big gospel music fan, but the soundtrack here is wonderful.

Yeah, the movie isn’t necessarily geared for people who don’t have a million gospel songs on their iPod, but when you go to the movies you can have a good time. That really means a lot to me. That says a lot about the film.

The gospel rendition of Michael Jackson’s “Man in the Mirror” was great. What did you think about covering the song?

I was really happy and excited and nervous about it because it is a Michael Jackson song. No one can do Michael like Michael can. I just thought I would go in there and give it my all and put my own little spin on it and have a good time. Ultimately, I ended up happy with the outcome.

What is it about gospel music that you like?

Whenever I listen to gospel music, I just feel like the singers mean everything they’re singing. Of course, you can feel that sometimes in other genres, too, but for some reason in gospel you feel so much love and heart in what is being sung.

Would you ever incorporate gospel into the music you record?

Well, it’s not like I have a million gospel songs on my iPod either, but at the same time I do love gospel music. I love Marvin Sapp, Mary Mary, Kirk Franklin, Smokie Norful and I do have their albums. Personally, I might do a gospel album later in my career. But my main genre of music is R&B and pop.

But there is definitely a gospel influence in R&B, right?

Definitely, gospel music has a major influence in what R&B is today. It’s almost a mix of gospel music a blues music that make today’s R&B sound. Listen to someone like R. Kelly and he embodies that. It’s the same thing with music producer Teddy Riley and what he does with his artists.

You’ve worked with Queen Latifah before. What is your relationship with her off the set?

She is a really nice person. The first time I worked with her she was so kind to me. Every time I saw her after that, like a premieres, she would always remember me and say hi. I was excited to get to know her even more on a personal level during this film. She was just as welcoming as before.

Is it easy for you to prioritize between what you want to do as an actress and what you want to accomplish as a musician?

Luckily, my acting has been going strong. My music has been stopping and starting. But in 2012, I’m going to work on making my singing just as prominent as my acting. I’m not going to put acting on the backburner, but my music is definitely important to me this year.

Meet Uggie, the scene-stealing Jack Russell terrier who has become the talk of Tinseltown since putting his paw print on “The Artist,” a French silent film that is garnering its own Oscar buzz. Earlier this year, Uggie was featured in the film “Water for Elephants.”

While Uggie is not eligible to get nominated for an Oscar, that hasn’t stopped fans of the film to start a “Consider Uggie” campaign on Facebook in an attempt to get the furry performer a nod for his work in “The Artist.”

During an exclusive interview with me, dog trainer and Uggie’s owner Omar von Muller talked about what it’s been like to have Uggie as part of his family and why he thinks his pup deserves a shot at Oscar gold.

How did Uggie come to be your dog?

A friend of mine called me. They were going to take him to the pound because they just couldn’t handle him anymore. I wanted to get him out of that situation. I had him for a couple of days and fell in love with him and decided to keep him.

Was there a specific point during that time when you realized that Uggie had talent and could be trained to do some incredible things?

At the time all I saw was that he was a very active and intelligent dog. That’s really all you need to train a dog to do a lot of things. How far he was going to go, I didn’t know.

Did it come natural for him?

Yes. Jack Russells are very smart. They are very energetic animals. He used that to his advantage.

There are many routes an aspiring actor or actress would take to get into Hollywood. So, how does a dog make it?

I have an animal agency and work with a lot of animals inHollywood. We’ve been doing this for years. If I’m in the industry, my dogs are in it, too.

I read Uggie spent some time with lead actor Jean Dujardin before production for “The Artist” even began. Is that something you always try to do?

Yeah, we try to do that as much as possible with our dogs. When we did “Water for Elephants” Uggie spend quite a bit of time with the actors. We took Uggie to Jean’s house to meet him. He was a natural with the dog. He learned the commands and was able to keep Uggie’s attention. There were scenes where we couldn’t be close to Uggie, so Jean was able to do everything himself.

Do you think animal performers like Uggie realize when they are filming a movie that they are doing something special that a normal animal doesn’t do?

Yeah, I think so. Dogs love the attention. Something I do with my dogs that a lot of animal trainers don’t do is that I let my dogs get pet by everyone on the set. A lot of trainers when they go onto a set they’ll be like, “Don’t touch my dog. Don’t look at my dog.” But I like to have my dogs totally happy with everyone around them no matter who it is. I let them touch the dogs, play with them and socialize.

What is life like for Uggie now that he is famous?

He is actually next to me right now just playing around and chewing on a bone. I have other dogs with me, too. We’re all just a big happy family. We do the movies because it’s fun for them and they get a lot of exercise.

What have you thought about the campaign to get Uggie an Oscar nomination?

I think it’s great. We’re really thrilled people are thinking that. I think it’s about time dogs get recognized. People don’t realize how much work it is to train a dog.

If he was to win an Oscar sometime in his career, do you think they would make the statue out of milkbone?

(Laughs) That would be fine! It would be fine if he ate it.

If Uggie could speak, what do you think he would say about Hollywood?

He would probably say, “How come I don’t get residuals!?”

“Everything was new to me back then,” Hernández, 14, told me during an interview for his new movie “The Sitter” starring Jonah Hill (“Superbad”). “I got very excited. I wanted to see if I could win another one.”

In “The Sitter,” Hernández plays Rodrigo, a foreign exchange student who is one of three young kids college student Noah Griffith (Hill) is coaxed into babysitting. The babysitting gig turns into an adventure through Manhattan when Noah is invited to a party and takes the kids along for the ride.

During our interview, Hernández, who is originally from El Salvador, talked about working with Hill and about another movie he’s already completed starring Mel Gibson.

How did you get involved in acting?

I started when I was about seven or eight years old. I wasn’t shy. I did plays. I read with enthusiasm. I really liked acting. It was a lot of fun. My parents love watching movies. I used to watch a lot with them. Sometimes I would try to act them out. I would be “Superman” or someone like that. I learned a lot from watching movies.

Landing your very first audition must’ve been pretty exciting. You must’ve thought, “I’m going to land everything I audition for!”

Well, there are moments when you get [roles] and other times when you don’t and think you’re never going to get anything else. But eventually you learn and keep working and having a really good time.

How did your role in “The Sitter” come to you?

I read the script and went to an audition. There were like 1,000 kids going out for that part. I was like, “Oh, wow, this is really a big opportunity!” I did about three auditions before they narrowed it down and finally said, “Yeah, we like you!” I was amazed I got it.

How would you describe your character Rodrigo?

He’s mean. He’s a very angry boy. He’s always making fun of people. He talks really loud and curses. It was really fun to play him.

What was it like to work with Jonah Hill?

You see people in movies and you think, “Wow, if I was ever to meet him, what would I say?” So to actually work with him was great. When you talk with him he’s a really nice guy and he makes you laugh. He’s a really talented guy. I learned a lot from him.

What did Jonah teach you about comedy?

Comedy is really challenging because one little beat can change a whole joke. You have to know when to stop and when to say something and whether to use a low or high-pitched voice. He taught me a lot about improvising. He’s really good at that.

What Jonah Hill movies do you like?

I love “Superbad.” I think that was a really unique film. Oh, and “Get Him to the Greek.” That was a really funny film. I thought whenever I would meet Jonah, I was just going to start laughing because I’d remember him in that film.

As your career continues, what kind of roles do you hope to get a chance to do?

I’ve done a comedy, so now I’d really want to try drama. I love using emotions and bringing that to life. But mostly, I want to get more experience acting.

Speaking of getting more experience, you’ve also shot an action movie with Mel Gibson called “How I Spent My Summer Vacation,” which will hopefully hit theaters next year.

Yeah, we shot the film in Mexico. It was a really big role for me. Working with Mel was great. I learned from one of the best. He truly showed me how to act. He was a really fun guy. It was awesome watching him work. He knows so much. He taught me so many things.

You’re 14 years old. Do you still need a babysitter?

No. Actually, I don’t think I’ve ever had a babysitter.

If you needed one, what actor or actress would you pick?

Um, probably someone funny like [actor] Mike Meyers.

You’re supposed to say someone like Scarlett Johansson.

Oh, no. I probably wouldn’t be doing my homework if she was my babysitter.

“I wanted to recreate an authentic world as much as I could,” “My Week with Marilyn” director Simon Curtis told me about getting access to the London studio for his film. “Michelle walking from Marilyn’s old dressing room to the soundstage and taking the same steps as Marilyn seemed of value.”

In “My Week with Marilyn,” Williams portrays the iconic starlet during the 1956 production of the light romantic comedy “The Prince and the Showgirl” opposite Sir Laurence Olivier. “My Week with Marilyn” is based on the memoirs “The Prince, the Showgirl and Me” and “My Week with Marilyn” by Colin Clark, who worked as a third assistant director on the set of the film and wrote about his experience escorting Monroe around London during production.

During our interview, Curtis, 51, discussed why he thinks Monroe is still such a beloved icon today and what he saw in Williams to convince him she could capture what he describes as “different Marilyns.”

Did you ever have a second thought about taking on a film portraying someone as iconic as Marilyn Monroe? It seems like a lot of pressure to get it right.

There were upsides and downsides. We were all nervous delivering Marilyn and all the other icons in the film. But we loved the story enough. Also, the fact that it wasn’t a biopic telling her whole life was sort of comforting as well. It made it more concentrated and it felt more achievable.

Looking back on this specific year, 1956, when Marilyn was making the film “The Prince and the Showgirl,” where do you feel she was in her personal and professional life?

That was very interesting when we discovered that because someone has described her rise in London during that time as the most optimistic moment of her life. She was desperate to escape the Hollywood studio system. She had married Arthur Miller (author of “Death of a Salesman”) who she thought was going to help her become the intellectual she wanted to be. She had set up her own production company, which was far ahead of her time, in order to control and improve the roles she was doing. She was coming to England to work with the great [Laurence] Olivier. She had very high hopes at the start of our story.

It’s been almost 50 years since Monroe’s untimely death. Why do you think people are still so intrigued with her in comparison to other stars who came during that era?

It’s a combination of things. Her performances resonate so well. Most people haven’t seen the performances as much as they just know her brilliant face and image. I think the fact she was sort of ahead of her time, her life became an ongoing soap opera with her marriages and her affairs and the mystery. I also think, like you said, it was her untimely death that makes her iconic. It’s one of those Princess Diana things. It keeps the fascination going.

Talk to us about Michelle Williams as Marilyn and what you saw in her that led you to believe she could flourish in a role like this?

She is such a brilliant actress. She is brilliant at authenticating the psychology of her characters and bringing all that detail to them. I knew that’s what I wanted for this performance. Obviously, you want someone who could represent Marilyn, but it was the hidden Marilyn that Michelle portrayed that really interested me.

When an actor plays someone in real life, there is always a fine line between a genuine performance and an impersonation. Did you keep that in mind when directing Michelle or was that the kind of work she had to do from her end more than anything?

I’d say I have to give her a lot of the credit for the evolution of the character. You just do what seems right for the scene. Michelle has a brilliant sense of what a scene demands and needs.

I read that she also stayed in character between scenes. Was that a challenge as a director? I mean, I’m guessing between scenes you want to direct an actress, but she’s still playing Marilyn.

Well, it was always very different because the thing about Marilyn is there are so many different Marilyns. I think that’s what sort of excited and dismayed people about her life. They never knew quite who she was from moment to moment. Michelle is very good as that shifting psychology.

What were your initial thoughts when you read Colin Clark’s books?

Well, the story is a very special experience in his life. That appealed to me. He was the guy that got the golden ticket to work in show business on this fantastic film. It seemed natural to put the two books back together in chronological order.

Some people have doubted the authenticity of Colin’s stories and the events he says took place during the week he spent with Marilyn. Did that bother you or come into play during production?

No, because he has described them as a fairytale that nonetheless were true. I’m absolutely convinced that essentially it is true. I’m sure everyone working on that film would’ve had a different version of events. Our job was to present [Colin’s] story.

Since this film comes five years before Marilyn’s death, did you want that sense of foreshadowing tragedy to be an important part of the film?

I don’t know if I wanted it, but I think it’s there if that makes sense. I think Colin and quite a few people had an instinct that she needed to quit the business. Even Joe DiMaggio wanted her to give it up. They knew somehow it was going to destroy her. I think there are references to her taking pills and her behavior. You know what is going to happen to her a few years later, so it can’t help but resonate.

Something I thought was very interesting is your decision to shoot the film in the same studio where “The Prince and the Showgirl” was shot. Do you think that helped capture the essence of that period of her life?

I think that was just my starting point. After all, we’re in London and the studio is still there and we were able to get access to it. I don’t know how much that resonates with the audience, but it certainly felt helpful to us.

More magical than anything.

I think so, yes. I mean, there is one scene where the Oliviers bring the Millers to their house and there is a photo taken outside their house. We were recreating a picture we had from that day over half a century earlier and actually standing outside the same front door they had. Also, Michelle doing Marilyn’s dance on the exact same soundstage as Marilyn had done it. It did feel very magical.

I’m sure you did as much homework as everyone else on this film before production. When all was said and done, had you learned anything new about Marilyn you didn’t know prior to filming?

I think all of us really came to appreciate her more. We realized she wasn’t this nutty bimbo. She actually was a very intelligent woman trying to do her best under difficult circumstances.

Did you also realize that, despite people always trying to dub the “next Marilyn Monroe,” no one is ever going to really come close?

Yeah, I mean it’s so much about a person and their time. She was a prototype superstar in so many ways. It was during a time that was so different than today. It was the only time in her life where she arrived at the London airport. Angelina Jolie probably comes in and out of that airport every third Tuesday. Everything happens so much more now.

How does it feel to be the only Spanish-speaking Muppet? Does it give you a sense of pride?

Si, I am very proud to be the first Spanish-speaking Muppet, okay.  But in truth, I only speak a little Spanish, okay. I can say “hola” and I can say “adios.” What more do you need? You see, my mama, she never taught me to speak Spanish. We were too busy dodging the fishing nets off Majorca.

Have you ever tried to teach any of the other Muppets Spanish? How did that go?

I don’t understand a thing any of the Muppets are saying, okay. They all speak with funny accents, except for the Swedish Chef. He makes sense to me, even though I have no idea what he is talking about. Once I tried to teach Miss Piggy to speak Spanish, but it sounded like Pig Latin to me. Unbelievable! But this is all okay, okay. You see when the Muppets go to other countries, we get dubbed. We talk and someone else’s voice comes out of our mouths. This is very strange, okay.

If it’s not too painful, please tell us what really happened between you and Seymour the Elephant?

You are a real fan, okay. Either this, or you really need to get some hobbies because you are spending way too much time thinking about the Muppets. Seymour, for those who aren’t as crazy as you, was my sidekick on a show we did called “Muppets Tonight!” We were hilarious, but then he decided to go solo. Last I heard he was a juggling gondolier in one of the Cirque du Soliel shows. I wonder if they’re hiring?

What did you think about Statler and Waldorf’s criticism of the group effort on “Dancing with the Stars” last week when you performed “Life’s a Happy Song?” How was your experience on the show?

These old guys, I like them. They say what everybody else is thinking, okay. When they make fun of the Muppets, is very funny. When they make fun of me, not so much. I had the great time on “Dancing with the Stars.” The show needs a good salsa dancer. As a King Prawn I was made for salsa. Next season, I think they will have me on as a celebrity contestant. You are important. Tell them to do this, okay?

Tell me the first thing that comes into your mind when I say the following word: Tapas.

Dios mio! Tapas is how I lost my cousin Victorio. He went too close to an all-you-can-eat Tapas seafood buffet. Is very sad. I need to compose myself. (Sobs) I’m fine. Next question, okay.

What kind of policies would you like to see implemented to fix our broken immigration system and do you think that can happen without offering a path to citizenship? Just kidding. Who does your hair?

Yes. I would. And no, I don’t.  Since I don’t understand your question, I thought I would return the favor with my answer. As for my hair, I do it myself. Can’t you tell?

You are a very attractive crustacean and I know you did very well with the ladies before you got engaged. Any advice for the single guys out there looking for their own Queen Prawn?

Hold on, engaged!?  Dios mio! Who says I am engaged, okay? I am not engaged! I am available! That is right, ladies, I, Pepe the King Prawn, am ready to party and make with the romance anytime day or night. Don’t believe what you have heard about me being engaged! Who makes up these rumors!? Unbelievable! Call now before all my available dates are taken. What kind of womens do I like? Well, I like my women the way I like my salsa, okay?  Hot, spicy and just a little chunky.

Kermit, it’s been 12 years since the last time a Muppets movie hit the big screen. How does it feel getting back into the swing of things, especially with writers Jason Segel and Nicholas Stoller behind it?

Kermit: It’s fantastic to be back on the big screen. And to be working with two of Hollywood’s hottest talents, Jason and Nick, is a real treat for us.

Piggy: Of course, it’s a much bigger thrill for them.

Kermit: Piggy, show some respect, Jason and Nick wrote our movie.

Piggy: You’re kidding?! Someone actually writes our movies? Coulda fooled moi!

In past Muppets movies you’ve had some great cameos from celebrities. Which celebrity were you most excited to see in this new film and why?

Kermit: Oh, there are a lot of great surprise cameos in the movie. Ever since the Muppets started making movies, star cameos have been part of our tradition…and with this movie I think we top ourselves.

Piggy: Naturally, for these “surprise” cameos to remain a “surprise” we can’t tell you who they are or you won’t be “surprised.” So don’t ask again, okay?

If a movie was ever made about your lives, which celebrity would you like to portray you in the film?

Kermit: Tom Hanks. He’s such a great actor – funny, decent and lovable. It would be an honor to have him portray me in a movie.

Piggy: Oh, I’d have to portray moiself. Especially if Tom Hanks is playing Kermit. Hanks is not only cute, he’s an Academy Award magnet. If he was in the movie, then they’d have to give me an Oscar, too.

Miss Piggy, it’s no secret inHollywood, celebrity couples come and go all the time. What is the secret between you and Kermie that has kept you to together all this time and do people ever refer to you two as Permit or Pigmie?

Piggy: Our secret for staying together is simple: I never ever let Kermit out of my sight.

Kermit: That’s true.

Piggy: And on those rare occasions when he’s not close by, I use a GPS to keep track of him.

Kermit: Very true.

Piggy: As for anyone calling us “Permit” or “Pigmie” – no, that’s never happened. At least not more than once.

Kermit: Painfully true.

Kermit, who is hairier, Animal or Zach Galifianakis (Zach has a cameo in the film)?

Kermit: Only their barbers know for sure.

Piggy: And since obviously neither one of them has ever been to a barber, we may never know.

Kermit: It’s one of the great mysteries of life.

Piggy: Let’s keep it that way.