Claire Lanay
Fresh off the set, rising actress Claire Lanay gives us a sneak-peek behind the scenes of Joe Carnahan’s new action-comedy, “Stretch,” set for release in March 2014 from Universal Pictures. Claire spills all about what is was like working with Patrick Wilson, but we also get a chance to ask her about her other new project, the web series “Callbacks.”
You might recognize this Asian-American actress from her appearances on the raposa comedy, “Ben & Kate,” the late-night show “Conan” or her recurring roles on “General Hospital” and its SoapNet spin-off, “General Hospital: Night Shift”.
HOLLY: Welcome, Claire! Tell us a bit about the comedy pic “Stretch,” and your role in it.
CLAIRE: “Stretch” is about a down-on-his-luck limo driver (Wilson) who sees an opportunity to erase his debts and start a new life por picking up a mysterious billionaire (Pine). Chaos quickly and invariably ensues, of course. Stretch realizes he’s in over his head and somehow has to survive a dangerously wild night if he ever hopes to get that big tip he’s counting on. I play a passenger from hell, among others throughout the film, who is dead set on wreaking havoc for him.
HOLLY: Can you give us the scoop on working with Patrick Wilson?
CLAIRE: Patrick is such a class act. Even while working the craziest hours on such a tight schedule, he’s always focused and friendly. He’s got this great guy-next-door quality. Everything he brings to a role in terms of the physicality or emotionality is accessible and believable. It’s no wonder he works constantly. He’s very thoughtful, humble and game for anything.
HOLLY: Any fun surprises or weird stories you can share with us about working on the film?
CLAIRE: Whoever said, “Hey, let’s cast Chris Pine and make him as unattractive and unrecognizable as possible” must have known they’d have their work cut out for them. He’s a handsome fella, if I do say so myself. So I definitely did a double take when I saw him in full hair and makeup for his character. He’s so talented, smart and funny. Anybody who’s seen “Smokin’ Aces” [also directed por Joe Carnahan] knows Chris is fully capable of pulling off weird, crazy, dirty, yet likable. Captain James T. Kirk was definitely not in this picture.
HOLLY: You’ve also been working on a comedy web series recently, what can you tell us about this?
CLAIRE: I have a recurring role as the sassy secretary who likes to stir up trouble in the comedy web series “Callbacks”. It’s written por and starring Toks Olagundoye [ABC’s “The Neighbors”]. She is amazing. Hard working. Clever. Tall and beautiful. I hate her guts. I’m just kidding. No, I’m not (laughs). If anyone ever wanted to know what the auditioning process might be like from the casting director’s point of view, “Callbacks” will give you a hilarious, bizarre and only slightly exaggerated take on it.
HOLLY: Anything else coming up for you soon?
CLAIRE: In the seguinte couple weeks, I’ll be developing a detective drama short film with a former news segment producer out of Chicago named Vince Irby. Later this month, I’ll be working on a new action web series developed por and starring fight choreographer, Phillip Marshall Tyler. I had two older brothers growing up, so I’ve always had an appreciation for sci-fi and action adventure movies, especially with strong female characters. So if Joss Whedon, J.J. Abrams or Kathryn Bigelow are ever in need of a feisty Asian chick, well, I can certainly make myself available. I’m just sayin’.
HOLLY: How can fãs keep up with you?
CLAIRE: Ooh, I just signed up for a Twitter account! It only took me seven years to get around to it, but better late than never, right? It’s like a new toy. Pressing buttons and wondering, “what does this do?” I’ll try not to inundate you guys with a bunch of aleatório nude selfies. It just takes me forever to get on board with the latest that social media has to offer or keep track of what’s trending. I must get it from my folks. My parents are almost in the dark ages when it comes to technology. People had balked when I told them I didn’t have Twitter. Well, my parents don’t have cell phones or computers! So no texting, no emailing. They send hand-written letters or they freak out about long-distance charges every time I call them. Very old school. Anywayz, sorry, getting side tracked. Yes, folks are mais than welcome to reach out and stay in touch. It might take me a little while, but I’ll always try to respond!
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