Travel consideration provided.
“I feel like that’s like another skill set that I really would like to hone,” Heaton told me. “Going from multi camera on Raymond where we rehearsed all week and then presented it like a play to the audience, is very different from going to The Middle where there’s no rehearsal, you’re shooting out of order, there’s no response from an audience, and you don’t know what it’s gonna look like until it gets on the air. So that was a new skill set to learn. And then doing voiceover, where you might think you’re being animated, but you have to kind of ratchet it up a little bit. Because I can sound kind of flat, actually – have you ever listened to yourself and you’re like, ‘Oh! Is that my voice?’ You have to get used to that, and then you have to get used to putting a little more energy in it than you would normally do as an actor – because as an actor they can see your face, so that’s also informing what you’re saying, but here you’re trusting the animator to put that in. It’s a little flying blind, I think. But it’s really fun to do.”
Heaton said that she enjoyed the process of experimenting in the sound booth. “I think the most fun is doing the lines different ways, trying different takes. The director gives you different ideas and like on any show, if you can make the crew laugh, then you know you’re doing it well, so that’s kind of you goal. Although they can’t really laugh because we’re being recorded, but afterwards they do – you can see them snickering or holding it back.”
The Star retells the Biblical story from the perspective of the nativity animals, mixing lighthearted humor with parables. I asked Heaton if her own personal faith played a role in her wanting to be involved in the film.
“I think it’s always nice, if you’re a Christian, to have something out there – especially at Christmastime,” she said. “Because that’s what Christmas is about. You can put something out there for the whole family. The story of Christmas is what I base my entire life on, and all my hope, so yes – it’s nice to have that story out there to share with people.”
When it comes to celebrating Christmas in her own household, Heaton incorporates traditions from both the US and the UK: “I’m married to a Brit,” she explained, discussing how she enjoys making Yorkshire puddings and pulling Christmas crackers with her family. As a British expat in America myself, I asked her if this means that she essentially makes Thanksgiving dinner back to back, as the traditional UK Christmas dinner includes most of the same things. “Yes, so we’re doing Thanksgiving here [Los Angeles] and then we’ll do Christmas in Montana. And the other thing that the Brits do, they have Boxing Day, so the day after Christmas they do another celebration. It’s a little exhausting. (Laughs)”
The Star is in theaters now.
Love this! I actually have a bracelet that was designed by her 🙂
How fun! Love her.
Really good interview. You being a brit made it more personal and you knew what she experiences. Great job Beeb !
Thanks Julie! 🙂
What a great read! She’s so talented!
I loved that interiew she is so down to earth and real. I love her in all her shows and watch the Middle regularly. I would love to see how this movie comes out.
I LOVE Patricia Heaton! I didn’t realize she was in Star. Thanks for the interview!
My family is really looking forward to seeing Star. I had no idea Patricia Heaton was in it! She is so good!
I loooooooooooove Patricia Heaton! This was such a great interview with her.
How neat that you were able to interview Patricia Heaton. It looks like a great movie! I will have to check it out.
I was wondering about this movie, glad to read this interview with Patricia Heaton, I think this will be a popular movie!
This movie is going to be perfect on a cozy December night. Great interview! It sounds like Heaton had a great time working on the movie.
Awesome talk with her, she sounds really amazing! I think it’s nice to have a movie for Christmas that you can enjoy with the kids! It’s definitely a must-see.
What a cool experience! I’m such a fan!
Awesome interview. I loved reading through this post. Patricia Heaton is one terrific lady and I am glad that she is in the movie, The Star. I am looking forward to watching this on the weekend with the kids.
Wow I had no idea who was in this movie. The kids and I cannot wait to see this!
We celebrate Christmas at home and we can’t wait to watch this movie! I think it’s a great way to kick off the Holidays for this year!
It sounds like a beautiful movie to watch this Christmas! I’m sure the storyline is amazing and the stars/voice behind the characters are lovely.
I just saw the Star was at a local theatre. I think it sounds like a great movie for the Christmas season.
It sounds like it would be fun to do a voice over part. I can’t wait to see this movie!
This movie excites me to no end. I would have loved to have been there for the interviews.
My kids have been keeping tabs on this movie. We sure are looking forward to it!
I am so jealous! I have always liked Patricia Heaton. I grew up watching here in Everybody Loves Raymond, and I thought she was a great actress. I am going to have to see this movie. I think my son will love it!
This is such a great opportunity! Would love to see this movie!
I just love Patricia Heaton! She is such a funny actress!I bet this was a fun event!
I heard abou this film. I know Megan Good, Devon Franklin produced this and its amazing he is producing animations. Smart move on his end and also excited that Oprah and Tyler Perry have voiceovers in this!