The Book, The Film, The T-Shirt
  • Home
  • News
  • Features
  • Movies
  • Books
  • TV
  • Gaming
  • Interviews
  • Competitions
Interviews 0

Race – Chantel Riley Interview

By Dave Griffiths @goodbaduglyshow · On February 28, 2016


One of the most eagerly anticipated films of 2016 is Race, the film that explores the life of Olympic athlete Jesse Owens. With the film set for release in Australia later this year The Book The Film The T-Shirt’s Dave Griffiths sat down and had a chat with one of the stars – Chantel Riley. Here is our Chantel Riley interview.

 

First of all Chantel let me say thank you so much for agreeing to do this interview.

 

1. You’ve probably heard this question a million times but you have been in Broadway production of Lion King for a number of years now were you a fan of the movie before you got the role? What are your memories from watching the film the first time?

Yes I was definitely a fan.THE LION KING is one of my favorite films. I can remember watching that movie over and over again while reciting the lines along with the character.

 

2. You are originally from Canada, how did you first become involved with the production of The Lion King in Germany?

Disney Theatrical holds auditions for The Lion King production all over the world. So, they stopped in Canada and had an open casting call in Toronto. That is where I auditioned and later was asked to fly to Germany and become a part of the company there.

 

3. You get the unique opportunity to play a lion (Nala) in The Lion King, most actresses/actors only get to voice an animal character so what it is it like to play a lion? Did you approach the role differently to how you would have approached most roles?

 

When I first started the show it was challenging. I had to train and rehearse movements that were foreign to me. So naturally a role like Nala would have to be approached differently compared to others I have played or auditioned for in the past. Nala is a princess who later becomes queen. She is very statuesque and carries a presence. Also, shes very physical. So I have to always keep in mind while I’m on stage to not drop thise very important aspects of who she is. She is an animal so I am constantly reminding myself to move like one.

 

4. When did you first become interested in acting? Were you always in school productions etc when you were at High School?

 

I got interested in acting when I was about 22 or 23 years old. I had been singing in my church and was involved in Christmas and Easter plays. It wasnt until I saw the touring company of The Color Purple, that I discovered acting was what I wanted to do.

 

5. Tell us a little bit about your brand new film Race, how did you first become involved with the film?

I have an agent who sends me auditions. So when RACE came around I got interested and knew it was something I wanted to be a part of.

 

6. Could you also tell us a little bit about your character Quincella Nickerson? What is she like to play?

Quincella was lnown as a socialite. She was very interested in sports and a huge fan of Jesse’s. They mey in Los Angeles while he was in town for a track meet. The two got really close and even caused a little commotion that would start a rumor about their relationship.

 

7. The Jesse Owen’s story is one that has known right around the world, how much did you know about the story before you read the script for Race? What did you learn from the script that you didn’t already know?

I knew that Jesse was a famous track athlete that won multiple gold medals. I was able to learn more about Jesse and his struggle. As an African – American it was a huge challenge to be accepted in that time and Jesse had to ignore all of it to run for gold.

 

8. How does it feel being in such an important film?

It is truly a blessing. It feels surreal. Lol

 

9. What was it like working with director Stephen Hopkins? What was it also like working with a cast that includes Stephan James, William Hurt and Jeremy Irons?

Stephen was amazing to work with. He is a wonderful director. Stephan and I are from the same city so it was great being on a set with people thay can relate to you. It was like being back home. Unfortunately, I did not get to have any scenes with Mr. Hurt or Mr. Irons but their performances were great.

 

10. For all the young actors/actresses out there reading this what were the biggest differences you found between theatre acting in The Lion King and then doing acting for screen with Race?

My biggest challenge was internalizing. On stage we have to be open, loud and expressive. Being on camera is very intimate.

 

11. Do you have any upcoming projects that you would love to tell us about?

I have been working with an amazing friend of mine named James Brown – Orleams.  We have worked on a couple projects together that are indie films. I hope to do more work with him.

Again thank you Chantel for agreeing to do this interview.

Share this:

  • Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window)
  • Click to print (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Tumblr (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Pocket (Opens in new window)

Related

Chantel RileyDavid GriffithsRace
Share Tweet

Dave Griffiths

Dave Griffiths has worked as a journalist for over twenty years now -covering topics including film, television, music, travel and sport (with a main focus on AFL Football). That time has seen him host the popular X-Wired television program for seven seasons as well as write for various magazines such as Buzz Magazine, Heavy Mag, Stage Whispers, The Banner and Eternity.. He has even branched out into writing online for Subculture Entertainment, Media Search and The Book The Film The T-Shirt. He also worked as the online editor for Entertainment 360 for three years. Dave's radio work has seen him work on various radio stations including 3RPP, Triple R and Light FM. He is currently the resident film reviewer on Sydney's 2UE radio station and can be heard reviewing what is new at cinemas and on DVD each week on Wednesdays at 3pm with Ed Phillips. He is also the co-host of Melbourne's 94.1FM's breakfast show 'The Motley Crew' and he can sometimes be heard on J-Air's 'First On Film'. David is also the co-host of two popular podcasts - ‘The Good, The Bad, The Ugly Film Show,' and 'The Popcorn Conspiracy' As far as Film Reviewing goes David is an elected committee member of AFCA (Australian Film Critics Association and a member of IPRESCI (International Federation of Film Critics)/FIPRESCI (Fédération Internationale de la Presse Cinématographique). He has also served as a jury member for a number of international film festivals and is considered an expert on cult cinema, horror movies and Australian films.

You Might Also Like

  • Interviews

    PINS & NEEDLES – James Villeneuve Interview

  • Interviews

    HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DRAGON – Gerard Butler & Dean DeBlois Interview

  • Interviews

    LONG BRIGHT RIVER – Amanda Seyfried Interview

No Comments

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Subscribe & Follow

Follow @thebookthefilm
Follow on Instagram
  • Popular
  • Comments
  • Tags
  • The Rise of Lockdown Streaming

    May 3, 2020
  • Salvo (2014)

    September 27, 2014
  • Penny Dreadful S1 EP 3 ‘Resurrection’ & EP 4 ‘Demimonde’ Review

    June 22, 2014
  • Pet Movie

    Spoiler Alert – Top 5 Horror Movie Twists

    March 17, 2017
  • warner bros. for her dvd collection

    Christmas Gift Guide: For Her – Heart Warming DVDs

    December 14, 2016
  • Win a copy of The Apartment on Limited Edition Blu-ray Courtesy of Arrow Academy

    December 23, 2017
David Griffiths marvel Kyle McGrath Ben Affleck J.K. Simmons Amy Adams Scarlett Johansson Jai Courtney Lee Griffiths Hugh Jackman Chris pratt Jason Clarke Daniel Craig Ralph Fiennes Brad Pitt Emilia Clarke Henry Cavill keanu reeves
  • Home
  • Contact Us
  • Privacy Policy
  • Affiliate Disclosure

ABOUT

Over opinionated and online. The Book, The Film, The T-Shirt was created for lovers of entertainment everywhere. We hope you enjoy it. Don't feed the writers after midnight.

Latest News

  • 4

    SUPERMAN Review

    July 9, 2025
  • 3.5

    JURASSIC WORLD: REBIRTH Review

    July 9, 2025
  • 4

    28 YEARS LATER Review

    July 9, 2025

SEARCH THE SITE

HIBS100 Index of Home and Interior Blogs
HIBS100

© 2016 Last Exit to Hollywood Media Limited. All rightsreserved. “As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.”