Episode 51 - Anna Camp (Here Awhile)

Renown actress Anna Camp opens up about her prolific acting career, from Pitch Perfect, True Blood, and Equus, to her recent role in the film Here Awhile.

This interview was recorded in March 2021.

Actress Anna Camp joins Jenny Curtis and special co-host producer-actress Deborah Lee Smith to talk about her career and new indie film Here Awhile.

Episode Timestamps:

6:33 – Anna explains that it’s hard being consistently type cast. With Here Awhile she was able to go outside her comfort zone and play a different type of character.

10:00 — Anna agreed to film Here Awhile almost immediately after reading. Deborah shares that the process was one of the fastest turn arounds to filming that she’s experienced.

11:44 – While preparing for the role in Here Awhile, Anna watched the documentary How to Die in Oregon.

15:13 – She speaks about the work of letting go, even with cameras all around you, and connecting to the spiritual side of the arts and acting. She calls acting a very self-aware art and the need to let go of the ego.

15:49 – 16:22 - AD Break

18:50 — Deborah shares how Anna takes pieces of her characters with her and what lead to them getting matching tattoos after making the film.

27:42 – Anna explores her path to becoming a professional actor and knowing she wanted to act since second grade.

31:02 — Anna explains why, even though the play Equus was a pivot turning point in her career, she initially wasn’t eager for the role because of the required nudity.

34:12 — Anna reveals her top pick for her craziest moment in True Blood.

36:06 – 36:08 — Ad Break

37:05 — Anna talks about the evolution of the Pitch Perfect franchise.

40:47 — Anna speaks to the differences of working on a higher budget project like Pitch Perfect 3 compared to an independent film like Here Awhile. Many times lower budget projects create a more intimate and impactful setting for the crew and actors.

42:43 — Anna talks about her guest star roles on iconic television series such as the Office, How I Met Your Mother, Mad Men and the Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt.

49:00 — Anna shares the acting moment that she’s most proud of, a scene from her performance in Here Awhile.

50:02 — Anna speaks about moving into the role of producer and projects that she’s excited to help get off the ground.

53:56 — The conversation shifts back to Here Awhile and Deborah shares what attracted her to the script.

56:01 — Anna expresses what being a storyteller means to her.

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Hosted and Produced by: Jenny Curtis

Executive Producers: Stuart Halperin & Reenita Malhatra Hora

Theme Music by: Celleste & Eric Dick