Danielle Chuchran Interview: Katniss in ‘Hunger Games’ Short
Nov 18, 2010
Posted by Kimmy • 59 Comments »
Categories: Fan Trailers, Interviews, The Hunger Games Movie, Videos
Do you think Danielle Chuchran would have a pretty good chance as a contestant in the Hunger Games? She thinks so! Dani is an actress, and is trained in fighting, fencing, and archery. She recently played Katniss in ‘Hunger Games: Katniss & Rue,’ a short film directed by John Lyde. We had the great opportunity to interview her about her experience filming!
1. What was the most difficult part of filming?
For me it was wanting to do the character justice and do my best at portraying the character as she was seen in the book.2. How long did hair/makeup take for each of you?
Hair and makeup really didn’t take all that long, maybe 10 minutes. After we got all bloodied up we pretty much just went and played in the mud to complete our look.3. Does it take a while to get into character for such intense scenes?
When I know an intense scene is coming up I usually go off by myself while camera is setting up and take a few minutes to get into character. I just try to put myself in the characters shoes and the emotions just seem to follow.4. Is crying on cue difficult / were those real tears in the short? If they were real, how do you make yourself cry? Your performance in the scene actually made me cry. (Most people have commented and said it made them cry as well!)
Aw haha yes they were real tears in the short. When I have an emotional scene such as this one, I put myself in the characters situation. The vision and the thought of having someone I care about deeply laying in my lap dying, was enough to trigger the emotions needed for this scene.5. Some people believe that young actors shouldn’t be allowed or aren’t able to handle such emotional / graphic content in their projects. Why do you think young actors need to be chosen for this movie?
I feel that the age of the actors is crucial to the story. It is the vulnerability of the characters that makes you sympathize for them. I feel casting older actors to play younger would take away the needed innocence of the original character. I think that each actor handles the emotional and graphic content differently but I feel that there are many young actors who are mature enough to handle such content. I speak for myself when I say this, but being in a graphic and emotional setting really helps me get into character and bring the scene to life.6. Do you think the actor’s appearance before hair/makeup should be a deciding factor for a role, when there is a specific description in the book?
Absolutely not! As an actor it is our job to adapt to the character and therefore transform into what the character should look like. I feel that many actors miss out on roles that they would be perfect for because people judge them on their appearance and not their acting ability. We are actors and our purpose is to bring characters to life, and in doing that sometimes we have to alter our appearance.7. Are you a fan of the books? If so, what’s your favorite scene in the books?
I am a huge fan of the books, the stories have consumed my thoughts ever since reading the series. There are sooooo many scenes throughout the book that I just loved. Many of them were scenes where characters were evolving or relationships were building. The scene where Rue is killed was a scene that really stood out to me (which is why I was thrilled to be able to film it), there was just so much emotion involved and it really tugged at my heart strings. There are countless scenes that I read over and over because I loved them so much but that was one that was really significant to me.8. Would you like to be in the official film? Why?
It would be a dream come true, that’s for sure! I think what would be so great about being associated in a film like this is that it has such a great story. There is so much substance throughout the book and I truly believe that the movie has the potential to be one that will be hard to forget.9. If you were in Katniss’ situation, would you volunteer for a family member?
YES YES YES YES! I have eight nieces and nephews that I love more than words can say. If one of them were to be chosen I would take their place in a heartbeat. That’s certainly one of the reasons I felt as though I could relate to Katniss because I too have little ones that I love and would do anything to protect.9. What would be your strategy in the Hunger Games, do you think you would win?
My strategy would be to camouflage myself in the surroundings and to be constantly alert. Also to stalk my prey and attack when they least expect it. Because I have training with both a bow and a sword I would chose those to be my weapons… if accessible. And not to sounds cocky but I think I would have a pretty good chance at winning because of my abilities and determination. :]
10. How much rehearsal went into the film? What did you do to prepare?
All of the actors came very well prepared so there really wasn’t much rehearsal needed other than going through our actions for camera. Reading the books were the best way for me to prepare, it really helped me get a feel for my character. Another big part of preparing is being in costume, as soon as wardrobe/hair & makeup are complete I am no longer Dani… I’m Katniss Everdeen.11. What was the most fun part about being a part of this project?
There were two reasons that made this project so fun. 1. was being able to bring such a phenomenal story to life and play a character that I loved to death and had so much respect for. 2. was being able to work with some of the most talented people I have ever met. I cannot say enough about John Lyde. I have worked with many wonderful directors but none quite like Mr. Lyde. John has a vision of what he wants before we ever start filming and he is so passionate about what he does. There is no doubt in my mind that he will go very far in life, and one day I will get to say “I cant believe I actually got to work with him!” He’s certainly an inspiration to me.12. Whoever is chosen for the role, what do you think will be the hardest part about playing Katniss?
Living up to the fans expectations! I think who ever books the role will have to deal with a lot of negativity, but hopefully will have positive feedback as well. No matter what you will always have people who had someone other than you in mind and even though it’s sometimes hard to deal with you have to push through it and just give the best performance you can give.
13. You now have a fan following for the role of Katniss, which many actresses are trying to book. If you did get the role, how would you handle the fame / exposure?
It would be a blessing to book this role, and who ever does is certainly going to be in the public eye. The most important thing to me is to remain true to who you are. Sometimes it can be frustrating to see these actors and actresses who have have been given the opportunity to set a good example for their followers but fail to do so. I have many idols in my life and people that I look up to, and it would be really important to me to do my best to be the kind of person I would want to look up to. I never want to have people think I am “too big for my britches.” It’s important to remember where you came from and the people who helped you get to where you are now. I am extremely grateful for the support that I have received thus far and for the kind comments that have been written. It would be very important to me to live up to the fans expectations and do my best not to let them down.
You can follow Dani on Twitter and visit her Official Website.
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I like her but I really favor Hailee Steinfeld. Hailee is more appropriate for the role of Katniss. Although, judging from the fanmade video, Danielle could pull it off.
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I like her in general, but not as Katniss. Personally, I think she’d make a FANTASTIC Glimmer or Clove.
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katnisss katniss katniss!!! danielle is perfect
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She’s certainly strong enough to carry the film. I’ve seen several of her performances in other projects (IMDB.com) and she’s always natural and very believable. She’s very athletic and has all of the skills necessary to pull it off (running through the forest with the bow & arrow). She has a knack of telling a story with her facial expressions but especially her eyes. With today’s skilled makeup professionals, looks would not be a problem. But what impresses me the most are her answers to the questions above. She is obviously very serious about her craft, mature beyond her years and very well grounded. I vote yes!
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I really do think this is the one for Katniss!! She has everything I could want in Katniss!!! Acting, she can look like her, a fan of the series, she can sing well, seriously, what more can you want?? YES YES YES YES YES!!! Danielle is pure gold for the role!!!!!!!! I hope to god she gets picked. She just knocked her way off to my first pick!!
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oh btw she is very serious and mature about it which just makes me want her for the role all the more!!! Just wanted to add that!
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I would love her for Katniss! And if not Katniss, I just insanely want her involved in the film. She has a talent of acting that is just somehow refreshing to me. I’m 100% Danielle.
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omg………you know I really love her now. After this interveiw yeah. I think she’d do really good……..YES! I’ll support her all the way
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Does anyone else think she may make a better Madge?
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not madge, that would be too innocent. She’d do a nice job of Katniss, but I would personally prefer her as Joanna in Catching Fire.
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I think she just has both: The softness and the strength of Katniss. Plus-> She’s not too old! And she is SO right about the young actors part.
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IMPRESSIVE! I really really hope the producers and the director will have a close eye on Danielle! Love her for the Katniss part already 
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Definitly: Dani Chuchran for Katniss
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i don’t think she looks like what i pictured and she looks too old..
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[...] If you dug the fan-made “Hunger Games” video we posted yesterday, you might appreciate Mockingjay.net‘s interview with its star, Danielle Chuchran. Filed Under: News | Tags: Cool Clicks [...]
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I don`t think she`s the right one for Katniss.
But Glimmer or Clove, perfect.
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I don’t feel her for Katniss.
For what she did in a fanvid, it was very good. But if I saw that in the theatre, I wouldn’t be satisfied. She cried far too much and I believe was putting her emotion into the scene rather than Katniss’. Katniss didn’t cry over Rue’s death. Her voice became husky, but that’s it.
She just doesn’t have the right feel to play Katniss.
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I really want her to play katniss she was an amazing actress and she’s a fan of the book wich is great and she’s also unknown!!!
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i trust that whomever they choose, they will be a great katniss
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I thought she was wonderful. I think she would be even greater if they did this with more accurate parts such as clothing and the style of things. Awesome Job!
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I agree with Jenna. Good acting in a fanvideo, but not good enough for the theatre. And not nearly enough Katniss-y. I hope she gets an audition though so she at least has a chance.
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@Jenna, they really didn’t specify if she cried in the book or not. all that happened in the fan video was on tear, katniss isn’t allowed one tear when she’s upset about rue? i think she is, she may seem tough on the outside but i think she’d at-least shed a tear. plus she can pull off anything, sure maybe she didn’t need to have a tear but it added to the affect. if she didn’t need to cry she didn’t have to. what the director says goes…jeez.
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Plus Jenna….if your so hypocritical about the little details now. get ready for huge disappointed when the movie comes out. some little details really won’t matter to the director or screenwriter. just get the story out and to the point. that’s how movie producers do it.
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Danielle’s acting is really good. I wouldn’t be upset if they cast her as Katniss in the movie. She’s very talented, and I think she could pull off the role.
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she should def. play katniss int he moviee. she is amazing and she looks the part soooooo welll. id rather have her than a well known actress play it anyway. but shes amazingg
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shes amazing for the role!!!!! i thinks shes extremely talented! she could be sooo amazing for the pert of katniss
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Well, I never felt like any of the other girls were perfect for the role. When she showed up I knew she was the one. She is really mature and serious about this and the emotions she can display are absolutely perfect.
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YES! PUT HER IN THE MOVIE!!! NOW!!!!!!
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I think I’d rather see her as Madge or Glimmer.
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I don’t like her as katniss, I don’t find her believable. she would make a good clove. I liked the actress that was rue (as prim)
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Wow! Words cannot express how much I love Danielle now! She is real, sincere, dedicated to acting, a fan, mature, talented, etc! I would love to have her! Even if she doesn’t look exactly right, what matters more is that she can definitely act and she is a wonderful person!
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Okay, okay, I’m going to get hated for this, but no.
I love her attitude towards Katniss, the books in general, the action, but when I read about Katniss I read about someone who is angry, sarcastic, prtective, stubborn, unique, rough, broken, bitter and – though she’ll deny it – in need of love.
Here, I see someone who is a bit troubled, but coping, who’s sad to see someone she loves die, but not angry, I don’t see the anger building up in her towards the capitol, and maybe I’m being pickey, but that’s just how I feel.
I think Dani as a person is just amazing and insightful and talented, and maybe she knowingly didn’t put her all into this because it’s not an actual movie, it’s a short, but currently, I don’t see her as Katniss.
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Amazing video! I’m not sure if I’d want her to actually play Katniss but I hope she gets an audition! Fighting, fencing, archery, thats impressive, and could give her a advantage! Katnisss needs to be strong. I love her answers to the questions and she seems like a good fan of the books.
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I think Danielle is good for Katniss too. They should do the scene when Katniss and Peeta meet again by the river, or at the cornucopia when she gets Peeta’s medicine.
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i agree with Wiress
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LOVE HER
RIP
RUE <3
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At 8:26, it should be the left hand… Little details like this will make or break the real movie. Otherwise, this is like… amazing.
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It’s funny that people mentioned Madge, because she was my choice for Madge a while ago.
I agree with those who say that they LOVED her in the video but don’t necessarily want her to actually play Katniss. She’s great, but there’s still something about her. Maybe her face? Not sure. It just felt more like a person in costume rather than actual Katniss, you know? Like a really good cosplay, for those familiar with cosplaying. I’ wouldn’t die if she were cast and I do hope that she gets an audition. But, I’m not 100% on her as Katniss, either.
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I agree with Amelie. I think she would be absolutely perfect as Johanna mason in catching fire as far as looks
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I think she is perfect, but I do agree with Jenna on the crying thing. In the book it says she only releases her tears before the very last line of the song, because she wants to stay strong for Rue. But other than that shes awesome.
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I think we’ve all astablished that Danielle is a great actor , with impressive archery skills, she’s young but with maturity beyond get years. She’s a fan of the books and an insightful, real, down to earth person, who’s hard not to love.
Which is why I would love to see her get an audition and I wouldn’t die if they cast her.
However I agree with Jenna on the fact that she shouldn’t be as emotional ad she was. She put her own emotions in too much. Katniss did cry, but only a few escaped tears.
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Also, her facial structure isn’t how I imagined, but I don’t really care about that. Other than those tidbits, I love her, and would like to see her as Katniss, but im still not 100%
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I thought that the overall film was interesting enough, but Danielle isn’t really how I imagined Katniss. I think she may be a good Madge.
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I think she would play a great Katniss… shes ordinaary but pretty, not famous… a fresh face for hollywood
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DANIELLE CHUCHRAN for KATNISS!
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SHE IS PERFECT! exactly who i pictured as Katniss and i think she would do an amazing job if given the role. Good Luck Danielle!
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I really like her but Hailee Steinfeld fits more of the physical descriptions, plus she was amazing in True Grit. THOSE BRAIDS! Haha.
So, I favor Hailee, but this girl could be the second choice?
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DANIELLA CHUCHRAN IS PERFECT FOR THE SPOT OF BEING KATNISS IN THE MOVIE!
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Omg Please be Katniss Everdeen!!!!! If U don’t I swear the movie id going to be crap Rather u then stupid Kristen Stewart or God forbid Miley Cyrus :\ LOVE HER! <3
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Daniella isnt my first choice maybe my 3rd but i still think she is very talented
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Yes yes yes Danielle churchan for katniss everdeen!!!
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Danielle Chuchran is perfict for the part of katniss!!! i mean come on! Have you seen her act?!?!
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I totally agree with the majority of everyone here. She really did a good job katniss. I hope she gets in the movie
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I liked her when I watched the short film, but I loved her when I read her interview. She’s really mature and has the athletic abilites to be Katniss. Plus, I can tell that she takes her role seriously and tries to be the character as much as possible. I think she’d be perfect for the role, and I can honestly say I will be very disapointed and surprised if she won’t get it.
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I agree in part with Slushie.
She would definitely be a great Katniss.
Also, to all of you guys who are worried about her acting not being quite good enough for the big screen- most actors/actresses that don’t have too much experience have a coach on set with them. They’ll teach them how to channel certain emotions, get in character, and all that jazz.
There’s a couple actresses I’d love as Katniss, and she’s up there.
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[...]» Danielle Chuchran Interview: Katniss in ‘Hunger Games’ Short « Mockingjay.net – HungerGames.org | Hunger Games Movie News | HungerGamesMovie.com[...]…
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I really like her..as a person and a fan of the series…hmmm still not 100% convinced but I won’t be crying if she were cast either =)