Interview :: Joey King from the film Wish I Was Here

Joey King currently stars in the film "Wish I Was Here". The film is written and directed by Zach Braff who also stars in the film. Joey, at such a young age gives a powerful and true to life performance as Zach's daughter, Grace. Her character will make you cry, laugh and think about what's important in life.

WIWH is about Aidan Bloom, a struggling actor, father and husband, reaching for his dream while trying to find himself. Aidan attempts to home school his children after his father becomes ill and can no longer pay for them to attend private school. Along the way Aidan struggles with normal family situations and tries to keep everyone happy and connected. Everyone can relate to this film in some way.

We recently had the opportunity to chat with Joey about her role in "Wish I Was Here" and her plans for near future. She is an amazingly talented actress and we enjoyed are short chat with her.

Candis: Is anyone in your family involved in acting? How did you get started in the industry. Joey: I did Stage Door Theater plays at the local theater. My sister also did plays and I wanted to be like her.

Candis: You are young so do your parents or sisters help you in deciding what roles to take or do you pretty much have the final say?
Joey: I definitely don't want to do something I don't feel comfortable doing. I want their guidance when I should or shouldn't take something but nice to know that I can make the choice.

Candis: How were you approached to star in Wish I Was Here? Zach and I have
been friends for a long time? Joey: We did OZ: The Great and Powerful together. I was backer of the film before he asked me to be in it. I was overjoyed to work with him again not only as an actor but as a director. I was so excited he would consider me and choose me to be in the film.

Candis: Your character, Grace is very emotional and I think a powerful person in this film. How did you prepare for this role? Joey: She is very powering and emotional. I wouldn't say I have to prepare try to become my character. I imagine what I would do if I was that person. I had so much fun with her and it was a challenge. I was putting myself in my shoes getting that family vibe.

Candis: The film has received a lot of good press but also some bad press about the funding from kickstarter. What is your opinion on how Zach raised money for the film?
Joey: Crowd funding is an incredible way to raise money. It's so cool. It lets you be connected with the audience and makes anything totally possible. It also makes them feel like they are part of the film.

Candis: What was your most memorable moment during filming of Wish I Was Here?
Joey: The day that i shaved my head. It was wig day on the set and everyone wore a wig.

Candis: My next question was about shaving your head. What was that like and how does it work because you only get one take? Joey: Yeah you do only get one take. I was nervous and scared and then I thought what was I afraid of, will people laugh at me what will people think? I thought I've done this before for "The Dark Knight Rises" so I can do it again.

Candis: Were you hesitant to shave your head for the film or were you all for it from the beginning? Joey: Zach asked would you be comfortable shaving your head? And I thought how often do you get to do that? It's really cool. I was definitely nervous but thought there is nothing to mess up. I'm just shaving my head and not making designs in my hair or anything.

Candis: How many times have you watched the film? Joey: Five times. The first time was with no music at all. Then at sundance.Then it was edited down by 8 minutes and I watched it two more times after that. The film is really cool. I don't necessarily like watching myself but I like taking friends and family to see the film.

Candis: Zach recently tweeted that you were one of the best actors of any age he's ever worked with and you remind him of a young Natalie Portman. How does that make you feel? Joey: So good that he would say something like that. It's such an honor to be friends with him and I'm a huge fan of Natalie Portman and she's such a cool person. Zach is a warm person and I just love him so much.

Candis: You worked with some amazing people on this film. Joey: Who do you hope to work with in the future? Oh my god, Leonardo DiCaprio, I love him so much.

Candis: Are you currently working on anything or enjoying the summer?
Joey: I'm currently working on Stonewall with Jeremy Irvine. It's not your typical Emmerich movie. It's a passionate project that will make you cry. It's such a cool film. It's where I am
heading right now, Montreal.

Candis: Can you tell us a little bit about "THE SOUND AND THE FURY" with James Franco.
Joey: We wrapped up a little earlier this year and started last year. I love James. I also worked with him on OZ. I had so much fun spending time with him during this film. We got to hang out in Mississippi and it was awesome then we finished shooting in LA. I had first kiss on that film. ( I know! I thought you might not want to talk about it.) No, it's ok I've actually talked about it a lot now.

Candis: Thank you for your time Joey. I enjoyed the film very much. I've always been a fan of Zach's and this film made me become a fan of yours. The cast had amazing chemistry. Zach did a wonderful job at casting you as his daughter. Hope to see you on the big screen again soon!
Joey: Thank you, that means so much to me.

"Wish I Was Here" officially opens in Cleveland on Friday July 25th at Cleveland Cinemas.