Christina Scherer has many interests: photography, film making, education and acting, and is currently starring in Nancy Meyers’ new film, The Intern, opposite two of Hollywood’s biggest stars, Anne Hathaway, and Robert De Niro. Spirit & Flesh speaks to Christina about how she manages to do all of this and still stay “right-sized”.

 

HALEY LUX: When did you realize you wanted to act? How did you get into acting? Who inspires you, who is your role model?

CHRISTINA SCHERER: I’ve wanted to do this since I was 3 years old. I got into the business by sheer perseverance, making mistakes, and not giving up. My role model is my mom, for being a single mom/super mom and not letting me give up every time I had a bad audition (which was a lot).

HL: What do you enjoy most about your job? 

CS: Craft service and the costumes! I’m really just kidding, but I’m also kind of not kidding, because pretty clothes and yummy food is a wonderful wonderful thing.

HL: How did you get the role in your latest movie? What was the process of convincing director that you are the right choice for the role? 

CS: I sent in a tape for the role, and from that, got a meeting to read with Nancy with the added crying scene from the movie. Once I arrived and read with her, she asked me to work on the crying scene a little bit more, and come back for a chemistry read with Anne Hathaway. When I came back to read with Annie, I got nervous during the crying scene, and didn’t cry. I assumed I didn’t get the part, but much to my surprise, I got another call asking if I could come chemistry read with Robert De Niro in NYC. When I walked into the room Nancy said, “Look, I want you to have this role, but I need you to cry for me. I need to know that on set I can count on you to do it, because this scene is YOUR MOMENT. I want you to go in a private room, use the pressure of not getting this role, and then come back in here and cry.” So I went into the room cried for an hour and half, and when I came back into the room, I had cried out all my tears for the day. I came into the room devastated I couldn’t do it for her, and ultimately didn’t book the role. When I got back home, I made a tape of the scene with a friend, sent it to Nancy just for my own dignity, and she finally was won over.

HL: Why did you want to be involved into this production? 

CS: The opportunity to work with some of the industries top creative people! Also to be a part of a movie with one of the most regarded female writer/directors is awesome.

HL: How were you impacted personally from the story that it’s portraying?

CS: In our society we value youth over experience, which is crazy if you think about it! In a lot of cultures the oldest generation of a family is the most important family member. They’re the story tellers, they help raise the children, because really, they have the most knowledge of what to do, and not to do; they are respected and revered. I think it’s important to acknowledge the way Americans treat people who aren’t considered to have their “youth.” I see it even with my mother, who is a beautiful woman in her 50’s (you’d never know) who is scared to try a new career, because “they’d rather hire a 20 year old.” I hope this story at least starts a conversation about this issue.

HL: What was challenging about bringing this script to life? What do you love about this character? 

CS: Luckily I did not have the task of bringing the script to life, that was all Nancy Meyers and her extremely clear vision of the story. I was just a piece in a big machine. I loved being Becky. I think she’s fun (based off all the cute patterns I got to wear), overwhelmed, not afraid to speak her mind to get what she needs done, pronto! I think one day, she’ll make a good boss.

HL: What’s the last thing you do before you film a scene to prepare yourself?

CS: Take a deep breath.

HL: How do you prepare for a crying scene?

CS: I think if you’re really invested in the moment, tears will come easily. Sometimes it’s hard to relate to certain situations, so it’ll take a little extra work to not judge the reason for being upset. Humans naturally judge. If you judge the characters actions, you’ll never be able to play with them in a scene. Once you have a clear non-judgmental perspective on why your character is upset, the tears will come.

HL: Do you enjoy your celebrity star status? How did it change your life? Your relationships with your friends and family?

CS: I think this is an interesting question that calls for a debate on, “What is celebrity?” I think these days with vine, youtube, Instagram, and so many other social media sites that show popularity based off “likes,” “loops,” and “views,” I would in no way compete with the celebrity of their social media platforms. The mystery of celebrity is gone, with the use of the internet. You can now see what your favorite celebrity has eaten for lunch or how well they can lip-sync their favorite reality show lines. My point is, I’m not sure if celebrities truly exist anymore, and I definitely wouldn’t see myself as one. Nothing in my life has changed as far as I can tell. My friends and family have always been wonderfully supportive, and they’re even more so now that I’ve had a snippet of success.

HL: What did you learn from Nancy Meyers? Anne Hathaway? Robert De Niro? 

CS: Watching Nancy perfect her vision was very fascinating to me. She always made sure her bases were covered in every shot, and I really respect her for sticking to her guns and making sure she does it until she feels like it’s right. It really shows in all her films, because they’re nothing short of perfection. Annie was so lovely to work with, I learned that when you’re working with an amazing actor who is always there for you, you can let go of your plan, and just play. It’s really fun, and that’s how it should be. Bob was so zen, he really set the mood for the set. He made everyone feel calm and comfortable. He created an environment that was hospitable for a frazzled newbie like me.

HL: What has been your biggest career challenge so far? 

CS: My biggest career challenge has been getting in my own way. It’s so easy to let the rejection of this business be taken personally and zap confidence and create self-doubt “I am not good enough,” “I am not pretty,” “No one will like me.” I really try to practice self love, and I don’t mean and ego-filled “I’m the hottest person around,” “Everyone should bow down to my greatness,” love, but love that is fearless and enlightens others. Obviously like any human, I have good days and bad days, but on the bad days, I try to take a walk and remember how lucky I am to have legs that allow me to walk forward, (not everyone has that luxury) a nose that allows me to breathe the air around me, and eyes that allow me to see the beautiful colors of our Earth. If I can remember these things, if I can remember my body is a shell that does not define who I am, then I am more likely to relax and be myself, confidently.

HL: Where do you see yourself 5-10 years from now?

CS: In 5 years I’d hopefully be working/creating projects with stories that I’m passionate about. In 10 years, I’d love to be starting a family and in the process of creating alternative education schools for children who’ve been forgotten in America.

HL: What do you do when you’re not filming? What are your other hobbies or passions?

CS: I’m a photographer for a vintage clothing line called Catwalk Vintage. I basically get to dress up my friends and take pictures of them, its great. We’ve been trying to work on a stronger online presence, but it’s slow and steady work, especially because I’m gone a lot. When I’m not doing that, I enjoy oil painting and creating projects with my friends that we can make on our own. One of my best friends Hannah Marks and I made our first short film earlier this year called “Two Dollar Bill,” that I helped produce and also starred in. It was super insightful to get to see how hard, and how much work it actually takes to get something made. We both learned a lot, and want to keep learning anything and everything we can about “the making of” films. So I would say, learning is my passion.

HL: If you weren’t acting, what would you be doing?

CS: Running my own magazine or set decorating!

HL: What is your professional philosophy?

CS: If you’re passionate about something, and you really want it, be willing to put the time in. It should’t be “easy.” Nothing worth working towards is easy. So even when it gets hard, and you feel like every door has closed, don’t give up! It’s about the journey. If you listen to your instincts, you may find your journey has taken you to a place you never would have discovered if you hadn’t been willing to open a new door. Be fearless.

HL: Are you experimenting with your beauty and fashion style? What are your latest must haves?

CS: I’m always experimenting with beauty and fashion! I can barely stand seeing pictures of myself as a teenager, my style was basically a series of ridiculous costumes. I’ve been trying to simplify my style and buy some high quality basic items I can keep forever. I think its better to invest your money on a few nicer things that will last, than trying to match all the new trends that come and go. Classic is always classic.
Also! I’ve been doing this great new thing, where I use a thick lip balm (something equivalent to vaseline) on my eyelashes as a moisturizer/mascara. I have very straight lashes naturally, so if you apply it before you curl them, it helps them stay curled all day and also prevents you from losing eyelashes. The balm makes them naturally darker, you never have clumps, black eye goop, or that black dust that falls on your face throughout the day. The main thing I like about it is I don’t have to attack my eye with a vigorous cleaning process at night trying to get mascara off. I’ve always hated trying to get mascara off, it’s a pain.