Anne Hathaway, a veteran of Hollywood since her teenage years, is revolutionizing the way things are done behind the scenes in her latest projects. The 41-year-old actress is taking a more active role in the pre-production process, particularly in the auditioning of actors.
In an interview with V Magazine, Hathaway discussed the development of her upcoming film, “The Idea of You,” in which she serves as both producer and star. The film follows the story of Solène, a divorced mother who chaperones her teenage daughter to the Coachella Music Festival and finds herself in a whirlwind romance with Hayes Campbell, the lead singer of a popular boy band.
Hathaway emphasized the importance of creating a comfortable auditioning experience, highlighting that in the past, actors were often asked to engage in kissing scenes to test for chemistry. She found this practice to be ineffective and uncomfortable.
To foster a more inclusive and empowering environment, Hathaway implemented a new audition method for “The Idea of You.” Actors were asked to select a song that their character would enjoy and perform a short improvisation while dancing with her. This approach allowed for a more authentic assessment of chemistry and connection between the actors.
Through this innovative method, Nicholas Galitzine, a 29-year-old British actor, secured the role of Hayes Campbell. According to Hathaway, Galitzine’s choice of an Alabama Shakes song and their natural connection while dancing sealed the deal.
Hathaway’s commitment to creating a more inclusive and equitable auditioning process is a positive step forward for the industry. It demonstrates a recognition that the old ways of doing things can be harmful and ineffective, and that there are better ways to assess talent and chemistry while fostering a respectful and empowering environment for all involved.
