Interview with Jonathan Lipnicki (November 22 2006)
Conducted by A. Lankester for JonathanLipnicki.com

Q: Hey Jonathan, how's it going? What have you been up to lately?
A: Everything's going pretty well. Besides school and water polo, I have been trying to get a production company off the ground, reading scripts, and just being 16.
Q: Starting a production company? Sounds interesting. What does that involve?
A: Getting the company off the ground really is just about getting films made. We haven't shot anything yet, but we have some scripts that we are trying to get made by finding a studio, people, and companies who want to finance our projects.
Q: Are you going to be in any of these films?
A: Yes, I will be in many of the projects that we're making.
Q: Who are you managing the company with?
A: I'm managing the company along with my mom and our partner Devorah Cutler Rubenstein.
Q: Is film production a long term thing that you want to continue perhaps after acting?
A: Yeah, it's something that I want to do throughout my life.
Q: Are you interested in going into other aspects of film such as direction?
A: Yes, I want to write and direct. I would like to direct music videos as well.
Q: Really? Of any bands in particular?
A: I'd like to direct Avenged Sevenfold, Velvet Revolver, Black Rebel Motorcycle Club and basically any other music that interests me. Anything that I could come up with a cool concept for really.
Q: You've been in a couple of bands yourself, maybe you could direct your own music video?
A: I don't think I will ever become a musician, although I love it. I feel I have more to contribute to film.
Q: Earlier this year you were working on a documentary called After School as co-producer but decided not to continue. Why was that?
A: Now that is a long story! [Laughs]
Q: What do you mean by that, or is it just something you want to put behind you?
A: That is the past. I would really like to concentrate on the future. I wish that project luck in its production though.
Q: Unfortunately another project, a movie called Knights Of Impossingworth Park, scheduled for this year didn't go quite as planned either?
A: Yeah. It kept delaying, which affected everyone involved. I'm extremely disappointed that it fell apart because it was a good project, and a good opportunity to learn from one of the best, Sir Ben Kingsley.
Q: You met Kingsley during pre-production didn't you? What was he like?
A: It was amazing meeting Sir Ben Kingsley, he is really nice and also taught me about my character when I talked to him in our meetings. I would be honored to work with him in the future.
Q: Are there any other actors that you would particularly like to work with?
A: I would really love to work with Edward Norton, he's an amazing actor.
Q: So, what are you hoping for work-wise in the near future?
A: I really want to get the projects made through our production company, those are the roles I want to do. Other than that I will be reading material all along.
Q: When do you think your next big project will be that your fans can see you in?
A: I'm not sure what will happen first, another indie or a studio film. We will see what happens. I plan to do something soon.
Q: Have your fans been supportive, despite the fact that you haven't released anything mainstream for a while?
A: My fans have been more supportive than I could have ever imagined, so thanks guys! I'm happy that they have supported my indie work!
Q: And do people still recognize you from your older movies?
A: I still get recognized sometimes, even though I look pretty different now. [Laughs] A lot of the time it is still for Jerry Maguire!
Q: You had a girlfriend a little while back. Was that hard with being recognized?
A: No, not really. [Laughs] I would say the most difficult thing was her! [Laughs] Wow, did I just say that?
Q: Do you prefer keeping that side of your life private?
A: No, I will tell you straight out it wasn't a good relationship.
Q: So, are you seeing anyone at the moment?
A: I am not really dating anyone at the moment, but that doesn't mean I'm not looking!
Q: Well, what about Tyra Banks? She called you a hunk when you were on her show! Most guys would die to be in that position!
A: [Laughs] I was so nervous! She is amazing in person!
Q: If your fans want to get in touch with you what is the best way?
A: I get in touch with fans through the wonderful forums you made, Abigail. [Laughs] Also through fan mail, but sadly that sometimes gets lost and I never get it. I think the best way is the forums.
Q: Abigail? [Laughs] I'm only called that when I'm in trouble! What about your MySpace though, do you get to reply to comments on there?
A: I do get to reply but not that much sadly. It is hard to reply to the overwhelming amount of comments, but I think that's a good problem to have! Thanks guys!
Q: There was an issue a few months ago with people pretending to be you on MySpace. For any fans that don't know, what's your real MySpace address?
A: My real MySpace is www.myspace.com/jonathanlipnicki.
Q: Do you update it personally, and check your own messages?
A: Yes, I update it and check stuff myself, but I try to get people to talk to me on the JonathanLipnicki.com forums because it is easier to talk to people in one place.
Q: A lot of your friends are on MySpace too, do they find it funny when people leave comments telling you how much they enjoy your movies?
A: One of my friends actually told me that he checks my MySpace regularly for funny comments!
Q: Are your friends phased by the fact that you're famous, or are they pretty cool about it?
A: My friends couldn't care less that I'm an actor, because to them I'm Jonny, just another friend.
Q: But do you ever use it as an excuse with your mom to get out of chores or anything? [Laughs]
A: [Laughs] I'm not really like that. I never use it as an excuse, and it would never work with my mom.
Q: Does your mom tell you off much though?
A: No. I am pretty decent, I don't cause much trouble around the house.
Q: What about your sister. Do you get along well with her?
A: We are both older now and get along pretty well.
Q: Well, thanks for chatting Jonny! Hope everything goes well for you. I'm sure we'll hear from you soon.
A: Yeah. Thank you or the opportunity to do an interview, and sorry it took so long! [Laughs]