Life, Itself follows the adventures of a young New York City couple, their romance from college to marriage to the birth of their first child, and the unexpected twists and turns they face along the way. Created by the mastermind that brought us, This Is Us, Life, Itself has swept audiences around the world with incredible performances by the entire ensemble, but the film’s scene-stealer is breakout star, Caitlin Carmichael. She’s one of three actresses playing the lead character and we had the opportunity to speak with Caitlin about it.
PC: Tell us about Life, Itself, your character, and what drew you to this project.
Caitlin: I was so excited when I heard Dan Fogelman was writing and directing a movie. I’m a huge fan of This Is Us and I’ve always said, “That man knows how to tell a story.” I’ve wanted to work with him for a while now. I feel so lucky to have gotten the opportunity to play the 15-year-old version of Olivia Wilde’s character, Abby, in his movie, Life, Itself. The entire experience was surreal.
PC: How did you prepare to step into your character’s shoes? How much of Caitlin is in Abby?
Caitlin: I auditioned for the role. It was the typical audition process with sides completely out of context from anything in the movie. Then, I got to meet personally with Dan and the casting director, John Papsidera. As for how much of me is in Abby…we have the same eyes and that’s about it.
PC: In Life, Itself, you’re one of three actors portraying one character. What is that like—sharing a character with other people? What is the process like?
Caitlin: It’s fun showing the audience how the character became the person she is. Her evolving backstory is very crucial to her life. I studied the script a lot—especially the scenes that were not mine—in order to understand Abby’s journey through life. Having the mindset that could set her up for future actions was the most important thing to me.
PC: How did Jordana’s [Youngest Abby] decisions impact your version of Abby and how did your choices impact Olivia’s?
Caitlin: I had a work session with Dan to explore the dynamic of Abby’s character and we grew her together. The dynamic she has on screen and in the material you see in my scene is very complex because she’s a very complex character.
On the first day of filming, Dan talked with me about mannerisms and little quirky things Olivia would do as Abby. He thought it was important to show those habits and/or looks in me as a teenager. For example, we threw my hair up in a high ponytail, since she wears her hair like that when she’s older.
PC: What was it like working with Dan Fogelman?
Caitlin: Dan is not only a brilliant director, but an insanely talented human with an incredible mind of imagination. His way of storytelling is unlike any other, so being able to watch his directorial process was fascinating to me. He is the leader of his entire crew while simultaneously managing to create an environment where every person on set feels like a part of his story. He kept me present and nurtured me to develop Abby through my scene as much as possible.
PC: What do you hope fans take away from seeing the film?
Caitlin: I hope fans of the movie walk out of the theater with their lives changed as mine was. There are many valuable lessons in Life, Itself, but the heaviest theme is about how perseverance will always lead you to find love. The movie has an incredible cast and exceptional crew. When it all comes together, an amazing synergy is formed that is Life, Itself.
PC: Besides Life, Itself, do you have any other upcoming projects that you can chat about?
Caitlin: I am currently in Utah filming my new TV series, Dwight in Shining Armor, where I play a medieval warrior princess, which will begin airing in early 2019. Another feature film that I worked on, Epiphany, will hit the festival circuit in 2019, as well. It’s going to be an exciting year!
PC: Guilty pleasure TV show?
Caitlin: Gossip Girl and Project Runway
PC: Guilty pleasure movie?
Caitlin: Mean Girls or The Notebook
PC: Favorite book?
Caitlin: The Outsiders and The Fault in Our Stars
PC: Favorite play or musical?
Caitlin: Dear Evan Hanson, Hamilton, and Wicked
PC: A band or artist fans would be surprised to learn is on your playlist?
Caitlin: Twenty One Pilots
PC: Last show you binge-watched?
Caitlin: Grey’s Anatomy
PC: Hidden talent?
Caitlin: I’m a sword-fighting ninja who can rap Nikki Minaj while baking a cheesecake.
Make sure to follow Caitlin on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram, and catch Life, Itself in theaters now.
Photo Credit: Alex Kruk
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