Ryan Kelley and Hayden Panettiere are wise beyond their years.
The 15-year-old Panettiere started her career at a very young age, appearing on the daytime soap Guiding Light and graduating to feature films such as Joe Somebody, Remember the Titans and most recently Raising Helen, in which she played a troubled teen. Kelley, 18, started out on TV shows such as Smallville and Early Edition, and quickly moved on to films as well, starring in one of this year’s most critically acclaimed, Mean Creek.
Now, the two teens have joined forces in The Dust Factory, a fanciful tale about a young boy (Kelley), who, through a near-death experience, is transported to a surreal world where he meets his grandfather (Armin Mueller-Stahl) and a young girl (Hayden Panettiere) with a secret, who both help him find his way through life fearlessly.
The film deals with some weighty subject matter, but the two vivacious teens seem to take it all in stride, living life and dealing with the trials and tribulations of being a kid actor.
Have either of you ever known anyone who had a near-death experience?
Ryan Kelley: I’ve heard stories, of course. Whether it’s someone who has had a near-death experience or talks to God, there’s always stories like that. It’s around us. I’m 18, where, after being raised in the Lutheran church, I’m now trying to figure out my own beliefs and how I look at life.
Hayden Panettiere: I wish I did. I’d have so many questions. I’m at the point where I’m just living. I mean, ultimately, I think it’s kinda hard for someone my age to grasp certain things. But, you know, you’re always secretly praying to yourself, constantly praying to whatever is out there.
The Dust Factory certainly tackles some deep and meaningful messages about life and death.
RK: After I read the script, I just couldn’t quit thinking about it. It’s about friendship, morals, love–there’s so much you can get out of the script. I love that about this movie. You’ll walk out of the theater thinking and asking questions–is there a God? All that. I love that the movie will inspire long conversations about things.
Have there been any other recent movies that have made you think as much as The Dust Factory?
HP: I just saw The Forgotten, which was a freaky and strange movie. It scared me to death! Also The X-Files. I have trouble sleeping after I watch The X-Files. I love watching scary movies with a bunch of friends, in the pitch black, watching them getting scared to death.
RK: For me, it would have to be The Butterfly Effect. I went into it thinking it was going to be whatever, with Ashton Kutcher. But it just blew my mind! I honestly couldn’t go to sleep that night; I just thinking about what the film had to say about changing one’s past. It was nuts.
What do you find most difficult being a kid actor?
HP: I think being a child actor is a very give-and-take situation. I think sometimes it can take away from your real life, sacrificing having a normal childhood. Personally, I have a pretty good balance between it but there are times I wish I were home, and I miss my friends. Wish I could go to this dance or prom, football games, stuff like that. I had a really tough time in school, where I got a lot of nasty comments from a lot of people for about eight years. Up to eighth grade. It was really hard on me, but I’ve learned from it and pretty much made me the person I am now. What doesn’t kill you, makes you stronger.
What’s the most rewarding, where you have to pinch yourself?
RK: Premiere nights are pretty surreal. Walking down the red carpet and people calling out your name. It’s weird, something I never thought I’d be a part of. But probably my favorite part is working on the set and meeting people.
HP: It is an amazing moment, when you’re walking down the red carpet, all the paparazzi and the people screaming your name. Screaming MY name. That’s crazy.
What are your dream roles?
RK: I’d love to do a series of films, like The Godfather, where everyone talks about it, an industry classic. Something well respected.
HP: I always wanted to be Lara Croft from Tomb Raider. I mean, Angelina Jolie is one of my role models, but my dad got me the video game years ago and I would play it and say, “Dad, that’s my role! I’m supposed to play that.” Of course, Angelina got the role and played it perfectly, but I was like, “That was my roollle!” Or maybe a really creepy horror movie like The Exorcist.
The Dust Factory opens limitedly in theaters Oct. 15.
