[ordinaryday]

He got his licence!

those pictures. He looks great!

[Sandrinha]

He got it on Saturday so that means on 7th October 2006, mark that date .

[darcybennett]

3 new wonderful interviews with Rupert!

1) AMNY.com: Talking to Rupert Grint
by Kara Warner

Rupert Grint is best known as the redheaded Ron Weasley in the 'Harry Potter' movies. But he managed to take some time off from wizarding school to star alongside Laura Linney in the coming-of-age movie 'Driving Lessons,' in theaters this Friday. Grint plays a young boy trying to find relief from his overbearing mother (Linney).

AMNew York talked to Grint just before the movie opens.

So, how did you come to be involved with the film? Well, I was doing the fourth Harry Potter film and got sent the script. [The filming] was only going to be six weeks, so it was quite easy. I met with Jeremy [Brock, the writer/director] and he was really cool. It just sort of happened from there, really.

I know you were working on getting your own driving license, has that come to pass? Yeah. I passed on Saturday.

So how about your character. Is there anything in your personality that relates to him at all? Not really. There are a few sort of teenage things, like his actions around girls. They're quite awkward and strange, and I can generally relate to that.

Was this your first onscreen kiss? This was my first.

Was that something that was exciting or was it awkward? I was actually quite nervous about that, because it's quite a big step. It was really weird because you have the whole crew watching you. It makes you really self-conscious. But she [actress Michelle Duncan] was really cool. She's older, so it helped a little bit. Watching it back is the worst, especially with my family. They laughed their hearts out.

How was this film different from filming Harry Potter? There were no sets, for one. We filmed all around London. It was only six weeks and the budget was pretty small.

There's a scene in which you resist some wine because you say you¹re underage at 17. Just to clarify, what is the drinking age in the UK? Eighteen. You can pretty much do whatever you want at 18.

Are you getting used to all the screaming, fanatical Potter fans? A little bit, yeah. I've been recognized a lot more recently. I don't know if it's something you get used to, it's really weird. They're always really nice so it's never a problem.

You were recently getting ready to film the Thestral scenes in the fifth Harry Potter movie. Have you finished those yet? Yeah, we did those the other day. It was really a good time because they had to make a mold, a specially made harness that goes under your legs, because in the film it has to be invisible. [The Thestral is a magical horse-like creature that is only visible to those who've witnessed death.] They put you on this crane and lifted you up in the air. That's been my favorite scene so far.

And that was done on a green screen? Yeah. We're working on a lot of the final scenes now, the Dumbledore's Army stuff.

What's next for you? When does 'The Order of the Phoenix' wrap? We're finished the middle of November, I think.

And you get a break after that? Yeah. We don't start the next one until next summer, so there's quite a big break. I'm going to try and do something else in-between.

I've heard you're afraid of spiders, are there any in the new film? They were going to put in a scene where a spider comes down on my leg while I'm hiding under a tree, and they were going to use a real spider. So they were doing tests with different spiders, letting them crawl on my leg. They ended up cutting it because I couldn't really deal with it.

Were they using tarantulas? Yeah, baby tarantulas. They're horrible.

________

2) BlackFilm.com: An Interview with Director Jeremy Brock and Rupert Grint
by Krista Vitola

After appearing in numerous Harry Potter films and having fans worldwide, Rupert Grint is the first of the three to step out of his character and do another film for a change, “Driving Lessons”, where he’s paired his other Harrp Potter co-star Julie Walters and Laura Linney. Grint plays Ben, a young lad who spends weeks attending bible classes and having driving lessons with his mom until he meets an eccentric actress who challenges his beliefs. In speaking with blackfilm.com Rupert as well as Director Jeremy Brock talked working on the film and doing something other than Harry Potter.

After working on the big budgeted Harry Potter films, how do you adjust to working on something smaller like “Driving Lessons”?

Rupert Grint: It was quite nerve wracking going into it. It was a lot different doing Driving Lessons because we shot on location.

In casting Rupert, did you have any concerns?

Jeremy Brock: No, not at all. We had discussed when I sent him the script. He read it and we discussed what it would entail. I actually knew that he wanted the balance of shooting a film in six weeks. That generates an energy that feeds off itself.

How difficult was it to go from this back to Harry Potter movie?

RG: Well, one scene took about a week to shoot or maybe even longer, whereas with this film, we were filming 2-3 scenes a day. It’s a completely different movie.

How did the two of you get together for this film?

JB: I had seen him in all of the Harry Potter and I just thought that he’s an incredibly gifted, natural actor and I wanted that particular quality because the character then has to carry and convey feelings of inadequacies and frustrations all on his face and that’s what he’s so good at.

RG: I was actually quite scared about that because you got the whole crew watching and that was a bit scary and the Michelle Duncan, girl was really good because she’s helped us all.

What was it like working with Julie Walters outside of the Harry Potter films?

RG: It was good having someone I sort of knew because I was a bit nervous about coming in to a new filming environment because I'm used to the 'Harry Potter' way of doing things.

Do you have an appetite for many independent films?

RG: Yeah, definitely.

In the film, Julie Walters’ character challenges you. Did she do that to off-screen as well?

RG: Yeah, I suppose. She would ad-lib some scenes and challenge me to do the same.

What did you like about the role?

RG: I liked that he was socially different.

How was working with Laura Linney?

RG: The great thing about her is that she’s a tremendous actor. She made it comfortable when you’re in an uncomfortable situation. It felt fin with her playing my mom.

How did you feel about directing the film?

JB: I love the process of directing. I love the way it’s like 3-D writing and I found that enormous rewarding. I love the idea of writing about something that I can relate to. I wanted to write about my life in suburbia and I wanted to stick to the story about this amazing relationship I had with (Dame) Peggy Ashcroft.

Can you talk about your driving skills and how’s it going?

RG: I passed my test Saturday. It was second attempt. I’m embarrassed on the amount of time it took me to do it. I took 60 driving lessons.

How were you able to drive in the film without a license?

RG: Well, I was 16 at the time and I wasn’t allowed to because you have to be 17. We had some private roads and it was done quickly. We found a road in Scotland that was on a farm.

Where are you now with your career? Is this what you want to do for a living?

RG: I’m having a real good time doing movies. After the Harry Potter films, we’ll see what happens from then.

Do you think you will stay friends with Daniel and Emma once it’s over?

RG: I think so. We’ve been friends for six years now and have gotten to know each other quite well.

Was your real mother as religious as the character and how did that affect you once you moved out of the house?

JB: To the extent that this is a movie about friendship as well as being a movie about faith and the father articulated one particular point of view, which is the one I find more comfortable. Mom was even more angelical and evangelism has tended to be in my experience to be very constrained and that’s how I experienced it because it’s driven by what they tell you rather than what you think. The father’s son is the key in the movie for the son to make up his mind.

______

3) MTV.com: 'Lessons' Learned
by Shawn Adler

As Ronald Weasley in the Harry Potter films, Rupert Grint has faced giant spiders, fire-breathing dragons and a three-headed dog.

He even stole a flying car and drove it to Hogwarts — he just didn't do it legally.

"I failed the first time [I went to get my driver's license]," Rupert admitted. "I failed one thing. I was reversing, doing a three-point turn, and I didn't look over my shoulder."

And why should he? Buoyed by a supporting role in what will ultimately be the most successful movie franchise in history, Rupert has a devoted fanbase and a meal ticket for life. In an industry that so often asks, "What have you done for me lately?," Rupert doesn't have to look over his shoulder, but can instead focus on finding new and different projects knowing "Potter" will be there when he gets back.

Enter "Driving Lessons." Directed by "Mrs. Brown" scribe Jeremy Brock, the flick is a coming-of-age story about a teenager raised by domineering parents who finds relief, and friendship, while working weekends for a retired actress (played by frequent co-star Julie Walters, Ron's mother Molly Weasley in the "Potter" films). It's Rupert's first leading role.

"I play a character called Ben. He's a bit of a loner, I suppose, [since] he hasn't got any friends, and he's from a religious family," Rupert explained. "His dad's a vicar and his mom's really strict and doesn't let him do anything. He has to get a Saturday job and learns a lot of important life lessons along the way from someone that maybe isn't a normal 17-year-old's best friend."

For Rupert, starring in "Driving Lessons" was not only a welcome change of pace after four straight stints as Ron Weasley, but also a chance to branch out into more adult-oriented fare.

"I was doing ['Goblet of Fire'] during the time I got this script and just really liked it," Rupert said. "It's a different character to play. These 'Harry Potter' films, they take, like, nine months to make and they take up most of your time. I wanted to do something different, and this was it, really.

"It's a bigger part and more of a grown-up film," he added. "There's swearing in it and stuff like that, so it is kind of scary — a new experience — but I enjoyed it."

Laura Linney, who co-stars as Rupert's mother in the film, described "Driving Lessons" as "a balance between the theatrical person who turns out to be the spiritual person and the spiritual person who turns out to be the theatrical person." To Linney, understanding and embracing that difference is part of growing up.

"When you grow up, you're led to believe 'This is what spirituality really is.' And then you get to a point where you go, 'No, no, it's not.' Or 'This is good parenting. I have a good parent,' " Linney said. "You get to a certain age and make [your] own decisions. Things start to shift in ways, and you don't have any control over it. It's just a part of growing up, becoming mature."

Linney relished the opportunity to work with Brock, whom she called "the best first-time director I've ever worked with," as well as the chance to act in Britain.

"I just love the Brits. I love being there, I love working with them," grinned Linney, who was one of the only Americans in the 2003 British romantic comedy "Love Actually." "You have to earn things there, and that's not so bad. You really have to earn things and prove things, and I don't think that is so bad."

Rupert has proven himself in the "Harry Potter" films and beyond and now he's earned something too — he finally got that driver's license on his second try.

[darcybennett]

Let's spread the word... as much as we can
Today is DL-DAY!!!

I hope there will be a lot of people going out and seeing DL today, even if it's in limited release... the more people go, the better chance the movie will come out in more theaters and additional dates can be added.

[baileycat]

Get thy to movie theatres people so the rest of us can see it too in our lowley smaller cities.

I hope it does well.

[darcybennett]

Hear, hear Amy! Right there with 'ya!!

Rupert was interviewed on 'Clips & Quips' while he was in NY. You can see it, HERE.

Rupert is now in Los Angeles to, of course, promote DL. It's been announced today that he will be interviewed on the L.A. Morning Show on KTLA. He should appear around 9:30 am (PDT).

He'll also be doing a radio interview on Indie 103.1 FM on Monday, at about 8:07 am, again Pacific time. You'll be able to listen to it live on this page. Hopefully, a downloadable version will become available.

He'll be doing another radio interview, Monday, on Super Estrella National Radio Show, at 7:00 am (PDT). The link will give you the list of stations which will carry the program in your area.

Rupert did another interview with MTV at Dave and Busters in NYC. He was interviewed by SuChin Pak. In it they talk about Driving Lessons, Harry Potter and she then gives him a little quiz while he tests his skills with the driving video game at the arcade! Unfortunately, those of us living outside the U.S. cannot watch the video it is available only to U.S. residents. You can watch it, HERE, under Flick'd: Driving Lessons.

ETA

Another video interview has popped up, he appeared on the CW11's morning show in New York, the day of the Premiere. You can watch it, HERE.

[ordinaryday]

There is sure a lot of news today! This is great and I'm off to watch all those clips.

[darcybennett]

Good news for non U.S. residents!!

Rupert's interview on MTV Overdrive in NYC has been put up on YouTube!!!

Part 1, 2:31 min.
Part 2, 0:56 sec.
Part 3, 0:30 sec.

Enjoy!!

[Corrsfanre]

Thanks for all the info Darcy I loved the 'Clips & Quips' interview

[darcybennett]

Newsday: He's in the driver's seat now

Harry Potter's pal breaks out in 'Driving Lessons'
by Joseph V. Amodio

Rupert Grint just passed his driving test. He'd failed once before, he admits. Now, finally, he can take his new, black Mini Cooper out for a spin.

"I can't wait to get on the road," he says. And not to worry - he's a much better driver in real life than he is on film, he assures.

He would have to be.

As Ben - a shy, gangly teenager growing up in a repressed, religious household - he grinds gears, lurches forward and back and runs over curbs and shrubs, all in the first few minutes of "Driving Lessons," an independent film from first-time British director Jeremy Brock. The movie opened Friday.

Harry's sidekick

Grint, 18, is known to a generation of moviegoers as Harry Potter's red-headed, chess-loving sidekick, Ron Weasley. Born in Hertfordshire, England, where he lives with his parents and four siblings, he made his film debut in 2001's "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone." Three more "Potter" blockbusters followed. One more has been shot. And as fans of the Potter books by J.K. Rowling know, that leaves two to go.

"He's used to films with lavish budgets," says Brock. "We had six weeks and a budget that probably wouldn't have covered the catering on 'Harry Potter.'"

Grint didn't mind. He was eager for a change. And this certainly beat his co-starring role in "Thunderpants" (2002), an epic saga about a boy's ability to - yes - break wind (his only other non-"Potter" film).

In this film, he is both literally and figuratively in the driver's seat, at the center of a coming-of-age drama and acting alongside heavyweights from Hollywood and London. Laura Linney, donning a British accent, plays his shrewish, moralizing mom, and veteran character actor Nicholas Farrell plays Ben's wimpy minister dad. Julie Walters - also an Academy Award nominee - plays Evie, the eccentric actress who hires Ben as a companion and jolts him out of his straitlaced life.

"I suppose the quiet, emotional scenes were a bit tough," says Grint, sitting in a suite at the Essex Hotel in Manhattan last week. "I'm not used to that. In 'Potter' films, I'm usually just scared," he says, opening his eyes wide, as if suddenly consumed with the horror of losing a Quidditch match.

"He's completely instinctual," says Brock. "There are shots of him when he's had the big argument [with Evie], and he's standing there conveying enormous amounts of emotion."

Ready for his close-up

The chap can handle a close-up. We see him register the obvious disconnect as his teary-eyed mom utters the mantra of the minister's wife: "We're God's ambassadors - we show the world a smiling face." Or the quiet disappointment as his father buries himself in bird books. Shorup-ship-see, shorup-ship-see - he tries to teach Ben the skylark's call. Ben stands there, quiet, pained, aching to break free.

"Primarily, with him," says Brock, "you remember his stillness."

By the time Evie takes him on a free-wheeling road trip to Scotland, audiences will no doubt be eager to see how much young Grint can cut loose. Drinking beer, salsa dancing with a sexy lass - Ron Weasley never gets this kind of action at Hogwarts.

His first kissing scene "was a big step," Grint recalls. "I was quite scared. The whole crew is watching. Although the worst part really is watching it with your family after," he says, chuckling.

His partner? "She was really cute," Grint says of Scottish actress Michelle Duncan, who plays the romantic Bryony. "She was a bit older, too, so that helped. She was about 24 or something."

Ah, the charms of a mature woman of ... 24.

"He is living it on screen," says Brock. "[Grint] is the age of this kid, going through the same things. We all felt that. He was growing up on screen."

Grint's father, Nigel, who accompanied his son to Manhattan, smiles proudly when asked about his son's accomplishments. (The Grints seem a teenager's dream - they allowed their son to graduate from school early, at age 16, to pursue acting full-time. "It was hard to juggle film and schoolwork - plus, I didn't really get on at school, " says Grint.)

And how is Rupert's driving for real?

"He had proper lessons from a school of motoring," says Nigel Grint. "And then we practiced. He was driving quite well after a few lessons."

After facing off against the likes of three-headed dogs and Draco Malfoy, what's a little parallel parking?

****

I like that one too, Regina! It's a great, quirky little interview... the guy asking the questions is so a-dork-able!!

Well, Rupert's been doing some radio interview rounds today in L.A., first off was the Super Estrella National Radio Show... unfortunately, the site's down right now and a link is unavailable at this time.

However, his interview with Indie 103.1 is up and available for your audio pleasure! Just go, HERE ~ Please right click and save as.
A huge thanks to ICM for this

He should also be doing a televised interview on KTLA's Morning Show right about now, so there should be a downloadable version some time later today.

[Sandrinha]

Ah, the charms of a mature woman of ... 24.

.

[darcybennett]

KTLA has put up their interview with Rupert on their site. Scroll down a bit until you get 'Celebrity Interviews' and just click on 'Rupert Grint, Driving Lessons'. Hopefully, a wmv version will be out soon.

It's a really wonderful interview! He seemed so at ease and comfortable, he was his usual charming and cute self.

Aaaaand caps are up of his appearance on Indie 103.1:

Cap 1
Cap 2
Cap 3

[ordinaryday]

New Interview!

[darcybennett]

The KTLA video clip was PMSing last night, so a very kind soul, Marcie (Sparkling Illusions) got a wmv version and RG.N posted it up on YouTube for everyone!

Rupert's KTLA interview

There's also another video interview he did with JewReview online and which you can see, HERE, you'll need Media Player to view it and please right click and save as. It's courtesy of Geordie, an R-G.us reader.

ICM (rupert-grint.us) was lucky enough to take part in a press interview with Rupert yesterday. They've put up the audio clip of it on their site. You can listen to it, HERE, please right click and save as.

And they took lovely pictures of him too!

[baileycat]

Videos galore. This is so cool. Thanks Darcy!

He really does seem more comfortable in the interviews doesn't he?