Things I learned from Steven Spielberg and Ruby Barnhill ⋆ Life With Heidi

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Things I learned from Steven Spielberg and Ruby Barnhill

*I received an all expenses paid trip to LA to provide coverage of The BFG Event, however as always opinions are 100% my own. #TheBFG #TheBFGEvent #QueenofKatwe #FutureWorm

One thing I love about press trips is the opportunity to interview talent because no matter who they are it is usually impressive. But the interview with Steven Spielberg and Ruby Barnhill was iconic. From the minute they walked into the room Steven Spielberg was humble, very accommodating to us and of course fatherly to Ruby. It was one of my all time favorite interviews from the minute they walked into the room until the bittersweet end. I can honestly say that it was the fastest 15 minutes of my entire life and one that I will cherish for years to come. But in that short time I learned a few things that are impressive.

I don’t even call them mistakes. I call them happy accidents because sometimes they wind up in the movie. Steven Spielberg

Things I learned from Steven Spielberg and Ruby Barnhill

1. It was Ruby Barnhill’s first acting job and she was actually the last person Steven saw after 8 months of casting. But when he did, his whole life changed for forever, Ruby touched his heart and after spending 15 short minutes with her I know why. He knew the instant he saw Ruby that she would be the perfect Sophie and everything was okay with the world at that point. Steven was so excited that for a moment he didn’t care that he was working on Bridge of Spies with Tom Hanks.

2. Ruby’s dad (Paul) was the man directing BFG in the movie, while BFG is on his hands and knees crawling Paul is guiding him by saying, slow ahead – slow ahead. Okay, hard to port. All right, up, up. *It was one of my favorite scenes in the entire movie.

3. Everyone makes mistakes and you mustn’t feel worried about them because everyone makes them-Ruby Barnhill. There are no mistakes, there are only “Happy Accidents”.

Things I learned from Steven Spielberg and Ruby Barnhilll — Photo credit: Coralie Seright – LovebugsAndPostcards.com

4. Sitting down with Steven Spielberg is like sitting down with your father or grandfather. He was very caring, passionate and of course humble. It was magical if you will and he mesmerized us all with his storytelling abilities.

5. This is Steven’s first Disney film ever, he had this to say, “I’m so proud when the film begins and the castle shows up and I get to make a movie right. That’s something I’ve been waiting for in a way all my life, and through BFG and through Ralph Dahl’s genius I got the chance to do it.” So even after all of his hard work and dedication to the film he still contributes some of the success to others.

6. According to Steven Spielberg Disney really doesn’t get enough credit for in all of its earlier animated feature films just the virtue, of a strong, young, female, protagonist was very important to Walt Disney’s films. From Snow White, to Cinderella and Dumbo mother they all have one thing in common and that is they all have incredible character. Walt Disney did a lot for women and the empowerment of young females both onscreen and off.

7. Ruby’s favorite part of just making the film was kind of being able to come on set every day and see everyone. And even though at times it could get a little bit hard and I would get tired. But it was really nice to go in and act every single day, which I had wanted to do my whole life (She’s 11!). She also loved being with Steven and Mark every day. There was a magical feeling on set and you can definitely tell than when you watch the film.

Things I learned from Steven Spielberg and Ruby Barnhill — Photo Credit Lovebugs and Postcards

8. Steven’s favorite part was any time there was a scene when Sophie and The BFG spoke to each other. Because those conversations is where Sophie’s courage was growing and her empathy for BFG’s problems with his older brothers and the horrible things they were doing all over the world that Sophie said we must find a way to stop the other giants.

9.The bigger message of the film is that it is important it is to both give and receive hugs. And it doesn’t matter how different the person looks or how tall they are or how short they are or what color they are or what language they speak or what their different beliefs are that we all need to hug each other and we have to hug each other more when we’re so different from each other.

“Steven said, “We need to hug each other more.” Head out to watch this amazing film on July 1st!