There are many reasons why families choose online learning, but few share the same reason as Braxton Beckham. Last year, Braxton (then age 12) was a virtual student because he was also pursuing a career.
What career, you might ask? Acting!
Braxton will be on the big screen in a just a couple of weeks alongside Drew Barrymore and Adam Sandler in the movie, “Blended.” In this romantic comedy about two single parents who find themselves stuck in the same resort following a blind date gone wrong, Braxton plays a son of Drew Barrymore’s character.
I had the privilege of asking Braxton a few questions:
Here are some pics from Africa and movie pics. This first one is at “The Palace” This is where we stayed and is the actual resort we filmed in for the movie.
I understand you shot on location. Where? What was it like? How long were you there? Was your family with you?
The movie was shot in Sun City, South Africa and Atlanta, Georgia. We were in South Africa for 6 weeks and Atlanta for about a month. It was amazing to visit both places and see different cultures especially in South Africa. In South Africa I was able to see wild animals, for example: elephants, giraffes, lions, rhinos, and hippos. We were able to go on several safaris and see animals in their natural habitat. Georgia was still fun too, because we stayed on a lake and were able to go boating and enjoy southern food. My mom was able to be with me in South Africa. She was also with me the whole time in Atlanta. My dad and sister were able to join in Atlanta for while too.
Describe a “typical” day.
A typical day started pretty early – around 6 AM usually. First I would head to hair and make-up; get all that done and get into wardrobe. Some days we filmed very close to our hotel or in our hotel. Other days we had to drive out to a location to film. After I was in hair and make-up, I would go and begin to start filming. Some days I was always in front of the camera and on other days we would just stay in our trailer. We would have craft service on set which always had incredible food, and often there would be monkeys there stealing various items from tables. Just a typical day with monkeys on set.
These elephants were in a sanctuary type place, but still got very close to us. Not much separating us from them….many times they would just step right over the rock wall. We also saw many elephants in the “wild”. One day they even chased our van in their herd.
What was it like to work with Adam Sandler and Drew Barrymore?
Adam and Drew were absolutely amazing people to work with. They were never too serious and would often just joke around with me and the other kids.
How did you “do school” while you were involved with the film?
I didn’t have much school left when I went to South Africa. I was able to finish my International Virtual Learning Academy year by working with the set teacher during the day. We would have 3 hours of school a day. Luckily I only had to do school the first week of filming, since the school year was pretty much done when we started the film in May.
How has homeschooling enabled you to pursue your acting career?
We also go to go to Cape Town South Africa one weekend and see where the Indian Ocean meets the Atlantic Ocean that was pretty amazing. The lady in the photo with me is my South African set teacher. We had a South African set teacher and an American set teacher while in Africa. They were both awesome people!
It has made it far easier in various ways. One way is that it allows me to go to my auditions without being late or getting behind in my schoolwork. Another way is that I can move at my own pace. If I have a big job coming up I can move ahead and get things done so I can focus on the big job, but still have done a good job with my school.
What is your favorite memory from the experience?
My favorite memory from filming “Blended” was when I was filming a scene where I get knocked over by a wave in a wave pool. It was my final scene of the movie to film, so it had a lot of sentimental importance to me. Plus it was the first time I ever got to work doing my own stunts and work with a stunt professional.
Tell me about the red carpet premiere!
There will be a red carpet premiere on May 21, 2014 in Hollywood at the Grauman Chinese Theater. I’m super excited to walk the red carpet and spend the evening with all my friends from the movie.
What is next for you?
Right now I’m planning on enjoying my summer with family and friends. In this business you never know what may be coming next. I just keep working and look forward to great things.
You can find Braxton online at www.braxtonbeckham.com and follow Braxton on Twitter @braxtonbeckham.
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Email: JHoffman@GlobalStudentNetwork.com