Disney's A.N.T. Farm China Anne McClain interview!
NG Kids Hi China! How would you describe your new show, A.N.T. Farm?
China Anne McClain A.N.T. Farm is a comedy about a group of kids in high school – and it’s a really neat show! High school can be tough because you’re trying to fit in and you’re trying to make friends, but my character jumps straight in and she skips all that stuff. She’s part of the school’s A.N.T. Farm, so she’s very excited.
NGK What’s an A.N.T. Farm?
China ‘A.N.T.’ stands for ‘Advanced Natural Talents’, so an A.N.T. Farm is an organisation for kids that are really talented. It’s a gang of 11- and 12-year-olds who are majorly talented in things like art, maths and music.
NGK Tell us more about your character in the show…
China My character is a girl called Chyna Parks. She is a very confident girl. She knows herself and she loves herself, but she also loves her friends. She’s very happy to be in high school.
NGK What are her special talents?
China Chyna is a musical prodigy, so she plays a lot of different musical instruments. And sometimes she uses the instruments and music to get out of trouble, too!
NGK How similar are you to Chyna?
China Sadly, I’m not as good at music as Chyna. She plays 13 different instruments, but I can only play four. By the end of the first series, I want to be able to play all of the instruments she plays. I’m practicing like crazy, but I don’t know if I’ll ever be up to her standards!
NGK What musical instruments can you play?
China I play the bass, piano and guitar. Plus, I’ve started to learn how to play the violin recently.
NGK What instrument are you best at?
China I’m going to have to say the guitar is my best instrument. I’ve been learning guitar for quite a while, so I’m not too shoddy on it.
NGK Do you sing as well?
China Yes, I do. I love singing! In fact, I’m actually working on a music project right now. My two sisters and I have a music group called III [Three], so we’ve been working on our sound. Music is just as important to me as acting so it’s something I take very seriously.
NGK What music are you into?
China My favourite type of music is pop. I also like R&B, but a lot of R&B isn’t very kid friendly these days. That’s why I’m listening to a lot more pop than anything else.
NGK Who are your favourite musical artists?
China I love Beyonce. She’s amazing! But I also love Miley Cyrus, especially Party In The USA. I love that song. Oh, and I’m starting to get into All-star Weekend as well. They are pretty cool, too.
NGK What are your three favourite songs right now?
China What a wonderful question! It’s tough to choose just three tracks, but I’d probably go with Love Bug by the Jonas Brothers, Party Like It’s Not Your Birthday by All-star Weekend and Whip My Hair by Willow Smith.
NGK Have you ever met Willow Smith?
China No, I’ve never have met Willow – but hopefully I will meet her one day. I think she’s amazing. I love her! I went crazy the first time I heard Whip My Hair, but now I love her second song, 21st Century Girl, even more!
NGK Would you like to do a duet with Willow?
China That would be awesome! I’d love to sing with her and record a duet with her. I also think it would be really good fun to record a cover of one of her songs. Everybody in my family and all my friends know that I’m crazy about Willow. She became popular very quickly after that first song came out, but she’s such a great singer.
NGK Do you come from a musical family?
China We’re all very musical in my family! My dad is a record producer and my mum is a singer. My two sisters sing and my brother also sings. We’re all at it.
NGK We know about the singers you’d like to work with… Are there any actors you’d like to meet?
China I would love to meet Taylor Lautner because I’m totally engrossed in Twilight. I’ve read all the books and I can’t wait to see the last movie. I love Taylor. He’s great!
NGK Spill the beans, China… Are you Team Jacob or Team Edward?
China I’m sorry, Edward – but I have to admit I’m Team Jacob. It’s Team Jacob all the way for me!
NGK How would you react if you bumped into Taylor Lautner?
China I’d either scream, pass out or start acting like a crazed fan. I’d probably start spitting out stuff I know about him! I’m seriously crazy about him. And I’m crazy about Twilight, too!
NGK What’s the weirdest fact know about Taylor Lautner?
China Oh, I don’t know any weird facts. I just know loads about Twilight and the books. I’m sure if I knew him personally, I might know a little more – but sadly, I’ve never met him. Boo!
NGK Would you ask for his autograph if you met Taylor in Hollywood?
China I’m not sure. I don’t think I’d want to act too crazed. I’d probably try to play it cool and just say, “Hi.” But you never know… Maybe I’d start screaming my head off? Eek!
NGK Have you been asked for your autograph?
China Yes, I have. Before A.N.T. Farm, I worked on a show called Tyler Perry’s House Of Payne. I got a few followers from that show, so I’ve been asked for my autograph a few times already.
NGK How does it feel to sign your autograph?
China It feels good! You know what? It feels great to see someone’s face light up when they recognise you and know who you are. It’s awesome. I don’t think you’ll ever beat that feeling.
NGK Whose autograph would you most love to have?
China I would LOVE to have Johnny Depp’s autograph. Why? Because he’s awesome! Johnny Depp is very laid back, but he’s cool at the same time. He’s a great actor and I love him to bits. To have his autograph would be a dream come true!
Check out China's new music video, Dynamite! We love it!
A.N.T. FARM AIRS ON DISNEY CHANNEL AT 5.25PM EVERY FRIDAY FROM THE 7TH OCTOBER 2011!
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Words by Adam Tamswell