Tuesday, May 29, 2012

Interview with Laura Culpepper

Whom we've affectionately nicknamed The Culps!

When Meg wondered out loud where Laura Culpepper is now, at the end of this post back in October, we had no idea she would ever find our little blog and pop in to say hi...but she did! Laura won a chance to interview Rob via MTV and yet no one in the fandom had ever interviewed her about that experience! I mean, this lucky girl had the chance of a lifetime just getting to sit next to him and talk to him, not once, but twice!!  

The first interview was prior to the MTV Movie awards, circa 2009. So with the 2012 MTV Movie Award Show coming up, and Rob once again being nominated for The Twilight Saga movies, we couldn't be happier with how timely this is! Here's a look back, with bittersweet anticipation of the end.



We are also really grateful to have gotten her to answer some questions for us. Enjoy!

A few questions for Laura....
Before the interview...

How did the interview come about? Were your friends jealous?
Well, the first interview I did - the surprise in LA - was just that...a surprise.  I won a contest to be the MTV News guest blogger during the 2008 MTV Movie Awards.  In order to be considered, you had to write a short essay about why you are the biggest movie fanatic/best person for the job or something like that.  In mine I mentioned that I was a big Twilight fan, so they (they being Larry Carroll, Josh Horowitz, and Brian Jacks) reached out to Rob and asked if he’d be interested in doing a surprise interview with a fan and he said yes.  I found out later that the whole thing almost didn’t happen because my flight got messed up, but Rob was able to do it the next day.  Things were much simpler back then haha.  The second interview was completely by chance.  I was living in New York City at the time and Josh got in touch with me and asked if I’d be interested in coming back and doing a second, more formal interview.  All of my friends hate me pretty much.




Did you get to ask your own questions or did MTV prompt you?

I was pretty much on my own both times until things started getting weird every now and then.  Rob would often go off on something completely unrelated or I would do the same or we would just be sitting there talking about nothing basically and they would have to get us back on track.




Did you know you were going to get to interview Rob twice?

Not at all.  I was pretty shocked when they asked me back.  I thought I blew the first interview.




Was there more to the interviews that was cut?

Yeah, there’s a lot that didn’t make it.  A lot of funny moments.  Well, I thought they were funny anyway.  I always wished they would put out a full, unedited version.  Maybe they will if they run a Breaking Dawn Part II special.  I know they put some new stuff in the New Moon special they ran, but still not everything.




Were you originally a fan of Harry Potter and knew Rob as Cedric prior to Twilight?

I had seen the Harry Potter movies and recognized his name when I heard that he had been cast, but I didn’t automatically go OMG CEDRIC.  The only cast member I was really familiar with in the beginning was Nikki Reed because of Thirteen.




Were you an original fan of Twilight in that you had read the book prior to learning a movie based on the book was being made?

I started reading the books before the movie was even optioned the first time by MTV.


- - - - - - - - -

During the interview...

When Rob came in with the exclusive clip, were you really surprised?
People always ask me this!  They think it’s fake and that I really fell down crying like someone on the Maury show or something and that we then did a second take.  The one you see is all there is.  I had no idea and they did a really good job of hiding everything.  I thought I was just filming some little intro video for the website that no one would watch or care about.  Which is why I kind of looked like I had just rolled out of bed in the video.  I don’t scream when I’m shocked - my brain kind of just shuts down.  You turn and see the face of someone you’re a genuine big fan of a few inches away from yours and you’re like...what is going on here?!  ARE YOU REAL?!  I tried to keep it professional, though haha.  My mind automatically went, "Okay, there is a Twilight cast member here.  This is obviously going to be seen by people.  I gotta keep myself together.”




Were you really that laid back in his presence or did you just cover up your excitement/nerves really well? Or was it because he was so unassuming and he just made you feel comfortable?

He’s a super legit nice guy.  Very laid back, very funny.  The first time I was very shocked and didn’t know what to think but I calmed myself eventually.  The second time I thought I was going to pass out before I went in to the studio, but he’s easy to talk to and remembered me from before so that definitely helped.




At any point did you think he was flirting with you? (We all kind of think he was!)

Hah, I don’t know.  I’m pretty sure he was a single man back then, but I think that’s also just his personality.  He’s a real jokester and can come off as flirty.  I think he just liked embarrassing me to be honest haha.




Were you distracted by his looks or by any of his famous mannerisms?

He’s very, very handsome in person.  Very tall.  I can’t imagine that any girl wouldn’t notice.  I didn’t really notice any of his mannerisms.  He’s just all over the place.




What were you thinking when Rob got all embarrassed when you asked him about stealing the clothes from the set? Were you embarrassed after you mentioned it?

I don’t know what I was thinking when I said that to be honest.  I wasn’t embarrassed because he had already embarrassed me earlier...like, I gotta get this guy back haha.  It was kind of a creeper thing to say because the movie hadn’t even come out yet, but oh well!  His response was hilarious.




Speaking of embarrassing... We certainly are not going to embarrass ourselves by asking you how Rob smelled, but feel free to volunteer that info.

I feel terrible for even remembering this, but the first time I think he smelled like some kind of Axe deodorant.  The second time, cigarette smoke lolz.  Gotta get your stress relief somewhere, right?


- - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Since the interview...

Have you been invited/gone to any of Rob's premieres?
Nope!  I was going to go to the LA premiere of the first movie with some friends, but it ended up that our trip dates didn’t coincide with it.




Have you seen Rob since the interview? Did he talk to you? Remember you? Ask you for your opinion on his next project?

No to all, except the evening after the interview in NY, I went to some event at Planet Hollywood and he was there.  There were a ton of people, though, and it was strictly an in-and-out type thing.  He also came up to me at the movie awards twice and we chatted.  He has remembered me every time I’ve seen him.  I’m not sure if/when our paths will cross again.




Which of his upcoming movies are you most excited to see?

Cosmopolis looks pretty rocking.




Any roles you would ultimately love to see Rob play?

I think it’d be cool to see him play a true villain.  He’d be great in a psychological thriller or something to that effect.  I think he could really pull something like that off.  Also, I just heard that Lionsgate is taking the Dirty Dancing remake to Cannes looking for money, which is sickening and I can't talk about it much without getting mad, BUT he would make a pretty good Johnny if he could dance.  That was random, sorry haha.




Do you still work for MTV? What do you do?

Nope!  I’m currently working a "normal" day job and also working on four feature length screenplays.  I eventually would like to get an agent, sell them, and make that my all the time job.  I’ve gotten pretty good feedback so far so that is very exciting.  And yes, hoping to give my input and maybe pull some casting strings if they sell thanks to past connections...




Have you met Josh Horowitz and is he really as Rob-sessed as the rest of us?

Josh was in the room during both of my interviews and I was with him, Larry Carroll, and Brian Jacks the entire time I was in LA.  Note: every time you see me look up at something behind the camera I am looking at Josh because I feel like the interview is tanking and I'm trying to telepathically say...HELP!  He’s a cool guy and I’m really psyched to see that he’s had so much success in the past few years.  I really miss Larry as well.  I think everyone at MTV is pretty Rob-sessed to be honest.

*******

Thank you so much Laura! I had so many giggles reading this, especially because I missed this whole portion of the fandom in the original Twilight days! So many of us discovered Twilight, the books, and Rob after the original movie was out.

But one more thing...Laura was actually an extra on the set of Twilight. We are going to have a part two to this interview where we delve into her experience with that--as much as she is willing to share!

Sunday, May 27, 2012

Cannes Round Up

Alright, alright, alright!!! Lots of things happened at Festival de Cannes this weekend. 
What we care about most is what Rob was up to during the festival. 
Before Cosmopolis started it's press tour he was making the rounds at the On the Road premiere.

On his way to the On the Road premiere

On the Road red carpet
Rob and Kristen inside the theater for On the Road.
A cute little sneak peek inside how utterly freaking adorable these two are. 
Now onto the Cosmopolis goodies
Rob (and his ever present buddy Dean. Hi Dean! We <3 you! Keep keeping our boy safe!) arriving at the Cosmopolis photo call.

At the photo call with David Cronenberg.
With his two leading ladies. Clearly they're loving him!
Just getting his picture taken by about... oh eleventy billion cameras.
Digging for loose change?


Being gracious and waving. I think he prefers having something... anything to do with his hands.
Now onto some interviews...
Rob headed into Le Grand Journal.
During the interview.
Just a silly one.
You can watch some interviews hereherehere and a ton here.


Rob's Cannes Portrait: one of our favorites.
Now onto the Cosmopolis premiere.
At the Cosmopolis premiere red carpet.
So hard to choose favorites from the red carpet.
Rob with Cronenberg and the cast of Cosmopolis.

Inside the theater for Cosmopolis.

Receiving, what we believe to be, heart felt congratulations.

After all of the excitement, leaving the premiere.

Bye Rob. Bye Kristen. We hope you both had an amazing time at Cannes this year.
Good luck with both of your films!

We'll finish off with applause after the showing of Cosmopolis. According to people inside the theater there was an 8 and a half minute standing ovation.

Congratulations Rob. We know this film will succeed and surpass critics expectations. We only see very bright things for your future. Keep yourself surrounded by these amazing people and you will do no wrong.


****pictures courtesy of Robert Pattinson Life, video courtesy of Robsessed. For any and all Cosmopolis related interviews and pictures please hit up these sites, they update often and have the most up to date information for you.

Saturday, May 26, 2012

Don't Underestimate Us

Many of us have experienced it.  The instant eye roll when the word "Twilight" is mentioned in conversation.  It's as if we've been instantly shelved in the judger's mind under "unintellectual" and "one dimensional".

Yes, I was fanatical obsessed really into Twilight for a while there.  Yes, I'm fairly certain that the other stay-at-home moms whispered about my "hobby" behind my back (the same ones who think they're so hip for reading FSoG, mind you).

But I like to think I have some depth, some taste, some cultural opinions.  And if you ask me, that's what sets us gals at 12months (along with our online friends) apart from the rest.

So, like Rob said in one of his Cannes interviews, don't underestimate the audience.  If you give us good material, if you give us quality and passion and heart...we will come.  I've thought this for years about Hollywood.  Does it really bother anyone if there's a no name starring in a movie if that unknown actor delivers?  No.  Do we really care how much the studio spent on a project if it moves us in the right way?  Nuh-uh.

That's the whole reason Twilight succeeded in the first place...because Catherine, Kristen, and Rob put all of their creative energy together into something they believed in.

Robert Pattinson was never going to be just Edward Cullen to the vast majority of Twilight fans.  He's too good for that.

And quite frankly--so are we.





Friday, May 25, 2012

Happy Birthday, Ms Sassy Kassie!!

Well, well, well, May certainly has been a busy month around here at 12months of Rob.  We've had birthdays galore as well as exciting Rob news, but today is a VERY special day!!

Today we celebrate the birthday of one of our own, Ms. Sassy Kassie...my Pervy Twin!

Kassie - we love you so much and we hope you hav
e a fantabulous birthday.  We tried to get you ob for your birthday, but he was a little busy out of the country...so he said that he'd give you a red carpet appearance (Tux Rob!) for your birthday instead, since he couldn't be here himself.

Now, with that message delivered from Rob...here's some messages from our 'staff' here at 12months:



Kassie,
A few pictures to remind you of what you helped make create for us. Moments in time, forever frozen, capturing memories we made happen.
It is with your “sassy” open self that then, and
to this day makes me happy to know you.
Have a great day sweet girl. Keep shining your happy light on us all.
Fran









~0~

KassieKassieKassie...
Another year older!  Just remember, getting older means your getting closer to your 'prime'. Since I met you, you've made me laugh, cry and most of all, smile. Sometimes, all at once!! I treasure having you as a friend.  I appreciate all the work you've done on Cover Me. You and your Perv Twin are the Beta Tag Team from Heaven!   Happy Birthday!  May you have many more adventures!
Someone wanted to send his Birthday wishes...

Kassie, Sweetheart...
I couldn't let this day go by with out telling how much I love taking my clothes off for you.  You're the sweetest audience.  I was on the hunt today, looking for you...when I found you, I lost my pants...How do you do that? Huh, Baby?

Come on home now, I have your present waiting...
Love,
TC!
Happy Happy Birthday, Sassy!
Love, TC & His choreographer, Naughty
Mwah!


~0~


Kassie,
I hope your birthday is full of magic!!!
Don't forget to check out your other presents on
Twilight Junkies Anonymous!!!!
Love, UAB

~0~


You know what they say... Smoke 'em if you got 'em.
Now go and get yourself some, you smoking woman, you ;)

Happy birthdayKassie!

Love, Lisa

~0~


~0~

Happy Birthday to thee one and only Miss Sassy Kassie!

I hope you have a fantabulous day, girlfriend.
You are young, free, witty, and fun.  
Take the world by storm, baby.

Thank you for being a friend.

Now a few messages from our main homeboy, Robert Pattinson.


Rob may bare it all for Team Kassie.
heart, Meg

~0~

Kassie - you know that over the last year you've become one of my greatest friends.  You are my o/s collaborator, my beta and pre-reader, my blogger buddy, my fellow wrestling fan, my fanfic dealer, my Chicago counterpart, and most of all my pervy twin...I couldn't imagine my life without a friend like you in it. I'm so glad for the rain that caused you guys to head back to your hotel in NYC and made it so that we ended up together in line...and for Jen's crazy-ass DX gloves that caught your attention.  I was going to spend a whole crap-load of time working on some sort of fancy thingy like the ladies above have done and then I realized that Rob was giving you a present this week that I couldn't contend with, so I'll share that instead.  For your birthday, Kassie, Rob is out and about at Cannes...in a suit, in a button down...without the buzz cut...and looking damn good...he is the best present I could give you:


...a little new Edward...

...a little Red Carpet...


...a little button down, fan time...


...and of course a little ass shot for good measure...

Happy Birthday from all of us at 12months, Kassie...and Happy Birthday from Rob - he gives you Cosmopolis at Cannes for your birthday...what a wonderful gift!  

Love ya!
~Q







Friday, May 18, 2012

Rob's Birthday Train - PicSpam

Happy Birthday Rob!!! 

The end of this birthday week has arrived so we would like to wish you one more very happy birthday - we hope it was everything you could have wanted.  Robmusement is hosting one hell of a picspam over at her blog today so click the link at the bottom of the post to go check it out.  Between here and there....some of our favorite pics from the past year:



















The many looks; goofy, serious, happy, sexy; of Rob from the past year.  

Thank you for everything, Rob! 


Follow the train!  Stop back at Robmusement for some more picspam!