Vacation With Derek Premiere!
June 15th was a big day for 12-year-old blogger Kiera V! First, she got to interview “Life with Derek” stars Michael Seater and Ashley Leggat, then she got to see the premiere of their new movie “Vacation with Derek” in downtown Toronto! Read her interview below, then catch the movie yourself on Friday, June 25th at 8 pm ET/PT, on the Family Channel.
"Vacation with Derek" was filmed in Algonquin Park in Northern Ontario. What was it like spending time up there?
A: It was great…it was fun to be outside. We are so used to filming in a studio, then suddenly…FREEDOM! What?? We can actually run somewhere?
M: We had a great time and the place was really beautiful. Except we filmed in September, so it was actually freezing. It even snowed a couple of times!
So do you consider yourself urban or outdoorsy?
A: Urban. But not for a lack of trying... I try roughing it every now and then, hair in pigtails, you know. I can handle the cottage but camping in a tent? Not for me.
M: Both. When I’m in the city, I’m urban. When I’m up north, I love it…being outside, working on my place.
What do you prefer…acting in films or TV?
A: Films and TV are very different. I like both—they are both unique and exciting!
M: In films, characters have time to grow together and change because it’s one big developing story. In TV, each episode is short but funny. The movie has a little more to it, but with that humour from the show mixed in.
Can you relate to the sibling rivalry your characters have on the show?
A: Absolutely. I have four older brothers. We were always fighting and yelling. I had to learn to stand my ground!
M: My brother and I fought constantly when we were kids—I feel so bad for my mom. Now we are best friends. We even co-wrote a couple of episodes of the show (Life with Derek) together.
What do you love most about acting?
A: Acting doesn’t feel like work. I don’t ever want the day to end!
M: It just feels right.
How long have you known each other?
M: a long time. We’ve actually worked together before. We appeared on a show called "Zack Files" quite a few years ago – we even did a scene together! We didn’t remember it at all, but it happened to come on one day when we were watching TV….”
A: “…I was like ‘Hey, there’s you!....Wait, there’s me!’ Even when I was twelve I was way cooler than him…kidding.”
What do you think your characters, Casey and Derek, really feel about each other?
Ashley: “Deep down they love each other.”
Michael: “…But their communication could use some work.”
Don’t miss “Vacation with Derek”, premiering next Friday on the Family Channel.
