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TheStarScoop.Com talked to Naturi Naughton about Fame, the upcoming remake of the 1980 classic musical.

THE STAR SCOOP:
You have a big role in Fame coming up. How did you get involved?

NATURI NAUGHTON:
It was kind of just the typical way of booking something…I went and auditioned. I went to the audition. I loved the role of Denise. I thought I was perfect for it. I had about four call backs and eventually I got the part. I was really excited.

THE STAR SCOOP:
Do you do your own singing?

NATURI NAUGHTON:
Yes. I’m doing all the singing. I actually learned to play the piano as well for this role. My character is a classical pianist. I learned to play quite a bit of the songs I’m doing in the movie. Everything is real. That was a challenge of [the role].

THE STAR SCOOP:
Where is your music career at the moment?

NATURI NAUGHTON:
I’m definitely focused right now on the acting…a new adventure for me. I figure accomplishing this whole new art form of being in movies and film and stuff has been fun. I’ve been enjoying it. It gives me an opportunity to find new things about myself. I’m really trying to establish myself as an actress. I’m not just an artist. I’m not just an actress. I’m not just a singer. I can do it all. I’m really focusing on the acting right now, and I’m loving it.

THE STAR SCOOP:
You’ve worked with some really established actors on Fame. What have you learned?

NATURI NAUGHTON:
It’s amazing working with them. They’ve been doing this. I think what I’ve learned is just watching them and how composed [they are]. It was amazing having people like Kelsey Grammer and Debbie Allen. Watching these professionals

THE STAR SCOOP:
Musicals and dancing are on the forefront right now. Why do you think these kinds of projects excite people so much?

NATURI NAUGHTON:
I think it’s because music is universal. I think it touches so many people. You don’t have to be a specific age or a specific race or a specific country or group. It’s fun; it’s energetic. It makes you feel good.

THE STAR SCOOP:
For the new generation, how would you describe what Fame is about?

NATURI NAUGHTON:
It’s about what so many young people, whether they’re in the arts or not, go through. It’s a new story and it’s based on the original. We’ve reinvented so it has some different issues that are more relevant to teenagers and young people in this day and age. And at the same time, making sure that the older audience feels the same connection and that reminiscent good feeling they had when Fame first came out. It’s such good music, too.

THE STAR SCOOP:
Who will Fame appeal to?

Naturi Naughton:
Older, younger, middle age. Different people. My character is a young girl, Denise, who is struggling to figure out who she is and to stand up for herself as an artist, as a young woman. This movie starts when she’s a freshman and all these young kids are not really sure what career path, what they want to do with their lives.

THE STAR SCOOP:
What’s next?

NATURI NAUGHTON:
Right now I’m focusing on getting Fame out. This summer’s been all about that. I actually just booked another film with Don Cheadle. We’re scheduled to start shooting this August. It’s called “Yelling to the Sky.” It’s an independent film. It’s a great script. I’m excited.

THE STAR SCOOP:
You chose to go to college in addition to working on your career. Why?

NATURI NAUGHTON:
This business…is so up and down. It’s so fickle. You can’t bank on everything going your way. That’s just the way it is in the real world…just making sure I had a plan B. I was kind of a nerd. I loved school. I was really excited, first day of school. I wanted the college experience. I was really passionate about political science, which is what my major was. Education has always been a priority to me.

THE STAR SCOOP:
What do you want to say to your fans?

NATURI NAUGHTON:
Wow. I would just say not to let anyone or anything hold you back or deter you. It’s tough. There will be challenges. There will be times when you want to give up and you don’t think you can make it. Don’t let anyone or anything stop you. Just keep going. Keep believing.