February 2009 | blackfilm.com | THE PRINCESS AND THE FROG

February 2009

THE PRINCESS AND THE FROG | An Interview with Anika Noni Rose

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THE PRINCESS AND THE FROG
American International Toy Fair 2009
An Interview with Anika Noni Rose

by Wilson Morales

February 17, 2009

Blackfilm.com was at the American International Toy Fair in New York City, where Disney Consumer Products (DCP) and actress Anika Noni Rose, voice of Tiana, Disney's first African American princess, unveiled a new toy line inspired by the upcoming film 'The Princess and the Frog.' Opening during the holiday season, 'The Princess and the Frog' is a fairytale set in New Orleans. The film marks Disney's return to musicals and the warmth and grandeur of 2-D hand-drawn animation. Embodying the timelessness of Disney's storytelling heritage, the film also introduces its newest princess in more than 10 years, Princess Tiana.

The event marked the first time that the Tony Award winning actress and Toy Fair attendees were able to see the line. Mattel presented a one-of-a-kind Princess Tiana doll created specifically for Rose in celebration of her role.

In addition to toys, DCP will also introduce an extensive line of wares inspired by the movie, including accessories, home décor, consumer electronics, school supplies and personal-care products arriving to retailers nationwide this fall.
In speaking with Black Voices, Rose, who starred in the movie 'Dreamgirls,' talked about her new doll, being the voice of the first black princess and her upcoming role opposite Jill Scott in the HBO series 'The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency.'

How do you feel to have a doll created after you or rather the character you play?

Anika Noni Rose: Fantastic! It's wonderful. I've never had anything like this happen to me. It's amazing and it's forever.

How does it feel to be the first black princess for Disney?

ANR: It's great and wonderful, and bigger even is being the first American princess. They have chosen to give the world an American princess who looks like me. I really can't think of anything else that would more exciting. Disney is unparalleled in what they do. They have been doing it for so long, and it has been my dream to do this. It's magnificent.

In doing an animation film, is there anything different you did with your voice to stand out?

ANR: There's nothing different that I'm doing with my voice, but there are things that I am doing with regard to effects. If you are falling, then you're making a falling noise, and if you are running, then the mic picks up your breathing sound. You can't do it too much because then there's a problem with the sound going off and on. It's a very interesting balance that you have to strike. You revert to your inner child. Being an actor, I never had to release my inner child. It was just there and all I had to do was sort of tap in, which is a wonderful thing.

What do you think makes Tiana different from other Disney princesses?

ANR: Tiana stands out from the others because Tiana is never going to be helpless. She's just a girl who, if the situation turns out to be something that could be helpless, she might have a moment to be sad about it but will figure out how to make it work to her advantage. That's a wonderful thing. I don't think anyone is coming up to folks on white horses anymore. You are either working it out or you are having a problem. She chooses to work it out.>

You alsohave 'The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency' coming up. When will we see it?

ANR: March 29th on HBO will be the first episode, which is two hours. We have seven episodes for the season.

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