Lauren London talks Baggage ClaimPosted by Wilson Morales
September 29, 2013
Currently out in theaters is David E. Talbert’s romantic comedy, ‘Baggage Claim,’ starring Paula Patton, Derek Luke, Taye Diggs, Jill Scott, Boris Kodjoe, Tremaine Neverson, Adam Brody, Jenifer Lewis, Ned Beatty, Lauren London, Tia Mowry, La La Anthony, Christina Milian, Affion Crockett, Terrence J, Rickey Smiley, and Djimon Hounsou.
Determined to get engaged before her youngest sister’s wedding, flight attendant Montana Moore (Paula Patton) finds herself with only 30 days to find Mr. Right. Using her airline connections to “accidentally” meet up with eligible ex-boyfriends and scour for potential candidates, she racks up more than 30,000 miles and countless comedic encounters, all the while searching for the perfect guy.
For London, who plays Montana’s sister Sheree, it’s her return to the big screen since last being seen Tyler Perry’s ‘Madea’s Big Happy Family.’ Her other film credits include ATL, This Christmas, I Love You, Beth Cooper, and Next Day Air.
Currently, the Los Angeles native stars as Kiera Whitaker on the BET series, The Game, now in its seventh season.
Blackfilm.com had the opportunity to speak with London as she promotes ‘Baggage Claim.’
How would you describe Sheree?
Lauren London: Sheree is full of bubbly energy, full of life, innocent, excited about love, excited about being engaged, new, and an open book.
How was working with David Talbert?
LL: I read for the film five years ago for Sheree and David is one of the few directors that makes you feel part of the process. He really takes in our creative input and makes us feel valued. It felt very safe at work. A lot of times you have to be on your Ps & Qs, and he didn’t make you feel as he was your boss hovering over you. Making one feel part of the process brings out the best from the actors.
When the project came back on, did he call you back?
LL: The casting director Kim Coleman called me and I went in and read with her again.
How was working with Jenifer Lewis and Paula Patton? How did the three of you establish the chemistry as a family?
LL: I think it was a mutual love and respect that was already there. I have such admiration for Jenifer and Paula. I was like a sponge and followed their lead. Because of the initial respect and love, I think organically it came through.
Did you pick up anything from them that would help with your career?
LL: Professionalism and being prepared properly. They are also very strong in their choices. They believe in their choices and they stand by them. A lot of times, actresses second guess their choices and they don’t.
Having worked with both Tyler Perry and David Talbert, what is the difference in their direction?
LL: They were actually the same in allowing us to be free creatively.
Was their a point where the whole cast got together to hang out or rehearse?
LL: We did a table read but a lot of the cast members weren’t there. You have prior relationships with some of the cast by being in the industry. I’m really good friends with Jill, on and off screen. You have your personal relationships, so outside the set, Terrence J, who plays my fiancé in the film, is like my big brother. That was awkward as well. But we’re both actors and professionals, so we do the job. It’s funny but when they say action, you go into character.
How’s the TV series going?
LL: Great. I go to shoot at the end of September. It’s my second season, but the seventh of the series. The fans keep the show going; otherwise it would have ended with The CW. There will be a turn of events as my character steps into her own path of life.
How’s working on a TV series as opposed to doing films?
LL: It’s much different from films, but the same hours. It’s a writers’ medium. As actors, we can’t really stretch it creatively. You just have to bring what you bring according to what’s written, but it has really been a good experience for me as an actor. I get to exercise this muscle five days of the week for two months. I think it will bring more to my films as far as acting jobs.
Do you use the social media to develop anything on your own?
LL: I haven’t as of yet. I’m not the best at social media. I’ll peek in and then I’ll peek back out. My focus right now is to do the best at my craft. All of the other stuff will fall in line. I’m really not interested in being popular. I want to be a better actress.
Are you going out for other projects?
LL: I’m going out for other projects all the time, but right now I’m working on ‘The Game,’ and to take on other projects will be in conflict in terms of scheduling. After ‘The Game,’ I will probably be able to do more film stuff.
Why should anyone see ‘Baggage Claim’?
LL: A lot of times cast members don’t see the film until the film premiere, but I read the script, and I know the characters. I really enjoyed the film. It’s a romantic comedy and full of laughter. I left there having a strong opinion on who she should have chose. You will leave having a conversation afterwards. It’s a feel good movie and it’s entertainment. My favorite scene is watching Jill and Adam. She’s awesome in the film.
