July 6, 2006: Fan-tasia.net interviewed Actress DeAnna Dawn, (Role: Ruby):

First off, let me say thank you again. I really appreciate you taking time out to do this.
DeAnna: It's my pleasure!

Fandash: Ok, let's get started. How long have you been on the acting side of the business?
DeAnna: I've been acting now for almost 10 years exactly. I did my first film in the Summer of '96.

Fandash: Cool. You're really a vet.
DeAnna: Ha Ha...not yet. I really love it though.

Fandash: I read that you play Ruby in "Life is not a Fairy Tale". Can you describe your character to me?
DeAnna: Sure, Ruby is a "baby momma" who lives in the projects. She is the one who people congregate around. People hang out at her place, play cards, watch American Idol etc. She is somewhat of a mentor to Fantasia and Tasia comes to stay with her after she drops out of school.

Fandash: Does Ruby appear throughout the film or in a particular period?
DeAnna: She first appears as Fantasia is contemplating going to the "next level" with Rodney. And she is there off and on whenever Fantasia needs her. I think she's in 5 or 6 scenes.

Fandash: What did you do to prepare for the role, if anything?
DeAnna: Mostly I did my best to internalize the reality of the project lifestyle. To me it is still one of the few places that you can find a true spirit of community. People watch out for each other's children, check on each other. So I wanted to truly embody that energy. Also, I had to define my relationship with each of the other baby mommas and with Fantasia.

Fandash: Had you read the book prior to doing this project?
DeAnna: No, I had not. I still have yet to read it. I definitely will though. I only read the script. It was extremely well written and gave me an excellent sense of the tremendous challenges that Fantasia overcame.

Fandash: Yes, be sure that you read it. That's why we’re so excited about this film. The book was great, now you can see it come to life.
DeAnna: She is such a strong spirit...she really went through a lot. I can't wait to read it.

Fandash: Can you tell me about your experience with Debbie Allen?
DeAnna: OMG she was AWESOME. She is such a fantastic director because she is an actor as well. She is always able to say the perfect thing, or make the perfect suggestions to give your character added dimension. She also made certain changes that beautifully enhanced every scene. She is brilliantly gifted. It was an honor to work with her.
Fandash: I can only imagine. I know Tasia was really excited about working with her.
DeAnna: And Tasia's acting is really wonderful. She is a natural.

Fandash: Were you surprised by that? Many people seemed to be surprised that she was even considered for the Dreamgirls film.
DeAnna: I didn't know what to expect at first because sometimes recording artists don't take the craft of acting very seriously. But Tasia was truly professional, very focused, able to ad lib if necessary and very natural or as we sometimes say "in truth". I think she would have been outstanding in Dreamgirls.

Fandash: What was your favorite part of the experience?
DeAnna: Wow, that's tough...There was a moment between shots when Debbie sat down with me and Tasia and talked to us about her experiences in South Africa. She just helped to give us a sense of pride in our people and where we come from, as well as an appreciation of the lifestyle that we enjoy here in the US. It was very special and intimate. I will always remember that.
Fandash: WOW
DeAnna: ....that's exactly how I felt...It was surreal
Fandash: I believe I am getting jealous. LOL!

Fandash: Being that this film is about Fantasia, are there many songs in the film? Will there be new material or will she be singing things that are from American Idol and on her album exclusively?
DeAnna: There are songs throughout the movie... Many songs are used to set different moods. And if I'm not mistaken, Fantasia is singing them all! I know that "Summertime" is in there and "Fairy Tales" originally sung by Anita Baker. It's going to be beautiful.
Fandash: GREAT! Fantasia is singing "Fairy Tales"?
DeAnna: YES GIRL....I can't wait...I love that song!
Fandash: You are getting me way too excited.
DeAnna: lol

Fandash: I see that you have a musical talent as well. You have a beautiful voice. Did you sing anything for Tasia while on set? Or do you get to sing in the film?
DeAnna: Thank You! She actually said that she could tell I was a singer by listening to my speaking voice. I sang a little something for her and she liked it...she is so sweet. I didn't sing in the film.

Fandash: How was it filming in New Orleans after Katrina?
DeAnna: It was really something. We were staying near the French Quarter and it was fully functional and thriving....but if you drive around a little you still see so much devastation. The people were in good spirits though. And there is a lot of rebuilding going on.

Fandash: I see that you all formed a “club” of baby mommas. How did that all come about?
DeAnna: We just loved each other and vowed to stay connected. There was an instant affinity between us all...then we found out that we were all on myspace...so it was on!!

Fandash: Were there any funny out-take moments with you or Fantasia?
DeAnna: hmmm....lemme think. There were so many silly moments...that girl is crazy. During the scene with Johnny, this guy who likes her, she was supposed to be acting shy and somewhat disinterested...well when Debbie said cut, we kind of kept the scene going. We asked her well what are you going to do about him? She was like I'm gonna (simulate jumping his bones)...we all cracked up... because he didn't see it....and he was fine.
Fandash: LOL!
DeAnna: it was hilarious...

Fandash: After meeting Fantasia, what stood out about her?
DeAnna: The sweetness of her spirit...She is very real, down-to-earth, grounded, GENUINE. She just loves people and it shows in everything she does. She's a joy to be around.
DeAnna: She always had a kind word for everyone!
Fandash: Yes, that's why we love her so much. If you didn't know she was a star, you would never guess it.
DeAnna: That is so true about Fantasia...and everybody says that about her. She is the real deal. Amazingly talented and Utterly humble....

DeAnna: This has been a pleasure and I hope that everyone reading this will watch and hopefully enjoy the movie.
Fandash: Thank you so much DeAnna! I look forward to seeing your portrayal of Ruby.
DeAnna: Thank you!

Interviewer - LS

Fan-tasia.net