By Rob LeDonne
In 2003 a brand new comedy series called Arrested Development debuted, making stars of the cast, including a young actor by the name of Michael Cera. With the show’s Emmy winning three year run come to a close, Cera is now enjoying a flourishing career in film, with numerous projects in the works.
Hofstra Chronicle: How long have you been acting?
Michael Cera: For almost ten years now, I started when I was 9.
HC: You’ve been in both films and television programs. What are some differences between the two mediums?
MC: Well, mainly scheduling. When you’re on a series you’re committed to it for almost half a year where as a film only takes a month or two. Also, obviously a series can end up going for a few years, which gives you more of a chance to get to know the show and the character.
HC: Looking back at Arrested Development, what was that experience like? What was your favorite Arrested moment?
MC: I had a great time working on Arrested, it was an incredibly lucky experience for me. I don’t have any particular favorite moment, but hanging around David and Jason and Alia all the time was so much fun.
HC: Do you still keep in touch with any/all of the cast?
MC: I see them all from time to time but that’s significantly different from seeing them every day.
HC: How did you get Arrested Development?
MC: I sent a tape in from Toronto and then was flown in to read with Alia (Shawkat, Cera’s costar). They told us both that night that we got it.
HC: Growing up in Ontario, Canada, what was it like to film/reside in Southern California?
MC: It’s definitely different. I always seem to miss home when I’m in LA and miss LA when I’m home so I guess it works itself out.
HC: What can you tell us about Clark and Michael?
MC: Clark and Michael is this internet show I made with my friend Clark Duke. It’s going to be coming out on cbs.com any day now.
HC: You recently completed a film called Super Bad, due out in August. What is Super Bad about and what was that experience like?
MC: Super Bad is about two friends leaving high school and going to different colleges. The idea is that there is a party they are trying to go to and they need to get liquor and such, but that’s all just to cover the underlying plot which is really that these two guys are going through major separation anxiety. That’s kind of what drives the movie.
HC: What other projects are you working on presently?
MC: Right now I’m in Vancouver working on an independent film called Juno.
HC: What are you watching currently?
MC: Nothing really on TV, I’ve been watching Larry Sanders season 1 over and over. That’s about it.
HC: Seasons 1-3 of Arrested Development are available on DVD now. Super Bad will be released in theaters August 17th. Juno, with Michael alongside Jennifer Garner is due out sometime next year. It is directed by Thank You For Smoking’s Jason Beitman.
