Ashley Tisdale & Austin Butler Sharpay's Fabulous Adventure DVD Interview

Ashley Tisdale and Austin Butler Sharpay's Fabulous Adventure DVD Interview

Cast: Ashley Tisdale, Austin Butler, Bradley Steven Perry
Director: Michael Lembeck
Executive Producer: Ashley Tisdale
Genre: Comedy, Drama, Family
Rated: G

Fame, fortune and the excitement of Broadway comes calling when the fantastic Sharpay Evans and Boi, her trusty Yorkshire terrier, pack their bags and descend upon the bright lights city of New York after a talent scout spots the duo shine at a charity gala. After realising a role she thought she was offered was actually for her dog, Sharpay sets out to make Boi the most fabulous doggie star Broadway has ever seen, whilst not giving up on her own starlet ambitions. Not all is as glamourous as it seems; Sharpay soon discovers that theatre is a dog-eat-dog world when they encounter the devious owner of a pampered Pooch, and a scheming Broadway starlet who will stop at nothing to crush the competition. Will Sharpay land the leading role of her dreams, and find love along the way?

From the original producers of High School Musical, Sharpay's Fabulous Adventure brings to life a fun-filled comedy that glitters with catchy tunes, including six all-new songs, Sharpay's not-to-be-missed pink outfits and the adorable featured male co-stars, Austin Butler and Bradley Steven Perry.

Join Sharpay on her fabulous adventure and watch her prove that by following your dreams and believing in yourself, anything can happen!

Special Features:
Bloopers: Ashley Tisdale and the cast cut up on set
Austin Cam: Actor Austin Butler, who plays student filmmaker Petyon, not only shoots scenes needed for the movie, but takes his camera behind the scenes to see how Ashley Tisdale has fun between takes.

Sharpay's Fabulous Adventure
RRP: $36.95

Interview with Ashley Tisdale and Austin Butler

Nurturing an impressive body of work that encompasses film and television, Ashley Tisdale is one of Hollywood's most sought after young talents as her career continues to evolve with exciting and challenging projects. Ashley won the coveted MTV Movie Award for Breakthrough Performance Female (2009) and has been nominated for multiple Teen Choice Awards.

Ashley can currently be seen starring in the new show "Hellcats" on the CW. "Hellcats" is a coming-of-age drama about a young pre-law student, Marti (Aly Michalka), whose world is turned upside-down when she loses her scholarship and has to join the college's legendary competitive cheerleading squad. The Hellcats are run by captain Savannah Monroe (Ashley), a petite, peppy Texan, who becomes Marti's roommate. This energetic series is a behind-the-scenes look at the drama, politics and pressure surrounding the powerhouse football program at a Southern University.

Ashley quickly garnered attention and became one of the breakout stars of the Emmy Award-winning Disney Channel world wide phenomenon "High School Musical." Ashley reprised her role as Sharpay Evans, the high school drama queen, in "High School Musical 2," which broke cable TV records as it garnered 17.5 million viewers. With the success of HSM, Disney decided to release the third installment of the extremely successful "High School Musical" franchise as a feature film. High School Musical 3: Senior Year set a box office record as the highest grossing opening weekend total for a musical. Ashley recently wrapped production on the Disney Channel original film "Sharpay's Fabulous Adventure," in which her extremely popular character, Sharpay Evans, travels to New York to pursue a Broadway career but it's her dog who lands an acting gig first.

Ashley's other credits included the feature film Alien's in the Attic, and voicing the character of Candace Flynn in the Emmy Award-winning and BAFTA-nominated animated series, "Phineas and Ferb" on Disney XD and Disney Channel. She also captured the attention of Disney Channel fans for her role as Maddie in Disney Channel's hit series, "The Suite Life of Zack & Cody." She had recurring roles on many primetime comedies including "George Lopez," "Still Standing" and "The Hughleys," as well as guest starring roles on "Grounded for Life," "Strong Medicine," "Boston Public" and "7th Heaven." A Warner Bros. Records recording artist, her solo album, "Headstrong," debuted in February 2007 and entered the Billboard Top 200 Chart at #5. Ashley released her second solo album entitled "Guilty Pleasure" in June 2009.

In fall 2006, Tisdale starred in "High School Musical: The Concert," a sold-out 42-date arena concert tour throughout North America which, after a break to film the sequel to the movie, carried on through spring 2007 in Latin America, playing sold-out soccer stadiums in Argentina, Chile, Brazil, Venezuela and Mexico.

Born July 2 in Monmouth County, New Jersey, Ashley was discovered at the age of three in her hometown mall by a talent manager who continues to represent her today. After landing a job from her very first audition, she went on to star in more than 100 national network commercials. At age eight she booked the leading role in the international tour of the musical Les Misérables, and toured internationally with the production of Annie. She also had the privilege of singing at the White House at the age of 12.

She resides in Los Angeles with her dogs, Blondie and Maui.

Austin Butler has recently been seen in recurring roles on the CW's "Life Unexpected" and Disney Channel's "JONAS." He has made guest appearances on "CSI: Miami," "The Defenders," "Wizards of Waverly Place," and will soon be seen on "CSI: NY" as well as co-star in the all-new Disney movie "Sharpay's Fabulous Adventure," alongside Ashley Tisdale.

Butler was born and raised in Anaheim, CA, in a typical American family. Although he loved movies, he was a shy kid and never thought there was any possibility of becoming an actor. But at age 13, Butler was invited to an open call by a background-acting agent. They signed him and acting classes helped Butler overcome his shyness.

Butler's mother used to shuttle him back and forth between Anaheim and Hollywood so that he could pursue this new passion. He started working regularly on the Nickelodeon series "Ned's Declassified School Survival Guide," where he appeared in more than 40 episodes. This led to Butler obtaining a manager, who signed him to a top agent and acting teacher. This team put him on the track to success.

Auditions, commercials and ultimately guest roles on TV soon followed. Butler made appearances on Disney's "Hannah Montana," Cartoon Network's "Out of Jimmy's Head," and Nickelodeon's "iCarly." His role on "iCarly" was his biggest yet and led to a series regular role on "Zoey 101," playing the new character of James.

Next came Butler's first lead role in a feature film called Aliens in the Attic. It filmed in New Zealand for five months and gave Butler the opportunity to work with Ashley Tisdale, Carter Jenkins, Kevin Nealon and Doris Roberts. Roberts would coach Butler for upcoming auditions.

Returning to television, Butler worked alongside David Cassidy, Alexa Vega, and Katie Amanda Keane on the series "Ruby and the Rockets," on which he played the awkward teenage son, an aspiring musician.

Butler resides in Hollywood, CA and his hobbies are martial arts, watching movies and playing the guitar.

Question: Tell us about your character Peyton Leverett in "Sharpay's Fabulous Adventure"

Austin Butler: Peyton is a film student at NYU who is working on a film thesis. He is looking for one unique New York story. He ends up finding Sharpay on the side of the street covered in pink surrounded by pink suit cases and he thinks she's the perfect fish-out-of water story. He ends up filming her journey trying to become a Broadway star.


Question: Was it weird making a Sharpay movie without your old High School Musical co-stars?
Ashley Tisdale: Yes it was scary and nerve wrecking. Luckily I had a whole new cast and new characters that were awesome, so they helped me out.


Question: What was the hardest part of working on "Sharpay's Fabulous Adventure?"

Austin Butler: The hardest part for me was the fact that I was filming a lot of the movie on top of acting. So I had to concentrate on not getting any of the other cameras or the lights in my shot.


Question: Acting/Singing/Producing, which one you do like best?

Ashley Tisdale: I can't choose. I love all of them but I would have to say I've been acting the longest so that's my number 1.


Question: What was the most enjoyable part of working on "Sharpay's Fabulous Adventure?"

Austin Butler: Ashley Tisdale and I have been friends for like three or four years, so it was a blast to get to come to work every day and just have fun with her.


Question: Can you tell us about the soundtrack from Sharpay's Fabulous Adventure? What's your favorite track?

Ashley Tisdale: My favorite track is New Yorks Best Kept Secret! It's so different for Sharpay, it's the first time we see her so vulnerable.


Question: What's the best and worst thing about working with dog actors?

Ashley Tisdale: The best part is that they are so darn cute all of the time. The worst part is that they are animals, so you have to have a lot of patience.
Austin Butler: Their adorable and really fun to hang with while not filming. We had great trainers on the movie, but the dogs definitely get to a time when they don't feel like working anymore and can get a little grumpy.


Question: Sharpay is determined to make it as a Broadway star. What's your favorite Broadway show?

Ashley Tisdale: Wicked!


Question: OK, so what is Ashley Tisdale REALLY like?

Austin Butler: She's a really sweet, down-to-earth girl. Really fun to be around!


Question: What's the most fabulous adventure you've ever been on?

Ashley Tisdale: My trip to Europe when I was promoting my album Guilty Pleasure. I had just gotten out of a relationship and it was a very freeing experience to be with my band and just focus on work and finding what I really wanted.

Austin Butler: When I was with Ashley in New Zealand, we kayaked to this little island off the beach. When we got there we realized the ground was really sharp and we hadn't brought any shoes. We ended up wrapping seaweed around our feet and exploring the island. It was a cool adventure!


Question: Your film "Sharpay's Fabulous Adventure" will be released very soon, how do you feel?

Ashley Tisdale: I am so excited! I hope everyone likes it, as I had so much fun filming it! And I'm so proud of this project.


Question: Honestly, how fun is it to play Sharpay?

Ashley Tisdale: It's so much fun. I'm so lucky to have a character like Sharpay Evans.


Question: What's your favorite Sharpay outfit?

Ashley Tisdale: The pink trench coat she arrives with in NYC.


Question: Are you a fan of the original High School Musical movies?

Austin Butler: The first time I watched High School Musical was in Ashley's trailer while we were filming Aliens in the Attic in New Zealand. She would sing along! It was a fun way to watch them. It's hard not to become a fan of the movies after that.


Question: Did you write songs for the movie's soundtrack, how was it?

Ashley Tisdale: I didn't actually write the songs. I just sang them.


Question: Do you have a message for your Australian and New Zealand fans?

Ashley Tisdale: Thank you so much for all your support, I love you guys!


Question: Will we be seeing another music CD from you in the future Ashley Tisdale?

Ashley Tisdale: Not right now because I'm really focused on my TV show and movies... but maybe in the future.


Question: You're the Executive Producer on Sharpay's Fabulous Adventure. Does that mean you got to boss your co-stars around?

Ashley Tisdale: YES!! Haha! Kidding, No. I would just bring it up in conversation to get a reaction out of them. I love making people laugh.


Question: Are you anything like your character, Peyton?

Austin Butler: A little bit, yes. I'm similar to Peyton in that he's driven and focused. Peyton is really focused on becoming a director, and I feel the same way about acting.


Question: Sharpay always has a fabulous wardrobe! Can you tell us about your costumes in this movie? Do you have a favorite outfit from Sharpay's wardrobe?

Ashley Tisdale: Sharpay's outfits are very fabulous. They are pink and rhinestoned. I think one of my favorite costumes in this movie is the pink trench coat I am wearing when I arrive in NYC.


Question: Any chance of Life Unexpected returning? I love the show!

Austin Butler: So glad you love the show! I don't want to rule out the fact that it could come back. It was a really fun show to do!


Question: Which dog did you get along with best - Boi (the dog in the film) or Maui (Ashley Tisdale's dog)?

Austin Butler: That's a hard question. They are both adorable dogs, but because the dogs playing Boi were always working, we weren't allowed to play with them as much. So I have to say Maui.


Question: Every High School Musical movie had a message for tweens and teens to take away from the film. What do you hope fans will take away from "Sharpay's Fabulous Adventure?"

Ashley Tisdale: To believe in yourself and stay true to who you are.


Question: You and Lucas Grabeel work so closely together in the High School Musical movies. Did you miss working with him in "Sharpay's Fabulous Adventure" as your brother Ryan?

Ashley Tisdale: Yes! I missed everyone from HSM but I had a bunch of actors in this movie that made it just as fun.


Question: What was it like being around everything that was pink and covered in sparkles?

Austin Butler: I definitely had to learn to be very confident in my masculinity.


Question: After HSM3, are you still in touch with Zac Efron and Vanessa Hudgens? Would another reunion of High School Musical be possible in the near future?

Ashley Tisdale: I definitely keep in touch with them. They live near me so we're always hanging out when we're not working. I don't think a reunion of HSM is in the future.


Question: If you weren't an actor and continued your education, what colleges would you apply to?

Austin Butler: I've been to the USC campus and absolutely loved it. I'd like to go to college for English someday.


Question: If you could trade places with anyone, for a day, who would you choose?

Ashley Tisdale: Angelina Jolie. Just to be able to see how she juggles everything especially with all her kids.


Question: The two of you were in "Aliens in the Attic" together as well. Is that a coincidence? How does it feel to work together again?

Austin Butler: Ashley Tisdale actually called me and said she wanted me to be cast in Sharpay's Fabulous Adventure. Then I read the script, and went in to meet the director. It was great to work together again. She's a fun girl to be around.


Question: Among the dramas you have participated in, which one inspired you the most?

Austin Butler: I got to do an episode of CSI: NY the other day and working with Gary Sinise was such a cool experience. I've looked up to him for years, and he's such a nice guy in person.


Question: After being part of an ensemble cast for the High School Musical movies, how does it feel to have a movie completely based on your character?

Ashley Tisdale: I was nervous. It was a challenge taking the character that everyone loves to hate, to making her the heroine.


Question: You've starred in a lot of TV shows - do you have a preference between film and television?

Austin Butler: Film and television are just different. Film is cool, because it's a complete package. You know the beginning, middle, and end. You can plan it out more, which I like. But with television you get a new script every week, so it's constantly a mystery as to what you're going to be doing.


Question: Have you kept any 'Sharpay' mementos over the years?

Ashley Tisdale: Yes, I have a HUGE picture in my bathroom that was from HSM3 that was featured in the musical number "I Want It All." It's a perfume ad with my face on it and it says 'manipulation by Sharpay.' It cracks me up!


Question: Any possibility that you would come to Hong Kong to meet your fans?

Austin Butler: I would love to come to Hong Kong! I've never been!


Question: How long was the shoot and how was it filming in Vancouver?

Austin Butler: We actually filmed in Toronto, which is a beautiful city! I loved it there!


Question: What did you think about your director

Ashley Tisdale: The director of Sharpay's Fabulous Adventure, Michael Lembeck, was great! He let me do my thing and we got to create some exciting stuff together!

Austin Butler: I really liked Michael as a director. He used to be an actor so he's really great at talking with actors.


Question: You play a cheerleader in Hellcats, how do you compare the different dancing styles to Sharpay's Fabulous Adventure?

Ashley Tisdale: In Sharpay it's a very Broadway style, where as in Hellcats it's cheerleading. They're very different.


Question: What kind of training did you have before filming? What are your career aspirations?

Austin Butler: I just did a lot of research on New York, documentary film making, etc. Then I got to Toronto a week early in order to get really comfortable with the camera that I use in the movie. In the future, I'd like to take on more characters that are challenging.


Question: Do you have any advice for kids who have a passion for performing?

Ashley Tisdale: Follow your dreams! Just know it's gonna be hard work, not easy. But if you want something you've gotta go for it!

Austin Butler: Yeah! Just get out there and do it. If you're passionate about it, don't let anybody pull you down. Have fun!


Question: Did you ever get sick of the amount of pink you were surrounded with?

Ashley Tisdale: Yes, subconsciously I realised I stopped buying pink in my own wardrobe. However I don't mind wearing it now because I'm brunette and I feel like I can pull it off.


Question: Do you think Sharpay could win a Tony or an Oscar one day?

Ashley Tisdale: Tony all the way! I don't even think Sharpay is interested in an Oscar.


Question: Do you have any interest in directing at some point?

Ashley Tisdale: I love acting and producing but I haven't had any interest in directing. Maybe that's because my boyfriend is a director so I know what it entails.


Question: Do you have a girlfriend?

Austin Butler: No, I'm single.


Question: Do you have any secret "fabulous" talents?

Ashley Tisdale: I used to horseback ride!

Austin Butler: I make a mean chocolate milkshake!


Question: How long were you in hair and makeup, daily, when filming Sharpay's Fabulous Adventure?

Ashley Tisdale: It wasn't too long. Maybe around an hour and a half.


Question: Are there any actors/actresses you look up to and get inspirations from? Who do you want to work with?

Austin Butler: Ryan Gosling and Leonardo DiCaprio. They both have made really cool career choices and have transitioned from being child actors to leading men. As far as directors, I'd love to work with Clint Eastwood.


Question: Austin Butler is a bit of a cutie! What's he really like, behind-the-scenes?

Ashley Tisdale: He's awesome! We've known each other for so long so we had instant chemistry.


Question: What do you like most about connecting with your fans, via Twitter?

Austin Butler: Twitter is great, because I can hear from fans all over the world. It's a cool, casual way to stay in touch.


Question: Could you talk about the experience of working with the dogs and filming?

Austin Butler: The dogs are great to work with! They're great little actors!


Question: The Brazilian fans would love to know if you'd perhaps head there someday!

Ashley Tisdale: I want to!!! When I went there I wasn't able to see and explore. I love my Brazilian fans and I get all their tweets, so I hope I'm able to go back soon.


Question: We know you enjoy drinks from Coffee Bean! If they made/named a special drink for you- what would you want it to be?

Ashley Tisdale: The Sharpay Blend!


Question: Austin Butler, what are your dancing skills like? Will we see you bust some moves in "Sharpay's Fabulous Adventure"?

Austin Butler: I didn't dance in Sharpay's Fabulous Adventure. I just recently got into a couple of dance classes. It's something I've always wanted to be good at but haven't taken the time to practice. Hopefully soon I'll be able to call myself a dancer.


Question: How was it being in Zoey 101?

Austin Butler: Zoey 101 was a great experience. The whole cast was really nice. I learned a lot on that set.


Question: Pink is one of Sharpay's wardrobe staples! What brands or items would you say are your wardrobe staples?

Ashley Tisdale: I love J Brand jeans, Elizabeth and James, Barneys Co-op, Boots, and Wildfox.


Question: So just how many dogs played 'Boi' in the movie? Did you have a favorite among them?

Ashley Tisdale: Two dogs played Boi. Their names are Howie and Herby. I'd have to say Howie was my favorite because I felt like he was the underdog. He wouldn't get tricks at first,as he was so excited. So the director kept having Herby do them. Turns out Herby got tired and Howie took over the movie. I was so proud of him.


Question: Who are your idols/heroes?

Ashley Tisdale: My Mom! I've always looked up to her.

Austin Butler: Yeah, I've been reading Benjamin Franklin's Biography. I'd say he's an idol of mine. He was a really smart guy.


Question: Have you ever been starstruck before?

Ashley Tisdale: Yes. When I met Angelina Jolie. I was speechless.

Austin Butler: I was really starstruck by Arnold Schwarzenegger. He was my idol when I was a little kid. So when I met him I just was like "I'm a huge fan!" and I shook his hand.


Question: What are you favourite movies ever?

Ashley Tisdale: Step Brothers and Anchorman!

Austin Butler: Some of my favorite movies are: East of Eden, Lars and the Real Girl, and 2001: A Space Odyssey.


Question: Do you have any tips for overcoming nerves or stagefright?

Austin Butler: I like to think of nerves as a friend that you know will always be there with you. Then when you go into an audition, or on stage, it's just energy that can be used in your favor.


Question: Any final thoughts on Sharpay's Fabulous adventure that you'd like to share with us?

Ashley Tisdale: I hope you all enjoy the movie! I had so much fun filming it and I'm so proud of it. Thanks for giving me this opportunity! I owe it all to the fans. xoxo


Austin Butler: Thanks for all your great questions! This has been fun! Hope you guys like the movie!