Kid Reporter Danielle Azzolina (red shirt) cuts up with the cast of Nickelodeon's new TV comedy/musical Big Time Rush. From left are Logan, Danielle, James, Kendall, and Carlos. (Photo: Tyrus Cukavac)
Big Time Rush Now TV Series
New Nick show debuts January 18
Nickelodeon could have named its new TV series Big Time Crush! If you've seen the movie Big Time Rush, which aired in late November on Nickelodeon, you completely know what I mean—these guys are CUTE!
Big Time Rush is a new Nick TV series set to begin on January 18 at 8:30 p.m. Eastern Time, 7:30 Central—right after a new iCarly.
The show stars Kendall Schmidt as Kendall Knight, James Maslow as James Diamond, Logan Henderson as Logan Mitchell, and Carlos Pena as Carlos Garcia. The story centers around these four hockey-playing friends who are discovered by a talent scout and become overnight pop sensations. Their musical talents lead them from their quiet homes in Minnesota to a new life in LA.
Press Day in NYC
Crowds of screaming fans greeted the four new best friends as they attended two screenings of the new series in New York City recently. The actors then met with press at the Planet Hollywood in Times Square to promote the new comedy series.
This Kid Reporter was lead to a booth in a quiet area of the restaurant to talk with all four. The guys were funny, nice, and not afraid to answer questions or reveal secrets.
The biggest reveal was about their names. Why do the actors and characters share the same first names?
"We've never said this in an interview," Kendal said. "I don't think anybody really knows this."
The names originally planned for the characters were changed to the actors' names to help the boys bond, he explained.
"I think using our names brings out a really cool side to all of us," Logan said. "And I think it kind of helps whenever we're performing on stage or having an interview like this. You can just call us by our actual names and it's much easier."
Original character names were Jessie for Carlos, Bryan for James, and Donavan for Kendall. The real doozey was Logan's name: Konas.
"Konas!" said Kendall with a hoot. "Nobody has that name. It's crazy. We could have been the Konas Brothers. Really. Think about it."
Down to Business
When not cutting up with each other, the boys are, well, cutting up answering questions. They did get serious a few times, however.
When asked to describe his dream girl, Logan said he didn't have a physical image in mind, but knew the type.
"I love a girl with a sense of humor," he said. "Someone who can make me laugh and that I can get along with and talk with and who is just sweet overall, inside and out."
James talked about his past acting jobs, including a stint as Shane in the second season premiere of iCarly. He said he grew up singing and acting in musical theater, mostly in downtown San Diego. He even sang with the San Diego Opera.
"I had an awesome upbringing in theater," he said. "Now this show is a dream come true. My life is dedicated to Big Time Rush."
Kendall shared some interesting bloopers. When he got to the set one day, he was told that he had to "check" James in a segment being filmed. To check someone in hockey means to hit them.
Kendall said he thought, "No problem, I can check James." He didn't get a chance to rehearse the bit before filming and when it came time to check James, he really checked James! James landed hard on a table and cut his arm.
"Yeah, we all have battle wounds from the show," James said.
Logan piped in with another story.
"In the sneak peek, you'll see Camille, the method actress, slap Kendall," he said. "We did that a good seven or eight takes and she really slapped him."
"I have been slapped so many times on this show," Kendall added.
"In fact I think that's my favorite part of the show," James said, " watching Kendall get slapped."
Carlos talked about the best quality of his character: Carlos. He said that his Carlos isn't afraid to try anything new.
"So, if someone says, look this water's green, but it tastes like watermelon, he'll try it," Carlos explained.
"Actually that sounds delicious," Logan said.
"Yeah," said Kendall said. "I need some green water!"
"I don't think I would!" chimed in James.
If their show has as much action, energy, and camaraderie as this interview, then it's going to be another Nick hit!
For more information about Big Time Rush, check out the show's official website.
NEWS FOR KIDS, BY KIDS
Get the latest on national and international events, movies, television, music, sports, and more from the Scholastic Kids Press Corps.
Danielle Azzolina is a member of the Scholastic Kids Press Corps.
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