Simon on People Magazine !

From:Poeple Magazine
Date:February 20, 2006

"We stared rehearsals for the movie on Valentine's Day a year ago, and he brought me flowers," says Lathan of her costar Baker.

Ground-Breaking Movie Something New Highlights Changing Attitudes on Bi-Racial Romance

From:Voice of America
Date:18 February 2006
By Alan Silverman

A successful black woman unexpectedly falls in love with a white man and the rocky road of their relationship offers some fresh insights into changing attitudes and erasing prejudice. That's the story of a film romance now at American theaters and Alan Silverman has a look at Something New.

Kenya is a talented business manager whose career is on the rise, but feels stuck on the ground floor when it comes to her love life.

Her friends say she is being too picky, but Sanaa Lathan, who stars as Kenya, says the character's dilemma is no movie invention.

"The writer's inspiration was the cover story for Newsweek a couple of years ago," she explains, "that said 42.4% of black women aren't married and it's because we're climbing up the corporate ladder so much faster and our male counterparts are either going to jail, dying or dating outside the race. So what do you do? What do you do if you want to have a family?"

What Kenya does is give in to a co-worker's offer of a blind date with a man she's never met before; and when they do meet, Kenya is shocked to see that his race is not what she expected.

Kenya is attracted to Brian, but, Lathan explains, it's her personal attitudes, not social pressure that make her hesitate.

" We are so used to seeing this issue dealt with with a black man and a white woman and this is really one of the first times you see it on the big screen with a black woman and white man," Lathan says. "The difference is it's usually the couple against the world; but in this case it's really her. Her friends are really not against her. Her family is really not giving her too much [trouble]. It's really her own prejudices ... her own struggle with it. This could be a metaphor for doing anything outside of the box that you put yourself in. It could be a relationship with someone of a different religion or dating somebody outside of your class lines ... anything. When you step outside of your 'comfort zone,' how do you deal with that?"

Australian actor Simon Baker adopts an American accent to co-star as Brian; but Baker says he also had to learn about contemporary American racial attitudes to understand the character's plight.

"In the beginning it did limit me in a sense because I was afraid of offending people," he says. "I didn't know the politically correct terms: can I refer to myself as 'white' or do I have to say 'Caucasian?' Can I say that you're 'black?' What are the rules here? I don't want to make mistakes and, at the same time, I want the character to be true to a love story. When people first meet each other, it's a process no matter what race, color, gender ... whatever. It's about discovering each other."

Something New makes something of Hollywood history as the first studio film with black women as producer, writer and director. It's the feature debut of veteran music video director Sanaa Hamri, who says the goal is to give audiences both entertainment and a true image of middle class black life in Los Angeles today.

"The tone of the piece is to create characters that are true to us and also present African-American situations in a different light than Hollywood has been presenting," she says. " I was sick and tired of seeing movies that rely on punchlines and 'court jester' moments ... stuff that felt so broad that the audience is not invested emotionally into these characters. So it took a lot of work with the actors to create that environment so that when the presentation came, you felt that you had a piece that is "Something New," especially for us, when we don't have that many movies out there that really represent us in the best light."

Something New also features Taraji Henson, Blair Underwood, Mike Epps and Alfre Woodard. It was shot on location in some Los Angeles neighborhoods rarely showcased on film.




FromVoice of America.

Simon Says(from 365Gay.com)

From:365Gay.com
by Tim Nasson

(Beverly Hills, California) Add Simon Baker's name to the list that already includes Academy Award contenders and box office superstars Russell Crowe, Heath Ledger, Guy Pearce. (Trivia note: Crowe, Pearce and Baker all appeared in "L.A. Confidential.")

Simon Baker, who made a huge name for himself on television's drama, "The Guardian," now appears as the only white person, in all-Black romantic comedy, "Something New." It's a little more than just a romantic comedy. "It's an interracial love story," laughs Baker, recently, in a suite at the Regent Beverly Wilshire in Beverly Hills. The windows in the suite we are in are open and a cool breeze is blowing the curtains to and fro. Sunlight streams through, and the view is of the corner of Rodeo Drive and Wilshire Blvd. Having to work, sitting in a suite all morning, a beautiful morning, talking to countless interviewers, one at a time, is probably the last thing on Baker's mind but he is professional and all work.

The thirty-six year old, wavy blonde haired, and blue-eyed sexy Tasmanian devil, (yes, he was born in Tasmania), has been around Hollywood for a while but caught a lot of attention, from Hollywood producers and television viewers, alike, for three years as the star of "The Guardian."

Amazingly, in most of his famous roles, week after week, year after year on "The Guardian," included, Baker has pulled off the perfect American accent. But when he is with you, one on one, it is that twisted, Australian tongue that one hears.

"I came to the United States for the first time when I was twenty-two or so," reveals Baker. "I didn't know what I wanted to do. I poked around in theater, movies and TV in Australia, and the next logical step for me was to move to LA and try something new and bigger."

It seems to have worked.

Baker has been married - to the same woman - for over a decade and is raising a family of three children, the oldest, a twelve year old boy.

"We just moved to Australia," he begins to explain. "All of my kids were born here in Los Angeles. And they loved it and I loved it but I want them to get a sense of something new, not just what I saw as a kid growing up but something educational. The littlest one (his youngest son), loved T-Ball but now the three of them, (his kids), are loving cricket. Who would have ever guessed? Kids adapt so easily to new environments and I think giving them the opportunity to see two different worlds, and the United States and Australia really are two different worlds, will make them all the better. They can certainly choose where they want to plant their roots when they are grown up, but until then, Australia is home."

While Baker now calls Australia home, after having lived in the United States for twelve years, he is still in the states often, for work, be it interviews such is the case with his latest movie, "Something New," or to make movies.

"'Something New' was a challenge for me," says Baker, but it was a great experience. "Throughout the world, let alone the United States, interracial romance, especially between black and white, is controversial. But even more so when a black woman, of power is in love with a white man, below her tax bracket." And that is what the story of "Something New" tells.

It would be evil of me to reveal how the movie ends - does Baker's suitor, the ravishing Sanaa Lathan, (you remember her as the ass kicker from "Alien vs. Predator"), get her man?

The supporting cast in "Something New" made it even easier for Baker, the only white person in the movie. "Alfre Woodard, Donald Faison, Blaire Underwood, Taraji Henson..." says Baker. "They all brought something new, no pun intended, to the table."

Look for Baker again on the big screen in June, where he will appear alongside Meryl Streep and Anne Hathaway in the big screen adaptation of the runaway comedic, tell-all novel, "The Devil Wears Prada."

"I am going to be in Australia until the publicity for "Prada' starts up," exclaims Baker. "I have nothing on my plate until then."

"Something New" is now in theaters.

From 365Gay.com

The Perfect Match

From:Washington post
Date:February 3, 2006

College Park, Md.: Welcome, Simon. My mom and I were big fans of "The Guardian" and loved what you and the cast achieved with the series. I've also been following your work on the big screen and can't wait to see your latest film. What attracted you to this role? Also, how has the press tour been going for you so far? It's great to see you making the rounds. Cheers!

Simon Baker: The first thing that attracted me immediately was that I'd never been involved in a romantic comedy before. I liked the script. I thought it was nicely put together and a good point of view. A refreshing point of view.

It's pleasure and pain all wrapped up in one. (The tour) It's nice to get and have attention but after a while it's a little bit too much. I find myself trying to curl up in a ball in the corner and rejuvenate myself. But overall, this has been a pleasurable experience because I feel very proud to be a part of the movie.

Vienna, Va.: Hi Simon -- I was lucky enough to catch a preview of the movie in D.C., and I LOVED it!(you make the perfect boyfriend!)

Do you prefer doing films or TV -- and why?

Simon Baker: At this point I prefer working on films for the finite value of what it represents. You can pace yourself and focus more on hitting the different notes that need to be hit. Sometimes it does feel, the pace of it, the work feels a little slow compared to television but you have a clearer structured framework with film, the three-act structure. Whereas television is pretty much ongoing and you're just constantly weaving in and out of the storyline. But I do like the working pace of television. It's fast and furious and you have to think on your feet.

_______________________

Chicago, Ill.: There must be something in that water 'Down Under' because you Aussie/New Zealand actors are hot, and I'm not just talking about your talent. I first took notice of you in a little film with Adrien Brody called 'Restaurant' which also dealt with the issue of interracial dating. Although it was a drama and 'Something New' is a rom-com, do you think the films send similar messages about I/R relationships or are they at opposite ends? I can't wait to see 'Something New' this weekend.

Simon Baker: There's obviously thematic parallels, race and relationships, both films deal with it in completely different styles. I think my character in Something New is somewhat more a fish out of water, that is emotionally available to the individual that he's in love with. The issue of race is secondary.

_______________________

Falls Church, Va.: Hey Simon- have you ever dated outside of your race before?

Simon Baker: I've been married for 12 years, my memory only goes back five.

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Washington, D.C.: Hello! What do you think guys will think of this film? I know my girlfriend wants me to take her tonight!

Simon Baker: The journey that my character goes through in this film is a reflection of what every guy has to go through when first dating anymore. Every guy will identify with the scrutiny in which you come under by friends and family of your partner, your girlfriend partner. There's a wealth of humor in the fact that I'm a Caucasian and the acceptance of Kenya's (Sanaa Lathan) male friends is, from a male perspective, very entertaining.

In short, I think a lot of guys will identify.

_______________________

Burbank, Calif.: I am wondering how you broke into acting. With your talent, I would presume you were fortunate from the very beginning. Yet, have you always been able to concentrate just on acting, or did you have a period where you needed to work a job in another field? What was your break that allowed you to be a full-time actor?

Simon Baker: I have been very fortunate, from the start of my career. I've worked reasonably consistently and sometimes out of necessity to support my family. I started on a television show in Australia in '92 and have had some lean times but touch wood, I've always managed to pull through.

_______________________

Tulsa, Okla.: I can't wait to see "Something New" -- I've been waiting for something new from Mr. Baker since "The Guardian" went off the air with no resolution. Do you know what the writers would have done about Nick and Lulu? How about their baby?

Simon Baker: Thank you for being a committed fan and I appreciate that you enjoyed the show so much but unfortunately the last episode you saw was, in fact, the last script that I saw. As for the writers, it was the last one they wrote. I don't dare to even wonder where it would've gone but I can tell you I went home and hugged my wife and kids.

_______________________

Bethesda, Md.: Any fear that this movie would be viewed as a black movie and not a movie that happens to have a majority of black actors? And how hot is ms lathan in person?

Simon Baker: I had not even considered that it was a "black" movie. A love story that happens to focus on the head-heart struggle of an African American woman and a damn fine one at that.

_______________________

Fairfax, Va.: As a handsome, articulate "leading man" type, you obviously must get your fair share of offers. What do you look for in acting roles that help you make your decision? I thought you totally nailed your character in Ride With The Devil, by the way. I'd like to see more of these morally complex type of characters.

Simon Baker: I look for an emotional connection to the character and from a technical point of view I'm excited about playing a variety of different characters in different types of films. I'm always questioning whether the character is accessible to the audience and if I can find the truth in who that person is. I would like the opportunity to play more "morally complex types of characters" you mention. It's what I love.

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Chicago, Ill.: Being on the set everyday surrounded by beautiful, talented and sophisticated black women, did you learn 'anything new'?

Simon Baker: Yeah. I hate to sound like I'm stereotyping but I learned that the black women that I was hanging out with were a whole lot of fun. Big hearts and lots of love.

_______________________

Philadelphia, Pa.: 42.4% of African American women don't marry? So, how does Kenya McQueen attract a hunk like Bryan Kelly out of all that competition?

Simon Baker: First of all, you flatter me. The meeting was a happy accident. I think Byran felt there was something within Kenya that wasn't realized and he felt the urge to want to help her blossom into a happy fullness. At the time that they met they complemented each other with their emotional states.

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Washington, D.C.: Hi Simon -- congratulations! The reviews have been great for your film! I can't wait to see it!

What is your next project?

Simon Baker: The next film I have coming out is "The Devil Wears Prada," a story about a young girl's baptism into the fashion magazine world, starring Meryl Streep, Ann Hathaway, Stanley Tucci. I think it comes out in June.

_______________________

Simon Baker: I want to thank everyone for their interest in the film, "Something New," and I feel very proud that this film is being embraced by you all.

Simon Baker Talks About "Something New"

From:About - News & Issues, NY
Date:Feb 1 2006

Simon Baker on "Something New" and Why He's So Proud of This Particular Film

"Something New" - The Story: Simon Baker and Sanaa Lathan star in "Something New," an effective, intelligent romantic comedy which addresses interracial dating and overcoming stereotypes.

Simon Baker on Preparing to Take on “Something New:” “I did a little gardening stuff. I underwent a couple of projects around my house just to be outside. Funnily enough as well, what I had to do was get really tan, which is hilarious, and it was for a completely technical reason. We had hair and makeup tests, right? And I’m a white guy. In a movie with all black people, when you use a camera, they’re going to expose to all the black people. Black absorbs light, white reflects light. So if they expose the film to Sanaa [Lathan] and we’re in the frame together, they expose it to her, her skin’s darker than mine.

I literally look like a flashlight going off. So that we could both hold the frame and I wasn’t over-exposed and just burning like sort of a ghost, they had to darken me up.
They sent me to the tanning booth and then we did another camera test - and I was still too white. Beverly, my makeup artist, got this stuff called Jan Tanna and she would put it on me and I looked, literally, I looked like George Hamilton in real life. But then on camera, because everything is so pushed a couple of stops, it looked fine. But people would come to visit me at the set and they’d be like, ‘My god, man, what’s going on?’

Simon Baker Explains the Appeal of “Something New:” Baker said he’s very proud of being a part of “Something New.” “Well, it just opened up for me, growing up in Australia, so I’m not that knowledgeable about African American culture. The only influences I’d had was through music. I watched ‘Roots’ growing up as a kid. There’s African American characters on a few TV shows and stuff, but that was it. So I had no preconceived ideas either way about it.

I was very open with everyone at the beginning saying, “Okay, I don’t want to offend anyone. I don’t want to say the wrong thing about anything. Everything’s cool with me. Just sort of fill me in. If I step on someone’s toes, if I say the wrong thing, just school me and say, ‘You didn’t really mean to say that.’ But other than that it’s cool.’ And going into it, I’m like [feeling] heavy female energy on the set. …The producers, the director, the writer - all women, so there’s very strong, and the 42.4 % thing, the statistic is staggering [42.4% is reportedly the percentage of black women who have never been married]. The more you think about it you go, ‘Wow, that’s a lot.’ So I felt a little pressure as far as what I put on myself about the responsibility to African-American women to represent it in that way.

Personally, the movie’s about this: She’s in her head and she’s outside and she’s making judgments. A lot of us are always making judgments. We live in a time where the President of the United States likes to make judgments and call people evil. They’re these people [who] just categorize things all the time. And it’s like, ‘Hey, we’re just individuals and it’s you and me when it’s you and me. And it’s you and me and we’re just talking and we’re in that moment together.’ The first day of the hair and makeup test, I was in the makeup chair. R. Kelly’s coming out of the makeup trailer and it’s all black women in there and they all know each other and they’d all worked together. I’m thinking, ‘F**k.’ Suddenly I go out, here I’m going, ‘I’m the one honky going in there.’ I’m like, ‘Am I going to be accepted?’ And I have to retain the integrity of who I am. I can’t start playing like, ‘Hey, I’m down, I’m down.’ I’ve gotta be who I am because I think that’s equally pathetic. So I was really kind of a little nervous about that.

I was shy but by the fifth day or something, I’m dancing with everyone else and joining in, just completely relaxed and [felt] completely un-self-conscious because you get past that thing, this idea that you have in your head which is generally about fear. If I hadn’t overcome that fear… I think that fear is an important thing with a lot of people that don’t know enough about African American culture or haven’t been immersed in it in any way. They have a fear of going there not because they’re racist but because they’re afraid culturally, sometimes, to offend people. Afraid that they may overstep some boundary that they’re not completely aware of. Thus [they’re] sort of pulling back and not having the experience.

When I got to the end of the movie, I was really pretty emotional about the opportunity that I had that I got to experience firsthand. That I got to spend that much time with that many women and to hear their stories, and for them to talk to me and for them to put me… Like Alfre [Woodard] just grabbed me in the hallway right after coffee and she said, ‘This is opening conversations. This is really, really powerful stuff.’ That’s a high for me. That’s gravity. So I feel like that’s one of the best parts about being able to do something like this.”

Simon Baker Never Doubted His Decision to Play the Romantic Lead in “Something New:” “No, there was only self-doubt that I had in the sense of when I read it, I had a pretty clear idea of how I wanted to play the character. I wanted to play the character in a way where he was just literally like…I loved his honesty with her, his straightforwardness...and I wanted to make that just real, just straight up. Like, ‘What’s the story? What is with all the beige?’ And he’s questioning and challenging and wanting to know and interested. I wanted to make that just very cool and casual, and not like any sort of agenda like he’s trying to wind her up in any way.

My fear, I think, going into it when I first started rehearsals, because I didn’t really know Sanaa [Lathan], I don’t really know [director] Sanaa Hamri, I’ve met with them and auditioned but what do you gauge from that? I felt comfortable with Sanaa and that sort of helped us work together and develop chemistry on the screen

But I was nervous because I was thinking, ‘I just hope they don’t make this too broad. I don’t want to be a cliché.’ And I don’t want it to be cliché and I don’t want this to become too much like ghetto kind of or suddenly everyone becomes a cliché, because if there’s an honesty and truth to it, then it has the potential to break through into an area that, like Alfre said to me, opens up conversation.”

Simon Baker on What He Learned From Starring in “Something New:” “…I think I understand where racism stems from individually within people. I think there are some people that it’s just there, but I think a lot of it comes from pride as a sin, and lack of self-confidence in a lot of ways, which forces you to judge and be afraid. You understand what I mean? It’s like I believe that pride in yourself is very important. I think pride in your race is very important. But then there’s got to be something more and that is tolerance.

I think we live in a time, and I want to take this outside of African American culture, Caucasian culture. I’m talking about in our world now, because we’re going through so many issues related to, ‘Oh, they do things very differently to us. They have this and we judge that and they judge us.’ It’s like there’s a point where it all has to give and we all have to just open up a little bit and be a bit more accepting of each other and look at what the benefits of multi-culturalism are.

I just went back to Australia and I really do see Australia is a very multi-cultural society. We have the indigenous culture is there and there’s still that. I have friends, Aboriginals, one of them, [David], he’s a full blood Aboriginal, still lives in the bush. And he comes in and he acts and he travels all around in the dance troupe and is still very traditional. Then there’s a lot of Aboriginals that are integrated into our society, very well educated, et cetera. We have a lot of Italian immigrants that came over from the Second World War and the influence of that on our society is amazing. There’s coffee shops and the food and the restaurants and stuff all over the place.

…I get excited about learning about someone else’s culture. I spent Passover at a Jewish friend’s house, gefilte fish and all these rituals. I’m like, ‘This is cool because I’ve never been through it. I’ve never experienced it.’ That sort of attitude is going to help us a lot. My daughter’s obsessed with learning about different religions and different cultures. I’m not a religious person at all. I was raised a Catholic but I’m not a practicing Catholic, but my daughter has a thirst to understand different things and see different things. Hopefully future generations will be more like that, more accepting of that.”

From About - News & Issues, NY .