|
|
|
Maysville hails another star as 12-year-old makes movie
|
By KASEY DOYLE Staff Writer
|
In the wake of George Clooney's Oscar another lcoal boy enters the world of Hollywood.
Chancellor Miller, a12-year-old Maysville native is filming his first of three feature-length films. The son of Randy and Teena Sapp-Miller, is filming "The Three Investigators and the Secret of Skeleton Mountain" in Cape Town, South Africa. The movie is about three boys who investigate mysteries and solve crimes while getting into "loads of messes," Chancellor Miller said.
"My role as Jupiter is the leader of the three, and the brains behind the crime-solving team," Miller said.
The movie will be released in Germany before coming to the United States, he said.
He has been in South Africa since Feb. 1, and filming will end around May 8.
"I'm working every day," Miller said. "I have done some stunt training, had my hair dyed and cut for the film."
Miller, who moved with his family to Los Angeles, Calif. in 2003, said he began auditioning for the film in April, 2005, and was cast for the role in December.
The other two films in the series are "Terror Castle," which will be filmed in South Africa and Berlin, and "The Silver Spider," which will be filmed in eastern Europe.
Miller has appeared in 25 national commercials and several television shows such as, "That '70s Show," "Grounded for Life," "E.R.." "Las Vegas," "That's So Raven," "Bernie Mac," "Malcolm in the Middle" and "Monk." He also does the voice of Finley in "Finley the Fire Engine."
Miller is a member of the JammX Kids. The group includes nine multicultural kids, between the ages of 9 and 17, who promote a healthier, more active lifestyle by educating kids about building strong bodies and positive mental attitudes with a well-balanced diet and a regular exercise program, according to the JammX Kids Web site.
The JammX Kids special was broadcast on the WB at 7 p.m. Sunday, and a JammX Kids special will be released on DVD Tuesday in Wal-Mart stores.
Miller said the group is also involved in the national D.A.R.E. program.
"We do events in the schools and bring awareness about the drug problem facing all school kids. The kids listen to us because we're hip-hop dancers and singers, and they look at us as being cool," Chancellor Miller said. "Our hip-hop song lyrics are clean and parent-friendly, so we do send out a positive message to other kids, and we have so much fun doing it."
The JammX Kids songs are produced by Randy Jackson, who is a judge on the hit reality show "American Idol."
One of the most exciting aspects of Miller's acting career is traveling and experiencing other cultures, he said.
"I have gone on a safari. It was a blast," Miller said. "I did some canoeing on the river in Cedarburg, about four hours drive from Cape Town. (It is) very hot, over 100 degrees in the desert while filming the cave scenes. The baboons roam around on the roads and in the hills a lot. We went to the Cape of Good Hope and saw the African penguins. I even picked one up."
He also said his set teacher is planning a field trip to Robben Island where Nelson Mandela was held in prison, and he plans to climb Table Mountain before he leaves South Africa.
His mother said traveling has been a hard adjustment for her.
"Four years ago, you couldn't even get me on a plane," Teena Sapp-Miller said. "I had no choice. Chancellor's career depended on my getting over that phobia. I still, at times, hold his hand a little too tight."
Another exciting part of Miller's career is working with famous entertainers and actors.
Miller has worked with Shaquille O'Neal, Randy Jackson and Paula Abdul.
"Shaq is awesome. I'm a huge NBA fan and worked with him for our (JammX Kids) specials. He was fun to dance with," Miller said.
The most important thing Miller has learned from acting is "to be yourself and try not to let this go to your head," he said.
"A lot of kids here don't know how to still be a kid and have fun," Miller said. "Enjoy it while it lasts because there is always someone that can replace you."
Sapp-Miller said part of her job is to keep her son grounded.
"The easiest aspect of this whole experience has been keeping Chancellor real and making sure that he doesn't get a big head, which has never been a problem," Sapp-Miller said. "He is still the same boy that left Maysville for Hollywood, reaching for a dream. Even though he has seen success, if you talk to him and ask him what he has been up to, he will reply 'Well, nothing really.' That's my boy."
Sapp-Miller said she hopes her son always keeps a humble attitude.
"I once told him, and still remind him, when he has had an exhausting day, 'If you ever feel that this is no longer fun, or if you lose your drive to continue, just say so and you can go a different direction,'" Sapp-Miller said. "There has never been any pressure on him to be in this field of work. It is all his dream."
For more information about Chancellor Miller visit www.jammxkids.com.
Miller said he can be reached by e-mail at Sappmiller3@aol.com
Contact Kasey Doyle at kasey.doyle@lee.net or call 606-564-9091, ext. 276. |
|
|
Reader Comments
Comments are limited to 200 words or less.
Add your own comments:
|
Copyright © 2008 Maysville Newspapers, Inc., A Lee Enterprises Publication
This site is protected by applicable copyright laws and no part may be reproduced, transmitted or used in any way other than its intended purpose without the prior written permission of The Ledger Independent. Click here to view The Ledger Independent's privacy policy. |
|
|
Jobs
Homes
Cars