Bridgit Mendler is a pop artist in the modern Disney mold. A fresh-faced 19, she has a recurring role in one hit Disney Channel series ("Wizards of Waverly Place") and a lead in another ("Good Luck Charlie"). Naturally, she also has a record deal.
She's the lead voice in the Disney-distributed Studio Ghibli anime film "The Secret World of Arrietty." She also sings the film's signature song over the closing credits.
Q Were you a fan of anime [Japanese-style animation] before taking this latest job?
A Oh, for years. I loved "Spirited Away" and "Kiki's Delivery Service." Studio Ghibli makes the most beautiful films. They give things these gorgeous colors, and their films don't feel like they're exclusively for children. There's always a lot of adventure in their stories, and they have this unique imagination about them.
Q You're used to spending time in a recording studio. How is voice acting like singing on a recording?
A You don't have to dress as the character. You sort of wander in there and do your thing. Singing and voice acting are both all about using your imagination.
Q How did you end up doing the song for the closing credits, "Summertime"?
A I was working on an album when they offered me the chance to put a song in the movie. So I took them up on that and got one of my own songs into the film.
