Make-up is dissident. It claims control over identity. It rewrites...
Tanner Buchanan Chats with Director Mark Waters About His Early Start and Upcoming Projects
Read time 5 minutes
Photographer Drew Jarrett, Stylist Cece Liu.
Coming-of-age films hold a special place in our hearts, often becoming cultural touchstones that resonate with audiences for years to come.
Coming-of-age films hold a special place in our hearts, often becoming cultural touchstones that resonate with audiences for years to come. In 2004, Mean Girls, directed by Mark Waters, set the gold standard for the genre. With its witty script, memorable characters, and keen observations about high school dynamics, it became an instant classic. Fast forward to 2021, and Waters returned to the coming-of-age genre with a fresh take on another classic: She’s All That. This time, he flipped the original script to create He’s All That, a gender-swapped reimagining starring Tanner Buchanan.
Reinterpreting a beloved film is no easy task. For Waters, the key was to maintain the heart of the original while infusing it with a contemporary twist. He’s All That turned the story on its head, focusing on the transformation of a young man rather than a young woman. Buchanan was cast in the role, bringing his own charisma and charm to the character. The challenge was to balance nostalgia with a fresh perspective, something Waters was keenly aware of.
Shirt and trousers both by Prada.
The production of He’s All That took place during a time of significant change in the film industry due to the pandemic. Safety protocols, limited in-person interactions, and virtual meetings became the new norm. For Waters and Buchanan, this meant adjusting to a different way of working. Gone were the casual lunches and dinners where filmmakers could brainstorm and bond. Instead, they had to rely on Zoom calls and strict safety measures on set.
Casting during a pandemic presents unique challenges. Chemistry reads, which are crucial for finding the right on-screen dynamics, became virtual affairs. Buchanan recalls his first meeting with Waters over Zoom, where everything felt rushed. There was little time for casual conversation, and the chemistry read was quick and to the point. This expedited process made it difficult to establish a connection with other actors, something critical for a film that hinges on relationships.
Despite the limitations of virtual casting, Waters emphasizes the importance of chemistry reads. He recounts how, in the past, in-person chemistry reads allowed directors to see how actors interacted with each other. In the case of He’s All That, this process was truncated, adding pressure to get it right quickly. Waters acknowledges the challenge but insists that chemistry is key to a successful film.
Buchanan, despite his relative youth, has already made a name for himself in the industry. His role in Cobra Kai brought him significant attention, but he wants to be known for more than just his looks or charisma. He talks about his desire to take on diverse roles and avoid being typecast. His goal is to be a versatile actor, able to play a range of characters, from artsy outcasts to dramatic leads.
When discussing his career aspirations, Buchanan mentions actors like Sean Penn and Robert Pattinson as inspirations. He admires how they took risks in their careers, choosing challenging roles and working with top directors. Pattinson, in particular, transitioned from a teen heartthrob to a respected actor by choosing unconventional projects. Buchanan hopes to follow a similar path, focusing on honing his craft and taking on roles that push his boundaries.
“I want to make a name for myself and show that I can play a variety of roles, whether it’s the artsy outcast or something more dramatic. I hope I can reach a point where people want me because of my versatility.” – Tanner Buchanan
Waters is known for his collaborative approach to directing. He encourages input from actors and crew, believing that the best idea should win, regardless of where it comes from. Buchanan appreciates this openness, noting how it created a positive atmosphere on set. Waters’ willingness to listen to others and admit when he’s wrong fosters a sense of teamwork, something especially valuable during a time of uncertainty.
One of the unique aspects of filming He’s All That was the compressed schedule. With safety protocols in place, the production team aimed for shorter days to minimize risks. Waters recalls how his first film was shot in 23 days, and they managed to do the same with He’s All That, despite the added complexity of multiple locations and musical sequences. Buchanan found the experience refreshing, as it allowed for more time to rehearse and experiment with his performance.
Buchanan comes from a television background, where the pace is typically faster, and there’s less time for rehearsal. He notes how filming He’s All That felt like a luxury, with more opportunities to experiment and refine his performance. This shift from the rapid pace of TV to the slightly slower rhythm of film production gave him a chance to explore his character in more depth.
knitwear and jewellery both by SAINT LAURENT by ANTHONY VACCARELLO SS21
Both Waters and Buchanan share a common background—they are originally from the Midwest. This shared connection became a point of conversation during the production. Buchanan talks about his journey from Ohio to Los Angeles at a young age, following his passion for acting. Despite his parents having no background in the industry, they supported his dreams, allowing him to pursue his career in Hollywood.
Buchanan’s journey to Hollywood was not without its challenges. He recalls how he booked his first national commercials within the first six months of arriving in Los Angeles, which was a sign that he was on the right path. However, he also experienced periods of struggle, especially when transitioning from a child actor to a teen and then to an adult. These transitional phases are often difficult, but Buchanan remained determined to succeed.
Having supportive parents was crucial for Buchanan’s early success. Despite not understanding the entertainment industry, they encouraged him to pursue his passion. Buchanan acknowledges that not all aspiring actors have this level of support, which made a significant difference in his journey. Even during the difficult periods when he wasn’t booking roles, he never thought about giving up. His parents’ unwavering belief in him kept him motivated.
Shirt by Bottega Veneta.
Buchanan is his harshest critic. He talks about how he watches his performances multiple times, always looking for ways to improve. This self-critical approach helps him set new goals and work towards better performances. He believes that self-improvement is key to growth, even if it means being tough on himself. Waters encourages this mindset, emphasizing that it’s better to judge yourself than let others do it for you.
Despite his early success, Buchanan remains focused on his future ambitions. He wants to be known as a versatile actor who can take on a variety of roles. He talks about his desire to work with top directors and explore new genres. While he acknowledges that it’s a challenging industry, he believes that with hard work and dedication, he can achieve his goals. As he continues to build his career, Buchanan hopes to create a lasting impact in the film industry.
Text by
Adrian Hendrix
Posted
May 13, 2022
Text by
Adrian Hendrix
August 9, 2018
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In the dynamic world of music, fresh talents constantly emerge, captivating listeners with their unique voices and compelling stories. One such artist who has been making waves in recent years is Aime Simone
With a subtle pop sound and poignant lyrics, Aime Simone has captured the attention of music lovers worldwide, establishing himself as an emerging voice in the industry. Born with a passion for music, Aime Simone’s journey began at a young age. Growing up in a musically inclined family, he was exposed to a diverse range of genres and artists, which inspired his own musical aspirations. Drawing influences from soul, folk, and pop, Aime Simone developed a distinct sound that would later define his artistry.
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As Aime Simone’s career progressed, his musical style evolved, showcasing his versatility as an artist. He began experimenting with different sounds and production techniques, fusing elements of electronic music with his soulful foundation. This fusion created a captivating blend that set him apart from his contemporaries, allowing him to carve out a unique niche within the industry. One of the defining aspects of Aime Simone’s music is his ability to convey raw emotions and thought-provoking themes through his lyrics. Whether addressing personal experiences, societal issues, or matters of the heart, his songs resonate with authenticity and vulnerability. Aime Simone’s introspective approach to songwriting has garnered praise for his ability to connect with listeners on a deep and meaningful level.
Aime Simone’s talent extends beyond the recording studio, as he delivers captivating performances that leave a lasting impact on audiences. His live shows are known for their energy, intimacy, and connection with fans. Aime Simone’s ability to create an immersive experience, combined with his magnetic stage presence, solidifies his reputation as a captivating performer. With his star on the rise, Aime Simone shows no signs of slowing down. As he continues to refine his sound and expand his musical horizons, fans eagerly anticipate what lies ahead. Aime Simone’s dedication to his craft, coupled with his unwavering authenticity, positions him as an artist to watch in the years to come.
Aime Simone’s emergence as a compelling voice in the music industry is a testament to his talent, passion, and dedication. With his soulful sound, introspective lyrics, and magnetic stage presence, he has captivated audiences and garnered acclaim from music enthusiasts worldwide. As Aime Simone’s musical journey unfolds, we can expect him to leave an indelible mark on the industry, solidifying his status as an influential and beloved artist.
Kelly: What is something about yourself that most people would be surprised to learn?
Aime: People are usually surprised when they find out that I am French. I have lost a lot of my accent and I almost exclusively speak English at home, so if you don’t know me that might surprise you.
Or maybe I don’t drink alcohol, smoke, or take drugs. That would probably surprise a lot of people.
Kelly: Can you tell us about a project you are currently working on and
what do you hope to achieve with it?
Aime: Right now I am working on the live show. It’s a continual work in progress, but right now I am making adjustments based on what I learn from the festivals that I’m doing. Every show is an opportunity to improve. I want to have a show that feels amazing to perform and to experience. I want the energy to be effortless, powerful, and cathartic. I want the show to carry you, lift you, and release something in you. So I’m working on that.
Kelly: What would be your dream project or collaboration?
Aime: I would love to make an album in a special place, like a villa in a warm climate. I would like to have the experience of completely immersing in the creative work for a while, isolated from everything else. Gathering the right instruments, tools, and people to be around and bring the right energy. That would be a luxury.
Kelly: How do you navigate the intersection of your public persona and your private life, and what boundaries do you set?
Aime: I think I’m starting to reach the point where I do have to set some kind of boundary. Before I was making the effort to address everything on a personal level, respond to all the messages, etc. I knew at some point that would become difficult. I do feel guilty but it’s just not possible for it to stay the same. So I think I have become more picky about what I put my energy into. For example, some fans give me a lot, a lot of love and I know they truly connect to me and my music. For them, I will always be there. But more and more some people just want something from me, and they don’t make the effort to know me. They just see that I have some kind of spotlight on me sometimes so they try to get something from me. I have to cut myself off from that kind of energy, it is depressing and empty.
” I just have to believe my intuition. It’s very scary in the industry where everything is built to make you believe that you can’t do it your way, that you have to do things the “right” way or you will fail, be punished, or be abandoned.”
Courtesy of Aime Simone.
Kelly: If you could have any historical figure over for dinner, who would it be and what would you serve?
Aime: I would bring back Salvador Dalí and I would serve lobster.
Kelly: If you could only have one app on your phone, what would it be?
Aime: Probably WhatsApp. Or Instagram.
Kelly: How do you balance the pressure to be perfect with the need to take
risks and try new things?
Aime: That’s a real challenge. But I don’t think about it too much. I know that the answer is always in the action. You can’t try too hard to do anything. Just do the work, don’t be lazy. Do it well, take it as far as you can. And let go if it’s time. It’s something you learn over and over again. That’s just the work of an artist I think.
Kelly: What do you believe is the biggest challenge facing your industry today, and how do you think it can be addressed?
Aime: The lack of attention span. The sheer amount of content and high stimulation of everyday life today is not conducive to people connecting to music and artists. While the advantage of today might be the huge amount of exposure, what is lacking is the ability for people to take the time to understand the depth of an artist. I think people are more likely to feel superficially stimulated by a song and enjoy it for a very short amount of time before skipping to the next thing, rather than discovering an artist and diving into their universe. I think it is still something that humans need. So there is this lack of connection, deep connection to art. I think reaching the hearts of people is more difficult today. Everyone is too busy, overstimulated, or apathetic. I think it’s a greater question of where we are headed as a culture. We are still physical beings. We have to make our relationship with technology symbiotic, not destructive. I think there is still a balance to find that will be more healthy.
Kelly: How do you maintain authenticity and stay true to yourself in an industry that can often be superficial and image-driven?
Aime: Always bring it back to the music. That is the center of it all. The songs. The melodies, the lyrics. As long as those are true then I am not worried about losing myself, that keeps me grounded in authenticity.
Kelly: Can you describe a moment when you had to take a leap of faith and
pursue a new path or direction in your career?
Aime: I’ve had to quit working with some people. That is always scary because when you work with someone for a long time you are used to that and you feel comfortable in the familiarity. But sometimes you have to change things. So for me, those kinds of moments feel like a leap of faith, and I just have to believe my intuition. It’s very scary in the industry where everything is built to make you believe that you can’t do it your way, that you have to do things the “right” way or you will fail, be punished, or be abandoned.
Kelly: How do you stay motivated and inspired to continue to create and innovate in your work, despite challenges and obstacles?
Aime: It’s all there is to do in this life for me. I don’t think I could ever give up, what would I do?
The challenges and the obstacles are part of the experience. They make me strong. I think I chose this path because I wanted to grow. Sometimes I feel like giving up. But I think that feeling is towards very specific things- giving up on certain aspects of the industry, for example. I could imagine someday choosing a more underground path. I come from that, so it would feel less challenging I think. The industry is very uncomfortable, but at the same time, I like the competition with myself in this very harsh context.
Kelly: If you could go back in time and give yourself one piece of advice at the beginning of your career, what would it be?
Aime: It’s strange because anything I can think of that I would do differently today is exactly what led me to be here now. So it’s hard to answer.
Catch Aime Simone on tour
May 12th – The Great Escape – Brighton (UK)
June 4th – We Love Green – Paris (FR)
November 6th – La Cigale – Paris (FR)
November 27th – Circolo Magnolia – Milano (IT)
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