High school senior Margaret Tant got the opportunity of a lifetime to portray cross country runner Rebecca Shackelford on the big screen in the new film "Remember The Goal," which is scheduled for release on August 26. Visit the film's official site here, and read on to hear how Tant balanced 5:00 a.m. cross country practices with 12-hour shoots!
How did you become involved in the production of this film?
The director Dave Christiano was getting in touch with cross country coaches because he wanted people who could act and run. He contacted my coach, and my coach suggested me, so I tried out for it and got it.
Can you describe a typical day on the set?
Very long, hot days! They were about 12-hour days, normally start early--around seven--and go till the sun went down.
What is your background as an actress and as an athlete?
As an actress, I've always loved acting on film--I've done a couple local short films and been extras in professional films, but not ever a big role in a movie like this.
I've always loved sports. I've played most sports, but cross country is one I've done the longest and loved the most. I've been running for almost six years now, and have no plans to quit. Soccer is something I love playing and watching, too.
When and how did you first begin running?
My dad started running years back, so I started just going on short jogs--nothing serious, but I wanted to get good at it. I love committing to things and if I'm gonna do it, I want to be good at it, and put the effort in. A friend had told us about this team, and right away I joined. I wanted to get better, but didn't ever think I'd be as good or love it as much as I do now. And I've never left the team since.
Do you still run for a school team? Where do you go to school and what grade are you in?
I'm homeschooled and run for a homeschool track and cross country team. I'll be a senior this year.
What is unique about the story of Remember the Goal?
The movie presents five issues between the five main girls. They're all different, and they're all common issues in today's society. In the movie, we present these issues and give a more biblical solution. The coach plays a big role in these girls' lives by not just coaching them in running, but by giving them life advice and how to solve all these issues.
What role does athletics play in your own faith?
Honestly, I've never really thought of putting the two together, but since doing the movie, I have compared the two a little bit. I've been dealing with an injury from running, and it's been hard. You always go through ups and downs in sports--that's just how it is--but it's also the same way with life. It's gonna be a bumpy road, but there's a great prize at the end, and that's eternity with Jesus.
Director Dave Christiano said he made this movie with a focus on providing a good example for young women. As a high school student yourself, what lessons does the film impart, and why is it important for young women to see this film?
These issues presented are really common, and I think the reason people need to see this movie is because of the way the issues are addressed and how they're solved. It's a great movie, and people can relate to through these issues--whether it's running, or just being a teen! I think it communicates a good message that not just women, but everyone needs to hear.
Christiano said you were the only actress of the main five runners who actually competes for a cross country team. What was that like? How did you help the other actresses understand what it's like to run cross country?
It was really cool. I love running and acting, so putting the two together made it especially awesome. I think they got their understanding of it by running strides one after another in the 100-degree heat. They were all troopers, and a couple are still running, which is so cool to see!
Can you describe your training? Did you help the other actresses train to run? How did you fit in time to run during the hours of shooting?
The other girls got a little training schedule from the director. I was glad to give them a few tips and pointers, but they did a lot of it on their own. We filmed during cross country season, which was hard, but somehow I managed it. Our call time would be anywhere between 7-8 a.m., so I would get up at 5 a.m. to train before, and sometimes I got to train with my team that early, which was great, or when I got home late at night I would train. I did have to miss a few races and other things, but it was worth it.
What was your favorite moment of working on the film?
I loved everything about it--it was work, for sure, but it was fun. I liked shooting inside. It was a nice break from being outside in the heat. And we got a bus to film on, and one day, we just rode in the bus for hours listening to music, which was really fun.
What are your future running goals, for this cross country season and beyond?
Well, I'm currently injured, so right now, my goal is to heal and get back into shape. I kicked it pretty hard in training after track, and ended up stress-fracturing my shin. I'd love to go to college and run, though. We shall see!
What are your career aspirations and did this project influence that?
I have so many things I want to do and I haven't settled on one or maybe multiple things, not really sure. Definitely running or soccer and acting as the side, or if one doesn't work out the other--haven't gotten that far yet.
Do you have any funny stories from production? Running or non-running related?
Oh man, we have so many stories, and I'll refrain from telling most of them. Most of them consisted of us and the crew cracking jokes on set and writing rap songs. We did have a skunk one day decide to show up on set when we were filming at a park. Also, what we thought was funny was the movie is called "Remember the Goal," but there was this huge hole where we were running and literally three of us accidentally fell in it after telling everyone there is a hole, so we always said, "Remember the hole."
For one of the scenes, we were trying to be serious, and as soon as they said, "Action," one of the camera men sneezed quietly, and for some reason, we all lost it and couldn't stop laughing for a long time. And one last story: Our favorite outgoing chick, Sydney, who plays Heidi, fell quite a few times while filming. But one time, we were shooting a running scene on concrete and she totally wiped out--she tripped over the curb and like flew in the air. It seemed like it was slow motion, and she landed smack-dab on the ground. She was OK, but it was pretty hilarious, and we love her to death.