‘Space Cadet’ Star Emma Roberts and Filmmaker Liz W. Garcia Reveal Their Top Tracks for Getting Motivated

SKYS THE LIMIT – WEBWIRE – Friday, July 5, 2024

When the going gets tough, the tough get going. Just askEmma Roberts, star of the new comedySpace Cadet. In the movie, streaming July 4 on Prime Video, Emma playsTiffany Rex Simpson, a woman determined to become an astronaut against all odds.

Rex has always dreamed of going to space, but life isnt unfolding quite as planned. Hoping to turn things around, she sets her sights on NASAs highly competitive astronaut training program. With a few embellishments courtesy of her best friend Nadine (Poppy Liu), her application is acceptedand thus begins the journey of the unlikeliest NASA recruit ever.

In over her head, Rex relies on quick wits and some serious moxie to get to the top of her class. One thing that helps spur motivation? Music. During a workout in the film, Rex turns to a playlist called Brains & Butts, both of which must be in tip-top shape in order for her to get through training without blowing her cover. Curated by Emma andSpace Cadetwriter, director, and executive producerLiz W. Garcia, the playlist features the ultimate collection of upbeat, inspiring music,fromBeyonctoOutkast. And just in time for the movies release, you can stream it onSpotify.

For the Recordsat down with Liz and Emma (who is also an executive producer on the film) to discuss their creative processes, the power of a good movie soundtrack, and what it means to shoot for the stars.

How does music play into your creative process?

Emma:Music absolutely helps me get into character. Rex is an outgoing, positive party girl who exudes confidence and kindness. Music that I think Rex would have loved really helped me channel my inner Florida girl.

Liz:Music plays such an important role when Im writing a movie. I often make a playlist that can act as my personal soundtrack and get me into the vibe when writing. At a certain point when the writing process feels tough, Ill often zero in on one song that has great pace. And like a maniac, Ill play it over and over just to push me through the end of the draft.

What was your approach to the playlist you created for Rex?

Emma:I thought about Rexs personality and motivations. The songs are a mix of karaoke bangers and deep cuts that represent Rexs journey to chase her dreams of being an astronaut.

Liz:The playlist is designed to make you feel how Rex feels when shes chasing her dreams at NASA. These are songs that put you in a motivated mindset, pull you out of a tough mood, and get you on your feet and moving.

If you could pick one anthem for Rex, what would it be?

Emma:Stronger byKelly Clarkson. Period.

How does theSpace Cadetsoundtrack help express some of the movies main themes?

Liz:Space Cadetis a fun movie about a fun, determined heroine. Often, days of writing dont feel so fun, and thats where the soundtrackthe songs I listened to and the ones provided by our music supervisor,Brienne Rosecame in. Music can completely change your mood and transport you, and in the process of creating, you need that vibe shift sometimes.

What three words would you use to describeSpace Cadet?

Emma:Fun, aspirational, moxie.

Space Cadetis a story about being true to yourself and following your dreams. Liz, how has your experience as a female filmmaker shaped your perspective on this?

I absolutely love being a writer and director, but as a woman, making that leap seemed crazy at times. Im here now, though, and Im doing what I love. The idea that there are talented people who dont pursue their dreams because they dont have support at home or in schoolor they havent seen people like them achieve something similarreally breaks my heart. I hate that privilege and chance play any role in who gets to realize their personal dreams.

Space Cadetis meant as an encouraging call to arms to audiences to bet on themselves and not turn their back on their dreams. Its also my fantasy about how the world should workthat the best candidate should win, regardless of pedigree or resume.

What are some of your favorite movie soundtracks of all time?

Emma:I know this seems so spot on, butLegally Blondejust totally encapsulates how that movie makes audiences feel (and I hopeSpace Cadetcan do the same!). Another fun favorite isPractical Magic. Has there ever been a better music cue than This Kiss byFaith Hill? And any movie with aStevie Nickssong is undeniably good.

Liz:Love & Basketballis pretty much perfect; that sexy, aching groove.RushmoreandThe Royal Tenenbaumsare both so eclectic and surprisingonlyWes Andersonwould haveThe Clashand theCharlie Brown Christmasscore on the same soundtrack. The score toThe Pianowill put you in the mood to sit down and write and feel emo any old day.Morphinedid the entireSpanking the Monkeysoundtrack, and that captivated me back in the late 90s when I was first falling in love with film.

When the going gets tough, the tough get going. Just askEmma Roberts, star of the new comedySpace Cadet. In the movie, streaming July 4 on Prime Video, Emma playsTiffany Rex Simpson, a woman determined to become an astronaut against all odds.

Rex has always dreamed of going to space, but life isnt unfolding quite as planned. Hoping to turn things around, she sets her sights on NASAs highly competitive astronaut training program. With a few embellishments courtesy of her best friend Nadine (Poppy Liu), her application is acceptedand thus begins the journey of the unlikeliest NASA recruit ever.

In over her head, Rex relies on quick wits and some serious moxie to get to the top of her class. One thing that helps spur motivation? Music. During a workout in the film, Rex turns to a playlist called Brains & Butts, both of which must be in tip-top shape in order for her to get through training without blowing her cover. Curated by Emma andSpace Cadetwriter, director, and executive producerLiz W. Garcia, the playlist features the ultimate collection of upbeat, inspiring music,fromBeyonctoOutkast. And just in time for the movies release, you can stream it onSpotify.

For the Recordsat down with Liz and Emma (who is also an executive producer on the film) to discuss their creative processes, the power of a good movie soundtrack, and what it means to shoot for the stars.

How does music play into your creative process?

Emma:Music absolutely helps me get into character. Rex is an outgoing, positive party girl who exudes confidence and kindness. Music that I think Rex would have loved really helped me channel my inner Florida girl.

Liz:Music plays such an important role when Im writing a movie. I often make a playlist that can act as my personal soundtrack and get me into the vibe when writing. At a certain point when the writing process feels tough, Ill often zero in on one song that has great pace. And like a maniac, Ill play it over and over just to push me through the end of the draft.

What was your approach to the playlist you created for Rex?

Emma:I thought about Rexs personality and motivations. The songs are a mix of karaoke bangers and deep cuts that represent Rexs journey to chase her dreams of being an astronaut.

Liz:The playlist is designed to make you feel how Rex feels when shes chasing her dreams at NASA. These are songs that put you in a motivated mindset, pull you out of a tough mood, and get you on your feet and moving.

If you could pick one anthem for Rex, what would it be?

Emma:Stronger byKelly Clarkson. Period.

How does theSpace Cadetsoundtrack help express some of the movies main themes?

Liz:Space Cadetis a fun movie about a fun, determined heroine. Often, days of writing dont feel so fun, and thats where the soundtrackthe songs I listened to and the ones provided by our music supervisor,Brienne Rosecame in. Music can completely change your mood and transport you, and in the process of creating, you need that vibe shift sometimes.

What three words would you use to describeSpace Cadet?

Emma:Fun, aspirational, moxie.

Space Cadetis a story about being true to yourself and following your dreams. Liz, how has your experience as a female filmmaker shaped your perspective on this?

I absolutely love being a writer and director, but as a woman, making that leap seemed crazy at times. Im here now, though, and Im doing what I love. The idea that there are talented people who dont pursue their dreams because they dont have support at home or in schoolor they havent seen people like them achieve something similarreally breaks my heart. I hate that privilege and chance play any role in who gets to realize their personal dreams.

Space Cadetis meant as an encouraging call to arms to audiences to bet on themselves and not turn their back on their dreams. Its also my fantasy about how the world should workthat the best candidate should win, regardless of pedigree or resume.

What are some of your favorite movie soundtracks of all time?

Emma:I know this seems so spot on, butLegally Blondejust totally encapsulates how that movie makes audiences feel (and I hopeSpace Cadetcan do the same!). Another fun favorite isPractical Magic. Has there ever been a better music cue than This Kiss byFaith Hill? And any movie with aStevie Nickssong is undeniably good.

Liz:Love & Basketballis pretty much perfect; that sexy, aching groove.RushmoreandThe Royal Tenenbaumsare both so eclectic and surprisingonlyWes Andersonwould haveThe Clashand theCharlie Brown Christmasscore on the same soundtrack. The score toThe Pianowill put you in the mood to sit down and write and feel emo any old day.Morphinedid the entireSpanking the Monkeysoundtrack, and that captivated me back in the late 90s when I was first falling in love with film.

Stream Emma and Lizs playlist to get pumped beforeSpace Cadetpremieres July 4 on Prime Video.

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