Everything Girl

Dainelle Savre may a young woman, but she’s is a seasoned entertainer.  You may know her as MTV’s Kaya. She’s a versatile woman whose hobbies include snowboarding, snow skiing, water skiing, wake boarding, soccer, para sailing, gymnastics, horseback riding, surfing, ice skating, baking cookies, dancing, and snorkeling.

You’ve been in the entertainment industry since you were seven years old. What was your first “job”? What was it like working as an actress as a child? How did you get started?

My first job was being signed on with Mattel for all Barbie ads, from boxes to commercials. It was amazing. It was like having a hobby. I was extremely energetic so it was a way to channel that energy at a young age. Also it was so much fun to share with all my friends all the Barbie toys they gave me! I really fell into it. I had a family friend that just keeping approach me about how she thought I should get into the business. And after a series of circumstances it all just fell into place. I just new I loved to take pictures and talking and the mixture of the two worked in my favor.

Just imagine playing with Barbie and Ken and the next thing you know you’re doing it in front of cameras.

Tell us about being the “Face of Barbie”.

It was a 7 year-old’s dream comes true. I loved Barbie!! Who doesn’t? Just imagine playing with Barbie and Ken and the next thing you know you’re doing it in front of cameras. And then you are in a store and your face is plastered on the newest Barbie box. You couldn’t wipe my smile off my face.

How did things change as you moved into your teens? Was it hard to be so “visible” during your years of puberty?

As I got older I just started to take it more seriously and had to deal more with girls at school that didn’t like me for whatever reason. I think it was hard is still hard to transition from a child to and adult with so many eyes watching you. Trying to have people view you as a lady instead of a girl is still a challenge sometimes. Other than that though, honestly, the hardest part was just have to make grown up decisions about what jobs to take and who to represent me and how I was going to manage getting ahead in school to graduate early while still have a normal teen life.

How did your childhood in the industry and your upbringing influence the kind of person you are today?

Definitely, it made me matures quickly. I had to start making decisions that would influence the rest of my life. That was never easy it still isn’t but at least I know more now then I did then. It also developed my business and social skills. I am still the same energetic, passionate, and ambitious person I was when was little. I just have more experience now. WOW. That sounds weird for me to say.

You’ve had your share of fun and serious roles. Tell us about your more memorable roles as you moved from “spokesperson” and into acting.

I love them all. I’ve grown with every role. I loved playing Callie in “Summerland.” We were just such a family and it was my first steady job that I got to test my acting chops. And I got to kiss Jesse McCartney! Then CSI and Kaya were I got to really get into the depth of my characters was such a challenge and rewarding experience. I mean in the middle there has been just fun roles like in Bring it on all or nothing. But every single project has left a lasting impression on me.

It is sad when you see films that do make women into these screaming crude idiots.

You’ve done some films in the horror genre. Do you feel that they objectify women?

Well, I will admit that they can.  It honestly depends on the film.  It’s why, I believe, I first approached Boogeyman 2 with skepticism. Then I read the script and saw what a strong character Laura was. I do think there is a common stereotype with horror films that is very present. It is sad when you see films that do make women into these screaming crude idiots. But that really falls on the person playing the role and whether or not they want to play such a character. I do hope that changes in the future.

You did a fabulous independent film, American Primitive. Tell us all about that role? Why is the film so important to you?

My character Madeline Goodhart is a conflicted teen dealing with the death of her mother, moving to a new town, and her father’s secrets. I was so attracted to the character and the movie because of the realism and passion in the script. It was a script that I couldn’t put down. It had me crying and laughing and just impatient to see read the conclusion. On top of it all is was so beautiful. To me it wasn’t like any film out at the time. It is about real people of all ages dealing with their own personal demons but without putting you to sleep. And I loved how the film was from a Madeline, a female teen’s point of view.

And about “Kaya”? Prior to that, did you have a desire for music or did it peek your interest?

I starting singing at the same time I started acting. I continued to sing in girl bands as I was acting but acting seemed to just take up more time. Kaya was really the best of both worlds. I really got the chance to combine all my passions in one project. It did though propel me to put more time into my music and focus on recording my solo album. So in that way, it did intrigue me enough to pursue it further.

We  hear you are working on your first album. Tell us more about it. What kind of music are you performing, who are you working with, etc.

I call it pop with edge. It catchy, danceable music but I have a slight edge to me that just gives the music its personality. It is an exciting venture writing and producing with such talented producers. I have gotten to work with Evan Taubenfield, Jack Elliot, and Thomas Hein among others. Music is such a collaborative and expressive experience. I love just sitting down and growing something from just a beat or a catchy line. And performing in front of an audience is like nothing else.

Fans will love you no matter what. And there is something to be said about that.

Do you feel you are sometimes too accessible to fans or not accessible enough?

I don’t think you can be too accessible. Your fans are everything alongside the work itself. I feel there are things in your life that should be kept private just for sanity reasons but when it comes to being out there to talk to fans I try to be as accessible as possible. I feel the fans have really supported me through some times when I really needed the support. And fans will always be there for you. Fans will love you no matter what. And there is something to be said about that.

How do you manage to have a personal life? Tells us about family, dating, pets – living in this age of so much information about celebrities.

It is scary and hard at times but it’s the career I chose and I have to give up a piece of my privacy as a result of that choice. I think the most important thing for me is that I live outside LA so I am not afraid of walking outside and immediately being on the alert. I have an amazing supportive family that is there for me 24/7. I have a sister that is my best friend! And I have a big dorky Labrador that is always happy to see me when I come home. Dating is usually put to the side because I have a thing were I can’t date people I work with and I never want to ruin male friendships by taking that route. Dating is really a catch 22. Also the acting business is a lot like being in high school all over again the second you are seen out with someone everyone knows and that is never fun; especially when you are try to start something with someone. I think there is a little to emphasis on the celebrities for the wrong reasons! I wish they would focus more on the work of the actor or actress then where they are eating or how they got drunk one night. But we all love drama so it’s understandable why we are all attracted to it.

It’s a typical Sunday. Walk us through your day…

* 630am-wake up and run -I know I am weird
* 9am-an amazing breakfast ( one of the only days in the week I get to cook myself breakfast)
* 10am-read scripts for the next week and wait for all of my friends to wake up. lol.
* 1pm-my friends are awake and depending on the season with either go to the beach or snowboarding or horseback riding. On a really good day will go to the spa.
* 8pm-usually sushi with my friends
* 10pm-a movie( either at one of our houses or at the theater)
* 12am-finally home. Get ready for Monday and get a good night sleep.
* I love Sundays!

Join us next month for Part Two of our interview with Danielle Savre.

Deb Smouse is the Editor in Chief at All Things Girl. Find out more about Deb on our About Page.

Share This Article »