Rising star Nicole Elizabeth Berger discusses her role in All At Once

Nicole Elizabeth Berger chats with Hidden Remote about her latest role in All At Once, a family drama on the aftermath of 9/11.

Nicole Elizabeth Berger has been surrounded by entertainers throughout her life. It was natural for her to get into that world as she learned to play piano starting at 5, modeled and took acting classes after school.

In a short time, the work has paid off for Berger, who has acted in several films including All At Once, which was recently released to DVD and video-on-demand, including Amazon Prime, YouTube and iTunes. All At Once focuses on James Maxwell (played by Jon Abrahams) who accepts guardianship of two sisters and after their parents are killed in 9/11.

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One of the sisters, Grace, is by played by Berger. All At Once is a family drama that focuses on these three trying to find a new normal after a devastating change in their lives.

Hidden Remote had a chance to speak with Berger about her role in All At Once and what the 14-year-old has coming up.

Hidden Remote: What was the best part of working on All At Once?

Nicole Elizabeth Berger: The cast was remarkable. I had a chance to work with so many incredible actors – from Annie Potts and Erika Christensen to Stephen Henderson and Scott Caan – in addition to director, actor, Jonny Abrahams. Every one worked with me and was supportive and kind.

Being the youngest actor on the set puts a lot of pressure on the experienced actors. I was sure to be the best prepared as we went into shooting the movie. Each of these actors helped me do my best in the film and create a strong chemistry between us.

HR: How excited are you for the wider release of the movie? Do you have plans to celebrate it?

NEB: Of course, the wider release of All At Once is a really exciting time for all of us who worked on the movie. I have watched the movie many times on a screen in a home theater, but there is nothing like seeing it on the big screen. It draws you into the story, giving the movie-goer a chance to feel even more engaged. No matter what format, I’ve loved watching the movie with family and friends and hearing so much positive reporting on the film. It is wonderful to know that what we all worked on together has affected so many people. We celebrated the release on streaming and DVD this week.

HR: Given such a heavy subject (and an NYC native), how did you research for the role for All At Once?

I felt very well prepared for playing the role of Grace, because Jonny Abrahams, the director, and Mike Testone, the writer, worked with me for several weeks before we shot any scenes. They got to know me much better and helped me build a strong relationship with them so that I could approach the role with confidence. Jonny told me that the key to good acting is the chemistry between the actors. He wanted me to feel comfortable in my relationship on set with him, since he was my adopted father after my parents (played by Scott Caan and Mia Serafino) were killed in 9/11. Jonny took me for walks through Central Park and on trips on the NYC subways and buses just like a real father would do. I researched the circumstances of 9/11 so that I could relate better to the deaths that led to James (played by Jonny) taking over as my parents.

My mother knew Greg Manning, a musician and author, whose wife, Lauren, was badly burned in the fires that ensued during the World Trade Center attacks. I talked with my mother about his book, Love, Greg & Lauren: A Powerful True Story 2 of Courage, Hope and Survival, which painted an incredible story of their commitment to each other and its impact on her survival from severe burns in 9/11.

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HR: What can you tell us about Freeka Reeka Sheeka Deeka and the Big Battle in the Forest and your role in it?

NEB: Freeka Reeka is a fantasy-reality movie with a very emotional story overlaid on a beautiful fairytale that takes place in Snowdonia, Wales, UK – one of the most beautiful and coldest places I have ever visited. Most of the movie’s filming took place in Snowdonia National Park, a four-hour train ride from London. The story centers around and is portrayed by Mark Webber’s real-life 3-year old son, Bodhi, as he battles the complexities of an adult world with his father. I am cast as Esmeralda, a fairy who interacts with Webber, his wife, Teresa Palmer (Bodhi’s real-life mother) and Bodhi himself, along with a wonderful cast consisting of Eric Olsen, Sarah Wright Olsen, Anna Schafer, and Phoebe Tonkin.

Mark wrote the screenplay which includes many opportunities for improvisation – something that he encouraged me to utilize. This provided me with a great opportunity to extend my acting skills. The film is built as well around amazing characters, called Grumblers, who befriend the fairies and Bodhi. This is an exciting and fantasy-rich adventure.

HR: What made you want to get into acting?

NEB: As far back as I can remember, I loved going to the movies and Broadway shows. My mother was a professional violinist and had gone to LaGuardia High School of Music and Art and to the Manhattan School of Music. This brought me into contact with many musicians, singers and actors. I learned what it meant to be called “concertmaster” (my mother). I started going to Broadway shows with my parents roughly at the same time as I started playing piano. Now, I try to see as many shows, concerts and films as possible.

I started taking acting lessons after school once or twice a week for several years, and that opened the doors for me to take a chance at early auditions. My first movie, Goldberg PI with Jackie Mason and Davy Jones (of the Monkeys) was my initial introduction to a movie set. I had a small speaking role, which gave me a chance to become a member of SAG.

HR: What type of roles are you looking for?

NEB: I want to keep growing and taking on new challenges. In addition to acting, I love to sing. I am looking at the possibility of recording a few new songs at the crossroads of Pop and Broadway musical. Just an early idea.

I want to get better at everything I work on so that I am not limited in what I can audition for. I love live theater. I am very lucky to have the support of my manager and agents, who are always trying to help me find my next opportunity. I would like to be in a film that challenges me to reach new heights. I would also like to eventually land a role on Broadway so that I could use my acting and singing capabilities together.

At age 14, I don’t really fit into the child category any longer, and there are few roles available for my age range. I look forward to auditioning in the future. In the meantime, I try to see as many Broadway shows as possible. I’ve seen Dear Evan Hansen many times, and I was even lucky enough to see Ben Platt’s final performance. He is brilliant and so inspiring.

HR: What would be your dream role be?

NEB: My dream would be to play a role like Emma Stone does as Mia in La La Land. In the movie, Mia is an actress who falls in love with a jazz musician (Ryan Gosling). A role like this would let me combine my passion for singing and acting into a single character. I especially want to portray a character that requires using a broad range of performing skills and become totally immersed in the lives of the characters.

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HR: What is the some of the best advice you’ve been given about acting?

NEB: I believe the best advice I’ve been given about acting is to be patient and persistent. You have to follow your dreams if this is your passion. New roles are hard to come by, and auditioning is a slow and imprecise process. I have already experienced disappointment in not being cast in roles that I thought I would be perfect for. But, you never know what the director really is looking for and what the other cast members bring to the story. You just have to pick yourself up and look forward, not back, and do it because you love it. There is always room to keep improving and being even better prepared. I am devoted to growing as an actress and using every opportunity to move forward.

Check out All At Once available on Amazon Prime, YouTube and other outlets where you can rent videos on demand.

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