Photo by Amanda Elkins

J-Man and Jack-Man are just two of the nicknames this nine year old cutie has earned from his cast mates on The CW’s One Tree Hill. To his fans, he’s not only OTH’s Jamie Scott, he’s a sweet-heart named Jackson Brundage! (Between you and me, if you see him around, I think he’d be just fine hearing you shout “Hey J-Man” from across the way.)

Photo by Amanda Elkins

California vs. North Carolina

This little guy is quite the personality, and quite the traveler. Hopping back and forth between his home in California’s Santa Clarita Valley when he’s not shooting, and the set in Wilmington, NC, during the season, keeps him quite busy. “My parents are really supportive, my mom especially because she’s the one who goes back and forth to North Carolina with me.” Though he quickly answered, “California,” when asked which state he preferred, the reason is clear to anyone his age. “Here in California, it’s living the life, going to school, playing sports and hanging out with my friends. But, when I’m in North Carolina, its all work, work, work.”

“My favorite thing to do when I’m in North Carolina is to go out for a movie and pizza with the cast. Or, we’ll have Wii nights at someone’s house.” Wii’s Super Mario Brothers game is top on his list.

The Swear Jar!

Jackson’s college fund is growing as we speak, or shall I say, as his cast-mates speak! They have a little something on set called a “Swear Jar.” Anytime a member of the cast utters a no-no word, they have to put $20 in the jar! His biggest contributor? Chad Michael Murray!

Photo by Amanda Elkins

Auditioning for One Tree Hill

At his callback, Jackson met the director of OTH. “We got into a very tiny argument about pie! He asked me out of the blue, “do you like blueberry pie?” I said I don’t like pie, I like cake and I’m a chocolate guy.” Once I told him I was a chocolate guy, he said, “That’s my kid!”

J-Man learned to handle the pressure of auditions at an early age, booking his first gig in a short film as a pre-schooler. Then, at the young age of three, he became the voice of Pablo the Monkey for a new Disney series, “Einstein Pals.” He most recently shot an episode of Navy NCIS. His favorite part of the experience? “I liked that my character got to find the dead body.”

On the cast of One Tree Hill

You’d think it’d be difficult for a five year old to walk into a table read of a cast of adults that already know each other, but this little guy handled it with ease. He put his nerves aside, shook their hands, and introduced himself. He says being the only kid on the show gives the adult cast a chance to be a kid themselves again.

Photo by Amanda Elkins

A little piece of bonus info for ya’, he rocks on Guitar Hero and had a blast playing it, wigs and all, in a scene with his TV Dad, James Lafferty. Jackson speaks just as highly of his TV Mom, Bethany Joy Galeotti. “It is fun working with Joy because she’s always upbeat and playful, singing all of the time.”

On James Lucas Scott and Love

Jackson loves his character, describing Jamie as athletic, fun, and a guidance counselor for the adults. Now that OTH’s season 8 renewal is set, in his mind, there is only one thing missing, a love interest! And… he knows exactly who he wants it to be! Girls, watch out, there’s competition. Jackson says he has a cute, little, red haired girlfriend in California who would be perfect for the role!

On Directing

Being in front of the camera isn’t Jacksons only desire these days. His eyes lit up when asked about directing. “I think it’d be really cool to direct, to say ACTION, CUT! It’d be really cool to give direction, that’d be awesome!” Hey, Mark Schwahn, give the kid a shot, I bet he’s got an idea or two up his sleeve! Just ask him about that love interest he’d like to cast! Wink.

Photo by Amanda Elkins

A charitable heart

He first got involved with the Cured Foundation when 17-year-old Jori visited his set. She is the reason the Cured foundation was created. Her parents started the foundation when Jori was diagnosed with Eosinophilic Disease. Just recently, he and his father flew to Chicago to help Cured once again, this time raising even more money for Eosinophilic Disease than the first time around. To add to his list of kind acts, in February, he also did an autograph signing with the rest of OTH staff to help raise funds for the Wilmington Police Department’s Officer Down Memorial Wall project.

OTH Season 7 finale!

It’s just around the corner on Monday, May 17th. You know exactly what I’m talking about! All our little man, Jackson, could give us about the finale were two words… “Cold” and “Mushy.” Now I could read into that many ways, but I’ll let your mind do the wandering. If you can’t figure it out, you won’t have long to wait, so tune in to the CW!

For more information on Eosinophilic Disease, please visit Cured Foundation

James Maslow is stars as James Diamond on the show, “Big Time Rush.” Inspire was able to chat with Maslow on his new life and new role.

You’re in a brand new Nick show, what were your expectations of “Big Time Rush” when signing on?

In the beginning, the idea of having a TV show and a contract with Sony seemed quite appealing, but like all other auditions I tried not to get my hopes up. After over two years of auditioning though, I began to believe they would not put that much time, money, and effort into something they didn’t want to succeed greatly. Nick and Sony set expectations for the show and music very high, and I followed suit, but none of us could have predicted that it would do as well as it currently is! We’re all very grateful.

And you star as James Diamond – could you describe him to us?

James Diamond is a good-hearted, driven character that often puts too much emphasis on material objects, and straddles a fine line between confidence and cockiness. He is driven by fame, fashion and girls, but in his defense; aren’t we all motivated by the last one?

What has been one of the greatest episodes to film and why?

So far, “Big Time Love Song” has been my favorite to film. In that episode I had the pleasure of working with Lorenzo Llamas, which was great, [I] had my hands and face covered with prosthetic which was weird but fun, and [I] got to dance as a caveman…I think I have said enough.

What kind of message does it convey to its audiences?

Big Time Rush conveys a message of friendship and hard work. In the show, my three friends and I always end up needing each other at the end of the day,
even if my character wants everything to himself at times. We help our audience to believe that if you work hard enough and want it bad enough, you can do whatever you want! It’s a nice outlet for kids and adults alike to forget about the bad parts of their week and simply have fun.

You made your way into this industry after iCarly, is it weird being called the new “Zac Efron?” Is that a compliment?

iCarly was a blast and I definitely am grateful to that entire team for giving me the opportunity to work with them, and for treating me like family when I did. As for being called the new “Zac”, I think that’s pretty cool. He is an incredibly talented kid, and I’m flattered that some people believe I will have the same kind of success in this business. All the more encouragement to live up to that!

Of course, you’re a singer – when did you discover this talent?

The same place as everyone else… [in the] the shower! I always sang as a kid, but it was at the age of 6 when I began to train with the San Diego Children’s Choir that I realized this is what I really love to do.

Would you ever fly solo with your music?

Sure! I’ve been writing my own music for a while now, so if I get an opportunity to be able to play and sing once BTR is done or while taking a break, I would love to!

What musicians have influenced you?

Vocally I grew up studying Donny Hathaway, Marvin Gaye, Brian McKnight and many others. Jack Johnson, John Mayer and Maroon 5 were other artists that encouraged me to pick up a guitar and search for my own style.

What are your plans for this coming year? (In your career)

Well I film about 12 hours a day, 5 days a week for Big Time Rush, and spend most of the weekend recording, so that will be occupying a good chunk of my time! I do look forward to possibly doing a couple other things this summer if I get a break though.

What are some people that you’d like to work with? Or shows you’d like to work on?

I’ve always though that Justin Timberlake is one of the best performers of all time, so I would love to meet him, and to work with him would quite literally be unreal, and amazing. As for other shows, Entourage is my favorite and it’s been a dream of mine for many years now to get a guest spot on it! Feel free and put in a good word!

Movies you’re looking forward to watching…

I just heard that they are making “Mission Impossible 4”, so I look forward to seeing that. Also, the next “Iron Man”. I loved the first one. And if they ever do a “Zoolander 2”, I AM THERE!

Some things you must have to survive the day are…

Unfortunately, my phone. [It’s a] Blackberry for now, but that iPhone is looking mighty tempting. Otherwise, [I have] my wallet, Chap Stick usually, and my car. As much as I love to walk, I literally couldn’t live in LA without it.

An issue that needs to be addressed among young adults of this generation:

I am a huge advocate of exercise and eating healthy. Being healthy physically and emotionally go hand in hand, and quite literally make getting through your day more enjoyable.

Advice for being healthy physically and emotionally:

People need to realize that you can stay healthy by doing things you love like playing sports, or going on bike rides with friends. And as long as it’s consumed in moderation and along with other healthy foods, you can eat pretty much whatever you want too. Focusing on that, rather than strict diets and work out regiments (which most people quit after a short period of time) could help young adults lower their risk for many diseases like obesity and diabetes. Personally, I try and surf, play football, and climb a lot. Combined with mostly fruits and vegetables and of course a hamburger and fries once in a while, I stay pretty healthy and energetic!

Photo by Jay Heit

Starring in feature films like “Valentine’s Day,” “Bedtime Stories,” and the upcoming “Date Night,” isn’t enough for 9-year-old Jonathan Morgan Heit. This young actor recently directed his first short silent-film on the back lot of Universal Studios.

Being behind the camera for a change was “a little weird” for Heit, “but it was a fun experience.” Heit wanted to study directing to develop a better understanding of how movies are made. This would contribute to his career in later years.

His new short-film is called “It Happens” which is about a man who believes he will have a great day but results with the opposite. The film will be released in March of 2010.

Heit recently starred in “Valentine’s Day,” which is currently in theatres, among many other famous faces. It was a “truly amazing” experience with having the opportunity to work with director Garry Marshall. Heit stars as Franklin who is “a class clown [that] is basically a pain in the neck.”

This 9-year-old is also featured in numerous upcoming projects including Steve Carell and Tina Fey’s “Date Night” as their son, “Dinner for Schmucks,” and a Disney Playhouse series called “Jake and the Neverland Pirates.” Heit plans to shoot another short-film within a few months to pursue his career in both fields.

Photo by Michael Courtney

Starring as Lux on the new television show “Life Unexpected,” Britt Robertson is the new light of the CW. This soon to be 20-year-old chats with Inspire about her role and her new “Unexpected” life.

“The story is super compelling,” Robertson explains, “I always wanted to play someone as interesting as Lux.” The show revolves around a 16-year-old orphan who intentionally wanted emancipation from the orphanage, which leads her to find her biological parents Cate Cassidy (Shiri Appleby) and Nate Bazile (Kristoffer Polaha). Lux undergoes through several complications and attempts to adapt to her new life with parents she had always wanted.

Photo by Jack Rowand

Robertson’s character is a young teenager who is attempting to discover herself and fit in. Being an unwanted orphan for 16 years, Lux became “super independent.” Her character is now on a “journey” that she has never experienced, and success is the anticipation of the viewers.

“It’s a show with a great group of dynamic and well developed characters who have been thrown into extraordinary circumstances and it’s fun and interesting to watch them figure it all out.” The overall message of this new drama is that “families aren’t perfect but it takes love and hard work to figure it out.” Fans of “Gilmore Girls,” like said, would enjoy watching this show. It’s a matter of understanding life and knowing that it’s never an easy adventure.

Although the television family appears to be broken and unbroken onscreen, the cast is a “big family on and off set.” “I live with Shiri and Kris is a my big brother and protector,” said Robertson.

Robertson has been best known for roles in Steve Carell’s “Dan in Real Life” and “Swingtown.” With a great “launch of the show” for the New Year, Robertson just “can’t complain.” She is fueled by “patience and perseverance” in this business, and ready to take on more work in Los Angeles later this year.

Despite her filming days, Robertson is a grounded 19-year-old. “[I] get up [to] say hi to my dog Foster, go to work…come home. I know I am only 19, but I really like hanging out at home.” She is also obsessed with Mountain Dew, Foster, and Ben Folds. Has it been heard that we love this girl?

Catch “Life Unexpected” on Mondays at 9 PM for “lots more Drama and complicated love triangles.”

How did you get started with your Youtube show? What was your push?
I’ve always wanted to be an actor for as long as I can remember, so YouTube was just a way I could act and make up random characters for fun. I live in the Midwest so there isn’t many opportunities for aspiring actors.

What inspired you to act and direct? And what do you prefer?
My grandpa loved acting, my mom loved acting, and now so do I! I just guess the acting bug hit one person from every generation. And I love creating fictional characters and worlds, so that’s how I got into writing and directing. Acting is really fun because you get to throw yourself into a character that can sometimes be nothing like your real self. Directing is also fun because I’m sort of a control freak, so I can get everything just how I want it.

Were your friends and parents supportive of your decisions?
My parents were a little leery at first with me posting videos online, but they eventually let me. Good thing they did! And my friends are really supportive of every thing I do.

You have 7 other siblings, how was growing up like?
It’s always crazy and loud at our house, which I love! I can’t imagine growing up in a quiet, boring household.

What’s the story behind iCarly?
I was in an article in the Los Angeles Times, and the creator of iCarly saw it. He thought it’d be cool to have me on his show, so it all just kind of came together. It was a blast!

And you’re now filming a new movie! Can you tell us about it and who you play?
Filming the movie was been awesome! It’s a movie based on the character I created, Fred. It sort of about Fred going out into the real world, and desperately searching for his crush, Judy, who moved away. It has a lot of crazy moments. It was hilarious to film.

It’s the New Year! What do you wish to accomplish as a professional actor and just as a normal 16-year-old?
I have very high expectations for 2010! My first feature film comes out, so I can’t wait for all the Fred fans, and even people who don’t know what Fred is, to see it! As a regular teenager, I hope to just continue to live this crazy double life of juggling acting with school and friends.

You have to tell us about yourself! What are some of the things that interest you in school?
I’m involved in all the acting activities at my school, and I’m also in this mock trial thing. Law interests me, and you get to play really crazy witnesses, so it’s awesome!

And your latest obsession?
My latest obsession is twitter! It annoys me so much sometimes, but I can’t stop!

Celebrity crush…?
Definitely Megan Fox. And no, She’s not too old for me.

Who do you hope to meet and work with in the future?
My dream would be to get a chance to work with, or even just meet, Jim Carrey! He’s so funny.

Where can fans contact you?
They contact me on my twitter! My username is LucasCruikshank.

(Left) Madeline Carroll with Co-star Alina Foley

Waiting for a chance to work with a legendary star is like winning the lottery twice. Endowed with professional talent, 13-year-old Madeline Carroll starred opposite martial artist Jackie Chan in the new family film, “The Spy Next Door.”

Former CIA spy, Bob Ho (Chan), stars as a “nerdy pen salesman” who wishes to marry the mother of three children who have not yet indulged happily with the idea. On his mission to babysit the kids, one child accidentally downloads a file that contains a top-secret formula. Trouble brews as a Russian terrorist comes into play and Ho also has to deal with three underaged children who dislike him. Farren (Carroll) is “exceptionally hard on poor Bob.”

The kids “don’t want [their] mother to have anything to do with him,” explained Carroll. However, Ho “eventually wins [the kids] over” with his skills in fighting, cooperation, and a bit of culinary arts.

Chan is full of surprises as he shows the cast and crew his cooking when he “joined the chefs in the kitchen. His food was amazing!” This “international star” creates a storm of flavor on and off the screen and stirs up a lot of action in this new movie. Carroll describes the movie as “exciting, action packed, and funny” which can only leave readers with an itch to watch the movie in theatres.

Carroll who had starred in “Swing Vote” in 2008 and “Astro Boy” in 2009 is a busy teenager. Underrated for who she is, Carroll was just grateful “that Josh Stern took a chance on [her]. [She] wasn’t a ‘name’” yet. This young actress seized her opportunity and more projects rolled into her hands in the coming years. Carroll could only exclaim how “blessed” and “thankful” she is for all the work she has been able to do.

“Flipped” that also stars Carroll, will be doing justice to the book on screen later this year. Carroll “loved the script” and thought the idea was utterly “original” which good refreshment from other movies.

You can watch Carroll star as Farren in the new Chan movie in theatres today.