You might have seen Elizabeth Stanton on her travel show Elizabeth Stanton’s Great Big World where she has traveled from Vietnam to Nicaragua to Russia to explore other cultures, along with a few celebrity friends in tow.
Or, you might have seen her co-hosting the Hollywood Christmas Parade with her pal, Teen Beach Movie and Hairspray Live! star Garrett Clayton.
Now, she stars in the new Pop TV show called This Just In. Keep scrolling to catch our exclusive interview with Elizabeth, but first…here is a bit about the show:
“THIS JUST IN is a quirky comedy about a socially awkward girl, Liz, who arrives at a new school and falls quickly into a group of eclectic friends, each with their own issues. She’s been called ‘nerd’, ‘goody two-shoes’ and the ‘ultimate study-buddy,’ but she’s the new kid at Sunnybrook High School, and she’s ready to take on the world. Liz and her new friends find that they have a unique bond all centering around the school’s television channel. With an open heart and a positive attitude, Liz might just make a difference after all.”
“Co-stars of THIS JUST IN include: Jennifer Veal (Disney Channel’s “Descendants: Wicked World”), Rob Pinkston (Nickelodeon’s “Ned’s Declassified School Survival Guide”), Kristos Andrews (Daytime Emmy Award-winning “The Bay”), Bryant Wood (“America’s Next Top Model”), Montel Williams’ daughter Wyntergrace Williams, and more!”
Check out This Just In here: Website | Instagram | Trailer
And now, let’s meet Elizabeth!
Hi Elizabeth, nice to e-meet you! Before we start talking about your role on This Just In, tell us a little bit about yourself and how you got into show biz.
My mom hosted a travel show when I was young and my dad also worked in the industry. I was never really interested in show biz, nor did my parents want me to go into it, until I traveled to Africa. I wanted to bring a visual back to kids to show them what’s really going on in the world.
So I did a TV special called “Great Big World” and it got picked up. It was just a special and it wasn’t supposed to be a TV series, but it did so well. I did that since I was 13 and I’m now 21.
Thanks. Okay let’s get into your new role. First, what is “This Just In” about?
It’s a high school based series about a bunch of kids coming together that wouldn’t normally be friends, to work for the schools news system. My character is the nerdy, new kid in school and she ends up taking up the news team and flipping it around to make it something great. She’s just quirky and fun. I really relate to her.
Liz really wants to do everything right and make everything great. She likes everyone. I feel a lot of people can really relate to her. If you’ve ever been the new kid in school, it can feel awkward in many ways.
Tell us about your character, ‘Liz’.
The character was written for me by Rob Pinkston. He did one of the first episodes of “Great Big World.” I was always kind of weird and socially awkward in high school, with quirky mannerisms. Liz is so similar to how I was in high school. He based the character on me. She is an exaggerated version of myself.
What do you personally relate to most with your character?
Liz is really an exaggerated version of myself and this is my first real acting job. So it feels like two shows done in one. I get to bring out the hosting aspect of “Great Big World” into this show. Liz hosts the news network in “This Just In” which is a parallel to my hosting the travel show.
I am familiar with your mom as a host and as a producer. Are you following in her footsteps and involved in the production of “This Just In,” or are you strictly talent? If just talent, are you interested in producing some day?
I went to film school with the intent to become a producer or something along those lines, but I feel my heart is all about acting these days. My mom has been a huge influence on me and I feel so comfortable in front of camera because of my mom. She’s been my mentor.
Why do you think teens should watch “This Just In?”
I think there is so much a teen in high school can relate to in the show. There are so many messages that are positive like bullying, etc. A lot of kids have a hard time in high school.
I feel like Liz is kind of the guiding light of how to deal with their problems and face their fears. And not to be afraid to make new friends if you are the new kid. She makes it seem that everything is going to be OK. I had a hard time in high school and wish I had something to relate to in a show. It’s a good inspiration to be kind to others.
I feel my favorite thing about Liz is that she is never afraid to be herself. I feel a lot of kids try to be something they are not in order to fit in, and she’s always 100% herself no matter the consequences.
You also have a show called “Elizabeth Stanton’s Great Big World.” What’s the weirdest or funniest thing to happen while travelling for the show?
My cameraman James, who is one of my best friends, is constantly funny and amusing. When you travel to Third World countries you ‘re not supposed to drink the water and you need to be careful of food. He doesn’t abide by this. 30% of the time he gets sick, so now he’s become a guinea pig for us to know what to drink or eat. No matter where we are, he will always eat or drink anything.
You have to laugh as we’ve told him 5 million times not to do this. We’re going to India and we told him you can’t eat drink anything from the streets. Lets see if he listens.
Any scary moments?
It’s always thrilling when you go into a completely new place and culture where you don’t know anyone or anything. I love to travel and experience new cultures. I get stir crazy if I stay in one place too long.
“This Just In” is on Pop TV. For those unfamiliar with Pop TV, how can they get this channel?
I’m pretty sure if you go on the website you can check your local listings.
Hollywood has its share of negativity, from drug abuse to scandals among young performers. How do you plan to stay grounded and not get caught up all that drama?
I surround myself with great people and my parents have always been a great influence on me. I’ve seen what’s happened and it’s so easy to get caught up in that. I feel the consequences have over-ruled everything so I would steer clear of that and never get involved. Most of my friends aren’t even in show business. I’m really down to earth and my night out is usually at the movies.
I think the biggest thing for me when I got into this industry, is that I didn’t change my group of friends. I’ve kept my same group of friends that has been with me since day 1.
Who are your role models?
Definitely my parents. I try to follow in their footsteps and have a great relationship with them. I’m an only child. They’ve kept me grounded. What ever I do in life they’ve told me to always be kind.
Anything else you are working on?
I just started a new project that I can’t talk about too much, but it’s completely different from anything I’ve done before. I’m really excited to see where it goes.
Tell me something people would be surprised to know about you.
I feel like people are always surprised by how laid back and down to earth I am. I’ve traveled so much and I’ve done all kinds of crazy things, but when people get to know me, I always go with the flow. I don’t need to do crazy things to have fun. My fun is having friends over to watch movies. I’m happiest when I’m with the people I love literally doing nothing.
Where can all your new fans follow you? (social media)
My instagram and twitter is @lizmstanton
Can you please send a selfie of whatever it is you are doing now?
I’m on set in the wardrobe room.
