From Page Parkes Management:

Shining star: Page alum Shantel VanSanten takes off in Hollywood
Shantel VanSanten is one of those successful rare birds that we try to groom here at Page Parkes — wearing both hats as model and actress. Lucky for us, she’s succeeded at both and we have no doubt will skyrocket into the Hollywood A-list any day now. Catch her in her first big role opposite MISCHA BARTON in Roland Jaffe’s (The Killing Fields, The Mission) YOU AND I, which premieres in March 2009. She graciously took time out of her busy schedule to chat briefly with us about her love of Texas BBQ and her big screen kiss with Mischa!

FAVORITE MEMORIES OF WORKING FOR PAGE PARKES. HOW DID YOU GET YOUR START?
I started modeling when I was 15 years old and was blessed to have had such a successful career at such a young age. I worked for many local companies doing catalog work with clients like Foley’s, Academy, and Dillard’s. I also shot national campaigns, appeared on billboards, in newspapers and was featured in nationally syndicated magazines like Teen Vogue, Seventeen, etc. I attended Agent Review, which brought in agents from around the world, and this was where the acting world was first presented to me. I had always been in theatre and had a love for being on stage just never knew it was a reality. When I moved to Dallas to attend college, I enrolled in acting classes and realized it was my passion. I started auditioning for movies and pilots in LA through Page Parkes in Dallas. In 2005, I booked a show for NBC and Sports Illustrated. An agent in LA took notice and persuaded me and to make the move. In LA, I continued to model and shoot campaigns for Clean & Clear, Abercrombie & Fitch, Christian Audigier/ Ed Hardy, and more. This helped pay the bills and kept me in acting classes while I was auditioning. I have amazing representation in LA who work hard on getting me amazing auditions and help develop a career path which best suits me. They are an essential part of my career and I couldn’t have done it without everyone from Page Parkes in Houston/Dallas, and my manager and agent in LA.

WHAT DO YOU MISS ABOUT TEXAS?
I have been living in LA since 2006, but I try to come back as often as possible because it keeps me grounded. I miss Texas terribly — it’s where my family and heart lie. Plus a girl has to get some good Mexican food and BBQ sometimes!

HOW WAS FILMING “YOU AND I” AND WORKING WITH MISCHA BARTON?
This was my first leading role in a major motion picture. It was a dream come true and such a surreal moment in my life. To work with Roland Joffee, who is a world renowned director, was incredible and something many actors dream of. He changed my life and gave me a chance to shine because he believed in me. Also to live in Moscow for 4 months was an experience no vacation could ever allow you. Working with Mischa Barton was a pleasure. We both gained so much from working one another. As far as the content of the movie goes our characters ARE two girls who fall in love with each other and become romantically involved. They have their fair share of tests and trials but the movie is about choices and consequences and love. This movie makes a bold statement about homosexuality without apologies. When it comes to any kissing/ sex scenes…well it’s called acting for a reason! When you see the movie you will understand their relationship is based on love.

WHAT’S NEXT ON YOUR PLATE?
I just finished shooting an independent called “In My Pocket” which was directed by David Johnson and I co-stared with an amazing actor, Gregory Smith. I am so proud of the film and we will be submitting it to all the festivals including Sundance. Earlier this year I shot Final Destination 4 which I will be starring in. It will be released later on next year and in 3D. My co-stars were so much fun and the movie required us all to do so many stunts and have fun make-up effects. I know the next question is do I live??? Well you will all have to watch and find out. I am currently shooting a guest star episode for CSI- NY as well. This is what I live for…it’s a great adventure and I hope it’s only the beginning of a life long career for me. Thanks to everyone, especially my support system in Texas, who has ever believed in and supported me!