Bruno Gunn Talks 'Catching Fire,' Fans & Fitness With Hollywood.com

One of our favorite Catching Fire tributes, Bruno Gunn, spoke with Hollywood.com about filming the movie, his relationship with fans, and the process of getting in shape to play District 2 tribute, Brutus.

First off, can you share a little about your experience filming The Hunger Games: Catching Fire? Did you feel a fellowship with your co-stars? Was there competition behind the scenes as well?

I made great memories, new friends, and together we got to travel around the country and make this amazing film. The only competition was on the dance floor and Josh Hutcherson by far had the best moves.

Tell us about your character Brutus. What did you do to prepare to get in the head space to play him?

As a former Victor in one of the richest districts (Two) in Panem, Brutus was afforded a privileged lifestyle. He’s a fierce warrior who was groomed for the Arena. I immediately related to Brutus’ fiery competitive nature. It was also important for me to create a personal back story for him and let that influence what was otherwise a very physical role.

Did you read any of the books before your audition? Do you think the movie will satisfy fans of the book?

Before I auditioned for the role? No. I only knew it was a phenomenon. I got the news I was cast as Brutus in between connecting flights to Italy. Nine hours on a plane with this life-changing news and I couldn’t share it with anyone. Let’s just say I threw myself a small celebration on the plane. I picked them up immediately and they were the best books I ever read. I was immediately immersed in the world. The fans will be very happy.

Obviously you are no stranger to the big screen, but how are you dealing with the fandom of Hunger Games? It is quite a phenomenon. How do you anticipate the release of the movie will impact you personally? Have you given any thought on how best to handle it?

They are well-read, intelligent and creative fans who have a passion for reading. They love Suzanne Collins and pore over every line of her story. It’s been a completely positive experience. It’s great hearing people tell me that they’re discovering some of my earlier work and am excited for them to see future projects.

How much, if any, physical training was involved in the making and preparing of The Hunger Games: Catching Fire?

A highlight of my experience on Catching Fire was the intense two months of training leading up to the film with the stunt team at Eighty-Seven Eleven. A lot of hours and preparation were put in learning martial arts, how to use a spear and choreographing fight scenes. The workouts were exhilarating and exhausting.

Speaking of training, your twitter has a very positive trend of motivation and training. How important is health and fitness to you? Can you share a bit on your philosophy on this and let us know what role health and/or fitness plays in your life?

I played a lot of different sports, so physical fitness has always been important to me. I teamed up with a great professional fitness coach in Los Angeles, Drew Logan. Although I’ve trained hard my whole life, the deciding factor was learning the importance of nutrition and the body working as a machine. Drew taught me the science of food, it all starts and ends with nutrition. You have to make smart food choices. It took me to a whole new level of performance. I maintain a physique we like to call “Home Base” by carefully managing my workouts and nutrition…so that I could gain or lose 5-10lbs if needed in a short time for any role, but oh, that’s not easy…‘cause I love chocolate éclairs.

Touching on social media: It has changed the fan/artist relationship. What is your personal approach to social media? Do you use it to share or interact?

Twitter, what a great platform to reach out and have a dialogue with someone on the other side of the world. I’ve met all kinds of incredible people through social media. It’s information and culture at our fingertips. I’m a huge fan.

Be sure to check out the rest of the article at Hollywood.com.

'Mockingjay' Filming in Thomaston, GA

The Upson Post has some great new shots of the Mockingjay location shoot at Martha Mills in Thomaston, GA on their Facebook page. It definitely looks like a battle scene in District 8 is being filmed. The Upson Post said that "impressive, dark smoke rose above the shooting location several different times throughout the day today... See more here

Coldplay's "Atlas" To Be Honored at Hollywood Film Awards

Coldplay's "Atlas," from the soundtrack for The Hunger Games: Catching Fire, will receive this year's Hollywood Song Award at the 17th annual Hollywood Film Awards. Lead singer Chris Martin will attend the ceremony on October 21st at the Beverly Hilton to collect the award, and to perform the song.

As if you needed reminding, the soundtrack for The Hunger Games: Catching Fire will be released on 19 November and the film will open worldwide on 22 November. You can download Atlas from iTunes by clicking here.

New HQ Behind-The-Scenes Effie Still in Allure Magazine

November Allure Magazine has a feature on how The Hunger Games wild hair and make-up looks are actually translating to real-life. And it just happens to include a great new behind-the-scenes pic of Elizabeth Banks getting prepped by both Linda Flowers (hair) and Ve Neill (make-up) on the Catching Fire set.

Amazing Fan Made 'Catching Fire' Title Sequence

To get you a little more amped up for The Hunger Games: Catching Fire (is that even possible?) check out this gorgeous fan-made Catching Fire title sequence by Utku Kurt. Utku is an art director and motion graphics designer and, as you'll see in the clip, quite talented. Have a look!

Connect with Utku at utkukurt.com

Josh Hutcherson & 'Catching Fire' Scans From Seventeen Magazine

Josh Hutcherson is Seventeen Magazine's November cover boy plus The Hunger Games: Catching Fire is featured in this issue, and we've got the HQ scans for you! Click thumbnails to enlarge. Make sure you go out and grab a copy of Seventeen on newsstands now!

Outtakes From Josh Hutcherson's November Seventeen Magazine Cover Shoot

Seventeen just gave us a little preview of what we'll be seeing (well, we've already kinda seen) in the November issue with Josh Hutcherson on the cover. Here are the outtakes from the cover shoot and some quotes from Josh!

All images by Cliff Watts Courtesy Seventeen Magazine

On who is funnier on set, himself or Jennifer Lawrence?

“We have this debate all the time—I think it’s me! This sounds mean, but its true, and Jennifer would agree. Her thing is being shocking, goofy, and silly—which is amazing, and it takes a talented person to do that. I like to be more clever and witty. But if you had to go on who gets more laughs, I’d say she’d be the winner.”

On whether he’s dated girls with the wrong intentions:

“Definitely. I was blind at first by looks, by love, whatever. I’ve been known to fall hard and quick for girls, which I think is better than not falling at all.”

On whether he's ever had his heart broken:

“I think getting broken up with is worse than breaking up with somebody… For me it hurts more when you're ready for something to keep going and the other person isn’t.”

On having girl friends: 

"I think the most important thing is being upfront about what the relationship is. If I just want to be friends with a girl, I'll establish that early on by talking about other girls, so she know that I’m not interested in her like that."

On making a relationship work:

"I’m good at fighting. Not that I like to fight, but when there's a disagreement, I’m good at finding a solution, or knowing when to just let it go and make up."

We'll have the rest of the feature as soon as it's up!

See this article at Seventeen.com

"Dress Your District" Contest on Sweety High

Sweety High has an inspired contest - dress up how you think people of your District would dress, submit a photo, and potentially win some awesome Catching Fire prizes!

From the site:

Tributes, get ready for a Hunger Games contest! In Sweety High‘s “Dress Your District” contest, we give you the chance to enter for  a chance to win amazing Hunger Games: Catching Fire prizes, just in time for the premiere of the film on November 22! 

Win a Catching Fire t-shirt and headbands, plus the Hunger Games: Catching Fire soundtrack, featuring Christina Aguilera, Lorde, Ellia Goulding and much more!

To enter, get creative! Which district would you be from if you lived in Panem? Take a photo wearing an outfit to suit your district and share it with us!

To enter to win, just…

1. Log into your account at Sweety High. If you don’t yet have an account, click here to create one!
2. Click the Contests tab at the top of the page and locate the “Dress Your District” contest
3. Upload your district outfit and push the big pink “Submit” button

That’s it, Sweetys! If you have any questions, just leave it in the comments and we’ll answer it as soon as we can. Good luck!