Exclusive Video Interview: Best-Selling Chicago Author Veronica Roth on ‘The Divergent Series: Insurgent’

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CHICAGO – A year ago, we spoke with best-selling Chicago author Veronica Roth along with stars Shailene Woodley, Theo James and Ansel Elgort at the “Divergent” red-carpet premiere. Since then, the 2014 film has earned $288 million globally on an $85 million production budget. Veronica Roth’s books “Divergent,” “Insurgent” and “Allegiant” have now sold more than 31 million copies, and on March 20, 2015, “The Divergent Series: Insurgent” hits theatres everywhere.

This week, we sat down with Veronica Roth exclusively in a private room for a more in-depth, behind-the-scenes look into one of Hollywood’s hottest blockbusters today. We discuss why it’s so important to dig into Tris Prior’s past (Shailene Woodley) in order to propel the narrative forward, juggling Roth’s senior year at Northwestern University with writing “Divergent,” how to write for commercial success while balancing creative authenticity, “rocket fueling” the second film’s action sequences and sex appeal, why these stories couldn’t have taken place anywhere else but in Chicago and more. Enjoy our 16-minute video interview below!

Video interview by: Adam Fendelman, HollywoodChicago.com
Video filmed and edited by: Jeff Doles, 238 Studios

“The Divergent Series: Insurgent,” which opens on March 20, 2015 and is rated “PG-13,” stars an all-star cast including Shailene Woodley, Ansel Elgort, Theo James, Kate Winslet, Naomi Watts, Miles Teller, Jai Courtney, Zoë Kravitz, Maggie Q, Octavia Spencer, Ashley Judd, Mekhi Phifer and Ray Stevenson from director Robert Schwentke and writers Brian Duffield and Akiva Goldsman based on the novel by Veronica Roth.

“Divergent,” “Insurgent” and “Allegiant” author Veronica Roth in Chicago on March 13, 2015.
Photo credit: Adam Fendelman, HollywoodChicago.com

By ADAM FENDELMAN Publisher HollywoodChicago.com adam@hollywoodchicago.com