Kristina
It’s not every day that two high school classmates go on to achieve remarkable success in their respective fields and then collaborate decades later. Vanessa Carlton, the renowned singer-songwriter, and Julia Stiles, the celebrated actress and now director, share such a story. Recently, the two reunited professionally, with Carlton scoring the music for Stiles’ directorial debut, Wish You Were Here.
This collaboration is a testament to their enduring bond, which began over 30 years ago in a ninth-grade biology classroom. Speaking at the film’s screening in New York City on January 15, Carlton shared fond memories of their friendship and reflected on the paths their lives have taken since their teenage years.
A Friendship That Began in Ninth Grade
Vanessa Carlton and Julia Stiles first met as high school freshmen, sharing the same biology class. The connection between the two blossomed into a friendship that has spanned decades. Now in their forties, both women have achieved remarkable success in the entertainment industry.
Carlton, known for her iconic song “A Thousand Miles,” is a three-time Grammy nominee. Stiles, who gained fame through films like 10 Things I Hate About You and Save the Last Dance, has established herself as a talented actress and, more recently, as a director.
“I’ve known Julia since ninth grade biology class,” Carlton shared with a smile. “We’re just living our lives, looking for the next exciting thing to do.”
Collaboration on Wish You Were Here
Their latest collaboration came about when Stiles approached Carlton to score her debut film, Wish You Were Here. The movie, a romantic drama based on Renée Carlino’s best-selling 2017 novel, marks a significant milestone in Stiles’ career as she transitions into directing.
Despite their long history, Carlton revealed that she and her husband, musician John McCauley, had to audition for the opportunity. They read the script during the summer, crafted musical themes, and presented their ideas to the team.
“We threw our hat in the ring with our themes, and then we got the job,” Carlton said. She described the experience of scoring a film for the first time as “fabulous” and praised Stiles for her clear and thoughtful guidance throughout the process.
“Julia is such an amazing director,” Carlton added. “It was a real pleasure to set the mood musically for the film. She gave us wonderful guidance, which made the process so enjoyable.”
A Shared Journey Through Hollywood
Reflecting on their parallel journeys in the entertainment industry, Carlton spoke about the challenges and rewards of navigating careers in such a competitive field.
“It takes a lot of hard work and navigating tricky situations,” she said. “But friendships really matter. I think it’s a dream to see where we’ve both ended up.”
Carlton expressed admiration for Stiles’ accomplishments and the dedication she has shown in her career. “I can’t speak for her, but I think she should be really proud of the work she’s done and where she’s headed,” Carlton said.
The two women have been photographed together at various red-carpet events over the years, their enduring friendship evident in the way they support one another.
A New Chapter for Both Artists
For Carlton, scoring Wish You Were Here represents a new creative challenge. Known primarily for her work as a singer-songwriter, she embraced the opportunity to explore a different aspect of music. Collaborating with her husband and Dennis Ryan Engineering, Carlton brought her signature style to the film’s score, helping to set the tone for Stiles’ romantic drama.
For Stiles, the film marks her transition from actress to director. While she is best known for her roles in beloved films from the late 1990s and early 2000s, Wish You Were Here showcases her talents behind the camera. The project has allowed her to explore storytelling in a new way, and Carlton’s music plays an integral role in bringing her vision to life.
The Importance of Longstanding Bonds
The collaboration between Carlton and Stiles highlights the importance of enduring friendships, particularly in an industry that can often feel isolating. Their shared history adds a unique layer of depth to their professional partnership, and their mutual respect is evident in their words about each other.
Carlton emphasized the significance of maintaining strong connections over time. “Friendships really matter,” she said. “They help you stay grounded and give you strength when you need it.”
Stiles, though not present at the interview, has previously spoken about the value of mentorship and collaboration in her career. The support and encouragement she and Carlton have given each other over the years exemplify the power of strong relationships in helping individuals achieve their goals.
A Celebration of Creativity and Growth
The journey from ninth-grade biology class to Hollywood collaborations is a testament to the creative growth and resilience of both Vanessa Carlton and Julia Stiles. Their story is a reminder that even the most unexpected connections can lead to extraordinary opportunities.
As they continue to pursue their respective careers, Carlton and Stiles serve as examples of how talent, determination, and mutual support can lead to incredible achievements. Whether in front of the camera, behind the scenes, or in the recording studio, their work inspires audiences and highlights the enduring power of collaboration and friendship.
