Emily Ting Interview: Tall Girl 2

screenrant.com:

Tall Girl 2 makes its Netflix debut on February 11, two and a half years after its predecessor sparked plenty of conversation and a record number of views. But any audiences who weren't sold on the story's views on body positivity can rest assured that the sequel deals with many other forms of teen anxiety and insecurities. Though Jodi (Ava Michelle, Dance Moms) has grown much more comfortable with her height, director Emily Ting gets to explore a whole new host of problems when her protagonist tries out for the school musical.

But she's also not the only teen in the film going through some growing pains. The film shines a spotlight on her classmates as well, especially her best friend Fareeda (Anjelika Washington, Moxie) as she confronts her parents over her passion for fashion. Jodi's ex-crush Stig (Luke Eisner, Timeline) must also deal with the fallout of his ill-fated bid for popularity, while she and her new boyfriend Dunk (Griffin Gluck, Locke & Key) hit a few of the stumbling blocks of any young relationship.

Related: Netflix's Tall Girl 2 Trailer Follows Ava Michelle In A School Musical

Ting spoke to Screen Rant about her approach to the sequel, and especially about how she handled the musical numbers as a newcomer to the genre.

Screen Rant: I felt like Tall Girl 2 had a different tone than the first one and was a fresh take on the story. Since this was your first time coming into the franchise, what is it that you wanted to bring to the film?

Emily Ting: I already adored the first film but, when I read the script for the second one, I found it to be even more emotionally resonant. Because I feel like, «Well, not everyone could relate to being tall. But everyone can relate to having self-doubt and having that