In October 2011, a number of journalists were invited to a short pre-screening of The Lorax in Santa Monica along with a group interview with producer Chris Meledandri. The full interview is available HERE but check out a short excerpt about Zac below!

Via Cinema Blend: It’s funny when you start casting, when you set out to cast kids, there’s a real challenge at that age. First of all, their voices are at risk of changing overnight, which can be a production problem. And then a lot of kids today, at that age group, are trained to be TV actors. So you listen to hundreds of kids and they all kind of sound the same. So Chris Renaud was very interested in thinking older to get just some more substance in the voice, some more acting in the voice. And Zac Efron has this boyish quality to him, and it came through, it’s not only who he is – he’s very boyish as a person and it comes through in his voice.

In other news, promotion of the movie is expected to begin next month and will include an appearance on Ellen alongside Taylor Swift (who plays Audrey) on February 21st. Keep checking the ZacE Sidebar for dates of upcoming events and appearances.

Finally, check out two new stills from the movie above and below – the first features Zac in the studio recording his part (ZA Tidbit: I love that you can see his character in the background!) and the second features Zac’s character Ted with his Mom and Grammy Norma! You can view both of the images full size by clicking above and below!

Liberal Arts premiered at the Sundance Film Festival earlier this week at the Eccles Theater in Utah. Both screenings of the film received a standing ovation at the end and there was also a Q&A with director Josh Radnor. Zac’s part had very positive reviews:

@SlashFilm – And Zac Efron had a small role in the movie and steals the show. I really hate myself for typing this tweet.

@Ethan_Anderton – Liberal Arts has hokey fortune cookie wisdom but in an irresistibly charming and entertaining package. Zac Efron steals the show.

Very excitingly, ScreenDaily is reporting:

The deal was poised to close on Wednesday evening for one of the most popular titles of the festival to date, a coming-of-age tale written and directed by Josh Radnor who also stars alongside Elizabeth Olsen. IFC plans a theatrical release in the top 20 markets later this year

Although Zac only plays a small role, it will be great to see him on screen again in 2012!

Via THR:

D Films has picked up The Paperboy, the upcoming film fromPrecious director Lee Daniels that stars Zac Efron, Nicole Kidman, Matthew McConaughey and John Cusack.

The indie distributor acquired the exclusive Canadian rights in all media to the drama about two brothers investigating a case involving a death row inmate from Millennium Films.

The Paperboy, which is slated for a release this year, is produced by Daniels, Nu Image, Inc./Millennium Films and Benaroya Pictures.

We are also hearing that director Lee Daniels is aiming for a November 2012 release for the movie nationwide – our fingers are firmly crossed!

Check out a new international poster for The Paperboy above (Thanks to Cine1) – click the image for a larger view! We’re getting so excited for this movie and can’t wait to find out when it will hit theaters (hopefully in 2012!).

Do you speak for the trees? Show us your Lorax ‘Stache with the Lorax App which is available on Apple and Android Phones now!

A first look at The Paperboy film poster has been released by Millenium Films (via Zac_E), along with a full movie synopsis:

“A directionless young man helps his reporter brother investigate the possible wrongful conviction of a man on death row, and in the process, falls for the woman whom the convict has been romancing through prison correspondence.”

The movie stars Zac alongside Matthew McConaughey, John Cusack and Nicole Kidman and is directed by Lee Daniels. The release date is currently unknown.

Zac’s new ensemble romantic comedy New Year’s Eve starring Michelle Pfeiffer, Robert DeNiro, Ashton Kutcher and many more stars, hits theaters worldwide TODAY! Tickets for screenings are available at Moviefone and Fandango, as well as at your local cinema.

The build-up of promotion to the movie has been fun, so if you’ve missed anything (or just want to see some of your favourite interviews again), click HERE to view them!

Did you go on Opening Day? Let us know inside your thoughts on the movie if you’ve seen it!  NOTE: Movie spoilers may be in the comments section.