Tina Fey

 Exclusive: Auli'i Cravalho Unveils Tina Fey's Impactful Leadership Technique on the Set of Mean Girls: 'Everyone Takes Notice'

In an exclusive conversation with PEOPLE, Auli'i Cravalho, who plays Janis in the upcoming Mean Girls film, sheds light on Tina Fey's impressive leadership skills on set. The 23-year-old actress reveals that Fey, 53, ran a tight ship using a subtle yet effective "power move" during the production.

According to Cravalho, Tina Fey's method involves speaking softly on set, creating a magnetic effect that captures everyone's attention. "Tina Fey speaks really softly on set, which is actually a power move because everyone leans in and quiets down to listen to her," Cravalho explains. The actress finds this approach to be a "boss move" and expresses her admiration for witnessing women in positions of power.

Cravalho goes on to share her intention to incorporate this leadership tactic into her own repertoire. "I thought that was a boss move, and I will be taking that with me," she says, emphasizing the impact of seeing women exert influence behind the scenes.

Jaquel Spivey, who plays Janis' BFF Damian in the film, discloses that Fey encouraged the cast to "have fun" during the filming process. According to Spivey, Tina Fey advised them to be authentic, make the characters their own, and trust that they were chosen for a reason. This guidance from Fey contributed to an atmosphere of creativity and authenticity on set.

Avantika, who portrays Karen Shetty, adds her perspective on working with Tina Fey. She praises Fey's demeanor, work ethic, and kindness, considering her an admirable figure in the industry. Avantika expresses that Fey embodies the qualities of an incredible woman, serving as a role model for those aspiring to go beyond acting and become producers in the entertainment industry.

The Mean Girls musical movie, set to release almost 20 years after the original film, features a new cast, including Angourie Rice as Cady, Renée Rapp reprising her Broadway role as Regina, Avantika as Karen, and Bebe Wood as Gretchen. The film promises to capture the essence of the beloved classic while introducing a fresh perspective to a new generation of audiences.

As the cast embraces Tina Fey's leadership and guidance, the set of the Mean Girls film becomes a testament to the power of women in the industry, highlighting not only talent but also the influence of strong, supportive leadership. Fey's subtle yet impactful "power move" sets the tone for a successful and enjoyable production, leaving a lasting impression on those fortunate enough to work alongside her.