Lumi Pollack, a breakout star in Disney’s “Camp Rock 3,” says she learned the cello while treating filming like “summer camp”

Lumi Pollack, whose breakout performance in Disney’s “Camp Rock 3” has drawn attention ahead of the film’s release, said she approached the project by leaning into the day-to-day feel of the story rather than trying to replicate it from a distance. In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter published Aug. 14, Pollack described the experience as close to being surrounded by friends for a summer program, saying, “It kind of just felt like we were just making a movie with a bunch of our friends - like we were at summer camp.”

Pollack plays a musical prodigy in the movie, and she tied her preparation directly to that character choice. She said she spent significant time learning how to play the cello for the role, describing the work as part of getting the character’s instincts right on camera. The actress emphasized that the training was not only about producing the visuals associated with musicianship, but also about building confidence in the performance so it would look and feel natural in scenes that involve music-making.

The interview also referenced guidance Pollack said she received from Demi Lovato, a central figure in the “Camp Rock” franchise. According to Pollack’s remarks reported by The Hollywood Reporter, she looked to Lovato for advice during the process. Details of the advice were not characterized in the provided reporting, but Pollack framed it as practical input tied to performing within a musical story and handling the expectations that come with a legacy role.

Pollack’s comments arrive as Disney continues to build around the enduring popularity of its original music-driven entertainment. “Camp Rock” became known for combining character-driven storytelling with youth-focused musical numbers and a summer-camp setting, and the third film follows that structure in a new cast context. The Hollywood Reporter headline also indicates the film includes Jonas Brothers alongside Pollack, reinforcing that the project is being positioned as a multi-artist ensemble release rather than a standalone star vehicle.

In describing her on-set approach, Pollack returned to the theme of cohesion among cast members, portraying the production environment as intentionally communal. That matters for the viewer experience in musical projects, where pacing, chemistry, and synchronized performance cues can affect how audiences read ensemble scenes. Pollack’s “summer camp” comparison suggests she and the production team focused on replicating a shared, informal rhythm during shooting rather than treating the film strictly like a polished studio schedule.

Pollack’s preparation for a specific instrument also highlights a recurring pressure point for performers in music-centered films: even when actors are talented, roles that require on-camera musicianship often demand additional technical time. By tying the cello work to character portrayal, Pollack underscored that musical learning is treated as craft, not just decoration, in how the film is made.

The Hollywood Reporter interview did not provide additional background in the supplied excerpt on scheduling, training duration, or the methods used to teach the cello. As the film’s promotional cycle continues, additional interviews and press materials are likely to clarify the extent of Pollack’s musical training, how performance scenes were staged, and what viewers can expect from the movie’s musical sequences.

For fans of the franchise, the most immediate takeaways from Pollack’s comments are her emphasis on the production atmosphere and her stated reliance on legacy input. If her role requires sustained cello playing onscreen, audiences may look for how her preparation translates to performance authenticity, while those following franchise history may pay attention to how Lovato’s guidance influenced her approach to carrying forward a character type rooted in musical ability.