The Selma-area youngster had barely started classes at the John Robert Powers Acting School in Raleigh, and she'd just gotten an agent. Still, she managed to land the role of real-life scientist Temple Grandin as a child. Claire Danes plays Grandin as an adult.

Back in Johnston County now, Jenna, 10, and her family are eagerly awaiting the premiere of the film this weekend on HBO.

"It's a big deal for her," said Jenna's mom, Beth Lancaster Sitts. "The movie is going to be a big hit on HBO."

Jenna's promising acting career started when she was 7 and heard an ad on the radio for the Raleigh acting school. She was excited by the ad's promise that she could be the next Hannah Montana, so she asked her mom if she could audition for the school. Worried about the cost, Sitts was hesitant.

But Jenna's grandmother, Kathy Edwards of Selma, went to Raleigh and signed her up. The school recognized her talent, though Sitts said she wasn't surprised.

"She was singing and dancing at the age of 2 with my karaoke microphone," her mom said. "She's always been entertaining."

Though the movie's only now making it to the screen, most of the filming took place two years ago when Jenna was 8. The entire family moved out to Los Angeles for a year while the movie was filmed. To save money in the expensive city, the family stayed in one bedroom of an apartment shared by several aspiring show-business folks.

Despite their modest accomodations, Jenna got the full star treatment while on the set of "Temple Grandin." She had her own assistant to bring her meals and anything else she needed. She made friends with Danes and other famous actors, and even got to call the shots about her hairstyle.

Playing an autistic child was a challenge. She had to learn a lot about the condition and work with a stunt coordinator for some dramatic scenes, Sitts said.