(Cover) - EN Showbiz - Hilary Swank and Sam Rockwell instantly hit it off on the set of their new movie because they are both acting nerds.

The pair met for the first time when they began working on Conviction, which tells the real-life story of Betty Anne Waters a working mother who studied for a law degree after her brother was wrongfully convicted of murder. Sam says he loved starring alongside Hilary because they have similar acting styles and are both fascinated by the filmmaking process. They enjoyed experimenting with their lines and shooting scenes from different angles.

Were both big acting nerds, Sam told MTV News. We have a no-rock-unturned kind of approach to acting.

Hilary has confessed she had been interested in working with Sam for many years and she is in awe of his acting talents. The stars met for the first time on the day they were also introduced to Betty Anne and they couldnt wait for the cameras to start rolling.

I've been a fan of Sam's forever, Hilary explained. You oftentimes meet other actors in the small circle of this business, but we never met before."

Sam was equally as gushing about Hilary, saying he likes many of the movies she has appeared in. "I've been a big fan of hers, too, and I was really eager to work with her. I was really excited, he added. (C) Cover Media