Calling root functions from a nested movieclip

1

So i’m having a tiny bit of trouble adjusting to as3. i cant seem to call functions written on the root timeline from any nested movie clips.

for example:

on frame1 of the root timeline i write a simple function:

function greet(){
trace(“hello”);
}

i then create a movie clip and put it on the stage. on its first frame i call the previous function like so:

root.greet()

but instead of getting traced “hello” i get this compile error:

[COLOR=#ff0000]1061: Call to a possibly undefined method changeActiveFrame through a reference with static type flash.display: DisplayObject.[/COLOR]

now, i somewhat understand whats going on, but i have no idea how to fix it. searching for this specific error yields a bunch of unrelated flex problems.

any help would be wonderful, thanks!