Gabrielle Christian – Breaking Ground

Q. What are some of the recent projects that you’ve been working on?

A. WINDFALL (NBC, TV series, recurring role, premiers summer 2006)

SOUTH OF PICO (Jersey Productions, Indie film, supporting role, filmed November 2005)

Q. As you mentioned, you recently starred in the movie South of Pico. What can you tell us about the premise for the film and about your character?

A. I was actually a supporting character in this film. I play a sixteen-year-old girl named Astrid, who happens to be one of the most popular girls in high school. The premise for the film is that a young girl is hit by a car and there are four people who witness the accident. The story then goes back to what has happened in each of the character’s lives before the accident occurs. I play the leading guy’s love interest. (Check out imdb.com for more info).

Q. What made you want to be a part of this project?

A. I chose to do this part because not only was it a stretch for me and what I usually play (typical girl-next-door), but also because I really enjoyed the script and the overall message the film delivers. It’s one of those films where you really learn something, similar to “South of Nowhere.” I very much enjoy being involved in a project that can really open people’s eyes to something that isn’t the typical everyday kinda norm.

Q. The show “South of Nowhere” just finished airing its last episode for the season. What do you hope will come in the second season?

A. Our writers on “South” are very in touch with the story and each individual character’s experiences. I think, and hope, that Season 2 will be more about how Spencer’s friends and family deal with her differences. However, I do put a lot of faith and trust in our writers! They are all so brilliant and fantastic!

Q. Do you have a most memorable moment from working on “South of Nowhere?”

A. I have so many memorable moments from working on “South” that I don’t think I can even put into words what each of them were and meant to me. The cast, the crew, the production team, they’re all so amazing and unique. We’re like a little family when we work! However, I’d say that the MOST memorable moment for me was when I found out I had finally been cast in the part. The role was something I had wanted from the first moment I looked at the breakdown, and I just knew in my heart that this was the path I wanted to take as an actress. It still overwhelms me that I have been blessed with such a unique role in today’s world of entertainment!

Q. Have you been surprised at how much attention the show has been getting, particularly online (forums, articles, recaps, etc.)?

A. Not surprised in the least bit. I think “South” deserves as much attention as the world is willing to give us! We have a great message to put forth, and I can only hope for even more attention.

Q. Has being involved with “South of Nowhere” made you more aware of the burdens some gay teens face in their everyday lives?

A.  Very much so. Not only has my journey with Spencer and her story made me realize these burdens, but also in researching the role have I learned many new things I had never even heard of before. For instance, ironically, there was an article in Time Magazine over this past summer that writes about how the number one cause of suicide among high school students is caused by struggles with homosexuality. I mean, there are people in this world who have no idea that this issue is so prevalent in today’s society among adolescence!

Q. Were you nervous about portraying a character who goes through such a dramatic change, both in her sexual preference and her views on life?

A. I was actually very excited to be taking on such a challenging role, especially at such a young age! It is very rare that you come across an opportunity like this in today’s film world, because really there’s a lot of foolish characters out there at my age range. However, it’s also very important to me that I am able to reach out to people as an actress and help them in the best way I possibly can. Sometimes I do get a little nervous in how people may respond to my take on the character. But I do try my very best!

Q. How does it feel to be the focus of one of the few shows on television pioneering the way to more open accepted gay storylines in popular shows?

A. For me, it’s truly an honor.

Q. What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?

A. Lately, I’ve very much enjoyed being outdoors. I love to hike, jog, ride horses, ski, and watch beautiful sunsets. My cousins have a ranch about an hour north of LA, so I find myself escaping as much as I possibly can. I also love driving my new car and listening to all sorts of music. Music is my soul, my serenity. Singing is also a great passion of mine.

Q. Do you have a latest obsession? Are you into any particular book, sport, music group or activity?

A. My latest obsession would have to be hiking and reading in the bathtub! Ha ha! Reading in the bath is actually one of my most favorite things to do lately. Chicken Soup for the Soul is my latest favorite catch.

Q. Now that it is 2006, what are you most looking forward to this year?

A. 2006 is going to be a great year! I am going to be traveling a lot this year! I already have a trip planned to visit my big sis in Japan for the next two weeks! And I am also hoping to take a road-trip up north with one of my best friend’s in the entire world. I also cannot wait to begin filming Season 2! It’s such an honor to be picked up again- thanks so much to our fans!

Q. What would you like to say to all of your fans and supporters?

A. Thanks so much y’all for watching “South of Nowhere!” And I really hope the show has reached out to you in any and every way possible. “South’s” main focus is to help people think outside the box, even if someone’s sexual, racial or social status may be somewhat different than the norm. It’s so cool to be different nowadays! And in acknowledging and accepting these differences, the world can be such a more beautiful place. Let’s all make a difference.