Iris Almario – Flipped

By starrymag | April 29, 2020

By: Jamie Steinberg

 

 

Q) What are the recent projects that you are working on?

A) With the industry shut down, like many of us, I have had to switch gears. Recently I’m doing press interviews for “Flipped” at home and going back to the acting basics by working on monologues with master teachers on line. I don’t always have time to take several classes, so I’m really enjoying this.

 

Q) Please tell us the premise for “Flipped.”

A) “Flipped” is about Jan and Cricket Melfi (Will Forte & Kaitlin Olson) who set out to become TV’s next house-flipping couple. Without giving too much away, the Melfis find themselves renovating for the Mexican cartel.

 

Q) What made you want to be a part of the series?

A) It wasn’t about IF I wanted to be a part of the series. [laughs] As an actor I love to book work so I can play. “Flipped”came to me as a typical audition. My agent’s office sent an appointment email about a new comedy series. I thought it was interesting that a new streaming platform made specifically to play on phones was premiering soon and their programming would consist of episodes done in ten minutes or less. The cast list read like the “Who’s Who in Hollywood.” It was exciting to see. I confirmed the appointment, went to the casting office for the audition and later found out I booked it. I was excited.

 

Q) Were you familiar with any of your costars before working with them on this?

A) I had not met any of my co-stars before “Flipped,” but I did try to work with one of them in the past. I did a self-tape audition for Arturo Castro’s sketch comedy show “Alternativo” and submitted to the NY casting office. I never heard back, but as fate would have it we worked together on “Flipped.” Arturo was flattered and grateful when I told him.

 

Q) Quibi is a unique streaming platform with shortened episode times. Did you find there were any stark differences between how you prepared/filmed for “Flipped” over shows you’ve done in the past?

A) The only difference was we moved quicker because they’re shorter episodes. Other than that, it felt like it ran the same. Well, hold on, I have to mention the location was gorgeous! We shot at La Villa Contenta. It’s the Malibu mansion where Beyoncé, Jay Z, Madonna, Jamie Fox and millionaire moguls have stayed. So, THAT was different! My approach to the work was the same. Story is story. I still had to dive in and discover who Mrs. Ortega was. No shortcuts there.

 

Q) Did you enjoy filming with this format and does it work well for something like “Flipped?

A) I definitely enjoyed working on “Flipped.” The format worked. I want to say I thought I heard “Flipped” was shot like a movie and then split into chapters. I think you would have to speak to the creators Damon Jones and Steve Mallory about that, who by the way are super cool. A longer format would give the team more space to create, but I’m hearing a lot of positive feedback on the quick bites. I say, “If it ain’t broke don’t fix it.”

 

Q) What are you hoping fans will enjoy about your batch of episodes? 

A) I’m hoping fans will enjoy it. People have said “The show’s funny!” It’s wonderful to hear that. I’ve received lots of messages about my character and how funny and interesting Mrs. Ortega is. I’m humbled. My intention is never to try to be funny I really just do my best to stay in story and live in her shoes. I’m grateful viewers are tuning in and enjoying the series. The fact that they’re laughing and continuing on to watch the next chapter proves that storytelling in eight minutes work.

 

Q) What were some of your favorite scenes to film?

A) I loved working on “Flipped.” I enjoyed the whole process. Two scenes that stand out to me is the renovation reveal the Melfis did for the Ortegas and a scene where the cast gathered for a Quinceanera. There’s an exchange between Jan Melfi (Will Forte) and Rumualdo (Andy Garcia) that was so funny. I had to make sure I didn’t laugh.

 

Q) What do you think it is about “Flipped” that will make it a fast fan favorite?

A) I actually read today that “Flipped” is listed in the Top 3 shows to watch on Quibi! It’s so great to hear. I think people are responding to it because it’s a good show with lots of their favorite stars. I’m excited to be a part of it. It’s also quick and easy to watch on your phone. You don’t have to sit in front of your TV. You can move to another spot in your home and watch there. For many of us we carry our phones everywhere. I think it will be great to have quick and easy access to Quibi post-quarantine.

 

Q) You are a part of social media. What kind of fan feedback have you been receiving to episodes so far?

A) Thankfully, I’ve received wonderful feedback. People have sent messages on Instagram saying they enjoy the show. They’ll mention my scenes so I know they really are watching and many have asked me about a Season 2. I don’t have any information on that. Although it would be great! One person said they were pleasantly surprised at the production value. They weren’t sure if a shorter format would compromise that. I’m happy people are laughing especially with what’s going on in the world.

 

Q) What would you like to say to everyone who are fans and supporters of you and the work you do?

A) I want to say thank you! Thank you so much for cheering me on and supporting me. I’m humbled by the love people have sent my way. This is not an easy business. I’ve been in it for a long time. There are times when I’m working and times I am not. The generosity and kindness that anyone shares with me does not go unnoticed. I think that’s why I really try to answer messages and comments on my social media. Although it’s sometimes hard to do that because I have to work to, but I’m incredibly grateful. Through social media, mostly Instagram, although I’m trying to get better at Twitter. I’ve had the opportunity to meet a lot of wonderful people who genuinely are curious about my acting and the projects I work on. I’m touched I’m supported in this way and fascinated we can stay connected on social.