Nolan Sotillo – Red Band Society

Q) Please tell us about the premise for the show “Red Band Society” and about your character Jordi Palacios.

A) “Red Band Society” is a show about a group of patients in the pediatric ward of the Ocean Park Hospital in Los Angeles. I play Jordi Palacios who is American born, but when his mom died (he never knew his dad) he went to live with his grandmother in Mexico. He is diagnosed with cancer and is very determined to get healthy. He does his own research and finds this world class doctor. So, he decides to make the trip to get the doctor to take him on as a patient.

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

A) When I read the script, it was incredible and I knew I wanted to be a part of this project. I knew that it could be something special. Also, Steven Spielberg is Executive Producing it. It gave it a stamp of approval and made you feel like this could be something great. That was enticing for this project.

Q) Was there anything you added to the role that wasn’t originally scripted for you?

A) In one of the callbacks I had, I ended up playing guitar. Jordi didn’t play guitar, but now he plays a little bit music. That was cool that they were able to incorporate a little bit of my music into the show.

Q) What kind of music will we be getting to hear from you on the show?

A) In the first episode I got to play a song that I wrote during a scene on the rooftop and in the second episode I play another song. I was really exciting that they were open to putting in my own songs. I’m probably going to be releasing them here in a couple weeks on iTunes. I’m hoping that people enjoy the show and are willing to check out my music as well.

Q) There is great chemistry amongst the teenagers on the show. Did it come naturally or did it take some time to develop?

A) Personally, I think the chemistry came naturally. We didn’t have any problems from the get-go. We really got along and we were thrown into this new city of Atlanta, where none of us were from, but we were there together and alone. There was no one else for us to interact with so we grew together the more time we spent together.

Q) Is there anyone you didn’t get to share many scenes with or would want to work more with in the future?

A) I have a couple scenes with Octavia (Spencer), but nothing big. Most of my big scenes are with the doctor and with Emma (Ciara Bravo). We are the two angles of the love triangle. I definitely want to be able to work with Octavia because she is so incredibly talented.

Q) What will we be getting to learn about Jordi and about his life outside of the hospital?

A) I think we’ll learn about Jordi’s past and his family in season one. For the most part, you learn his story and about his past.

Q) What have you taken away from your experiences working on the show?

A) The most important thing is to take it day by day because you never really know what your schedule is and it could change at any moment. I’m just trying to enjoy as much time as I have here because it is such a privilege to be a working actor on such a great show that has so much support from FOX, Steven Speilberg and the fans excited for the show before it even premieres. It’s amazing!

Q) You are a part of social media and the pilot was released ahead of the premiere. What kind of fan feedback have you been receiving?

A) For the most part it has been extremely positive. I haven’t heard anything negative about the show. It’s great because there is already “Team JEmma” and “Team CEmma,” which is amazing that there is already that much interest in the show prior to the premiere. I know there was a sneak peek that people got to see, but I’m excited for the nationwide premiere.

Q) Will you be doing any live tweeting during the episodes?

A) I believe we all will be live tweeting unless we are working. Otherwise, I’ll definitely be live tweeting. I’m excited!

Q) Is there anything else you would like to share with fans and tease about the upcoming “Red Band Society” season?

A) Watch “Red Band Society” because it is a story about teenagers going through trials and tribulations that everyone has to go through, but it just happens to take place in a hospital. It’s a funny show. It will make you laugh and it may make you cry, but at the end of the day that’s the way life is. It’s going to make you want to live life to the fullest!

Q) What would you like to say to your fans and supporters?

A) I’m hoping to put out a couple songs that I played in the first two episodes. I’m excited for everyone to see the show!