Paola Andino – Every Witch Way

Q) What can you tease is new this season with “Every Witch Way?”

A) In the second season, there is a lot more magic and even some new characters. Emma has to protect the magic realm and has to keep it a secret from everyone, but it is a little bit difficult because now a lot more of the students at Iridium High know about magic and witches. Plus, she’s dating a human boy! She’s not really supposed to be dating one and she thinks she has everything under control until this new boy comes to school. Not only is he a bad boy, but he’s also a rival. So, there is tension between Daniel and Emma, but luckily she has Andi there to help her because she still has to deal with Maddie, her frenemy. So, things get really interesting this school year.

Q) Was there anything you added to the role of Emma that may not have originally be scripted for you?

A) There are so many things that happen to my character, so many things that would make her stress out and panic. I just really, really made her panic. I bumped up the energy to it. So, then this season one of the writers wrote the line, “Panicking is my thing.” Also, the glitter is really, really her thing. That was written in, but I really liked it so I guess that’s also her thing. There are jokes as well with the fact she is obsessed with it.

Q) Since we get to see some wonderful comedic elements to this show, is that something that has come natural to you or something you studied?

A) With the comedy, it is written into it so it is pretty easy to make it flow. When we have a really high energy scene with the cast it is pretty easy to make it flow. It just flows naturally between us because of the chemistry we all have. Personally, I think it is something that just comes with the character. She has her own way when she says things and reacts to things. It comes pretty easily with her.

Q) Who can you tease will be guest starring this season?

A) There are four new characters. There is the bad boy, Jacks, that people already know of and then there are three others mentioned in the promo, but we don’t know who they are yet because Emma just refers to them as “strangers.” Those characters will be in the season a lot! I’m really excited for this season because the audience will know who they are, but Emma won’t.

Q) What has been your most memorable moment from filming the show?

A) There are so many memories that we all make together! One of my favorite memories would have to be filming the sleepover episode where we are all over at Maddie’s house and then the boys crash the party. Basically, the whole cast got to film together and it was a really high energy scene. There was a lot of crazy makeup involved, lots of screaming and the lights were dim. It was really fun to shoot!

Q) What is your favorite aspect of Emma to portray?

A) Besides the fact that Emma is a witch, I think my favorite aspect to portray is that she loves friendship so much and she is such an honest girl. So, for her, keeping magic a secret is really difficult and I think that I really love that about her. I know if I had powers and I had to keep it a secret, it would be really difficult for me to keep it to myself. I love that it is something that she really values is friendship. A lot of young people get to see what a real friendship is like and the qualities they should want. I think she portrays that really well.

Q) What makes Nickelodeon such a great fit for “Every Witch Way?”

A) I think the fact that Nickelodeon has helped this generation see more magic with witches. Kids this generation get to see more magic.

Q) Have you been enjoying the instant feedback from fans that being a part of social media has provided you?

A) I love the fans so much! They are so extremely supportive and they make really great drawings and cute collages. They are always speaking with us and interacting with the whole cast. It’s great to see they are so excited about the second season and know it is going to be even greater than the first. I’m just excited to see the final product!

Q) You were recently nominated for an Imagen Award. What does it mean to you and the cast?

A) I’m super proud of the entire cast for our nomination because the Imagen Foundation awards Latinos for their positive portrayals in the media and in all sorts of aspects. It makes me feel proud of my Puerto Rican roots because I was born in Puerto Rico, I’m Latina and I speak Spanish. I love that it recognizes those roots and people can know where I am from. It makes me feel I can be a good role model for other young, driven Latinas. I’m really excited for the entire cast!

Q) Is there anything else you would like to tease about the upcoming season and say to the fans?

A) Obviously, I would like to thank the fans for their support. I love them so, so much and I’m really thankful they have always been behind us and supported us every step of the way. So, I’m very excited for them to see this season. They’ll get to see some sides of Emma that they have never seen before. I’m not sure they’ll like some of the sides to her, but it’ll be a lot of fun. There will be some crazy magic going on and lots of spells.