Raechelle Banno – V.C. Andrews’ All That Glitters

By starrymag | March 27, 2021

By: Jamie Steinberg

 

 

 

Q) Please tell us the premise for All That Glitters?

 

A) All That Glitters picks up shortly after we left off in Pearl In The Mist: Ruby has just given birth to Pearl in the Bayou and has Paul (Sam Duke) by her side to support her. He continues to ask for her hand in marriage. so he can fully provide for her and Pearl, to which she eventually accepts…with rules in place because of their family secret. Ruby tries her hardest to adjust to life with Paul in the Bayou, but news from her old life in New Orleans draws her thoughts to Gisselle (Karina Banno) and Beau (Ty Wood) and that he doesn’t yet know that Pearl exists. Before she knows it, she’s swept into a twisted plan in order to fight for both her and Pearl’s happiness.

 

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

 

A) One of the most intriguing things about the stories V.C. Andrews writes is that they are so complex and are full of twists and turns that span over their character’s lifetimes. The Ruby series provided me with so many opportunities to explore a really complicated life of a character – far more complicated than any other character I’ve played so far! It also didn’t hurt that I was able to do it alongside my twin sister, Karina.

 

Q) How was Ruby Landry originally described to you?

 

A) Ruby was described to me as “intelligent, quick-thinking, grounded, full of gumption and a talented artist; she’s also a kind person who nevertheless is no doormat.” They weren’t lying and it was a great introduction to her!

 

Q) Was there anything you added to the role that wasn’t in her initial breakdown?

 

A) After reading the books and working on the scripts, I came to realize that Ruby’s core drive is her sense of hope. Whether it’s hope for life with her newly discovered family, hope to find lasting love, or hope for a future that’s full of happiness for herself and her children – it’s her main source of inspiration. I thought that was a beautiful character trait. I tried to bring that into as much of her decision making as possible.

 

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

 

A) I did know one of them better than I’ve ever known any other costars before: my twin sister Karina! It was such a rewarding experience to be able to act opposite Karina and share such a memorable experience together. Other than Karina, everyone was new to me, which was such an exciting way to go into the project, without any preconceived ideas about them. Thankfully, they all ended up being fantastic performers and now, friends.

 

Q) Often times in Lifetime movies the setting plays a role. In what ways does it project itself in this movie?

 

A) The fascinating thing about the Ruby films is that they have two very different settings: the Bayou and New Orleans. While they are separated by class and culture, both are deeply a part of Ruby. Having been raised in the Bayou, she is grounded in herself, what she has and what she needs. When she travels to New Orleans, she is opened up to a world of money, glitz and glamour and watching her navigate both worlds and trying to make a home in a place vastly different from her upbringing is what keeps us on the edge of our seats the whole time.

 

Q) How close to the V.C. Andrews’ book does the storyline play?

 

A) I would say we stick quite close to the original storylines within the books. The minor changes we have made have been for the better, I think. Key characters have more of an inner-confidence and a sense of agency in the films that perhaps wasn’t present in the books. Of course, when adapting material to screen you are bound to lose characters, scenes or storylines, but what our team has put together has come from a place of respect for the original source material and with the loving fans in mind.

 

Q) What advice did director David Bercovici-Artieda offer that you took to heart while filming?

 

A) David is a true artist. He not only directed Pearl In The Mist, but he also was the Director of Photographer across all four films. His passion is the reason the films shine. His brilliance also lies in the fact that he wants to share his passion, not dominate the production with it, which provided a sense of true creative freedom. I think this was captured best with his catchphrase whenever we would ask if he needed us to stand in a certain spot to help his shot, he would say “the set is your stage, I just capture it.”

 

Q) What were some of your favorite moments from filming?

 

A) Ruby gets into some pretty sticky situations, which meant I was given so many opportunities to play some really high-stakes scenes, some involving stunts – something I hadn’t had much experience with before. I was pretty nervous, but we had an awesome stunt team who were so encouraging and collaborative. I was able to play Ruby beating up grown men, jumping out of windows, and giving birth in the middle of a hurricane. It’s very rare you get to do all that when playing one character!

 

Q) With such intense scenes, how did you shake off a long day of filming?

 

A) Rest! I would have a very quiet night at home with Karina (another joy of working together, we lived together, too). I would catch up with my family, have a bath and read before getting a good night sleep.

 

Q What do you think it is about All That Glitters that will make it a fast fan favorite Lifetime movie?

 

A) All That Glitters has so such much happening, right from the get-go. It has everything you’d expect in a classic V.C. Andrews story, all wrapped up in one film: forbidden love, danger, secrets, lies and the ultimate identity swap!

 

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

 

A) I hope these films are as entertaining and enjoyable as they were to film. They really are made for people such as yourself, who continue to support creative people making exciting new content. Your support does not go unnoticed, we couldn’t do it without you!