Rita Volk – Faking It

Q) Do you think there is a lot of pressure knowing so many LGBT youths look up to you and Amy as a role model, and were you happy to take this on?

A) There definitely was a pressure at first because you never know how people are going to react to something, especially a concept like this. But once the show unfolfed I think people started to see that it was coming from a relatable and heartfelt place and we somehow over just eight weeks got this amazing fandom. This group of young fans who are going through their own self-discovery and are so devoted to these characters because they see them as this outlet. So, yes, knowing that my character is beloved and is put on a certain plane – I don’t want to screw this up. That scares me to think I can do that because, given the concept, we have such a vulnerable fanbase that needs to be protected. There is definitely the pressure on all of us to be a good influence, to give these kids a resource in whatever way. But at the same time, seeing the reception so far and getting a chance to talk to some of these fans, you realize they’re so invested in this story and they’re so loyal. So, it’s not as scary or overwhelming as it seemed in the beginning. As long as you have good intentions behind what you are doing, that pressure sort of wears off. I feel like I’m literally part of this new group now, all of those LGBT kids who have essentially invited me in and I couldn’t be more honored about it.

Q) Were you nervous at all about fans reaction to the finale and what was your own when you read the script?

A) Well, I think we all pretty much expected that people were going to freak out. And for good reason. Amy made a huge mistake. When I read it, I was like, “What the hell are you doing?!” And I’m the character, I’m supposed to know this girl. But when you start analyzing it, you realize that she was drunk, pissed off and she is in high school. That’s not a recipe for good decisions. I get it though. As a viewer myself of my favorite shows, I’m the one sitting in front of the TV going like, “They did what?!” Because we all got invested in these shows and characters and we feel like we know what should happen. But the reality is that people are stupid and we all screw up. Nothing would be interesting  if we didn’t. So, at that point, you have to trust that the writers know what they are doing and that no matter how much the characters screw up it serves a greater end. And we have some amazing writers. I just really hope the fans that may have been offended by it know that there are individual reasons that drive these characters and these reasons will become more clear as the story goes.

Q) Does Amy remind you of yourself in any ways?

A) Yes, she definitely does. I relate to her in so many ways, it’s kind of eerie. Katie (Stevens) and I always talk about how oddly perfect the casting turned out because we relate to our characters so much. I don’t have a lot of friends, but the friends I do have are genuine. I grew up very insulated and I think being from an immigrant background had a lot to do with it. It’s you and yours against the world and you keep those people close. So, I never understood having fifty “friends” at any given time. I just didn’t grow up that way. But  I think that gives you a better perspective on what is real and what is important. It is easier to filter out the stuff that doesn’t mater. And I think this mindset kind of drives Amy. She is loyal to the friends she does have and she has this foresight to realize that a lot of the things her peers care about isn’t going to matter in four years. A lot of it is BS and we put too much pressure on ourselves to be cool, be social or be whatever we think we have to be. What I love about Amy is that she realizes the importance of having real friends and she doesn’t give a shit what other people think about her. I definitely wish I had more of her sense of self when I was sixteen.

Q) How do you think Amy will process her decision at the end of the finale?

A) I think she will regret it. Big time. She’ll be distraught over it. I’m going to want to give her a big hug. For like five hours.

Q) What consequences do you think Amy’s decision will have on Amy’s conception of her sexuality and identity?

A) Amy isn’t going to wake up wondering if she likes boys. Boy or girl, it makes sense to me why Amy slept with Liam (Greg Sulkin). They connect through their mutual love, and then hate, for Karma. At first, it seems that Amy and Liam belong on the opposite poles of the universe because they represent totally different things, but in the last few episodes it is clear that both of their lives revolve around Karma and that becomes their bond. And in a weird way, it makes sense. It’s a strong bond. Taking sexuality and gender out of it, it becomes two people who in this weird way bond over their mutual obsession over someone else. It makes sense to me. It wasn’t the right decision, but it is understandable. It doesn’t mean that Amy likes boys. Or that Liam likes Amy. I don’t think people are black and white like that.

Q) Fans have enjoyed the push and pull between Amy and Karma all season and the finale left them in pieces. What would you say to fans about Season Two?

A) Take a breather and be patient with us. Don’t give up hope just yet! Hopefully, we’ll be around for long enough to tell this full story, with all the layers that come with it. I kind of have to ask…if Karma and Amy wound up happily together by Season One, where would the story go? It wouldn’t be very interesting and, more importantly, very genuine. It isn’t just about throwing stuff in to prolong the show and keep everyone guessing. I mean, that’s part of it, because that’s what makes for good, suspenseful storytelling. But it is also about showing how things are in real life. And in real life, it takes a little longer to get to that happy ending. It’s a struggle and we mess up and we have to pick up the pieces. And that’s what will happen in Season Two.

Q) In Season Two, would you like to explore more of the common ground between Amy and Lauren that was presented in the finale?

A) Yes!! I love Bailey [Buntain]! I think she is so incredibly talented. And I can’t think of one person who doesn’t love Lauren. She is a complete bitch, but we love watching her and that says something about the actress playing her. My scene with her at the end was one of my favorites to shoot. We see this human side to her as a character and as an actress she is just awesome to work off of. I’ll coerce the writers to write up like an Amy and Lauren day where they try to hang out and be sisters. They might wind up killing each other, but I have hope!

Q) Assuming Karma does eventually find out about Amy and Liam, do you think she and Amy can get past such a huge betrayal?

A) I really hope so. I think it would take a lot of time, but I think they can.

Q) There is a lot of ambiguity about if it was Amy’s first time when she slept with Liam. What can you share?

A) It would be a shock to me if it wasn’t because she is so young and still not in tune with her sexuality. I think it is, yes. And I know that’s why the fans got so upset. Maybe the scene wouldn’t have been a big deal if she wasn’t a virgin, but I think she is. We all make mistakes and this one will cost her a lot, unfortunately.

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

A) One of the things Carter [Covington] said to me when we first started shooting a year ago was that in television, you have to find as much truth in the character you are playing as possible. When you are shooting a movie, you might have a while to transform yourself into someone totally different only to finish the role after a few months. But on a show, each week is different and you don’t know what will happen in the span of a season. You might be that character for years to come and that characters starts growing with you. That’s what I love about television, you find as much common ground with your character as possible and your idiosyncrasies start coming out. I don’t know exactly what I’m adding to her. I don’t know if it is possible to verbalize, but I guess its just that…those little things that make me – me. I’m starting to really know her and think I am morphing into her more comfortable now.

Q) Is there anything else about Season One you would like to share or say to fans for their support?

A) I really just truly want to thank them. A year ago, I was hustling and auditioning and this was just another audition. I can’t even believe what it has led to in the span of eight twenty-two minute episodes. I can’t imagine where it is going to go, but seeing these young fans and how they love this show, I can’t even explain it. It’s so f***ing cool!