Rita Volk – Faking It

 Q) What were your thoughts going into Season Two of “Faking It?”

A) I think everyone was excited to go into it. We were curious how it was going to all play out. Obviously, with the Season One finale there was a bit of backlash because fans weren’t too happy with the way it ended, but we knew it was going to serve as a setup for a new dyanmic between the characters. I was excited to see how it would all play out and nervous for Amy because in Season One she had pulled off this amazing secret and then screwed things up by the end of the season. I was definitely curious as to what point that was going to come out. It’s really the aftermath about how she was going to react to all of this. It was a fun scene to shoot because there was so much anxiety there. For the most part, I was excited and curious for it.

Q) Did fan reaction change your take on portraying Amy this season?

A) I don’t think that those external factors had anything to do with it. Obviously, we read things and everybody has so many different opinions. Some people loved the finale and some people hated it. I think once you get into the territory where you pay attention to how people want them to be and how the fans react you start over thinking it. We’ve all done a good job of ignoring that and the writers keep writing it based on their vision. I think that all the changes that Amy is going through is just the natural progression of her character and her growing up and finding her own. I don’t think anything else had too much to do with it. I try to stay away from that stuff online anyway. Anyone can have their own take on things and I have my own vision of who she is and who I want her to be. I try to stay true to that.

Q) Shane was kind of a mentor to Amy last season. What will that dynamic be like this season?

A) There are going to be a lot of new dynamics this season. It’s definitely becoming more of an ensemble. I have more scenes with Bailey, Gregg and Michael. They are still going to have that relationship. I think Shane is always there for Amy. He is kind of her voice of reason or he is mid way between the voice of reason for her and totally freaking her out. It’s funny to watch because he makes her overthink things sometimes. Shane is going to have his own storyline, too, so he is going to be preoccupied with his relationship with Liam that is redeveloped and Shane is going to have more relationships. They always find their way back to each other though. Of course, Amy is going to be dealing with her drama and trying to make sure that Karma doesn’t find out. She is trying to keep her life together. They do find those moments where Shane guides her. That won’t go away.

Q) We have learned about new characters coming onto the show. What can you share about the new relationship Amy may begin and how that will effect her relationship with Karma?

A) I can’t say too much, but I can say that Amy is definitely going to explore her sexuality. She is going to explore the new feelings that she is having because up until that point her feelings were for Karma. It wasn’t that she was gay or straight because she didn’t associate herself in any way. In Season Two, she will explore because her feelings aren’t being reciprocated. She has to move on because Karma is just not going to feel that way for her at this point right now. She is going to date. There is going to be someone that she is into. And as you can imagine, that is going to make Karma a bit jealous. There is going to be that new dynamic where she is going to feel like her friend is being taken away from her and that is going to be interesting to see because you want Amy to move on and find someone who is going to give her the things that Karma can’t give her. At the same time, she and Karma have this very special relationship and anyone who comes into that is going to shake things up. There will be something along those lines.

Q) Now that Amy is dating, what will be her approach to dates?

A) She is going to be still her awkward self, but I think a lot of what happens with Karma has made her grow. It has made her more aware of herself. It has made her more aware of the ups and downs that we go through in life. In the span of that time, it has changed her. There was an episode in Season One where she went out and tried to date all of these girls and it failed miserably because she was so uncomfortable. They are not going to be quite like that this time around. She’s grown and she doesn’t really have time to mess around. She just really wants to find someone to like, love or date. She really wants that and that is going to push her to be more assertive and sure of herself. But not totally! She won’t be 100% because she is not fully confident and doesn’t know what she is doing. She definitely will grow.

Q) How will Amy’s relationship with her mom this season?

A) She will be more accepting. It will take time, but I think from the very beginning Farrah realizes that this is not a phase. She’s just so much in denial that she makes it out to be a phase. I think that she knows what is going on and that she knows these feelings for Karma are genuine. Amy is not straight. Is she a full out lesbian? I don’t know. I’m always reserved in putting any kind of label on her. Her relationship with her mom is going to develop and I want it to because as different as they are, she is still her mom. She, over time, will be more understanding. She will still kind of convince Amy that maybe this is a phase that she will get over, which Amy doesn’t particular love when she does it. But they will find more and more common ground and as Amy is going through more drama and conflicts Farrah will realize how hard it is for Amy to be going through these conflicts and that it is not just a phase. She is going through a heartbreaking time in her life and her world is kind of falling apart.

Q) We know that Laverne Cox and Fifth Harmony will be guest starring this season. How will they play into the storyline?

A) Fifth Harmony were great! They are going to be playing a band in a rave scene that Shane is going to take Amy to and Lauren tags along. That was a really fun episode to shoot. Laverne Cox plays the drama teacher. There is one more spot available in Drama Club and Lauren, Shane and Karma are all fighting for it. That is going to be really fun. It’s hilarious! They go head to head for the spot and Laverne Cox plays this very dramatic and demanding teacher who really puts them through the ringer. Fans are going to love it! And we were so excited for her to be on the show. It was an honor to have her!

Q) The show continues to have an impact on fans. Do you see yourself as a role model?

A) I am starting to feel it more. I don’t know if I ever fully see myself in that position. It’s something that is put on you a little bit and for us that is something that happened pretty fast. We were eight episodes in the first season and already the fanbase is just growing like crazy. Fans are so dedicated and loyal to the show. So, we realize that we are going to be put into that category or on a pedestal, whatever you want to call it, and we just have to make the most of it. It’s so important with the social landscape and what is out there. Now that Lauren has her own intersex story on the show, it is something that hasn’t really been done before. For my character particularly, because she is potentially a lesbian, (or whatever you want to call her because she is into girls) that is something that a lot of girls can relate to. It’s not a phase. It’s a genuine direction in life that they are going into and people are looking up to this character. That’s what I want to try to remember. It’s a privilege for me also to be able to play this girl who is important to them. It’s not really me doing it, it’s this character. I’m just trying to craft her. I’ve gotten fan letters from fans that have had a really positive reaction. Whether I like it or not, I guess being a role model is something that is happening. It’s great though. It was scarier in the beginning because it just happened so fast and the attention that you get is very strange and surreal. I’m getting used to it more as the show goes on. I think we’re all just grateful we have been accepted into this community and I’ve been accepted into this community of LGBTQ who look up to me and this character. And it’s great! It’s not something I thought I would ever be a part of and I am and it’s awesome! They are wonderful. The fan are awesome!

Q) A lot of fans like Amy’s wardrobe and her food themed attire. Will she be continuing her fashion sense from Season One?

A) The clothing is awesome! I love Amy’s wardrobe! Every time I’m on set everyone is like, “I’m so jealous of your wardrobe!” I’m the most comfortable one. I’m never in heels. God bless Bailey who is always in like four inch heels and I don’t know how she does it. There is going to be more boyfriend jeans and more overalls. Her style is very laid back and comfortable, but still really cute. We want to keep it that way. We don’t want to play her up too much because she is kind of effortlessly chic or cute. She looks good in her own way and I think that’s endearing. She doesn’t try too hard. So, I don’t want to see her super glammed up by the tenth episode. She’s still going to rock her usual outfits. Maybe she’ll have a few more jewelry pieces here and there, but she is going to stay the same, hopefully.

Q) Is there anything else you would like to be sure to share with fans?

A) We were really lucky and we got to see a few episodes. This was the first time where I could just pull myself out of it and watch the show without me in it. I loved it! And I’m not just saying that because I’m in it. It gets better with every episode because it is becoming such a strong ensemble. There is no weak link. Everyone is so great and everyone brings something different. The writing is great and everyone has their own storyline. It’s still going to be very much Karmy, but there is going to be a lot more of everybody else. I’m looking forward to it because everyone just compliments each other so well and all these dynamics interact. I have more scenes with people that I didn’t think I would and we have great guest stars. It just gets better and better and I hope people continue to watch it!