Valery Ortiz – Hit The Floor

By: Lisa Steinberg

Q) How has the cast changed since “South of Nowhere?”

A) I hang out with the girls at least Gabby [Christian] and Aasha [Davis] a lot more than when we filmed because we have a lot more time now. Mandy [Musgrave] and Matt [Cohen] had a baby! So, we met that little guy. This was a lot of ours first series so to share that experience and still be in each other’s lives feels like a little family.

Q) What do you think the legacy is for “South of Nowhere” and about the lasting impact it has had?

A) It’s still crazy shocking. It’s one of those things when we first started the series that we never thought it would be what it was. Tommy Lynch got a lot of hate by some people because of the series content. I was just really proud of him for pushing through and telling these stories because they obviously needed to be told. The fans have been crazy awesome and I can’t believe it. It’s heartwarming that fans still follow our careers. A lot of the fans I talk to through Facebook and Instagram are kind of friends now because we all were kids when this started. So, for people to post a comment it is more friendly as opposed to a fan I may not know. It’s been really cool and something we never really expected.

Q) Now you get together with fans and do conventions. What is that like for you?

A) We did do “Cowgirl Up” and we had a convention maybe two years ago. That was insane! People flew out to see us and there was a panel. I just couldn’t believe it! I’m so proud to be part of the show because it has left such an impact. A cool fun fact (that I don’t think I’ve actually told a lot of people) was when I was on the show as it was airing a lot of my friends didn’t have The N because it was a channel that you had to pay extra for. When it was out on DVD and I had copies of it, my best friend watched it with me and she said it was true to life and really realistic. That’s actually how she came out to me and we’ve been friends since high school. It was such a cool moment to be a part of a show that touched my best friend’s life and she was able to watch it and feel comfortable. She could relate and it was neat to be a part of the story and have it relate to my personal life as well. That’s been a beautiful tie-in. I don’t talk about it a lot, but it’s really important to me.

Q) “Hit The Floor” has become a show tht is really addictive and it captivates the audience quickly.

A) That’s good! That’s what we want to hear. When we read the script, they don’t give it to us all at once. Throughout the season, we’re as fanatics as everyone else is about our own show. We have a big group text going, “Did you read it?!” and “I can’t believe it!”

Q) Where do we pick up with the show this season?

A) There are so many open ends with all the different characters. Kyle (Katherine Bailess) helped Raquel keep her son and not be deported. That’s an interesting and funny pair up. We’ll get to see how that relationship develops. The dances are ridiculous. There are many more secrets and a lot of hookups. A lot happens in the first episode so it is hard to really dive into what Season 3 is without giving too much away because so much happens in each episode. More than anything, we want to thank the fans for being so patient because it has been a long time. We’re really excited because the whole thing about Season 3 is we get to know the characters and more about their lives. It has a little more heart overall and I think that will be neat for everyone to see.

Q) There are a lot of badass babes on the show. Will there be any new additions this season?

A) We have a few guest stars. The ones that stir things up like Jonathan Bennett has a little situation. Billy Baldwin comes in and Lynn Whitfield comes back and she is big bad!

Q) You mentioned Raquel spending more time with Kyle. How has their dynamic shifted this season?

A) What is really neat is that what Kyle did for Raquel was huge. Raquel isn’t known for being that girl. She gets what she wants and she is intelligent. She’s a force to be reckoned with and she’s funny. So, for her to do something so heartfelt and selfless is out of character from what we have seen (but a part of her). She’s also very selfish in the sense that she is not ready to be watching a child and have someone in her new space. It’s a routine of life she never looked forward to having. That relationship gets really interesting and it is really interesting to see because I think Kyle has something that Raquel needs and Raquel has something that Kyle needs. I think the fans will be really pleased as to what Season 3 brings out in both of them.

Q) What continues to challenge you about playing Raquel?

A) I think the storyline, especially in Season 3, (again – I can’t give too much away) the writing got very heartfelt and deep. You learn so much more about the characters and there are challenges with the acting and with where Raquel goes. Other challenges will be revealed with episode one. There was a lot of really neat challenges I think for the whole cast with where the storylines go and with what the writers did to the characters this season.

Q) Anything else be sure to mention to “Hit The Floor” fans?

A) I hope everyone enjoys the third season. It is a huge labor of love so I can’t wait for everyone to see it and see how it and to see how it touches them. Watch American Latino TV. I’m still hosting that. It’s one of my other favorite things to do. We have so many inspiring stories and so many amazing, beautiful people that inspire me. Tune in! You can go to AmericanLatino.TV and go to “Where To Watch” for times and channels. Follow me on Twitter and Instagram at @ValTweets and that’s where I post what I’m doing. I’d love to hear from everyone so be sure to say hello and let me know what you think!