Valery Ortiz – South of Nowhere

Q.  What are some of the recent projects that you’ve been working on?

A.  I just started working on my first horror film! The movie is called From a Place of Darkness and we’ve started production in Arizona. It’s going to be a lot of fun!

Q.  Season two of “South of Nowhere” is premiering soon.  What changes can we expect to see this season?

A.  Season two is full of changes and new surprises! It dives deeper into the lives of each character and the audience gets to know them on a different level. There is definitely more drama, new friendships, broken hearts, crushed dreams and A WHOLE LOT more! I know what happens and I can’t even wait to see it!

Q.  How about changes with your character?

A.  Madison finally allows herself to be vulnerable and the audience will find that there’s a lot more to her then she lets out. I feel like there are moments when people won’t know whether to sympathize with Madison or continue to hate her.

Q.  What do you think it is about the show that continues to draw viewers in?

A.  “South of Nowhere” is a show I feel people can relate to. The audience watches and see themselves in one or several of the
characters. I believe our fans respect it’s content and the way it speaks true to life.

Q.  What is it about the role of Madison that challenges you?

A.  My biggest challenge in playing Madison is making her human. I don’t want her to seem like just the “bitch”, just the girl everyone is suppose to hate. I can’t say I’m a lot like her so it’s always a challenge to do a role so different from yourself. But, I have to say I’ve had a lot of fun discovering new things about her!

Q.  “South of Nowhere” deals with a lot of serious issues. Do you think the show handles these issues in a way that is true to them and people who go through them?

A.  100 times yes! I know for sure because my best friend watched the show and talked to me about all the things that spoke true to her life at that time. Not to mention, all of our amazing fans sending us messages on Myspace and being so amazingly grateful for what “South of Nowhere” has given them.  I was seriously overwhelmed with thank you’s from viewers and that makes me so proud of our show.

Q.  How do you feel about being a role model to so many of the fans?

A.  Never in my wildest dream did I imagine I would have fans that look up to me as a role model and I can’t even begin to describe how honored that makes me feel. I mean sometimes it’s hard to think of myself in that way because I’m still just me and I make mistakes like everyone else, but if just one person were to look at me and think “if she did it maybe I can too!” then I have been truly blessed.

Q.  What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?

A.  I love family gatherings, having get-togethers just because, reading, dancing, hiking, writing, buying new shoes, etc.

Q.  Do you have a latest obsession?

A.  My latest obsession is a Build a Bear monkey that my boyfriend made me as one of my birthday presents. I’ve seriously been taking him everywhere with me (he’s with me in Arizona right now!) My boyfriend sings a special song to me in it too so I can’t get enough of my little monkey!

Q.  Are you into any particular music, group, book, activity or sport?

A.  Yes! I love Nicholas Sparks books! I read them all! One of my favorite movies is The Notebook which is based off of the novel he wrote. His books are great!

Q.  What would you like to say to your fans and supporters?

A.  To my family, my friends and my fans – I thank God for you. My life wouldn’t be what it is right now without your support. Thank you all for believing in me and encouraging me to keep dreaming. You give me strength and I hope I can continue to make you proud. God bless you!