Angel New: Bad Girls Have More Fun

Most girls audition for the "damsel in distress" roles but not Angel New. She wanted to play Fortmount's mean girl, Rebecca Spears from the very beginning. With an audition that impressed all five members of the casting panel, the very second she went into "Rebecca Mode", everyone knew that they found the woman to bring Xavier Haven's villain to life.

1.)Can you tell us about your experience working on Season 2?

It was amazing! I never knew the amount of work it took to produce something on film. I learned so much and met some amazing people whom I probably would have never crossed if not for Fox.

2.)Was this your first acting project? If not, what else have you done?

It wasn't actually. I did plays all throughout school the only recognizable one being Rent. However, It was my first time doing film.

3.) What inspired you to pursue acting?

Life honestly, I've been in a lot of situations where I had to pretend. Also It's always been something I felt I was good at; like how people say it came to me easy, that's acting for me. 

4.) What was your experience working with the cast and crew?

They are great! We're all so different but put us in a room and it'll immediately come to life with everyone having something beautiful to add to it. They are actually some of the best people I've met in San Diego and that's saying a lot.

5.) What's something new about acting that you learned that you didn't know before Fox?

I didn't know that in some cases you didn't meet your cast before having to perform with them. In theatre you have many practices and you get to know your mates but it wasn't like that with in this show so what seems natural in film is actually really great acting sometimes.

6.) What advice would you give to other striving actors?

There are gonna be a lot of no's before you get a yes but if it's something you love stick to it. Even further if there aren't any roles you feel you can relate to create your own but never give up on yourself. You have to be your own biggest fan.

7.) What inspirations did you take to create Rebecca?

I absolutely love Gabrielle Union and her Portrayal as the "Bitchy" character in much of her career, so I basically binged on a bunch of her old movies. 

8.) Would you ever play a character in the dream world?

But of course, I live for the day day I wake up in a field by a tree with fox and daisy sketched into it but seriously, heck yeah the dream world seems pretty sweet and totally dangerous, just the place where Rebecca could reign

Interview by Liv Borromeo

Photos by Monroe Hayden

Terrell Cooper: Mr. Funny Man

He may play Shevan of Raxnavov in the dramatic show but in real life, Terrell Cooper brings the laughter to set. From stage to screen, Cooper has earned his place in the limelight as being one of the shows most impressive actors to date. Find out more about the man who holds the axe.

So what was it like to shoot season 2?
Overjoyous! It felt like a breath of fresh air after i've been drowning for so long. Before this show I wasn't doing any acting recently so to go out to the places that we did and to go through some of the scenes was very refreshing. I have gained so much insight on my own life and the world around me by doing this. I think everyone should do a fox season 2!

Was this your first acting project?
I've done plays and a couple of films but none with the weight of this show. i've played soldiers, a Capulet (Romeo & Juliet) a cracked out dealer and now I can add a family murdering body guard to the list I really feel accomplished.

So what inspired you to pursue acting?
Well my first time was when I was younger, like 9, it was very dramatic- no pun intended, the director made me cry so I stayed away from it for a while. I started acting for real because I was cut from the football team in high school, I had a very special friend offer me an opportunity to join her in a play for our school she must have thought that I was outspoken enough to be entertaining to people. Ever since that point I was bitten in a good way! I think that I was meant for this though, as we all are. I loved playing role playing video games when I was younger like Final Fantasy and watching TV shows like Power Rangers and all that thinking to myself I would give everything of the nothing that I had to do what they were doing and going on the adventures they were a part of. Honestly I'm not doing doing anything other than just living life in another body which I believe we all want to do otherwise why would we watch the shows that we do?

What inspirations did you take to create Shevan?
Mainly experiences from my life. For the roles I take, I try to apply them to who I currently am or have been and there is a lot of relation between us. I'm pretty sure Monroe was stalking me throughout my life because this character was made for me. When it comes to outside sources, Morgan from the Walking Dead was a great reflection. Shevan has had a lot happen to him as we all have, and I wanted to do my best in delivering an experience we could all relate to- even if we haven't killed a family member like he did. We all know what it's like to be seen as the bad guy with good intentions. Life doesn't play favorites and sometimes the good ones end up pulling the short straw.

What was your favorite scene to shoot?
Aw man this is tough! Its between the Flarista scene and the finale but if I had to choose one, I gotta' go with the finale. We worked so hard on it! It was awesome to have everyone that I previously worked with around as well as some new characters. I could tell we were all pumped to deliver a piece of art that would keep viewers locked to the screen and I believe we did that. So much was done behind the scenes you will never know! Unless Monroe releases stuff.

Speaking of everyone- what about the cast and crew? How was it like to work with them?

Its always a treat when you come across a cast that gets along so well. I have picked up some legit friends from this and learned from them too. From the fight scenes to Liz in make up, I had an awesome time getting to know my fam, and what got them to do this. I remember watching Steve act in a scene from the Big Lebowski and wondering to myself, how in the world is this going to be the bad guy for the series? To my surprise, he became what he was meant to be and in the truest fashion too! I really enjoyed watching the work done in the other world as well. All the actors did a phenomenal job and made the characters they played their own. Take a bow!

You and Monroe have been praised for your performances, how is it like to work with her as a costar and as your director?

Frightening and Fantastic! I have never come across a woman like her. She's a quiet storm of passion! It throws me off how she can be deadly serious about her business and then, at the next moment, we're goofing off re-enacting moments from Star Wars. When you hang out with her it's obvious why she is so desirable. She's really easy to get along with and she listens! more people need to do that. If I wasn't committed to Rihanna, I would definitely marry her. [Laughs] Being around someone like her has made me a better person and actor because I watch her live life and not apologize for any of it. Every time we're on set it's like being around Tom Brady (because I know what that's like). I have to bring my 'A' game because I know that she will.

Learn anything new?

So many things- it isn't just one.  I have never been one for make- up and after this, I understand why! It takes time to make it right and to keep it on! The show has grown my discipline to new levels. When you are working with an expansive cast, you learn that people really depend on you. I was raised as an only child so I'm not really used to that many people counting on me, but I saw it as motivation to be at my best on set and off because those actions determine your condition when it's game time. The story was written so well! I loved discovering these characters and their stories. It's shown me that not everything is cut and dry and that we all have our problems as well as our joys. Both are a natural part of life as we should embrace them but not dwell on them as time doesn't stop for those moments.

Any advice to other actors?

Talk to other actors. Be around all the things that keep you motivated. Life is long as so are the days, it's easy to feel like things aren't moving fast enough but if you are around the things that excite you, then it will reflect in your acting. Have a passion for passion. Make sure to form relationships with your cast and crew as you never know who is doing what. In the acting world right now, we all need people and just by doing this I've had puzzle pieces picked up by getting to know my cast and applying that to my life. Be opportunistic. 

You can watch Terrell in 365 this Christmas on SkySoft!

Interview by Liv Borromeo

Photos by Monroe Hayden

Janelle Garcia: The Queen of Mean... not really...

Bow down and make way for SkySoft's newest fan favorite! After her deliciously wicked performance as Merila, fans from all over the world have grown a natural interest in who the woman is underneath the war paint. Today, we honor Janelle Garcia!


What was it like working on Season 2?

Season 2 was an exciting experience. I learned so much about this show. There is so much history and creativity involved in it that it was easy to get hooked! Plus, the highlights for me were when we got to see dogs on set, but sometimes they did not want to approach Merila!

What inspired you to pursue acting?

I found an interest in acting when I started to do some modeling/commercial work. Additionally, I have also been a dancer for 18 years. Dance has been a huge part of my life and with dance, I have performed in themed dances and shows. 

What did you learn?
How many times you have to perform the same scene over and over again to get different angles and shots for filming. Your scenes turn into choreography- same placement of your hands, repeat the same facial expressions- you have to know the scene and other actors lines as well to remember your cue.


What was your experience working with the cast and crew?

The support was incredible! For me, it was my first time with speaking roles and fighting. Especially the fighting...Janelle didn't know how to hold a dagger properly, but Merila did! Thankfully Fox has so much talent, I had a professional on set guiding me every step of the way. 

And because she's such a favorite, in her own right, I have to ask- what was it like to work with Monroe Hayden? 

She's professional and kind. She would help me understand my role and give me pointers, but she allowed me to get involved and bring my own creativity into my character. Monroe is also one of the nicest people I know. She would remember things I told her from my interview! As a friend and director, Monroe Hayden is an amazing person and I'm so fortunate to have worked with her!

What inspirations did you take to create Merila?

Specifically the Evil Queen , played by Lana Parrilla, from ABC's Once Upon a Time. The Evil Queen clearly has a dark side but to watch her character develop, there is much more to her than we thought. 


And before we part ways, what advice would you give to striving actors?

Always put yourself out there. Sometimes I have auditioned for roles/shows I wasn't sure I would be good at. I would practice and be excited to be there knowing that I'm trying something new. Think of auditions as practice. You are there to learn and meet and interact with people who have the same passions as you do.

Written by: Liv Borromeo

Photos by: Monroe Hayden

Steven Acedo: It's Good to be Bad

Power becomes Steven Acedo, the actor who wields a bloodthirsty commitment for revenge in SkySoft's Fox as the emperor Rath. Whether you loved him or loved to hate him, bad guys always have the most fun and Acedo had a hell of a time doing it! 

Can you tell us about your experience filming season 2?

It's definitely been one of the best and most exciting experiences I've been through.  It's a learning experience for sure.

What other acting projects have you had?

I've done small roles, been an extra in a few movies- stuff like that but this one was a good test.  A really good first outing and most memorable thus far.

We don't get to see Rath all that much yet he's made quite the impression- especially in the finale. What inspirations did you take into Rath's creation?

Well Monroe gave me a lot of insight as to Rath's character and persona which was great. It helped me narrow down the characters and villains from other films I wanted to incorporate in to Rath's persona.  I want Rath to be believable like a Cersei Lannister or Darth Vader. When people see Rath on screen I'd like them to hate him because he's so mean but also understand where his anger and hatred comes from.  

What was it like to work with her? Monroe, I mean.

It's an interesting experience working with her.  I'm a very creative artist and when you meet someone who is also very creative- not necessarily in the same ways but in other ways, you can't help but see it inspires you to be better at your craft.  I love the writing which is one of the reasons I wanted to do the series.  She's a very creative mind and is great to be around.  She's also very dedicated to the show so it makes me want to come with my A-game that much more.

And what about the rest of the cast and crew?

I love these guys.  We're a family.  They've helped me become the character just by being themselves.  They're fun to work with and when it's time to shoot everyone steps up and delivers over and over.  It's a beautiful thing. I'm very fortunate.

What has working on the show taught you?

I've learned how to read other actors while on set.  I've learned to prepare myself better in order to not waste anyone's time and I've learned how to work with my fellow cast and crew off and on set in order to keep moving forward to make our characters more realistic and believable.

Interview by Liv Borromeo
Photos by Monroe Hayden