A Q&A with Up and Coming It-Girl Sol Rodriguez

June 22, 2016July 5, 2016Leave a comment

(Image Credit: Bobby Quillard)

Sol Rodriguez is the newest star on Lifetime’s Devious Maids. We caught up with her to talk about her jump start in the entertainment world and what she’s learned along the way.

You Play Daniela Mercado in Devious Maids, can you tell us about the character?

Sol Rodriguez: Dani is a young girl that dreams of being a Hollywood Star. She comes to LA to pursue that dream and crashes with who she thinks is her cousin Carmen, who is also pursuing her dreams of being a singer and dancer. A lot of drama develops throughout the entire season, mainly when Dani discovers Carmen is actually her birth mother.

How did the role come about?

SR: I auditioned like the rest of the girls and I was blessed enough to get the role.

Can you tell us what it’s been like filming such a fun, addicting show?

SR: You said it yourself, it’s fun and addicting indeed. It was a great experience; everyone welcomed me since day one with open arms. I shot most of my scenes with Roselyn Sanchez and she was very kind to me. But as the season went on I shot with almost all the cast and every single experience was so much fun. They’re all amazing to work with, in front of the camera and behind the scenes.

You made a couple big moves in your life thus far, what has it been like to pick up and start over somewhere new?

SR: It was scary. I basically left something “secure” for something that I had no idea if it was going to work out; something unpredictable. I was working a lot in Miami, jumping from one soap to the next. But I really wanted to crossover and work in American television and film. And it has been the best decision of my life. I’m very happy.

You got your start in acting on Nickelodeon’s Grachi, what was that experience like?

SR: Best experience of my life. I got cast on that show and thrown in from of the camera basically. I learned about acting and anything related on the set of Grachi. We did 205 one hour episodes in two years. We were translated into many languages and the show aired in Latin America and Europe. We also did a musical show and toured Mexico and Argentina. Very proud of my show. It taught me a lot.

Coming from a family also in the entertainment world, how did they react when you shared the news on booking your first show?

SR: My parents cried. My dad is a musician singer/songwriter. So he knows how hard you have to work and how many sacrifices you have to make in this industry. My parents and my brother are very proud of me, and that’s all that matters to me.

You were also a part of many popular telenovelas, what was that experience like?

SR: I loved the soaps. They’re fun to shoot; a little stressful because they’re a lot of work. You would shoot 20-30 scenes in one day, driving from one location to another, crying in one scene at a funeral and then shooting a dance routine with your friends and then maybe having a hot scene with your love interest. All in only one day; it’s fun stuff!

You originally wanted to pursue a different path before acting, what was it about that first audition that changed your mind?

SR: I was studying tourism in college. I wasn’t very sure about it though. When I did my first audition, which was Grachi for Nickelodeon, I just had so much fun. To me, it wasn’t work being on set, and I felt so blessed to call that my “work.” I lost a lot of friends because you have no time for anything or anyone, I missed a lot of stuff, but I had never felt happier in my life, and that’s when I knew I wanted to do this forever.

Where can we see you next?

SR: We’re all crossing fingers for Devious Maids Season 5!

When you’re not busy with your career, what do you like to do?

SR: I like to be home a lot, I watch a lot of Netflix and Hulu and lots of movies. I like hanging out with my friends.

We like to finish all of our interviews with a quick fire round of quirky questions:

Favorite Ice Cream Flavor: I don’t like ice cream

Current Beauty Obsession: Highlighting

Current Binge Watching Show: Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt

Favorite Snack Food: Cheese and crackers

If you could live anywhere in the world: Guatemala

If you weren’t an actor you’d be: Working at a bed and breakfast in some island

We’d be surprised to know that you: I can touch my nose with my tongue

Currently listening to on repeat: Kiss and say Goodbye by The Manhattans

Childhood Celebrity Crush: Nick Carter

Latest read: Everything, Everything by Nicola Yoon

You’ve always wanted to try/do/learn: So many things: play soccer, dance flamenco, play the harmonic, learn how to cook, learn Portuguese, have my own charity, Scuba, learn piano

Catch Devious Maids on Lifetime, Mondays at 9pm ET. For More on Sol Rodriguez, follow her on Twitter .

An Interview with ‘Containment’ Star Christina Moses

May 5, 2016May 20, 2016Leave a comment

(Image Credit: The CW)

Christina Moses stars in the CW’s newest series, Containment, which premiered on Tuesday, April 19. We caught up with Moses to discuss all things Containment and how it’s much more than your normal sci-fi, post-apocalyptic drama.

The Daily Quirk: Tell us about Containment.

Christina Moses: [Containment] is a drama that focuses on the aftermath of a viral outbreak. It starts in the hospital; a virus is discovered that is rapidly killing people so they have to issue an urban quarantine very quickly—friends, family, and lovers are torn apart so they are trying to get back to each other in some fashion and race to find a cure and try to figure out how this even happened.

TDQ: You play Jana, can you tell us about her?

CM: Jana is a data recovery specialist—very savvy. She grew up in a group home so she’s never had her own family. She’s learned how to survive at a very young age but that also created walls. So she’s doing really well for herself but she has some commitment issues as a result. We open up on two things: She’s packing to move in with her boyfriend, but she’s gripped with fear and can’t make the decision so she goes to work and thinks about it, realizes the time is right and she really loves him—then the quarantine happens and she’s stuck inside. Each character has a unique story; Jana’s is how to overcome her fears of letting people in and realizing that she needs people to survive.

TDQ: How would you react & what would you do if Containment happened in real life?

CM: I would cry! (Laughs) I would try to grab every person that I love and keep them close. That’s the thing—you don’t know until you’re actually in it. That’s what I love about our story; you don’t know who you’re going to become until you’re faced with a life or death situation and that’s what’s beautiful. But it has definitely taught me, I don’t really do it but I know, to stock up on food and water and to be prepared for natural disasters.

TDQ: What would fans of sci-fi or post-apocalyptic style shows be surprised to see in Containment?

CM: The fact that it could actually happen. It has all the characteristics of a post-apocalyptic world, all of the danger and excitement, but the fact that it can actually happen, it adds a little bit more danger and I think that will really grab viewers. Our stories and the potential conspiracy that’s going on—that all adds to it.

TDQ: Do you have to be a sci-fi fan to enjoy Containment?

CM: Absolutely not. There is something for everyone in this show. The storylines of all the characters—it’s all very interesting and exciting.

Get to know Christina Moses a little better with our quick-fire round of Quirky Questions:

Current Favorite Binge Watching TV Show: Orphan Black

Favorite Snack Food: Chocolate

If you could live anywhere in the world: Bali

We would be surprised to know this fun fact: In 8^th grade I had a REALLY bad perm but I had a Bar Mitzvah to go to so my dad recommended getting a wig, so I did. It looked just like my hair, so I’m at the Bar Mitzvah and we’re having fun and dancing on the dance floor in front of my crush. We started to twirl, I’m spinning and spinning, and off goes my wig! It slides across the dance floor. I rush over to get it and put it back on—luckily the boys didn’t see, but I was mortified!

Childhood celebrity crush: Corey Haim, Michael Jackson; I had a million!

Current Obsession: My puppy! And facial products—natural makeup and natural skincare. I just got a cleansing oil and it’s awesome!

Favorite Hobby: Dancing

If you had to change careers: An elephant caretaker—I love them so much!

Tune in for new episodes of Containment Tuesdays on the CW.

For more from Christina Moses follow her on and .

A Day in the Life of a Romance Writer by Author Lauren Smith

April 25, 2016May 15, 2016Leave a comment

Ever wonder what a normal day is like for an author? I know I do. Usually my imagination conjures up one of two scenarios: They hole up in a cozy office drinking coffee and writing maniacally without stopping for human interaction or sustenance…or they spend half the day writing extremely productively, then get to hang out by the pool or snuggle with a dog the rest of the day.

Romance writer Lauren Smith, author of The League of Rogues, The Surrender and Her British Stepbrother series, volunteered to give TDQ a peek at the reality of being an author. But Lauren’s not just any author – she splits her time between writing and working part time as an attorney! Keep reading to get a peek at what a normal day looks like for Lauren as she balances her careers.

I used to be a part time writer, full-time attorney. Let me just say…I don’t know how I survived four years of that. Intense is the best way to describe it. I used to write my novels in the most random and occasionally awkward of places. Think of me perched over a desk in a lounge of a courthouse bathroom basement, or instead, acrobatically using one arm to guard my notebook as I scribbled away in the middle of a long docket waiting for the judge to call my case. Lauren Smith, undercover author and attorney extraordinaire.

Well, those days behind me. I’m now a full time writer, part-time attorney. It’s a bit of a switch-up but, technically speaking (or maybe just in my heart), I have been a full-time writer all this time. When you love something and you think about it about 97% of the day – what’s more full time than that? Now I just have more hours to actively work on what I love. So what does a day in the life of romance writer look like? Follow me…

5am: I’m up and wide awake, downing my first Diet Dr. Pepper and walking the dogs. I am a total animal person. My pet crew includes a chinchilla (Churro), a betta fish (Neptune), a long-haired prissy cat (Tiki) and two dogs: a black schnauzer named (Fritz) and a wheaten terrier (Evangeline, or Evie for short).

6am: Laundry. You know those shirts don’t fold themselves….nor do those pesky socks pair up on their own. For every author, there is a special get-up they prefer to wear on a day-to-day basis while working. Much to my fashionista mother’s dismay, my writing uniform is jeans, a comfy tee and my lucky white Converse sneakers. It’s all about the comfort. If you’re thinking about what you wear, you forget to write. No Dior gowns for this girl.

7am: Hit the gym for a long run and meditate on the future of the characters in my current work in progress. Once I start running, my mind goes into a trance; you forget how much you don’t want to be, and lose yourself in the story as it unfolds in your head. Let’s face it, I love to play God. Today I’m picturing six Regency era rogues grouped in the woods just outside a Scottish castle, discussing how one goes about laying siege to a castle in order to rescue a damsel (who doesn’t in fact need rescuing). You can expect some giggles from me while I run and plan this out.

8am: Shower and eye my pajama pants wistfully. I should put on “real clothes” before ten in the morning.

10am to Noon: Work on day job assignments. It’s fun to dive into my legal work for part of the day. It helps me balance my creative side by using my logical side for a few hours. But after that work is over, I’m rip-roaring and ready to go back to the characters.

Lunch: But first, lunch and some fresh air – which means another dog walk.

1pm to 4pm: This is it. Magic time. I peer deep into my well of inspiration and drag my muse out from the bottom by her hair and force her to work with me. Picture me with a stack of verb books, Scottish Country Houses, Character Trait books, and music! Music is pivotal. I’ve got my noise cancellation headphones and my playlist loaded with Florence + The Machine, Hans Zimmer and Sia. I need just the right songs to help me imagine how those six rogues will go about seizing a castle to rescue one of their lady loves. Sometimes I have a rough day where the words don’t want to come and it feels like the characters are just standing there waiting for me to push them in a genius direction. On days like those, I have to take a step back, go on an extra walk with the dogs, listen to more music and allow the pieces to fall together themselves. As Terry Brooks, a fav author of mine, says: “Sometimes the magic works, sometimes it doesn’t.”

4pm to 5pm: Share steamy scenes with a friend and giggle over her reactions. Then dive into my research materials to make some notes on less steamy but historically interesting topics like where men would go boxing during the regency, what sort of coach a bachelor would drive when escorting a lady to the park and what roads a rogue might use to whisk a lady away to Scotland to marry her without her family’s consent.

5pm: Stare at the stove in my house and wish it could magically make something delicious for dinner. I’m a passable cook, but I really hate it. I usually end up calling my mom and asking her what I can whip up in half an hour with minimal effort. Tonight it’s a homemade meatloaf recipe from the Molly section of my American Girl cookbook. Yes, I’ve had this cookbook for twenty years, and every recipe is fabulous.

6pm to 9pm: Turn on some TV. It feels so good to indulge in someone else’s fantasy world. But my laptop is still out so I can work on some much needed edits or check in with my friends and my readers on social media.

9pm to 10pm: I’m settling down in my bed and perusing my ever growing to-be-read pile which includes the latest Karen Robard’s book, The Meaning of Night, and The Mummy by Anne Rice.

10pm: Time for some shut-eye. The best nights end with dreams about scenes that will unfold tomorrow in my notebook. Tonight I’m imagining a super sexy blond-haired baron and how he’ll win over a fiery Scottish business woman. Man, I love being a writer!

Lauren Smith is a romance author, living in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Her series include The League of Rogues from Samhain Publishing, and The Surrender and Her British Stepbrother series from Grand Central Publishing. She has also written for Heroes & Heartbreakers and Bustle. For more (including cute animal photos), follow Lauren on Twitter or laurensmithbooks.com.

An Interview with ‘Grease: Live’ Actress Yvette Gonzalez-Nacer

March 3, 2016May 10, 2016Leave a comment

(Image Credit: Bobby Quillard)

The Daily Quirk caught up with Yvette Gonzalez-Nacer who played Cha Cha in Grease: Live Jan. 31 on FOX. We got her first reaction right after the show and she spills on what it was like to perform with that many celebs for one night only — on live TV!

The Daily Quirk: Congratulations on a stunning performance on Grease: Live last night. Can you tell us how you’re feeling today?

Yvette Gonzalez-Nacer: Thank you so much! It was such an exhilarating experience. For about five weeks, I was immersed with this wonderful group of people and the world of Grease, and I miss everybody already!

TDQ: You played Cha Cha; how did the role come about?

YGN: I actually had auditioned back in February for the role of Patty Simcox, but they kept bringing me back for Frenchy. At the last minute, they asked if I could come in to audition for Cha Cha, and then, the rest was history.

TDQ: It’s theatre and it’s live TV; how do you rehearse for something like that?

YGN: The principals rehearsed for a month before everyone else joined. Then, it was about five weeks of rehearsing, camera angles, and all kinds of technical stuff. It’s interesting how the rehearsal process was similar to that of a regular Broadway show, except instead of doing the show for months or years, we did it for one night!

TDQ: What was interesting or unique about performing a musical live for television?

YGN: First of all, it was a highly ambitious undertaking. The movie was shot live so everything was happening in real time. There were no second or third takes, and inevitably, there were all kinds of factors that you couldn’t control. For example, the day of the show, we had a torrential downpour, and not long before show time we had to re-stage a possible alternate opening number, just in case. Something that we were able to do in Grease: Live, which hadn’t been utilized in any other recent movie musicals, was the usage of a live studio audience. That was really cool and made us all feel like we were really doing theatre, so the energy was very electric.

TDQ: There seemed to be A LOT of moving parts: a live audience, massive stage transitions, cameras everywhere. Can you give us any behind-the-scenes details on how everything came together?

YGN: The bulk of the last few weeks of rehearsals were basically tech weeks, where they were figuring out camera angles and edits, etc. I think one of the coolest things they were able to achieve was the car race scene at the end of the film. Using overhead projectors, strategically placed cameras, lights, dry ice, and some good old-fashioned camera shaking, they were able to masterfully create a very realistic car race.

TDQ: Okay, we need to know about the Hand Jive! Choreography, Rhythm, and Joe Jonas?! Can you tell us what preparing for and filming that scene was like?

YGN: Zack Woodlee, our super talented choreographer, created a new version of Hand Jive while still paying homage to the original. We rehearsed the entire show at Center Staging in Burbank for a couple of weeks, and then we moved to Warner Bros. where we got to see everything make sense and come to life on set.

It was really fun having Joe Jonas and his band DNCE with us. One of the songs they performed was a version of their new single Cake By The Ocean in the musical style of the show, and it was great! Also, we had Mario Lopez playing Vince Fontaine which was pretty awesome.

TDQ: You had a great line, “I’m with whoever knows how to dance”, and nailed Cha Cha’s persona and dance moves. What was it like preparing for the role?

YGN: Yeah, that’s a fun line, and thank you. Cha Cha is a tough cookie. She knows what she wants, and she knows how to get it. Her confidence is impressive and was actually one of the initial challenges for me when I first started working on the role. I am so grateful I got to play Cha Cha and learn from her, because in the process, I was able to tap into my own confidence and what it meant to me.

TDQ: The makeup, hair, costumes were all marvelous. Can you tell us about that?

YGN: It is always such a treat to work with the best in the industry, and that is exactly what happened here. The hair and makeup team were incredible. Dean Banowetz did my Cha Cha hair, and I loved it! Tony Award winner William Ivey Long was our Costume Designer, and we were so lucky to have him. He is a very special talent, and I was awestruck watching him work.

TDQ: What were your favorite parts or scenes?

YGN: I loved the energy of everyone dancing together in Hand Jive, and having Boyz II Men be the Teen Angel was pretty magical, as well.

TDQ: Grease: Live was filled with Broadway stars, pop culture stars, veterans from the original movie cast, and topped off with some awesome musicians. Who were you most excited to work with or learn from?

YGN: Everyone! I was so thrilled to be in such good company and be so happy, because everyone was just amazing. Tommy Kail, our director and fearless leader, has an incredible knack for bringing really talented, humble people together who are generally beautiful human beings.

TDQ: Would you do something like this again?

YGN: Absolutely.

TDQ: What’s next for you?

YGN: My single Classy under my artist project, Ava Gold, was just featured on ESPN and is now on iTunes. I’m going to be in the studio finishing up my EP, and I have a new music video coming out next month for one of my songs! I also have some upcoming shows in Los Angeles and a couple really exciting projects that I can’t talk about quite yet, but I’ll be posting updates on my social media, so I will definitely keep you posted!

TDQ: At The Daily Quirk we like to end our interviews with a rapid fire round of Quirky Questions, here we go!

Favorite Binge Watching TV Show: Jane The Virgin

Celebrity Crush when you were a kid: Leonardo DiCaprio

Favorite Junk Food: Chocolate Chip Cookies

Current Obsession: Taking pictures

Song you can’t get out of your head: Love Yourself

If you had another dream job it would be: An Inventor

Favorite Location or Destination: The beach is my happy place

Hidden Talent: I have this crazy ninja skill where I can catch objects before they fall without even looking. Not to toot my own horn, but it’s pretty cool. Toot Toot.

Favorite Ice Cream Flavor: Cookies & Cream (with extra cookies)

An Exclusive Interview with ‘Donny!’ star and comedian Emily Tarver

November 6, 2015May 10, 2016Leave a comment

Emily Tarver, an actor/comedian who has studied improv firsthand from the greats – Amy Poehler, Seth Meyers, and Rachel Dratch, to name a few, is getting ready to premiere her latest role in Donny!, a new USA comedy series. She has starred in television, commercials,and is an Upright Citizens Brigade comedian. So, would you believe me if I told you just a few years ago she was working in NYC as a social worker?

Let’s take it back.

Emily Tarver has always wanted to get into comedy and acting but, like so many of us, thought her dreams were out of reach.

“I always wanted to, in the back of my mind,” Tarver explained of a career in comedy, “but I thought it was ridiculous and impossible!”

You see, she was studying Spanish and Psychology at the University of Texas when, during her senior year, she decided to take an improve class.

“I thought, oh my gosh, improv! That’s the thing I’ve been doing my whole life and never knew it,” she spoke of the experience.

After taking her very first improv class, Tarver knew what she was meant to be doing and set out to create her new life. “I was like, thanks for putting me through college Mom and Dad, but…. I’ve got a new plan!”

Tarver then moved to NYC in 2004 and began taking classes at the Upright Citizens Brigade, a theatre for improvisational comedy and sketch comedy. “I took like 25 classes at UCB, I wasn’t sure that I was going to be an actor, I just really wanted to study comedy,” Tarver said. “I studied and interned at UCB. I worked every Sunday night on a show called Asscat. I worked the door and was able to interact with all of the greatest improvisers – Amy Poehler, Seth Meyers, Rachel Dratch and Horatio Sanz—I watched those people every Sunday night for 4 years, that was the best part of my experience. I got to watch the best people do it.”

Meanwhile, Tarver was using her degree and working as a social worker for children with developmental delays until she got turned to acting. She started booking commercials and continued to study at UCB. She also sang in a folk comedy band called Summer and Eve, that performed live for about 5 years in NYC.

When asked who has been a role model or an inspiration to her career, Tarver named a couple of the best female improvisers and comedians to ever exist but she said one has been like an older sister to her.

“Amy Poehler – I love her, I have always loved her. I got so psyched to come to New York to train at her theatre and I’ve kind of known her since I got there. She has been really wonderful and always very kind to me. She’s like my older sister, but she doesn’t know it.”

Tarver has always been a fan of comedic greats. She explained that she was the kid that would stay up till 3 a.m. watching Nick at Nite and then be so tired for school the next day.“I’ve always been a fan of the greats. Dick Van Dyke, I Love Lucy—I actually went to Lucy Fest this year!” Tarver laughed. “I’ve also been binge watching all of Kristen Wigs’ movies on Netflix. She’s so effortlessly funny and dramatic, I’ve gotten to watch people like her for so long at UCB and just absorbs their greatness”

The binge watching, admiration, and studying is definitely paying off. Tarver is well on her way to living her dream of a career in comedy. She offers this advice to anyone looking to do the same.

“Always be creating—create your own thing. Create a comedy blog, have a weird Instagram, don’t wait for someone to pick you for their team, make your own team. “

Tarver plays Pam in the new USA comedy series, Donny!, who happens to be Donny Deutsch’s executive producer in a show that is a satire on his life.

“It’s a show within a show. Donny has his own ‘Dr. Phil’ type show that tackles issues like the dangers of sexting. I’m the person that tries to keep him in line—I love him, but he sure makes my life hard.” Tarver explained of the new series.

With a cast and storyline like this, it’s definitely on our must watch list.

Before we wrapped up our interview with Tarver, we asked her some rapid fire, random questions to get to know her a little more personally. You’re welcome.

Favorite Ice Cream Flavor: Salted Caramel

Last Song Listened to: Your Love is King by Sade

Favorite Holiday: Halloween

Celebrity Crush when you were a kid: Edward Furlong

Guilty Pleasure TV Show: Million-Dollar Listing

Afraid of: Becoming really fat

Favorite Snack to binge eat: Doritos Nacho Cheese

You’d Freak out if you ever met: Gwen Stefani

Donny! premieres on USA Network on Nov. 10 at 10:30 p.m. To keep up with Emily Tarver follow her on and .

An Interview with ‘Revolution of Ivy’ Author Amy Engel

November 3, 2015May 10, 2016Leave a comment

EI 001

The Revolution of Ivy author Amy Engel is a TDQ favorite, and we were thrilled to have the chance to ask her a few questions about completing The Book of Ivy duet and what she has coming up next. The Revolution of Ivy is available now, so if you’re itching to find out what is on the other side of Westfall’s fence, be sure to pick up a copy…and keep reading for our interview with Amy! Continue reading →

An Interview with ’10 Days in a Madhouse’ Actress Caroline Barry

October 28, 2015May 10, 2016Leave a comment

After talking with actress Caroline Barry, it’s no surprise that she was a perfect fit for the role of iconic journalist Nellie Bly in the film 10 Days In A Madhouse: The Nellie Bly Story. Barry’s enthusiasm about acting and the role she plays could only be rivaled by her ability to take a great story on the surface and make it exceptional by imparting her passion for telling it. But much like Bly, there is more than meets the eye with Barry – like her passion for martial arts and her love of working with children.

The Daily Quirk had the opportunity to sit down with Barry and discuss her upcoming film, some of her hobbies and what advice she would give to budding journalists after living the life of Nellie Bly. Read the full interview below.

The Daily Quirk: I noticed you have done a lot of theater performances. Is that what it was that made you decide to start acting, or were you always in tune with acting as a career choice?

Caroline Barry: I started acting when I was really, really young. I started performing in my parents’ living room when I started talking [laughs]. My first play was when I was five and I was just in love with it. I was just a shy kid and I didn’t really like talking very much, especially not to adults, and so plays were a great way for me to have a script and to get to talk and express myself. I loved it and I kept doing it and thought, well I might be kind of good at this, and I had done it for so long that it was never a question if I wanted to do it when I grew up, I just assumed [laughs]. I never really had many other things I wanted to do. I maybe wanted to be an architect at one point but then I was like, why would I want to be an architect when I could be an actor? [laughs] So yeah, I’ve always loved it and it always came naturally and I wanted it to be come a career.

TDQ: I know you’ve been working on a film called 10 Days In A Madhouse, which is the story of journalist Nellie Bly, so can you tell us a little bit about the film?

CB: Yeah, of course! So 10 Days In A Madhouse is the story of Nellie Bly, who was the first undercover reporter and she went undercover into an insane asylum in 1887 on Blackwell’s Island, which is in New York. That was one of her first assignments for Joseph Pulitzer, who we all know for the Pulitzer Prize, so she went in to him and said “I want to write for you, I’ll do anything.” And he said “Okay, go into this asylum.” [laughs] And she’s fearless. She went in and didn’t even hesitate and risked everything. She went in to find out what was happening to these women in Blackwell’s.

TDQ: And you actually play Nellie Bly, so can you tell us a little more about that character and the journey you took with her?

CB: Well, when I first got the audition I had never heard of Nellie Bly. I had done a lot of history classes and writing classes but I had never heard of her. So once I started researching her I was stunned that she wasn’t a household name. She was incredibly approachful [sic] in not only in journalism, but the strides that she made for all the things that she reported on. From mental illness to poverty to women’s rights, she was extremely influential in all of those. She even invented the 55-gallon oil drum, which is still used today in the oil industry, which is incredible. So what I really loved about her is that she is an absolute optimist, she was always smiling – she smiled through everything; that was her armor and I really loved that about her. She really saw the best in people, and was very compassionate, and always wrote about people that didn’t have a voice. So I really, really connected with that and was beyond thrilled that when I got the role that I got to portray that. She really became my hero.

TDQ: What was it about this movie and this character that stood out to you and made you want to take part in the project?

CB: Well first I think Nellie Bly being such an interesting, complex and fearless character who was such a role model for everyone is something that I think stood out to me. Also, 10 Days In A Madhouse, the women that went through this… Reading Nellie Bly’s book 10 Days In A Madhouse was a really difficult book. Once I talked to the director, Timothy Hines, he was really passionate about making this movie; about honoring the women in Blackwell’s as well as Nellie Bly, and really telling it through their eyes. So once I talked to him about that I was dedicated and committed to the movie and I was so excited. Nellie Bly, the director and the approach to her story is what made me want to do this.

TDQ: Were there any moments on set that stood out to you as being particularly fun or exciting or even grueling to film?

CB: Oh, yeah, which one? [laughs] There were so many! We shot in Salem, Oregon in an abandoned insane asylum, and there was no electricity so we had to use generators; it was freezing cold and it was 10 degrees on average. There were shots where you couldn’t see us but you’d just see the breath, so that was exciting and grueling but it really brought everyone together at the same time. It was kind of like being in a weird summer camp except it was freezing and you were in an abandoned insane asylum [laughs]. But it was really cool. In between takes you got to go exploring around all of it because they cleaned out part of the building, but the rest of it was still totally abandoned and [had] stuff hanging from the ceiling. Everything was broken and it was really haunting so that was a cool behind the scenes thing.

TDQ: This film is based on true events that actually happened, and now that you’ve played this role and lived that life, what kind of advice would you give to budding journalists about doing what Nellie Bly did?

CB: I think what really makes Nellie Bly standout, especially in journalism, is that she was absolutely passionate about every story that she told. She really got to know the people in her stories and her articles. She really, really made a personal connection with them and I think that’s not something you generally see because journalists try to keep it objective. Nellie Bly cared about the objective but also knew that there was an emotional side that if she connected with the person emotionally she could get to another level with those people and really find out the core truth of what was going on. So I think that’s the advice she would give.

TDQ: If you had to give three words to describe this movie to make people want to come to see it – as if the story itself wasn’t already enough – what words would you choose?

CB: Oh, oh words! [laughs] Oh I need a thesaurus… I would say… Gosh, I’m being really picky about my words because I think the movie is just… It’s enthralling, it’s inspiring and it’s moving. I think that’s the main word I would use. It’s moving.

TDQ: You are also working on a film called Battleborn, which is currently in post-production. Can you tell us a little more about the film and your character Eva Streed as well?

CB: Oh, yeah! So, that film is about a girl who is…she’s struggling with, well, her brother is a politician and she finds out that she is pregnant. So she and her brother have to go through his public life and her private life and that clash[es]. It’s a really great drama and I’m really excited about it.

TDQ: Other than 10 Days and Battleborn, do you have any other upcoming projects you can tell us about?

CB: Yeah! Timothy Hine is the director of 10 Days In A Madhouse and he and I are actually collaborating on a second movie that I’m really excited about. I don’t have too many details I can share right now, but I’m really, really excited to work with him again.

TDQ: What other hobbies do you have and what do you like to do in your spare time?

CB: When I’m not acting I love the outdoors. I’m from Colorado so I love being outside and hiking. I also love working with kids and I’ve done a lot of anti-bullying workshops with kids, and right now in my free time I teach kids martial arts. So I teach kids karate when I can. I think kids are so inspiring and refreshing and yeah, I just really love it.

TDQ: Well this actually is a perfect segue for our last question because here at The Daily Quirk we like to always end with something quirky, so what are three things people would never know about you just by looking at you? For example, that you teach karate to kids?

CB: That I have a black belt, a lot of people don’t expect that [laughs]. And I’m a pretty good skier. Growing up in Colorado my dad always told me that was a requirement [laughs].

The Daily Quirk would like to thank Caroline Barry for taking the time to talk with us. 10 Days In A Madhouse premieres first New York on November 11 and then nationwide on November 20. For more information on the movie and to buy tickets, you can visit the 10 Days In A Madhouse website.

VIDEO: Rebecca Romijn Shares ‘The Librarians’ Season 2 Details!

October 23, 2015May 20, 2016Leave a comment

Rebecca Romijn for THE LIBRARIANS (Image Credit: Bryan Caputo/The Daily Quirk)

The Daily Quirk caught up with The Librarians star Rebecca Romijn at this year’s New York Comic-Con and we’re bringing you an exclusive interview! The Librarians follows the “Librarians,” Ezekiel (John Kim), Cassandra (Lindy Booth) and Jake (Christian Kane), along with their Guardian, Eve Baird (Romijn), as they fight supernatural threats and recover precious artifacts for The Library, a secret repository of mystical relics hidden beneath the Metropolitan Public Library. Check out the interview below to find out what is in store for Eve in Season 2, and what fans can expect when The Librarians returns! Continue reading →

VIDEO: Christian Kane Shares ‘The Librarians’ Season 2 Details!

October 23, 2015May 20, 20161 Comment

Christian Kane for THE LIBRARIANS (Image Credit: Bryan Caputo/The Daily Quirk)

The Daily Quirk caught up with The Librarians star Christian Kane at this year’s New York Comic-Con and we’re bringing you an exclusive interview! The Librarians follows the “Librarians,” Ezekiel (John Kim), Cassandra (Lindy Booth) and Jake (Kane), along with their Guardian, Eve Baird (Rebecca Romijn), as they fight supernatural threats and recover precious artifacts for The Library, a secret repository of mystical relics hidden beneath the Metropolitan Public Library. Check out the interview below to find out what new information fans will learn about Jake in Season 2, and what else fans can expect when The Librarians returns! Continue reading →

VIDEO: John Kim Shares ‘The Librarians’ Season 2 Details!

October 23, 2015May 20, 20161 Comment

John Kim for THE LIBRARIANS (Image Credit: Bryan Caputo/The Daily Quirk)

The Daily Quirk caught up with The Librarians star John Kim at this year’s New York Comic-Con and we’re bringing you an exclusive interview! The Librarians follows the “Librarians,” Ezekiel (Kim), Cassandra (Lindy Booth) and Jake (Christian Kane), along with their Guardian, Eve Baird (Rebecca Romijn), as they fight supernatural threats and recover precious artifacts for The Library, a secret repository of mystical relics hidden beneath the Metropolitan Public Library. Check out the interview below to find out what the dynamic between Ezekiel and Eve will be going forward, and what fans can expect when Season 2 of The Librarians returns! Continue reading →

VIDEO: Lindy Booth Shares ‘The Librarians’ Season 2 Details!

October 23, 2015May 20, 20161 Comment

Lindy Booth for THE LIBRARIANS (Image Credit: Bryan Caputo/The Daily Quirk)

The Daily Quirk caught up with The Librarians star Lindy Booth at this year’s New York Comic-Con and we’re bringing you an exclusive interview! The Librarians follows the “Librarians,” Ezekiel (John Kim), Cassandra (Booth) and Jake (Christian Kane), along with their Guardian, Eve Baird (Rebecca Romijn), as they fight supernatural threats and recover precious artifacts for The Library, a secret repository of mystical relics hidden beneath the Metropolitan Public Library. Check out the interview below to find out what’s in store for Booth’s character Cassandra and her powers going forward, and what fans can expect when Season 2 of The Librarians returns! Continue reading →

Exclusive Interview with Netflix series ‘NARCOS’ Co-Creator Chris Brancato

October 21, 2015May 10, 2016Leave a comment

Chris Brancato on the Set of NARCOS

Chris Brancato knows that there is more to life than creating TV entertainment, and his family never fails to remind him of that either. As a family man who loves to travel, he recognizes that in the busy world of Hollywood it’s nice to take some time for yourself and enjoy the simpler things in life. However, that hasn’t stopped him from working on some of the biggest shows to hit network television, like Hannibal and Law & Order, and now he can add the Netflix Original NARCOS to his resume. Continue reading →

VIDEO: ‘Blindspot’ Executive Producer Martin Gero Discusses Creating the Hit NBC Show!

October 19, 2015May 10, 2016Leave a comment

Martin Gero for BLINDSPOT (Image Credit: Sean Torenli/The Daily Quirk)

The Daily Quirk caught up with Blindspot executive producer and creator Martin Gero at this year’s New York Comic-Con and we’re bringing you the best of our roundtable interview! Blindspot is NBC’s newest crime drama that focuses on a mysterious woman (Jaimie Alexander) with no memory of her identity, but plenty of tattoos. The FBI soon discovers that each tattoo contains a clue for a case that must be solved.

Continue reading →

VIDEO: Marianne Jean-Baptiste and Ashley Johnson discuss their ‘Blindspot’ characters!

October 19, 2015May 10, 2016Leave a comment

Marianne Jean-Baptiste and Ashley Johnson for BLINDSPOT (Image Credit: Sean Torenli/The Daily Quirk)

The Daily Quirk caught up with Blindspot stars Marianne Jean-Baptiste and Ashley Johnson at this year’s New York Comic-Con and we’re bringing you the best of our roundtable interview! Blindspot is NBC’s newest crime drama that focuses on a mysterious woman (Jaimie Alexander) with no memory of her identity, but plenty of tattoos. The FBI soon discovers that each tattoo contains a clue for a case that must be solved. Continue reading →