An Interview with Valery Ortiz

*Note* We are not asking South of Nowhere questions in respect to our friends at SONonline. For Valery's interview about SON go to SouthofNowhereOnline.com

CYO: You filmed a guest appearance on the upcoming show Gigantic, can you tell us a little about it?

VO: I played Kelli, the family’s live in assistant. Short and sweet appearance. The cast is absolutely great and such a fun bunch so I'm sure you'll love the show!

CYO: "Diary of a Single Mom" is up for some awards, how is this outstanding show different from any other show you have done?

VO: Like SON, I'm so very proud of 'Diary'. We won the Best Indie Soap Award if you hadn't already heard. (Thanks for voting!) I absolutely love my character (Lupe Ramirez) and I love my cast (Monica Calhoun, Janice Lynde, Leon, Billy Dee Williams and Richard Roundtree to name a few) They are incredibly talented including our writer Cheryl L West and our director Robert Townsend. It's honestly such a powerful story and having it on The Public Internet Channel (www.pic.tv) also adds to the impact we're trying to have on helping and educating as well as entertaining our audience. Now as much progress as webseries' have had, I'm sad to say that I still feel like there's a disconnect and laziness amongst audiences. If you can't TiVo it on TV, I have noticed less people make the effort to go online and tune in. It makes me sad because I know we've got something really good here!

Either way, working on 'Diary' has been so much fun and I can't wait to start filming Season 3!

CYO: Are you working on any new projects?

VO: Yes! I just started hosting American Latino TV! You can go towww.americanlatino.tv for more info on when/what channel you can catch it in your area. My first episode won't air until later this month.

CYO: You also had a small arch on the short lived "What About Brian" , how was that?
VO: So fun! I had worked with the director Bethany Rooney before on SON, and I really respect her work, so I felt super comfortable/excited. It's always a little scary being the "new kid" on a set but the cast was great and I enjoyed the experience.

CYO: Can you tell us a little about the first job you ever got while in La La Land?
VO: LATV Live! That was my first hosting gig out here! Ironically enough, we film American Latino TV in the same studio! As far as acting, my first job was a role in the pilot, "Emilys Reasons Why Not". I was SO nervous and all I had to say was, "Would you like I tell to you the specials?" (in a thick Spanish accent) Ha ha Too funny!

CYO: What have you been up to while not auditioning or working?

VO: I'm planning my wedding! I just recently got engaged and will be married to my High School sweetheart Jan of 2011! It still feels pretty surreal.

CYO: If you could pick any actress, singer, and actor to work with- who would you choose and why?

VO: Actress- Jennifer Lopez because I'm a huge fan of hers and she's been a great inspiration for me.

Singer- Thats hard but I'd love to have a hit song with my fiancé Jesse Carrion. Just like Marc Anthony and J-Lo! Haha A little farfetched for me because signing isn't my strongest suit ha ha but a dream, nonetheless!

Actor- can't think of any but I've always dreamt of filming something with my big brother Hector. Being in one of his films would be a dream come true.

CYO: If you weren't acting you would be doing what?

VO: Definitely hosting my own show! I'm a huge fan of 'Extreme Home Makeover' and 'The Biggest Loser'! I'd love to host a show that changes peoples’ lives!

CYO: For those who haven't seen Jesse Carrion's Closer on youtube, you sang a bit on one of the songs, can you tell us about that experience and process? Also, any other songs coming up that fans might hear you on?

VO: Ha! You're sweet, but I really just 'talked' in rhythm! Ha ha The process was so much fun and actually really intimidating. Jesse is so talented and I didn't want to disappoint him! And if you haven't heard the song, I had to sound "sexy" so it was so funny/a little embarrassing to mess up and have Jess give me notes! As far as future songs...you'll have to Subscribe to Jesse Carrions, "Closer" on YouTube to find out!!!

CYO: What advice would you give to someone wanting to move out to LA to pursue a career in performing?

VO: Wow. First! Get educated, do your homework (headshots, resume, casting workshops, acting classes etc) Make sure you have all the necessary tools to be a professional in the business. Next, SAVE SAVE SAVE! You don't want to move out here and have to struggle. Balancing work/paying your bills and focusing on auditions isn't easy. If you can save money before your move, I highly recommend it. Third! Be prepared to get rejected, a lot! Surround yourself with positive energy, stay focused and go get 'em! This is a hard industry to work in but it's not impossible! Believe in yourself and don't give up! :)

CYO: We have seen a number of Valery posers surfacing on the social networking sites, what goes through your head when you see and hear of them? What would you say to them if you were talking with them face to face?

VO: Hmmm I knew they existed but never had a problem until one of my posers went out of there way to tell ME I was a fake on Twitter. They told my followers that I wasn't the real Valery Ortiz. It really irked me and I thought it was SO disrespectful. They say imitation is the highest form of flattery but posing as another person is just wrong and honestly kinda creepy.

CYO: What has been your favorite item you have received from a fan? Most creepy?

VO: Favorite?!? Wow! Honestly, the first hand written letters I received were completely surreal. I couldn't believe it and to this day it feels weird. It means a lot to me that anyone other than my family would believe and support my dreams. I've had a couple fans sketch or paint pics of me! That was sweet. As far as creepy...none yet I don't think!

CYO: (FINAL QUESTION) Any final words for your fans?

VO: Like I said on SONonline, thank you SO so much!!! Honestly, it just seems like thanks isn't enough. I truly appreciate your support and I feel so lucky to be in this position. Gracias!!!!

*the link for Jesse Carrion’s YouTube channel that Valery Mentioned in the interview: http://www.youtube.com/user/JesseCarrionCloser