Crystal Chappell does not need a major introduction between the Lesbicanarias. For over a year now, we have been in love of her interpretation of Olivia in Guiding Light, and she has won over our hearts when she decided to create Venice The Series. So, to have been given the opportunity to chat with her about her new projects, has been a pleasure more than anything else, (yes, I know, my job is hard, sad story of my life).
Get comfy girls because Crystal will tell you, first hand, her opinions about the «no kiss» in Otalia that made us suffer so much. We will discuss about her new job at Days of Our Lives. She will tell us news about Venice and we will also find out what word she knows how to say in Spanish, (Lesbicanarias points for the one that can guess)
Lesbicanarias: We had the opportunity of meeting you thanks to your work as Olivia in Guiding Light, the series has a very large international audience, Otalia’s clips in Spanish have comments not only of Spanish speakers but places such as Italy and Brazil, for you ¿What was the secret to hook such a diverse group of people?
Crystal Chappell: It was really Guiding Light that was responsible for coming up with the idea of pairing the two together. I was thrilled when it was presented to me and I thought it was a very brave story for an American soap to take on. Of all that I have done in my career, I am most proud of the Otalia storyline. But it really was the “powers that be” at GL that came up with Otalia.
Lesbicanarias: You’ve mentioned more than once how frustrating the topic of the «no kiss» between Olivia and Natalia was, ¿What has been the most difficult for you as an actress? shooting an intimate scene or dealing with the fact that you couldn’t shoot it, even though the character requires it.
Crystal Chappell: The most difficult part of it was getting the scene completed knowing that there was a falseness in it. As an actor, you strive to be as truthful as possible, so it was very frustrating not to be more intimate and quite frankly, because they agreed to tell the story, I didn’t quite understand why there couldn’t be a simple romantic kiss.
Lesbicanarias: The series Venice is your way to respond to your audience’s expectations, tell us a little about how the idea of the series came up.
Crystal Chappell: It was inspired by the Otalia storyline obviously. I saw what a passionate response it got. It touched a lot of people in a personal way. It just showed me that it made sense to take it to the web and have the freedom to tell it as honestly and truthful as possible.
Lesbicanarias: Venice is a pioneer project in many aspects, among them, the way in which the whole series team has interacted with the fans thanks to social networking (specially Twitter), ¿How was the idea of using this medium to promote the series born?
Crystal Chappell: I was introduced to twitter earlier last year and started talking to the fans. It was very interesting and I had great conversations and met people who loved the Otalia storyline and so when the idea of Venice came up, it only made sense to talk to people and let them know what I was doing and hopefully get them excited about it.
Lesbicanarias: The series premier was a success. The recap of the first episode is one of the most visited posts in the blog this month, ¿Do you feel satisfied by the results?
Crystal Chappell: What was important to me was to give the Otalia fans what they wanted and waited so long for and that was to give them the kiss between Jess and myself even though they are different characters. I am very happy and proud of the show itself and Kim Turrisi and everyone who works so very hard for so very little to make it possible. And I am glad to hear it is one of the most visited blogs this month.
Lesbicanarias: You made a very risky decision by launching the series as pay per view, ¿What led you to?
Crystal Chappell: My decision to make it pay-per-view was born out my desire for a second season. There was no way I was going to be able to do a second season quickly if there was no money to do it. I had a very strong faith in the fans that for a reasonable price, they would support the show and give us an opportunity for season two.
Lesbicanarias: Where the results worth the effort?
Crystal Chappell: Well you be the judge! I am very happy with how the show turned out. It didn’t go off without mistakes and I have learned a lot with season one and changes with season two and I am confident that it will make it better for season two.
Lesbicanarias: I know many girls are looking forward to the subtitles options in order to subscribe, ¿Can you tell us a little about how you are going to implement them and when they will be available?
Crystal Chappell: I am looking into various possibilities right now. There is upcoming technology that will automatically translate each episode into different sub-titles. It might be something that will happen 4 weeks from now. I don’t have a definite answer for that right now.
Lesbicanarias: A saying in Spanish quotes «One learns from one’s mistakes». Which is the mistake you’ve learn the most from while undertaking the Venice adventure.
Crystal Chappell: The biggest mistake I have learned is to really make sure that you have a very strong team in place. You cannot do everything yourself and you need everyone to perform at their best and deliver on time and what you promise. I think at this point, I have accomplished that.
Lesbicanarias: Some time ago you mentioned you already had the means to shoot the second season. When will it be available to us?
Crystal Chappell: My goal and this isn’t a guarantee, just my goal… to shoot the second season in March so that it would be available early May.
Lesbicanarias: ¿What would you say to your Spanish speaking fans to encourage them to subscribe to the series?
Crystal Chappell: I think Venice is new and a different way of presenting story but I am also very proud of the show and the message it sends, and hopefully, in the future, we can offer it for free. That is also a goal of mine and I think it is possible.
Lesbicanarias: Besides your work in Venice, recently you’re also working in «Days of our lives» playing the part of Carly, the same character that you used to play 16 years ago. Please introduce Carly to your fans.
Crystal Chappell: Okay. Carly is a doctor and heiress who has lost everything, murdered her husband in self-defense and had a child with another man. She’s got a great sense of humor, she is passionate, impulsive, smart and needs a pedicure…. cause I…Crystal need a pedicure.
Lesbicanarias: You began shooting DOOL almost immediately after finishing «Guiding Light». Was it difficult to make the transition from Olivia to Carly?
Crystal Chappell: It was difficult because I played Olivia for 10 years, so I knew her extremely well and there is a freedom in that. Coming back to Days, I had to re-learn who Carly was and who she became over the last 16 years, so it is always a little rocky in the beginning, but I thinking I am beginning to get her. I actually like this Carly.
Lesbicanarias: You’ve had a very busy year. What is what has you more satisfied from all?
Crystal Chappell: That I got the work done. I have enjoyed everything that I have been able to do. It all has been satisfying, but I am proud that I got the work done and that I am happy with it.
Lesbicanarias: What can we expect from Crystal Chappel this 2010?
Crystal Chappell: I am going to just keep working at Days and I want to continue to make as many seasons of Venice as possible and I have a lot of ideas for other shows….that and a lot of Family time and obviously a pedicure.
Lesbicanarias: I can’t help asking. Can you say something in Spanish?
Crystal Chappell: Muy caliente.
How many of you have decided to change professions and become a pedicurist today? It has been so much fun communicating with Crystal, which in spite of her busy schedule, has had the deference, of answering my questions.
Remember, you can chat with her on Twitter and Facebook and follow step by step everything happening with Venice from the official website.
