The face of Hollywood is changing and with the recent success of Eugenio Derbez in "Instructions Not Included" the studios will undoubtedly want to tap into the market and cater to Latinos. One of those Latino faces that is paving the way for other Latin actors is Fernanda Romero, a Mexico born actress that is building her career by following her instincts and defying all odds. The 30-year-old actress had a chat with LatinTimes where she talked about her new film, her struggles in Hollywood and the much needed Immigration Reform. Fernanda is a triple threat as she is an actress, model and singer. It was the latter that kicked off her career in the entertainment world when she was part of teen-pop group, "Fryzzby." She later moved on to Univision where she hosted a segment on "Control" and took small roles in Telemundo telenovelas like "El Alma Herida" and "La Ley del Silencio." Romero has come a long way and in her latest project titled "Ghost Team One," Fernanda stars opposite Carlos Santos and J.R. Villareal.
Her character belives that the spirit of a vengeful madam is haunting her home. "She's a girl that really loves ghosts," she said about her character named Fernanda. "She is a ghost enthusiast and these two guys [Santos and Villareal] start to fall in love with her when they come together after they think their home is haunted." The trio then decide to make a documentary about a murder that took place in their home and soon capture supernatural activity that sets the character's off into some whacky situations. This is not Fernanda's first foray in the horror genre as her credits include "The Eye" which starred Jessica Alba and "Drag Me To Hell," the film directed by Sam Raimi with Alison Lohman, Justin Long and Adriana Barraza. "I love the genre," she says. "This one is more of a comedy and I love the fusion. The film has similar techniques seen on 'Project X' and 'Paranormal Activity.'" The movie was filmed entirely in Los Angeles and much of the scenes were improvised. "It's the first time I've had to improvise in a movie and I really enjoyed it. This experience was new to me and pushes me as an actress to other levels of acting." "Ghost Team One" will be released in select theatres, on-demand and digital platforms starting October 11. (Watch the trailer down below)
Fernanda is a working actress that is in constant motion. If she is not promoting this new film, she is filming episodes of the NuevON series "Chamacas" or in a photo shoot for a fashion line campaign for Mango. It's that hard working Latino spirit that makes Romero an inspiration for Latino's out there that struggle or think they can't make it in a certain industry because of their heritage. "It's a constant battle of keeping motivated and pushing forward," the actress said. "It's sometimes difficult because it's a competitive field but one has to always be constantly preparing onself. Sometimes I do say, 'I can't keep going' or 'I don't feel motivated anymore' but then I realize that I have to push myself even harder."
Her dream wasn't always to be a thespian as she tells LatinTimes. "When I first moved out here I came to learn about design and marketing. The acting came as sort of an accident and when it came to me I said, 'Sure. Why not give it a try?' I was always drawn to acting but I never saw it as a career. That is how it all began and the rest is history." The road to success has not been easy for her though, but she did find help in a well-known director in the L.A. area that lend her a helping hand. With family thousands of miles away the "RPM Miami" actress had to learn how to live without them. "Not being with family, friends and food is one of the biggest difficulties when you live in a foreign country. You have no other choice but to create a support group of friends that little by little become your family."
This week Latino groups and celebrities took the streets of Washington D.C. for the "Camino Americano" Immigration Reform rally. Activists hope to draw attention from Congress to pass a comprehensive immigration reform by the end of the year. "I support the immigration reform and it is something that is needed. Thank God it is moving forward so everyone can be counted as a citizen. I have hope and faith that something will come about soon."
As a Latina actress Fernanda Romero has had to face many obstacles and we asked her why do Latinos often struggle to make it in Hollywood. "We have to fight against the stereotypes," she replied. "It's complicated to change people's minds on preconceived notions that they have of Latinos. I feel we are on the right path and the opportunities will only get better for the newer generations, but it takes a lot of time and effort." She also added, "Being Latina sometimes limits the auditions you can go to." Fernanda goes on to say that she has never experience any type of racism first-hand and if she had she would not have allowed it. "I do feel that its a cultural thing and people don't travel out of the country to gain that sensibility of experiencing a different culture. Some people, not everyone, think that all of Mexico is like Tijuana."
In most movies and television shows we usually see Latinos in roles that are stereotypes. What role would Fernanda not accept? "I wouldn't take on a role that doesn't motivate me. I like to take on roles that are inspirational, that people can connect with and have fun with. I wouldn't like to play a Latina that is not inspirational or a bad representation because it would also go against my beliefs."
"GHOST TEAM ONE" TRAILER (NSFW)
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