Interviews

Interview: Riley Voelkel – UPtv Movie Advance & Retreat

By Rueben | March 14, 2020

This Sunday UPtv will air the new movie Advance & Retreat, starring The Originals alum Riley Voelkel and In the Dark actor Casey Deidrick in the lead roles.

The movie focuses on an ambitious junior executive who is reunited with her first love at a corporate retreat, ultimately realizing that she might have to take a step back to make a leap forward.

The cast includes Mark Charran (Parenthood), Tiffany Boone (Hunters and The Chi), Dirk Blocker (Brooklyn Nine-Nine) and C. Thomas Howell (E.T. the Extra Terrestrial and The Outsiders).

NiceGirlsTV had the chance to speak with Riley about her movie and much more. Check out what she shared with us:

How would you describe your upcoming UPtv movie Advance & Retreat?

A fun and heartwarming story about a woman who is forced out of her corporate world to go back to her roots and reconnect with her first love. Navigating through challenges and relationships, she must decide who she really is and what she truly wants.

What did you like best about your character Alison?

I love that Alison believes in herself and knows what she deserves. Even though she is figuring out what her heart truly wants, she is determined and willing to conquer her fears in order to figure that out. She stands up against what other people think and tries to be true to herself.

You’ve done quite a bit of sci-fi and/or horror-themed shows. Was it fun changing genres to do this movie?

Yes! It was nice changing the pace to something more lighthearted and wholesome. While I loved exploring dark and intense characters in past projects, with Alison I could really just be me and have a lot of fun. Shooting something “feel-good” also makes you feel good!

If you could work on any TV show, currently airing, which one would it be and why?

I have two projects that will be airing this year and they are the ones I would choose to work on! Both have strong female representation on and off camera and I had the most incredible experiences telling these stories. Hightown will premiere this Spring on Starz and the second season of Roswell New Mexico will air March 16th on The CW.

Do you have a dream project that you would like to do someday?

Every new project is a dream project. Getting the opportunity to challenge myself as an actor and work with and learn from other artists is always a dream! I learn so much from each character I play and am always excited for the next. Also playing Batman, who doesn’t dream about that?

What was the best piece of advice you received in pursuing your acting career?

It would probably be to listen before responding. To create real moments and not just recite lines. Truly hear what your partner is saying and allow yourself to take that in. Even if that means holding the silence as silence can say more than words. And I think this rings true in life as well. To really be in the moment and be present with the people in it. Stay true to yourself. Create as much and as often as you can and in whatever ways you want to express yourself.

What is one thing about yourself that your fans would be surprised to learn?

I sort of fell into acting. I was on my way to study to become an architect and had no plans of joining the industry. I didn’t think it was even possible. I had the opportunity to take an acting class and after one class I decided, this is what I wanted to do. I took a leap of faith and decided I was going to take a shot at something I loved whether it worked out or not. Sometimes life opens doors when you least expect it and I got the privilege of doing something I love for work.

Please tell us about any charity or organization that you support?

While there are many organizations I believe in, I am currently supporting the StopYulinForever and StopTheTorture campaigns. Our goal is to put an end to animal cruelty and end the Yulin Dog Meat Festival.

Here is a trailer for Advance & Retreat: