Interview: Allie Gonino

Tommy2: What’s up, it’s Tommy2 and joining us today we’ve got Allie Gonino from ABC Family’s new show – The Lying Game. So how you doing Allie?

Allie Gonino: I’m great, how are you Tommy?

Tommy2: Doing good, are you enjoying the summer?

Allie Gonino: Oh definitely, I’m having so much fun.

Tommy2: That’s good to hear. Now it’s been a pretty crazy last year for you – congratulations on the new gig.

Allie Gonino: Thank you!

Tommy2: And to start off, why don’t you give the basic rundown of the show and about your character Laurel.

Allie Gonino: Okay, well The Lying Game is about twin sisters, Sutton and Emma who are separated at birth and in the first episode they meet each other for the first time and Sutton runs off to LA to find there parents, and Emma is stuck in Scottsdale with my family, the Mercers pretending to be Sutton, and I play Sutton’s little sister, Laurel – her adopted sister. And Laurel is very smart and observant, she likes to kind of be a fly on the wall, see what’s going on with everything around her and she’s kind of like the outcast in Sutton’s little friend group, but she’s very funny, and has a witty sense of humor and she’s very, very smart.

Tommy2: I was gonna say, it’s definitely got to be exciting for you as we’re in the final stretch here before the premiere. Have you been noticing the billboards and bus boards popping around town?

Allie Gonino: Well, you know what’s funny, we’re filming the show in Austin, TX and I haven’t been back to LA since we came out here for the show so I’m hearing all these people, all my friends and other cast members who have gone back to LA saying that there’s billboards everywhere and everything, but I haven’t been able to see any of them because I’ve been in Austin.

Tommy2: And of course now the stuff is beginning to hit TV. Have you seen any of the stuff on ABC Family?

Allie Gonino: Another funny story, I don’t have actually have a television in Austin. I don’t know what my living situation is going to be for the next couple of months, so I’m just stuck with my computer for entertainment and then the rest of the time I’m usually working.

Tommy2: Fortunately there are some good clips of you on YouTube right?

Allie Gonino: Yeah, there’s a ton of stuff online so I’ve been able to catch the online stuff.

Tommy2: In terms of the show, what aspects of the show appeal to you? Is it the characters, just the drama involved or what?

Allie Gonino: Well, the thing I like about the show is that it’s not to dramatic. It definitely has its lighter moments, my character definitely brings some upbeat flair to it. There’s romance, but it also deals with friendship issues and parental issues which I think will be good for not only the kids watching the show, but also the parents. And I also like the way it’s lit. Denny Hall is our DP and he just does a great job lighting everything, it just looks so pretty.

Tommy2: Now how about the wardrobe, do they have some fun outfits for you to wear?

Allie Gonino: Oh yeah, I love the wardrobe! Mimi (Kaupe) is our costume designer and she always puts us in something that’s fashion forward, but also makes us feel comfortable, as well as balancing our characters kind of own flair, and so I love it.

Tommy2: Now, this isn’t your first time on an ABC Family Series – previously you were on 10 Things I Hate About You, and that had a short run. Because of that, do you feel you’re kind of cautious about getting too excited about this project?

Allie Gonino: Well, there very, very different shows and 10 Things I Hate About You was you know just a totally different project, a different market I think. But, I always treat new projects as if you know, they could end tomorrow, and that’s kind of the business and so I’m always remaining hopeful and excited and putting out good vibes but I never try to get excited about anything.

Tommy2: Yeah, well the one huge factor there is that ABC Family’s never done will with comedy, but their dramas continue to be the sweet with their audience. That’s gotta give you some confidence for you?

Allie Gonino: Mhmm.

Tommy2: Looking at the cast, were you familiar with any of your co-stars before signing on to this project?

Allie Gonino: No, I didn’t know any of the other cast members. I recognized Andy Buckley who plays my dad Ted from some things, but I didn’t know anyone personally.

Tommy2: And I know that you’ve been shooting some of The Lying Game in Texas. Has that been a nice treat, since that’s your home state?

Allie Gonino: Yeah, I love shooting in Austin. I never came here while I lived in Texas, just drove through once in a while but, it’s a wonder, wonderful, wonderful city. The people are so nice, and everyone here’s so healthy and active, and there’s so much to do.