You have had a very unique career in fan films, acting, and modelling. Can you tell us briefly how you got to where you are now?

Valerie: I wrote and performed in plays and did commercial acting during grade school but ended up trying medical research and getting a degree in Neuroscience. Then I switched to computers in hopes of getting more creative fun as well as analytical challenges. Hard hit for live communication/human interaction, I went out and worked with folks in the cosplay/filmmaking communities. That soon led to having my own projects utilizing all of my various interests and talents.

What are some of your most exciting recent projects? Where can fans see more of you and your work?

Valerie: For me personally, nothing has yet to beat the thrill of swimming in the freezing water of an underground, flooded mine shaft. That was shot when I first started making movies for the action-drama homage to the Lara Croft called “Tomb Raider: Tears of the Dragon”. It was my film school and it pulled together many artistic talents from around the world. Check www.TearsoftheDragon.org for details on the online release. I am currently in pre-production on a new labour of love for Wonder Woman with my new writing partner Chris Mason, co-founder of the renowned Superhero Hype website. I’ve also had a small role in a Discovery Channel mini-series and don’t-blink-or-you’ll-miss-me moments on HBO’s Entourage and the first Spider-Man movie. You can also see my modelling photos in last month’s Femme Fatales magazine and an upcoming issue of Geek Monthly.

You were cast as the first Paula Peril in “Trapped in the Flames” a short film produced by Atlantis Studios and directed by Bill McClelland. How did you come to be involved in that project?

Valerie: The president of the publishing company behind Paula Peril, James Watson, originally contacted me wanting to create and sell a comic adaptation of my Lara Croft movie. Impressed with what I did with that project, James offered me a modelling gig for his investigative reporter creation. Liking what I did with the photos, he asked me about giving input into the character as well as creating an official film short based on his script.

What first attracted you to the role of Paula Peril?

Valerie: I LOVE film noir movies and Indiana Jones type predicaments! The role of a determined, deft, and daring woman like Paula Peril in this genre mix is a whole lotta fun. What I liked best about her is that she is one of the few new heroines that people can relate to in real life. Her scale of limitations is very realistic.

In that film you were chased by bad guys, tied up, and put in a room that was set on fire! While it looks great, it is not the typical day’s work for a beautiful Hollywood actress. How did you feel about taking on such a physical and demanding role?

Valerie: That’s the second big attraction to the role of Paula for me – the physical challenges. I am just a big tom boy and feel best when I’m active.

Now you’re back for more punishment in “Midnight is the Darkest Hour”? What kind of danger can we expect Paula Peril to get into?

Valerie: You can expect more explosive adventure and Paula fighting harder than ever on land and in the water...

In addition to the action scenes, Paula goes through an emotional roller-coaster that tests her limits in many different ways. How are you preparing to become this character on screen?

Valerie: I am working collaboratively to make the most of the heartfelt and heart-racing moments of the story. The Director, Andy Rodriguez-McCradic, has a cool vision for her journey and development; and also for her enemies.

It has been said that Paula Peril revives the spirit of the old cliff-hanger serials of the 1930s-1940s. Do you see yourself coming back if more films are produced?

Valerie: Absolutely! How else can I run around and get into such trouble safely?