Here are interviews from magazines, online, and through personal contact
Here is ABC Soaps in Depth's Interview with Ms. Branch:
What's it like to work with movie star Denzel Washington? PC new comer Vanessa Branch (Paige) found out firsthand when she shared secenes with him in the upcoming film, John Q. "It was very intense, very quick, and he adlibbed a lot of it," she recalls, adding: "I tell you what: There is no acting involved with him because he puts you so quickly into what you're doing." In the film, Branch's character, an emergency room nurse, explains to Washington's character (John Q.) and his wife that they have to go have their blood drawn, and he suddenly goes off and starts yelling expletives. "It wasn't in the script, so you just stand there and react like you would." Branch came away from the experience with a clear understanding of why the leading man is such a star. "He's absolutely brillant, and he's really there and on top of everything, including writing -- it was amazing!" she concludes. "It was really trial by fire because it was the first film I did.
Here is a Yahoo Interview with Vanessa:
Vanessa Branch (Paige) plays an angel on Port Charles, and it's a role she says she was born to play. "It's typecasting," she proclaims. "I am [an angel] in real life as well." Branch reveals that she's always thought she was a heavenly being since her youth. "I'm convinced that I am -- I always thought that growing up," she shares. "You know, there's that conspiracy growing up that your parents are actually angels or aliens and just that nobody told you!" So PC hit the jackpot when they cast Branch on their heavenly trio. "I was meant for this," she muses. "It's absolute destiny."
Here is my personal interview with Vanessa, this is not to be used on any other site:
1) What did you do when you first found out you got a job on Port Charles?
First thing I always do when I find out I get jobs is call people. First family then friends.
I have such a lovely group of supporters I think that they get more excited than I do.
2) What was your first day on the set of Port Charles like?
My first day on the set of Port Charles was so nerve racking I was trying desperately not to
throw up. Soap acting is entirely different from the other acting I have done.
Three cameras make a big difference. Luckily, once I got through the scenes I had to do I
realized that three camera acting is very much like doing stage because of the way you must
position your body and I also think I have a knack for finding the camera, so it was easier than
anticipated.. Also thanks to Jon Lindstrom who made everything ok that day.
3) Who did you prefer playing more, Paige or Rebecca? Was one more challenging?
I don't think I had a preference between which character I played I truly enjoyed them both.
But I must say Rebecca was more challenging. Being in that costume and trying to give the effect
of being form the 1800's while acting with people who were from 2002 was very difficult.
Her speech her carriage everything about her. But one of my favorite things to do is period
pieces so I really loved that. I do think however that the written character of Paige was better
developed so it was less stressful.
4) Who was your favorite ‘angel’ to work with on PC?
Tamara Davies. We have developed a great friendship and still talk all the time.
5) Out of all the Port Charles’ Cast who did you enjoy working with the most?
That would be a tie between Jon and Erin. I think my characters connections with them were the
closest and art often imitates life. These are two extraordinary people and actors.
Giving kind, in life and in their work. Jon was like a mentor and Erin has this amazing happy
spirit. They were both great.
6) If given the chance, would you return to Port Charles?
Yes. Especially with the shooting schedule the way they have it.
7) What was it like being on ‘Star Trek’?
Star Trek was a surreal experience. It was truly like being in outer space because everything
was so realistic. Some of the costumes really looked like they were real aliens and the sets
were amazing. That kind of suspension of reality is exactly why I love acting.
8) What was it like sharing the screen with Denzel Washington?
Working with Denzel was one of the most intense learning experiences of my life.
It was one of three most nerve-racking things I've ever done. It was only my second film and
you just don't screw up when you work with him. He is so intense and visceral that there is
literally no acting involved. He just forces you to react. He is also so in control of every
part of the acting and the script. When we did the first scene he actually asked me to go
rewrite my lines cause they weren't working and then had me change them back. I was like.
AAAAAAAAH! I'm not a writer, but he looks out for every aspect of the work.. That's why he's
so successful.
9) What has been your favorite role you’ve ever played?
Gotta be honest I have quite a few. Some roles were in theatre.
Cecily in The importance of Beiong Ernest. I also loved The orbit spots and a guest star
I did on The invisible Man.
10) How old were you when you first got into acting?
My first play was when I was 3. My first Professional audition in L.A was just 4 years ago.
11) What is it like begin the ‘Orbit Gum’ girl?
I love being the Orbit Gum girl cause she's such a dork. It's also so recognizable everyone
seems to love it and that makes me happy.
12) How can fans contact you?
That's a good question. I'll look into that. It's new to me. But everyone who wants to get in
touch with me should go to the Wrigley web site and say they like the orbit ads so they do more.
13) Anything you’d like to say to your fans?
I am flattered I have fans and very grateful that people take an interest in my work.
Anyone reading this on the website could actually help me out. I have been offered to do
some publicity like magazines, Maxim, Shape things like that. Is that something the fans
would like to see. I'd love some feedback.
14) What did you think of Vanessa Branch Online?
I think Vanessa Branch online is one of the greatest things ever.
I am so flattered and lucky to have someone put so much love and work into a project dedicated
to me. I feel unworthy but it is like a childhood dream come true.
Thanks to Micah for being so giving to others.
15) Thanks for the interview, any last things you’d like to say?
I guess I'd like to say that whether people are interested in reading about this for fun or
because they are interested in potentially acting, I hope they keep the faith in their dreams.
I have learned in so many times of hopelessness that dreams get us through whether they happen
the way we want them to or not. The greatest gift we have as humans is the ability to aspire to
something, and dreams give us that. I wish for you all to let yourselves dream and to have the
courage to pursue them, through thick and thin. They provide us with the spark in our souls.
Thanks Micah