Salvation centers on Liam Cole (Charlie Rowe), an MIT grad student, and Darius Tanz (Santiago Cabrera), a tech superstar, who bring Pentagon official Grace Barrows (Jennifer Finnigan) a staggering discovery – an asteroid is just six months away from colliding with Earth. In season two, the secret is out – the world learns the truth about the impending threat of an asteroid on a collision course with earth. The question is: will the truth bring out the best or the worst in us? Madison plays Nate Ryland, a high school friend of science fiction writer, Jillian Hayes (Jacqueline Byers). Nate and Jillian lost touch, but with an asteroid heading towards the planet they reconnect in the strangest of places and help each other cope with the impending impact.
Madison can also be seen as Aiden Webb in NarcoLeap, a KGP Films web series which follows Kelsey Atkins (Chelsey Reist) who finds herself unexpectedly leaping into the bodies of other people during her bouts of narcolepsy and becoming a target in the deadly world of espionage. Madison’s character Aiden is Kelsey’s best friend, and the only person she can turn to for guidance. Unfortunately for the two of them, the strange occurrences happening to Kelsey bring about the attention of a secret military organization that will change the course of their lives forever. NarcoLeap is available on Telus Optik TV in Canada and around the world on YouTube.
We had the amazing opportunity to speak with Madison. Check out the interview below.
Hi, Madison! Thank you for granting the interview to discuss “Salvation.” Wow! “Salvation” is an awesome show. Can you share some tea on upcoming episodes?
Thank you for talking to me! “Salvation” is an amazing show, and I’m super proud to have the chance to work on it. I’m really excited about where season 2 is going to go. Everyone from the first season that’s returning has their own journey in this season which is very cool to see, especially because it opens the door to add new characters like Nate. Darius is now Vice President, Liam is being held captive by a terrorist organization and Grace and Harris are trying to cover up a murder. All while an asteroid is still heading towards earth. What could be more exciting?!
People wonder what they would do if they knew an asteroid is about to collide with Earth. How do you think you would react?
Nate is trying to stay as positive as possible with what’s happening. He knows that there is nothing that he can do to change his circumstances so he tries to live every day to the fullest. Luckily I’ve always had a similar outlook so putting on my Nate suit was very natural.
What should the audience expect from Nate in upcoming episodes?
Over the next few episodes, we get to see the connection between Jillian (Jacqueline Beyers) and Nate grow. Jillian is having trouble trying to cope with what’s going on so Nate lends her an ear and offers another perspective to see things from.
Let’s talk “NarcoLeap.” You play Aiden Webb.
“NarcoLeap” is an amazing project. I can’t wait for people to see it when it’s released on July 15th. I play Aidan Webb, best friend of Kelsey Atkins (Chelsey Reist). When Kelsey learns about her newfound abilities she enlists the help of Aidan to get a better understanding of what she can do. Unfortunately, their experiments draw the attention of a secret branch of the government that wants to bring Kelsey in. This starts Kelsey and Aidan on an adventure that will change their lives forever.
According to the Narcolepsy Network, “narcolepsy affects an estimated 1 in every 2,000 people in the United States. That’s 200,000 Americans, and approximately 3 million worldwide. It is estimated that only 25% people who have narcolepsy have been diagnosed and are receiving treatment.” Do you believe this series raises awareness on narcolepsy?
Narcolepsy is a serious diagnosis that a lot of people have to deal with on a daily basis. And yes unfortunately too many people go undiagnosed and untreated. This series shows a person with this ailment can lead such an exciting life, and hopefully, it leads others to go out and get the treatment they need.
The show will air on Telus, Optik TV in Canada and around the world on YouTube. How important is it for an artist to expand their portfolio by playing the roles that will air on YouTube?
YouTube is amazing for upcoming artists that are trying to break into the industry. “NarcoLeap” was lucky enough to have a budget and producers but that’s not always the case. With a platform such as YouTube, everyone has the ability to make and show off their own projects.
If you could choose a story to tell via your acting, what would it be and why?
I’d love to tell a story about my time in sports. It was always my dream to play baseball in the major leagues as a kid before I became an actor. I’d love to get the chance to live out that dream on screen!
Thus far, what has been the best experience in the industry?
My journey in the industry has been fantastic. I can’t point out just one experience, but 2018 has been amazing, so far. I got a chance to work on “NarcoLeap” and “Salvation” and it’s only halfway through the year. Who knows what else is to come.
Complete this sentence, if I had an opportunity to do anything I want, I would do ___________.
I would play baseball. It’s the one thing I’ve always wanted to do. When I walk into a baseball field I still get the same tingles that I used to get before I played a game. The smells, sounds, and sights of the ballpark bring me back to my childhood.
Thank you for talking with me. I look forward to people seeing Nate’s journey on “Salvation” and for “NarcoLeap” which is currently available on YouTube.
Connect with Madison:
Twitter: https://twitter.com/madosmith21
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/madosmith21
Featured Image Credit: Courtney Paige.
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