Today we’d like to introduce you to Lisa Alavi.
Lisa, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
Growing up, I knew at an early age that I wanted to get into acting and film. I would see great actors on the screen and naturally visualize myself in the role. The more complex or dynamic the role, the more that I was drawn to it. When I was in Junior High, I was scouted by a Manager in Los Angeles, with a pretty impressive roster, after he saw me performing a monologue, in which I played a special needs woman desperately wanting to be truly seen by her mom. At the time, my parents decided that I was too young to make the move, never mind being a minor at the time, how that would have to be navigated by the entire family. I quieted my dream for a while, focused on education, went to the University of Houston where I graduated with a Major in Supply Chain Management & a minor in French. Post-graduation, I went into oil & gas, only to find the creative itch for something else surfacing once more. I started using my social media as a way to share fashion, my art, lifestyle, and other things that I was passionate about. From there, brands and companies started contacting me independently to wear, promote, or partner for them as an influencer and a model.
I started simultaneously to create my own digital selling space for my art, fashion, and other graphic designs, combining both my supply chain background and my artistic side to create more online traction, learning online business as I went. I skipped the metaphorical tricycle to go straight to the bicycle. As I started to network more and grow more, I decided naturally that it was time to get an agent. A year ago, I signed with an agent and made my return to film. In the last year, I have been in two feature films, one pitch to series, and already verbally agreed for another. I hope for those reading this, they recognize there is always JOY in the JOurneY. The things that we are passionate about have a way of whispering to us until we hear it. The more you try to quiet the inner whisper, the louder it gets. Follow your gut, for it is your guide. And if you follow the things you are passionate about, you never know what the universe has in store.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Anything worth pursing comes with challenges and stretching our mindset constantly past our comfort zone, knowledge base, or skills set. With anything we care about, we must be a constant student of our craft. There have been many nights that I’ve been up until 6:30 am doing artwork or playing with website design, running on pure adrenaline to “get it right”. There have been many friend hangouts and outings that I’d love to do more of, but I’ll have to say no to prioritize my time on a set project. There have been roles, you go three rounds of auditions, many you drive 5 hours one way alone for 1-2 minutes in a room, where you may get a no or they tell you that you “pretty much” have the part, only for it to offered elsewhere in the end. There are times when you realize one of your “end goal plans” was actually only meant to serve as a learning opportunity to a newly evolved plan. Truth is, there are constant challenges and setbacks, even to the best of intentions. It’s part of the process.
We simply have to find the gratitude in the challenges, for it is always preparing us for the next thing if we are willing to embrace it with a positive outlook and resilience. In the end, we are developing a certain mindset training in the journey, alongside the technical skillset. And with that, the universe has a way of aligning the right timing. As a child, it was a difficult idea to postpone acting, but as an adult, I am actually, in retrospect, so grateful for the path it took because I’m now in a much better position and awareness to pursue the things I want. Such is divine timing.
We’d love to hear more about your work.
With film, I’ve been noted often for my ambiguous look to play various backgrounds. In my last pitch to series (filmed Fall 2019), ‘Marshal Dead’, I was cast as the lead Comanche Woman “Nadua”. Prior to taking this role, I was very clear in my interest to play the part only if the Comanche Nation was presented in a positive manner. When I read the script, I fell in love with the character – her strength, vulnerability, and emotional arc. I felt at ease to know Director Marc Isaacs (Mohawk First Nations), Wardrobe Gilbert Gomez (Apache), and MUA Rebecca Stacey (Cherokee) were putting their voice behind it. As the Producers, I’m also grateful to Loren Margolese, Jade Roberts, Marc Isaacs for taking a chance on me, working together the first time to be cast as a lead. I’m grateful to Gilbert and Rebecca, competitive archery shooters, who took time to train me in instinct archery and answer any questions I had prior in prep as well. I’m also super grateful to Marc for giving me that “mental/emotional/creative space” on set to explore my character instincts, wonderful to work with. That space is a true treat as an actor. This series is in post production to be pitched.
In Spring 2020, I was cast in Welling Films & Deepwater Productions Motion Picture Group “Narco Sub” in a scene playing Nurse Madison Hayes opposite actor Tom Sizemore and my sister, fellow actress Sara Alavi. As of late June, the film wrapped production after minor delays with the Covid-19 pandemic, in order to assure actors’ safety on set as a priority. The film is on schedule for both International and Domestic releases of the film in the fall. The film is set to be distributed worldwide after attending the Cannes, Hong Kong, and Toronto film Festivals over the summer.
In Spring 2020, after discussions with Johnny Ray Gibbs (actor/writer/producer), I’m set to star in his film “Mr. Blue”, alongside actors Tom Sizemore, Robert Lasardo, Noel Gugliemi, Jessica Morris, and Richard Riehle. Filming dates undetermined.
Currently, I have also just launched my YouTube channel to connect further with everyone. It will be a combination of BTS film looks, press/appearances, print, art, lifestyle, humanity, health, business, and the many “how-to”s that I’ve learned along the way.
What is “success” or “successful” for you?
I think success is simply that JOY in the JOurneY. It’s never the end point, for it is always changing, even if you reach it, you then cast that net further. It’s following your heart and the things that bring fire to your soul with passion and conviction. It’s the wealth of knowledge and mindset you gain along the way. It is listening to your inner child and embracing her instead of calming her. It is doing the thing you feel in your heart that you were truly put here on this earth, in this lifetime, to do. It is that when I’m 99 years old, I look back with no regrets, knowing I did everything that fueled my inner flame and made me feel alive.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.lisaalavi.com/
- Email: info@lisaalavi.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lisaalavi/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thelisaalavi
- Other: imdb.me/lisaalavi
Image Credit:
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