EP 33: Lisa Riesner: Journalist Turned Actor

On this episode of the Second Act Actors podcast, I interview the inspiring Lisa Riesner, who started out in the acting industry after a career in journalism. She tried out acting at the age of 25 by joining a circus class with some friends and fell in love with it, but she didn’t make the leap into acting full-time until she tragically lost a close friend. This shock made her want to pursue her dreams and since then she’s put all of her efforts into acting, writing and directing.

In our conversation, we touch on the fact that it’s so hard to tell people that you’re an actor but why you should do it anyway. Lisa shares some great pearls of wisdom about having the power to determine your own life and why she’s making her own films rather than waiting for casting directors to find her. She also unpacks the film industry in Europe and what makes it different from working as an actor in Hollywood or Toronto.

I loved talking with Lisa and got so much out of our conversation, as you’ll hear on this episode! If you enjoyed the episode and learnt something from Lisa, please subscribe to the Second Act Actors podcast.

Timestamps

[2:09] Lisa explains her route to full-time acting via journalism

[6:37] It’s hard to say out loud that you’re an actor!

[9:17] “I’m gonna make it happen for myself”

[12:10] How Lisa’s journalism skills have helped her to advance her acting career

[14:02] Lisa’s advice to people who want to change their lives

[17:00] “What ego??!”

[18:40] Every actor needs an ego

[20:16] Having life experience frees you up to be more playful

[24:17] Lisa explains the European film industry

[28:40] Is the end goal always Hollywood?

[31:58] The strength of actors producing their own movies