We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Grace De Silva. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Grace below.
Grace , appreciate you joining us today. Learning the craft is often a unique journey from every creative – we’d love to hear about your journey and if knowing what you know now, you would have done anything differently to speed up the learning process.
Learning the craft of filmmaking and of running your own business takes time, patience and persistence. In my experience the best way of accomplishing much is by having a vision and taking big risks. Scheduling your goals. Staying focused on doing what you love; sometimes even a little every day goes a long way. It’s about committing to the daily habits that keep you connected to the work. Whether it be reading a script, a book, learning a new song, learning new technology, & techniques. Or going to see a movie. It all feeds the creative energy through play and discipline. Also learning to live life and letting go of high expectations. I’ve had to learn by doing without fear of failure or fear to be seen. Most importantly by getting out of my own way, not caring so much about what others think of me and giving space to allow things to unfold for my greater good.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
My career started with acting in commercials and small independent projects and then that grew into voiceover work and loop group. During this time I also worked in production as a casting assistant, and eventually became a session director for various shows that were produced at Raleigh Studios Hollywood and Warner Brothers. During this time I was honing my skills directing my own projects which led to directing Spanish television on Telemundo and LATV. This experience melded all my previous experience and skills, so it was the perfect opportunity for me to grow and I feel I really came into my own, as a director, during that time. More recently, my award winning bilingual comedy, El Servicio written by Paul Kampf co- founder of Catalyst Studios and equitas entertainment who’s mission is to bring diverse and socially responsible stories and give talented female filmmakers opportunities. El Servicio won Best Comedy at the Puerto Rican film festival in New York City. And head lined Rosalyn Sanchez’s film, “Satos..” I had the grace to be part of a panel of very talented directors and producers like Rosalyn Sanchez and Holly Levow to name a few. El Servicio will now head its way to Atlanta this coming up year.
How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?
Pivoting in business and or in a creative career has happened to me more than once. Throughout the years I have learned that it is important to understand that life happens. And although we may be laser focused to accomplish worldly goals. It’s also equally as important to have the balance to live, slow down and reset. As a creative living real life is part of my job. How else am I going to tell stories without human experience?! As an entrepreneur it is so important to have a work life balance or you’ll just burn out so fast! The times I’ve had to pivot were for reasons of taking the time to heal old wounds, grow spiritually, and reset my mind and body. One of the biggest pivots however, had to do with birthing two amazing kids and then essentially recreating my priorities and lifestyle. I’m a believer that you can have it all. Redesign your path. Ultimately success to me is maintaining your joy. In all that you see and do. It’s a state of being.
Are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?
Shoot! If I could take back time I would tell myself to slow down. Earn money.
Invest in yourself. Whether it be personal, spiritual , technical, creative skills. Do it. Earn and invest your money. Make money while learning a new skill. For example if you want to travel the world and you’re 18; work for an airline or cruise ship. If you love cooking and have aspirations to be a Chef work in a restaurant and get great training. If you want to become a vet work at an animal hospital or shelter. There is so much knowledge out there and experiences you can have while getting paid to do it. Internships and volunteering are other great sources. At the end of the day we live in society where money gives you the freedom to obtain resources. And although I could totally live in a more egalitarian world. This is not currently our system. As creatives we can find ourselves with more of a focus on our creativity and forget how important it is to also know business. So it’s important to have that balance. So I’d tell my 18 year old self to work and earn money by learning new life skills. Buy and invest in property or home. business. Save for education and invest with mindful strategy. Have fun living your life to its fullest!
Contact Info:
- Instagram: Grace.de.silva
- Facebook: Grace.de. Silva
- Youtube: Grace.De.Silva
Image Credits
Roxanne Turpen , Womens weekend challenge.