We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Manuel Lozano a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Manuel, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today We’d love to hear about a project that you’ve worked on that’s meant a lot to you.
Late last year I produced my first full feature. The movie is called “Isabel’s Garden” and it’s currently in post production but will soon be in film festivals. Kit Rich, my wife, wrote and directed it. It’s a hopeful family drama that pulls at your heartstrings and has a beautiful message to all types of families. I am excited for its release in the coming months and it has been an incredible learning experience. I look forward to sharing it with the world soon. You can find more information here and it’s IMBD page . https://collider.com/karen-
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
I’m an actor, producer, and entrepreneur born in Puerto Rico. I currently live in Santa Monica, CA. I’ve owned and operated multiple businesses that support the arts and non-profit arts education. I got my first start in film and television in my 40s on the set of The Young and The Restless in 2020 and recently recurred on the hit show 9-1-1, Casa Grande, as well as a number of major films. So I’m a bit of a late bloomer. I’m a partner at Iris Tuesday Productions and Executive Producer of the upcoming movie, Isabel’s Garden.
Is there mission driving your creative journey?
I was never encouraged to be creative in my earlier years. I’m a first generation American and the first born son. So responsibility and doing the practical thing for work was ingrained in me. I had dreams but they were always offset by doing what I felt I should do and not what I dreamt of doing. So, I studied hard and prepared for a more traditional career. I have worked in fitness, sales, software development, staffing, owned various music schools, etc. I have had many careers. As the years went on, and I would start on a new career idea, I would immerse myself in the creative world and surround myself with creatives. I was always a huge fan of entertainment and theater, music, etc . One day I decided that instead of just being a fan, I would let myself learn a new skill and participate. You know how you are a product of your environment? Being around musicians and actors, because of the schools I owned and operated, inspired me to give it a shot. I am so grateful for the motivation and inspiration they gave me. My mission is to keep digging. Keep being creative. Keep getting inspired. Keep helping other artists flourish. Using my business and management skills to help artists thrive. Because that’s ultimately the goal, right? Helping others thrive.
What can society do to ensure an environment that’s helpful to artists and creatives?
Support your local artists. I love going to the theater. It doesn’t matter if it’s a black box or Broadway. It all has its own brilliance to offer. There is nothing like the live stage. Seeing things up close and so exposed, it’s thrilling. So I would say support your local theater. It’s incredible what is just around the corner.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.iristuesday.com
- Instagram: manuelrafaellozano
- Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/manuelrafaellozano
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/actinglalaland
- Youtube: @manuelrafaellozano
Image Credits
Emily Sandifer – Photographer