We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Marisa Milroy. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Marisa below.

Marisa, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Can you open up about a risk you’ve taken – what it was like taking that risk, why you took the risk and how it turned out?

While I was working for a production company out of college, I was given an insight into understanding the functioning of what it means to make a film in a completely different light. It opened up a new path into the complex realm of filmmaking and the business behind the start to finish. I carefully paid attention to the dialogue of certain conversations, the movement of material, and what it meant to build a strong network. When the time came for me to move back to Los Angeles post covid, I decided that I was going to open up my own production company and take a leap of faith. I wasn’t aware just how much it would change the trajectory of my career and also teach me what it truly meant to grow as an artist. Throughout the process, there have been many occasions in which I have found myself questioning what it is I have chosen to do and questioning whether or not I know how to do it, but each time a day like this comes I am reminded that true failure is never trying at all. I have found myself always able to navigate a way through and rely on the mentors and support system I have been gracious enough to collect over the past few years.

Marisa, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

As silly as it sounds, I didn’t think that it was possible to have a career in the film industry unless you were “chosen” to do so. I was aware that there were writers behind the movies I loved, people who worked behind the scenes and in front of the camera but I thought those spots were reserved and breaking into the industry wasn’t something anyone could do. I wasn’t interested in anything outside of the creative field and felt lost as to what it was I was supposed to do with any form of career. I found my way into a conversation about wanting to write movies and be involved in film when I moved to Los Angeles, and instantly someone connected me to a professional screenwriter who was gracious enough to show me what it exactly it meant to write a script. It was a stroke of luck that put me on the path to the world of film opening up for me. I dove straight in; attended film school, interned at multiple agencies, production companies, and spoke to as many other creatives as possible. I continued to push myself to gain as much knowledge as possible and take advantage of every opportunity presented. I was able to widen my skill set in the industry as not only as a screenwriter, but also as an actress and producer. This particular career path has shown to have its obstacles, as any other, however the greatest lesson I have learned in this career has been to keep on the path no matter what is thrown your direction and being open to the different opportunities even if they aren’t entirely what you had imagined. Some of the fondest memories I have gained so far have been jobs I couldn’t have even imagined that on paper looked entirely out of my skill set yet somehow I have known what to do. Opening up my production company, Did You See Me Productions, I was able to truly delve into a new understanding about this business and what is truly required. My main objective as a multi-hyphenate artist was to hone in on what stories I wanted to be apart of and what voice I wanted to have in this industry. I wanted to use this platform to contribute to stories of addiction, mental health, LGBTQ+, and under represented communities. I am proud to be apart of a generation of filmmakers who are focused on pushing the norms and sharing their unique stories with the world. My companies aim and my intention as a writer/producer/actress is to further this movement and contribute material that features a newness and fresh perspective to stories we may or may not have seen before.

Any resources you can share with us that might be helpful to other creatives?

I think the ultimate resource in my creative journey has been learning how to trust myself as an artist and trust my movement as a business owner. There are an exorbitant amount of opinions and professionals that have paved their own path and I continue to learn from those who have flourished before me, however I am always equating myself into the mix as well. In the process of learning to trust myself as an artist, I have made mistakes that were absolutely invaluable and without them, I could have never been propelled into the next steps of my journey thus far. I think enduring a “failure” is by far the greatest asset and resource any business or individual can obtain. Whether or not it is one obtained by a mistake or witnessing another’s, the creative journey is one of highs and lows that are absolutely unavoidable and should be embraced with open arms at all times. I wish I had understood earlier that growth is the only way any creative can continue to move forward in their careers and that trusting one’s self through those highs and lows is the most important part.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

The most rewarding aspect of working in the creative field is being able to collaborate with fellow artists. There is not a single person I have encountered in the industry achieve their individual goals and/or desires without the strength and support of their team and the process of what it means to collaborate. This has been the most rewarding aspect for me because it is a constant reminder that the impact of what a group of people are able to create together is so much larger than what one person could ever set out to do themselves. For me, working as a creative, my biggest source of joy has been being able to work alongside friends and build those relationships. I have been fortunate enough to co-write screenplays, collaborate on producing projects, and work with incredible co-stars and there is nothing more fun for me than being able to know that we are working together to bring something into this world. This industry can be very trying and to have a team of like-minded individuals that share the same dreams, ambitions, and goals is priceless.

Contact Info:

• Website: marisamilroy.com
• Instagram: marisamilroy
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marisamilroy/

Image Credits
Davis Dewitt