Today we’d like to introduce you to Livi D.
Hi Livi, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today.
My career in filmmaking started when I was a child; I was signed to an acting agency (Dani’s Agency), where I was involved in commercials, modeling, and films. Once I became old enough to understand the various jobs that went into making films, my passion geared towards Directing and Screenwriting. This was around the end of elementary school, and entering middle school, I landed my first two internships/mentorships. These opportunities involved a theatre director and a film screenwriter/director who gave me a perspective of film vs. theatre as I tried to see what direction route I wanted to go. After learning more from both of those worlds, I stuck with filmmaking. When I got into high school, I joined the theatre troupe for my first two years doing tech, which was the closest thing my school offered to understand lighting, set building, costume design, directing actors, and so much more, similar to operating a film set. In my junior year, I decided to leave the theatre and enroll in a trade school (East Valley Institute of Technology) where I could learn more about filmmaking and earn my certificate in Film/Video Production. During my time at EVIT, I directed and produced over 10 short films, placed first place in their Annual One Shot Competition for my film “Hourglass,” placed first place at the Arizona Student Film Festival for my film “Black Chrome,” represented the EVIT film program at the Arizona State Capital’s House of Representatives, earned my certification for Adobe Premiere Pro and placed Top 3 at SkillsUSA for my commercial about the Phoenix Convention Center Loyalty Cup. After completing my trade and high school, I attended Scottsdale Community College to receive my Associate’s Degree in Film/Media Production. Through this journey, I work as a Director and Screenwriter based in Arizona. It is so fulfilling to be at a point where I am consistently working on new projects, working on sets, meeting other creatives out here in the valley and outside, and furthering my career. I am so grateful for all of the opportunities that I have had and those that are present currently. I’ve learned so much through almost 10 years of my career and I am excited to see what the future will bring.
Alright, let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what challenges have you had to overcome?
Throughout my career so far, it’s been a roller coaster of a road. When looking at the challenges and obstacles that have been present, I look at everything as something I can learn from and adapt from. Looking at my career from where I started to where I am, I’ve changed in so many ways that have helped out for the better. One of my most challenging obstacles had to be myself. I became the worst critic of my work, but it taught me that I needed to believe in my work and what I was doing. I’m thankful for obstacles and challenges that come my way because it helps me improve myself as a person and a Director/Screenwriter.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. What can you tell our readers who might need to be more familiar with what you do?
I am a Director and Screenwriter based in Arizona; I also delve into Acting and Editing in my free time. So far, I’ve been involved in over 30 productions and am constantly growing my career. My style has recently been more surreal, bizarre, and abnormal when writing and directing films. I like to delve into the human experience through a lens that is something fresh and intriguing to my audiences. Filmmaking is something my words can’t fully illustrate my passion for; it’s a way to communicate, invoke emotion, love or hate, create art, and offer an experience, whether maximized or minuscule. I love how you can collaborate with others, create something that didn’t exist before, go through the journey, whether peaceful(rarely) or stress-inducing, and make art overall. I’m honestly proud of the person it has made me today. I’ve never been as confident, assertive, determined, creative, or passionate as I am today, which I am so grateful for every day. I am so thankful for the people I have been able to work with, the projects I have been a part of, the opportunities I have received, and the ability to grow in a career I love.
Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
My advice to anyone who is in filmmaking or interested in filmmaking is to network, network, and network. Films are produced through collaboration with others, which is crucial when you are starting. You’d be surprised by the talented individuals and collaborative creatives you can meet through doing this. Over the years, I have met some of the most amazing and talented creatives through networking that I still work with today. Meeting or reaching out to others is one of the best opportunities you can provide for yourself when working in this field. Another piece of advice is don’t let fear control you if there’s an opportunity that you keep overthinking because you don’t feel like you’d get it. Go for it! You have no idea how it could end if you don’t try; worst comes to worst, they say no, or you don’t get it, but don’t give up. Put yourself out there, reach out to that person, attend networking events if you can, and get involved overall. Filmmaking is a craft where the more you involve yourself, the more you can learn and improve your skills. My best advice is never to give up, no matter how stressful or challenging things may get; continue to push through it, and even with anything concerning something you are passionate about, keep pushing and have fun!
Contact Info:
- Instagram: instagram.com/livid.oh
- Youtube: YouTube.com/@livi-d
Image Credits
First image: Ollie Slade, Second Image: Emmanuel Villa, Third Image: Derek Jones, Fourth Image: Daisy Aguila, Fifth Image: Emmanuel Villa
