An Interview With The Inspiring And Talented Luisa Guerreiro
We recently caught up with the witty and talented Luisa Guerreiro about life through the pandemic (while still remaining sane) as well as her latest projects — and her best advice to aspiring artists. Here is what she had to say:
Hi Luisa, great catching up with you. How has everything been going for you during the pandemic?
All in all — I count my blessings as I’m healthy and I am well. This pandemic has been challenging for many of us; for me for a number of reasons, including missing friends, work opportunities dwindling and finances becoming a worry. However to be honest, I think I’ve faired it well, despite the struggles — and believe me, we all had our various struggles. I’ve just been taking the rough with the smooth and trying to see the bigger picture. Somewhat living my life in slogans and drink-coaster quotes, and taking each day as it comes.
I think the tendency to compare one’s experiences and life with that of another is a huge thing people battle with and it is a slippery slope if you seek to validate yourself, or fuel self-esteem in this way. With social media being so prevalent in the pandemic, I became aware of this culture; feeling the need to post content, almost to matter or be seen. It was hard initially to just be and feel the need to not ‘hustle’ for fear of missing opportunities. Mental health is important and if anything positive has come out of this challenging time, it has reinforced my view of how important talking and being open about mental health is. Myself and my boyfriend made a point of speaking to each other and friends a great deal about any daily frustrations, vulnerabilities, fears (logical or not), feelings and concerns we had at any time. Voicing things really helps, even if it doesn’t seem to solve anything.
I have tried to maintain creativity when work opportunities have not presented themselves. I have used the time to start writing a few projects of my own, update my website, do a combat course, and re-edit my showreels and voicereels. I have been lucky enough to have a few projects offer themselves to me during this pandemic, of which I am very grateful. I have been fortunate to have recorded voice roles in a few audio-dramas, podcasts and computer games, as well as film leading roles in two short films, and that has been wonderful. I also completed a few days on a motion capture shoot for a company in France which I feel extremely blessed to have done, as the company, crew and cast were brilliant.
I have unfortunately experienced the loss of some wonderful people in this pandemic; that has been emotionally very hard. It has prompted mournful reflection but also moments of self-reflection and gratitude for the things in my own life. I have tried to walk more, get more fresh air, give time for self-care without feeling guilty, and prioritize the important things; my health (physical and mental), friends, cake, coffee, and enjoying life.
Please give us an introduction as to when you first got into the entertainment industry:
I suppose the first time I professionally got into the entertainment industry is when I graduated from the Royal Central School of Speech and Drama and got signed to an agent at my showcase. From that point on, I was a jobbing actor with an agent. However, the first time I actually got into the industry of entertainment, was the first time I realized the sublime feeling of making someone laugh or happy through entertaining them with a joke, song, impersonation or story. That probably started at the conception of my own self and being able to communicate.
The less flowery way of saying all of that is, when I was very young and got the chance to perform either at home for family, or on the stage at school concerts and plays.
Do you feel like you have grown a lot more as an artist over the years, through your experiences?
I have most definitely grown — not in stature! — But, definitely as a person and performer. My experiences have shaped my attitude to this industry and how I deal with it as a business; auditions, rejection and work/life balance. My experiences have also been instrumental in steering my journey and passions in this world, in and apart from acting.
Through my experiences as an artist, I have learnt more about dealing with different personalities. I’m always surprised in the rare instance when I encounter someone in this industry who exists with an inordinate level of ego, distaste for empathy, and reverence of narcissism. In an industry where we spend our careers ‘putting ourselves into the shoes of others’, I find it vexing, and I am the person who speaks up about it. It doesn’t always make me popular even if I do it respectfully, but integrity is a shield to the ‘BS’ in the world. Just wipe it down after use.
My experiences have taught me that there is no such thing as failure — it’s only a lesson you haven’t learnt yet. True failure only finds its form if you fail and refuse to learn from the experience. Over the years, I have learnt so much more about myself through self-reflection and the challenges I have had to overcome, and this has generated so much to draw on as a performer — I guess they call that ‘life experience’ in the biz. I’ve also gained so much more confidence and expertise in my craft, as well as making strong and valued connections with creatives in the industry, who have become friends and fellow collaborators.
It’s been ups and downs… and the journey continues. I love it.
“To live would be an awfully great adventure” — The BRILLIANT Robin Williams as Peter Pan in ‘Hook’ (1991) dir. Steven Spielberg
What has been one of your favorite projects to work on so far?
I count my blessings with a great many of the projects I have been fortunate to be involved in.
One of my favorite projects to work on was the PS4 computer game ‘Horizon: Zero Dawn’ for Guerilla Games. I worked on this at Audiomotion Studios in Oxford and had a smashing time. It was one of my first big motion capture roles and I played Young Aloy, doing her stunts, movements and facial capture. It was one of the best times, fully immersing myself in her world, and having the chance to play and pretend in its fullest sense, as the volume space you act in is a grey space with cameras and you need to invest in the imaginary a lot. It’s very liberating and challenging…and so much fun.
What has been one of the biggest highlights/achievements of your career?
The biggest achievement of my career might be sticking it out in this crazy and wonderful industry. So many times I thought about giving it up for something easier. However, I seem to be a glutton for doing things ‘the hard way’! And, I’m in such good company a lot of the time, it feels like a tribe endeavor — or a massive hymn sheet for the acting masses to sing from.
There are a few, but one of the biggest highlights of my career has been performing in ‘Captain Corelli’s Mandolin’ directed by the superb Melly Still, and performed at The Harold Pinter Theatre in the West End. I got really lovely reviews in the National Press about my performance as the goat and other roles, and it was such a privilege to tread / hoof the boards in such a great production for the West End and National Tour run.
Who has been one of your favorite actors/filmmakers you have worked with so far and why?
I have two answers if that’s allowed. One of my favorite people to work with has been Mike Archer, actor and filmmaker. He is a great actor and filmmaker who creates from his heart and gut. We acted with each other 6 years ago on a new writing project by actress, writer and director, Victoria Jane Appleton and we had the best time riffing off each other and improvising in scenes. We got on so well, we ended up dating and haven’t been apart since. We even went on to make our own production company ‘Old Lamp Entertainment’ — and produced the European Premiere of HG Wells’ ‘The Crystal Egg Live’ at The Vaults, London.
Second to that, one of my other favorite people that I have had the pleasure with working alongside is actor, director and filmmaker David Schneider. I worked with him and Josh Widdicombe, Hannah Waddingham and Beattie Edmondson on an episode of ‘Josh: Season 2’ for BBC3 Comedy. David allowed me a lot of free rein on my character and permission to improvise and play — a lot of which ended up being aired. He nurtured my comedy instincts and as such I had a blast acting alongside some other comic geniuses.
What other projects do you have coming up?
I have recorded a few voice-over projects and audio-dramas which are airing or in line to be aired, and I’ve filmed on a few of short films recently so I’m waiting for their screening dates. In addition to these, there are a few motion capture projects I have been working on, with release dates next year. I’m working on a NDA project I can’t speak about yet, and I’m creating my own work. I’m writing and producing a couple of short films with subjects close to my heart, and writing a one-woman comedy show called ‘Mother Teresa’. The inspiration has been the comedy and trauma that comes from certain people in my family, notably my mother. It is currently in development and due to be ready for previews later in the year. So, although it’s been a tough year, I’m trying to keep busy and remain grateful for opportunities.
What is your best piece of advice for aspiring artists?
My best piece of advice would be; work hard, be kind and respectful (to yourself and others), and give yourself the permission and time for self-care.
I’d say… work to live and don’t live to work. I’d also say have confidence in what you individually bring to the table…it doesn’t have to be the same as everyone else. If this industry is a buffet table, very rarely do people want to have exactly the same dish numerous times. Be proud of the difference that you bring, no matter how slight… and most importantly, rather than resenting the successes of others, celebrate and be inspired by them. It is fuel to your fire rather than fire to your frame of mind.
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