Interview by Andrew Bard
Reesa Guerra is one of those unique gems that are a true find in the film industry. To attempt to fit her in a single role would be impossible. Being a successful and talented actress is one of her many skills but she is also a model, writer, producer and more. Since she first took the leap and began her career in the film industry in 2006 she has gone from small supporting/featured roles on independent film and Hollywood features to getting the attention of casting directors landing her lead roles. Never letting her success go to her head, she has remained driven and focused always making sure she is at her best for all that she does.
AB: Besides being a talented actress and model, you’re also a writer. Tell me a little bit about that.
I started screenplay writing in 2010 when I met David Pulson, a member in the film industry who introduced me to a script writers group in Boston, Massachusetts that met every week at MIT College. I was later mentored by producer Barri Evins’s during her “Big Ideas” boot camp which gave me some insight how to shape an idea and turn it into a script. In 2013 I was a film critic for a UK website “Watch this Space” and I have written script coverage for over fifty screenplays including a miniseries.
My historical Drama Blackest Eyes was second runner up for Freshvoices in 2011 and nominated for the humanitarian, diversity, courage, and fortitude award. Recently I had a TV pilot (Rogue) optioned by a production company and producer in Texas. I currently have a psychological thriller/horror, a comedy, period drama, crime drama, and a fantasy screenplay completed.
AB: What do you look for in roles when auditioning? Do you tend to gravitate towards specific roles more than others?
When I audition for a role I look for strong and emotionally complex characters. I tend to gravitate towards roles that are unique and can offer a challenge. Amber from “Stuck Café” gave me a chance to show a range of emotion while also speaking a second language (Spanish), Minerva from “Dystopia” is a strong-female character who doesn’t let anyone get in her way or too close, while Lyric (guardian of the Sea) in “Opalescent” falls in love with someone she can’t have which leads to her destruction.
AB: Without naming specific people or project name what can you say was the craziest experience while working on set?
I’ve had a few crazy experiences while working on sets, but I think drowning in a glass coffin would top them all.
AB: What do you say is the most memorable experience you’ve ever had on a film?
The most memorable experience I’ve ever had on a film was when a monkey (Fiona) walked across my shoulders during a scene in Dystopia and started to pull out my bobby pins.
AB: When did you realize you wanted to really pursue a career in the film industry?
I have always been a student of the arts. I attempted writing screenplays at age six and loved performing in front of the camera. Once I became a teenager, I decided to act and model professionally. By 2008 I became a proud member of AFTRA/SAG union for actors.
AB: What was your first film role? How would you say you’ve grown as an actress since then?
My first film role was technically when I was a child making films with my best friend. However, my first “real role” was as Stacia Monroe in Oldbury Hill TV pilot.
There is always room to grow as an actress. I certainly spend more time on independent projects which typically have more artistic control.
AB: What was the first script you completed and sent off? Has your writing style changed since then and how have you grown as a writer?
My very first script was Blackest Eyes which I sent off to Freshvoices writing competition. My screenplay format was completely wrong, but I was still a second runner-up. I have grown a lot as a writer since then and I give most of the credit to my mentor Barri Evins and YOUR CUT TO: IS SHOWING by T.J. Alex which I consider the screenplay bible.
AB: What was the most recent project (acting and writing) you worked on? What was your role?
I was a producer, writer, and actress alongside Andrew Bard (Co-writer) of Neo Phoenix Studios and director Janet LLavina for a short film “Opalescent.”
A trio of otherworldly females (guardians of the sea) who after breaking their sacred ordinance, are cursed to collect human souls in order to avoid an eternity of pain and suffering.
This summer I worked as a stand-in on Ghostbusters in Boston, I optioned a TV pilot script, most recently finished writing a period drama set in England, and I entered my newest draft of Blackest Eyes into the BlueCat Screenplay competition.
AB: As a woman in the film industry how would you say you’re viewed/treated as an actress and writer?
As a woman in the film industry it is difficult to find powerful roles for females. I am hopeful that more film industry professionals will start to take a look at female writers. I have recently seen an increase in female-driven screenplay demands.
AB: You produced two short films. Do you enjoy being behind the camera and is this something we can expect to see more of from you?
Although, I love acting there is something magical about being behind the camera and watching your characters come to life. It’s certainly a challenge breaking into the screenplay writing industry, but I am passionate and really want this as a career.
AB: What advice would you offer to anyone looking to break into the industry, not only as an actor but writer?
My advice to anyone looking to break into the industry is to start at the bottom, work with college students and independent filmmakers, search local casting companies, be patient, humble, professional, and always accept criticism. If you don’t have thick skin, then this industry isn’t right for you. Remember, to also be careful of scams. If you hear “do you want to be a star?” on the radio, then turn it off. Keep your money in your pocket.
AB: Is there anything else you would like to add? Where can people find your work?
You can find more information about me at https://www.facebook.com/reesa.guerra or email ReesaMGuerra@gmail.com I am always willing to meet and collaborate with industry professionals.