Meet Deanna Pak | Actress, Writer, Author & Producer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Deanna Pak and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Deanna, how do you think about risk?
I feel that taking risks in your career is crucial. The higher the risk, the higher the potential reward. Now, that doesn’t mean take reckless risks or just throw a dice and hope things work out. Smart business owners take calculative risks. If you do your research and combine it with personal experience, the risk of losing becomes much smaller. There’s always a chance it won’t go as planned, but if you at least have a structure, you increase your odds of success. Risks have played a huge role in my life and career because just being an actor/writer is a risky career financially in itself. The majority invest a lot of money into starting and never see a network, studio, broadway, or national commercial role. That’s the reality statistically, but the flip side is if you work harder AND smarter, it can become a reality. I take risks everyday by choosing to stay in this career field because there is no standard trajectory compared to some other careers I could’ve chosen. But I enjoy it and hope to continue to be able to do what I love, with risks and all.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I’m primarily an actress, but I also write and produce. I recently became a published author (book: Hungry in Hollywood on Amazon) and am producing an online series. I am most proud of my ability to persist and keep going through all the ups and downs. I’ve had the desire to quit just like anyone else might when things didn’t go my way. I’ve learned to enjoy the process more with both the art and business. You can’t do it without both. I know a lot of actors and writers with talent who can’t get the business part down, so they don’t work. I also know artists who are business savvy but need to work on their craft to move up. It’s a full circle, and I’ve learned to enjoy bits and pieces of all of it. I want the world to know me as more than an actress, but as an artist entrepreneur. I want to be the face of your favorite series AND behind the scenes helping create the next major hit project, AND help people along the way.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
My favorite spots in LA are Melrose, North Hollywood, Santa Monica, and Huntington Beach. From the valley to the beach, I would show them a mix of all so they get a true feel for the city. I don’t love downtown LA, but I would take them there just because it’s the city in the city and we can enjoy some rooftop drinks. I’d take them to Inglewood, Thai town, Koreatown, and all the “towns” for some culture. LA is a mutt and to really experience it, you need to try the food in all these little towns. My favorite breakfast and coffee places are on Melrose, so that’s where I would go for that. I would take them to Runyon and some hikes for nice views of the city plus exercise, the Hollywood walk of fame just because, Griffith Park and observatory, and then from there, it’s wherever they want to go.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Wow. I probably can’t thank everyone or it would be a never ending book, but first and foremost, God, my family and friends, my reps, and anyone I’ve spent time with who has inspired and touched my heart. You know who you are. Lastly, but not least, thank you to every person who has supported and believed in me since day 1.

Website: www.deannapak.com
Instagram: Deannapak
Linkedin: Deanna Pak
Twitter: Deannapak
Facebook: Deannapak1
Youtube: www.youtube.com/deannapak
Other: https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B08HTGG8FT/ref=tmm_pap_title_0?ie=UTF8