Meet Lisa Butala | Actor

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

Hi Lisa, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
I always knew that I wanted to make movies and bring characters to life ever since watching “Indiana Jones” and “Jurassic Park” as a kid. Being an actor was a dream that whispered constantly. I was captivated by the screen and the amazing work of actors and filmmakers that have come before me. I love the beauty that is storytelling and how a story can make people feel. Bringing a character to life is an incredible privilege and experience, and I feel very grateful to be able to do it as a career.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I started out as a performer, singing at the local fairgrounds at age 5 and putting on countless performances at home for my parents and grandparents. While I continue to love to sing and dance, I knew early on that acting was where my heart was. When I moved to LA for college, originally studying and earning a degree in Criminology to go into the FBI, I decided to listen to that whisper and started pursuing acting professionally. I trained, researched the business side of the industry, and worked hard to give myself the best chance that I could. In knowing that I wanted to act in the action and adventure genres, I trained in several skills such as horseback riding, stage combat, and weapons handling. I trained as an EMT as well to have a flexible job alongside acting and because I love helping people.
The majority of my acting experience has come from working on independent films, where I have been able to not only grow as an actor, but also learn about the production side: the lens, framing, blocking, lighting, sound, SFX, and editing.
In 2024, I earned my first Best Actress award for my portrayal of Rose Dunn in the western feature “Lady Outlaw.” It was a role that meant a lot to me to play and it is a film I will always hold a special place for in my heart. It was also the first time I was able to be a part of the pre-production side of film, specifically the development of the script. I feel very lucky to have been able to work on the projects I have and learn from some incredible people thus far. I would love to work with the likes of Steven Spielberg, Tom Cruise, and Harrison Ford someday. That is the beauty of a dream; you can work hard towards it and it might just come true. I have always lived by the saying that you can do anything you put your mind to. This career can be tough at times, where there is a great amount that is out of your control. With that said, being determined and dedicated go a long way. You never know when something will come your way, but you can work to be prepared for when it does and you can create your own opportunities. I will be directing my first short film this year that I couldn’t be more excited for! I am grateful for the opportunities I have experienced and I am looking forward to continuing to work hard towards the ones ahead!

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I absolutely love Universal Studios, which is probably not surprising haha! That is always on the list when friends visit. Shoreline Village and The Queen Mary in downtown Long Beach are also on that list! And of course, you can’t forget Disneyland and Knotts Berry Farms. There’s also some great hiking trails that I love to go on with my German Shepard, Nala. For fellow movie lovers, The Academy Museum in LA is a great stop as well!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I would like to dedicate this shoutout to my parents. They have been my biggest supporters and I love being able to share this journey with them. One of my favorite memories was having them visiting the set for one of my first leading roles in a western titled “Lady Outlaw.” I was not only able to share that experience with them, but I also got to share the screen with my dad.

Website: https://m.imdb.com/name/nm13856463/

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