Meet Alexandria Rizik: Writer/Filmmaker

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

Hi Alexandria , we’d love to hear your perspective on online dating (or interesting anecdotes).
I get the whole online dating thing and I’ve used it myself in the past. I actually started using it when we all had to go into quarantine/isolation due to Covid-19, but I’m off it now. It’s too freaky. It’s weird how a person can make themselves look totally different online than they look in real life. It freaks me out. One weird experience I had on a dating app was when I was on Hinge and this guy on there liked my photo. He was older, like in his fifties. When I clicked his profile, I recognized him but I couldn’t place exactly from where. Later on, I was on Facebook and a friend from high school posted a picture with her family and I realized the guy that had liked my photo on Hinge was her dad! Thankfully, I never responded to his message. I was cringing. That was my cue to get off the dating apps.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I am a writer and filmmaker. I have three award-winning films that I am super proud of! I’ve also published a children’s book as well as a book of poetry. My book of poetry was recently number one in the Kindle store. None of this has been easy, I don’t believe any sort of creative success ever is. The writing process alone is very emotional and getting it out there and facing rejection is always difficult. No one wants to hear “no” when it comes to their work. It makes you feel like you (and your art) are inadequate. But when you push forward, you come to find that there is a light at the end of the tunnel (cliche but true). Right now, I am doing a ton of writing. I am most excited about a novel that I’ve been working on for the past decade. I started writing it when I was seventeen and went through my first real breakup, which is something that I believe sets me apart from others. I use writing as a means of therapy. I write a lot about people I encounter every day. So much of my work has been inspired by real experiences, whether it be men who have broken my heart (call me Taylor Swift), grief, or just trying to find the humor in every day angst. I find inspiration in people and their stories. Everyone is a character and has a story demanded to be told. I’m not afraid to write something that is less commercial or popular. I write for me and I know people can relate to my work because it is about REAL experiences and individuals. After all these years and after all of the rejection my novel has faced, I finally got a YES! That is what you have to focus on. Everyone has opinions and in the end, if you believe in your work there will be someone else who does too. I’m also very excited about my film “The Middle” which will be on Amazon Prime starting in May. Along the way, I’ve learned so much about myself and what I’m capable of. What I want the world to know about me, is that I always keep it real, whether it be personally or creatively. I am always myself. What you see is what you get.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I spend my time between Arizona and Los Angeles. So if I was in Arizona, I’d say we should hit up Old Town Scottsdale. I love it down there because it’s much more city-like and walkable. They have great restaurants, shopping, and overall people-watching. My favorite spots are all of the local wineries that have vineyards in Arizona. I love supporting local! You can always find me on Saturday mornings at the farmer’s market in Old Town. If I was in LA, I’d say let’s hit up Beverly Hills and go to my favorite Italian restaurant Il Pastaio. At night I love going to Wally’s for a late night dinner and drinks and maybe head to Hollywood to go out and have fun! A friend of mine owns the Dream Hotel, so he always gets us in to the restaurants and bars.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I want to dedicate my shout-out to my family who has always supported me. Choosing to pursue a career in the arts and entertainment is not easy. You face a lot of rejection every day and emotionally it can be draining, but my mom, dad, sisters and family have always been there by my side so I’m very grateful for that! I also want to shout-out Christopher Bradley who was my screenwriting professor at ASU and now such a great friend and fellow creative!