Meet Diana Perez Riveros | Producer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Diana Perez Riveros and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Diana, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
I have experienced a lot of personal healing through art, whether it be through acting, writing, or fully producing a film, series, or theater production. As a kid, I was fascinated by the process of filmmaking, I would get home from school and instead of doing my homework, I would often find myself on a rabbit hole of YouTube videos, exploring behind-the-scenes content from movies. I found it absolutely astonishing – you can imagine I wasn’t always the best student.

I went to the movies pretty regularly back home and I remember finding it fascinating how movies could make someone feel, how you could get goosebumps simply staring at a screen. I fell in love with movies and TV from a very young age, which worked to my advantage because, like many of us artists, I hate sitting down in front of a computer in an office all day. I am truly driven by telling stories and creating content that hopefully can connect with people in the same way it connected with me when I was a kid.

Once I grew up I understood the great responsibility that came with my work. I create entertainment, which serves as a way for the world to decompress. What we present is incredibly important; we are shaping generations through art. And I find that beautiful.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
One of the hardest decisions I’ve made in my life is to redirect my career path. I came to Los Angeles to go to acting school because I wanted to be an actor. And I will most likely continue acting on the side because the craft is absolutely incredible. However, during my career as an actress, I decided to become a producer. I felt that my skills would be better appreciated in that role. I discovered a deep passion for producing and the behind-the-camera work. But I won’t lie—it was very difficult. I had dreamt of becoming an actor for much of my teenage years, while on the YouTube rabbit-hole. It was a big grieving process in putting that aspiration aside. Ultimately, I understood that what I loved most was the filmmaking process: the planning and coordination of a project, and how dozens of departments must work together to create an emotional experience for a single viewer in the theater.

I believe what sets me apart from others is my work ethic and my collaborative spirit. I am fiercely committed to fostering a culture that promotes a healthy and inspiring work environment for everyone. Creating that environment requires swimming against the current. Things have always been done one way, and sometimes you need to take risks and approach situations differently to stay true to your values. I take immense pride in the sets I have managed. I always prioritize people, no matter the circumstances. Sometimes this means spending more money or having difficult conversations, but the most important thing to me is ensuring that everyone I hire and collaborate with feels safe in their work environment. I have not always experienced safe sets or respectful workplaces, which has been a big challenge.

It is not easy to grow in this business, particularly in the heart of the film industry that is Los Angeles. There is a lot of competition—exceptionally talented competition. To make a name for myself, I have had to jump into situations where I haven’t felt great, where my own mental health was compromised. Sadly, many people in this industry have faced similar challenges. Yet, I see these experiences as blessings in disguise because they have transformed me into a different professional. I now have a new mindset and a desire to “break the wheel” in some way. This journey has given me a renewed drive for storytelling along with a fresh approach to work. As a producer, I must set an example, as the entire production is under my supervision.

I come from Colombia, and I have had to fight my way in this country. I arrived as a student at 18, and I am about to turn 30. I will never stop. I am committed to continuing to build my name, my brand, and most importantly, my work ethic. This is the business I love, and impacting the lives of others through art is the most fulfilling experience I could ever have.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I love this city, but what I cherish most about it is the family I have created over nearly 11 years of living here. So, the main aspect of hanging out with me in LA is that I will make you hang out with my friends—A LOT. I feel so blessed to have people I can call family in this city. That being said, here are my thoughts on showing a good friend my home:

* Of course, I would start by giving them a tour of Hollywood and all its magic. The feeling people have when walking down Hollywood Boulevard is definitely an experience. Maybe not for everyone, but you cannot come to LA and not walk the Walk of Fame, see where the Academy Awards are hosted, and explore the crazy museums in the area, like Madame Tussauds or Ripley’s Believe It or Not! This would definitely be an area where I could provide a well-informed tour because of my profession.
* I would love to take them on a hike in Hollywood Hills that ends up right behind the Hollywood sign with the view of the city. This hike is absolutely breathtaking!
* We would definitely have to go to each In-N-Out Burger! It’s a quintessential West Coast experience that you won’t find anywhere else in the country.
* We would visit Venice Beach and the Santa Monica Pier. I remember the first time I went to Venice Beach; I felt a little overwhelmed but soon realized I could be whoever I wanted in this city. No one will judge you here, this city is full of artistic souls who just want to enjoy life.
* As a Latina, we would go dancing! I love places like La Descarga or El Floridita—the music is incredible.
* I enjoy going to Universal Studios, and people always rave about the Universal Studios Backlot Tour.
* Catalina Island! It’s such a beautiful place to visit, and you can easily make a day trip out of it. I went there for the first time on a sailboat; it took us nine hours to get there, and we were escorted by dolphins. What more could you ask for?
* Now for my favorite part of the trip: we would definitely host a big family dinner with all my friends! One of my best friends has a yacht, and I feel incredibly blessed to experience that regularly. We love having BBQs when we gather there, and it’s an amazing experience to share with someone visiting from outside.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Honestly, my family. Although they don’t always understand the full spectrum of what I do, they have always supported me and my dreams. I appreciate it tremendously coming from a country and a culture in which pursuing a career in arts is not usually accepted, so being 18 and moving to another country to follow my dreams and having my family have my back? Yeah… I owe so much to them. I wouldn’t have succeeded in the way that I have if they hadn’t supported me the way that they did. Thanks Mom, Dad and Sissy!

Instagram: dianaperezr_

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/diana-perez-riveros

Other: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm8367014/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_0_tt_0_nm_2_in_0_q_diana%2520perez%2520riveros