Meet Isabel Siragusa | Actor & Filmmaker

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

Hi Isabel, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking.
I don’t really consider myself a risky person, but I don’t want to live my life with regret. I took a big risk leaving a full-time job and a life in Northern California to pursue a creative life in LA. I think a lot of people thought I was crazy, but I knew that if I didn’t take that leap, I’d regret it the rest of my life.

I’ve learned that surviving as an artist means embracing risk and uncertainty. With that comes a full life of adventure and I wouldn’t trade it for the world.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I’m an actor and filmmaker with a passion for telling climate-driven stories about badass women that reflect the world we live in right now—one that is neither dystopian or aspirational but equally full of comedy, joy, confusion, and fear.
.
My upcoming short film, MotherEarth Inc., follows a millennial entrepreneur as she launches a dating app for those unwilling to bring children into our deteriorating world—only to find out she’s pregnant. It’s a poignant comedy that asks questions a lot of younger people are too afraid to ask.

MotherEarth Inc. is inspired by countless conversations I’ve had with friends, colleagues, and even strangers about what it means to want children when the world is on fire. It’s fueled by the relief I saw on their faces when I told them I was writing this film, because those stories haven’t been reflected on screen. Though not based on anyone specific, the women in MotherEarth Inc. could be my friends. They’re opinionated, values-driven fighters. But they want love, seek approval from those they admire, and are not always right. Their lives are equally full of laughter, joy, confusion, and fear.

These days, everyone has a climate change story, whether it’s the floods in Houston, the orange-tinged skies of New York, or the hurricane in LA. Mine is the 2017 Santa Rosa Tubbs fire, a fire my grandparents barely survived—losing their home, belongings, and decades worth of memories, left only with ash-singed bathrobes. Devastated by their near death, I dove head first into climate work both as an artist and activist. As a filmmaker, my desire is not to tell those stories of trauma, as others have brilliantly done already, but to tell those everyday stories in between. I want to explore how we’re coping with climate change right now: What tough questions are we asking? What messy, imperfect solutions have we found? And most importantly, how do we move forward with hope?

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I live on the Eastside and there is so much to do I hardly ever go west. Here are just a few of my favorites.

Brunch:

Doubting Thomas (Historic Filipinotown): This place is dangerously close to my house. Everything is great but their passion fruit pie is out of this world. I have to stop myself from going every day.

All Time (Los Feliz): The patio is magical. It feels a little like you’re sitting in a friend’s backyard. There’s always a line but they may give you donut holes and lemonade while you wait.

Parks:

Barnsdall Art Park (East Hollywood): A hidden oasis in the middle of the city! There are redwood trees, a Frank Lloyd Wright house and the most amazing views! Visit the house and then bring a blanket and hangout on the lawn.

LA State Historic Park (near Chinatown): Another hidden gem with great views! This park is huge, beautiful and never crowded. It has a snack shack, great facilities, and is across the street from Highland Park Brewery.

Comedy:

Dynasty Typewriter (Koreatown): Live comedy with an old movie theater vibe—what’s not to like? The snacks are amazing, the venue is perfect size so everyone gets a good seat, and some of the best comedians in town pop in for a show.

Dinner:

Elf Cafe (Echo Park): Everything is great. The sticky date cake with salted toffee sauce is perfect.

Bowery Bungalow (Silver Lake): A cute restaurant in an old Victorian house. I’d never thought I could love cauliflower so much. I’m vegetarian but every meat-eater I know says their ribs are life changing!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Izzy Stevens of Indie Spunk (https://indiespunk.com/). She helps filmmakers get their films made and creative entrepreneurs jumpstart their businesses. From a kernel of an idea to festival submissions, Izzy has helped me every step of the way. I know my script is better and my production process smoother because I had her mentorship.

Hek Yeah! Productions. I met this group of amazing women by chance just as I was starting to put together a team for my short, MotherEarth Inc., and I couldn’t have asked for better collaborators. As a first time filmmaker newish to LA, their partnership has been invaluable. I will forever be spoiled because production was so relaxed, professional, and fun.

Website: isabelsiragusa

Instagram: @isabelsiragusa

Image Credits
Headshots by Tandem Photo
Other photos courtesy of MotherEarth Inc.