Meet Katherine Diaz | Actor & Post Production Manager

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

Hi Katherine, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking
My answer to this question somewhat contradicts itself. I am someone who loves to plan, schedule, and plan some more. When I set a goal for myself, I make a list of all the things I have to do to accomplish it and then proceed to formulate a plan to accomplish said things. Therefore, risk is certainly not something that, at face value, I factor or even allow into the mix. That being said, one could argue that moving to Los Angeles at 18 was a huge risk. But that’s exactly what I did. One could argue that having the gargantuan goal of becoming a successful, working actor in Hollywood is a risk in and of itself. One might say that going on countless auditions, investing thousands of dollars, and putting myself out there for the sake of doing what I love most in this world is a stupid, unrealistic, and totally unnecessary risk. To that end…I suppose my entire life is a risk. My organized, scheduled, perfectly planned life faces the possibility of total failure every single moment. How do I think about it? I don’t. I just do it. Because to me, the alternative is not security or stability or normalcy. The alternative to the endless risk of nurturing my budding career and working as hard as I can to get to a place where work is consistent and I’m creatively satisfied, which, by the way, might never happen, is complete and total numbness. I would be nothing if not for the constant fear of not being able to share myself creatively with anyone willing to watch or listen. I would be nothing without the ‘what if’, without the unknown, without…the risk.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I have worked professionally in the film industry for the last ten years. Granted, the work has been sporadic and on a very ‘under the radar’ scale. In 2018, I landed my first co-lead role in a Lifetime thriller, Trapped Model, which premiered the following summer. That was a huge deal for me because it was the first time one of my movies was actually on television. And then, of course, the entire world was halted. But now, as productions start back up, I am finally in a position – thanks to my post production work – where I can comfortably take the necessary steps to nurture my career. In two weeks, I’m meeting with Buckley Sampson, of Image By Buckley, to style and create specific looks for my upcoming headshots. I’m also taking meetings with several career consultants to help me choose the right photographer, classes, and hopefully, LA based representation. I’m working closely with my Atlanta based agent to continue auditioning and become a known face in the East Coast casting scene in order to generate a bi-coastal presence. My goal in the coming year is to book my first co-star role on a show and continue developing my abilities through personal coaching and scene study classes. I’ve learned that asking for help is not a sign of weakness and I’m proud of myself for accepting that. I suppose I want the world to know that there is no such thing as an overnight success. There is plenty of self doubt and discouragement but getting past that is half the battle.

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.
Alright – my approach to this is keeping it as ‘non-touristy’ as possible. I think the best way to really enjoy a new place is to live like a local. Knowing my best friend, shopping would certainly be on the agenda. Wasteland and Reformation Vintage are my favorite places to find great designer, vintage pieces in LA. I’d also encourage some hiking and rummaging through hole-in-wall record stores – there are some amazing places in the Hollywood/Franklin Village area. I used to be really into the music scene in LA, so I’d definitely look at the upcoming line-ups at The Troubadour, The Echo, and The Fonda (even though these are probably closed at the moment, but not in a perfect world!). Lastly – FOOD. Some of my favorite places are Crossroads Kitchen, Gracias Madre, Don Cuco’s, Cafe Gratitude, Hugo’s, Joan’s on Third, Golden Road Brewery, and of course In n Out Burger. There’s also nothing better than driving with the windows down along the PCH and heading up to Paradise Cove or Nobu for some ocean-view meals. And then, there are some secret locations in this town that my boyfriend and I have explored together that I MIGHT show my best friend…but I’ll keep those to myself for now.

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?
First and foremost, I want to thank my parents. When I initially moved to Los Angeles at the tender age of 18, my mom basically moved with me. She had my father and younger sister back home and yet, she’d spend months at a time away from them in order to help me navigate this town. She drove me to auditions, took me to the movies, and encouraged my every move even though we were both clueless in terms of industry know-how. All the while, my dad managed everything back home and never once complained about it. They both adjusted to the task at hand and sacrificed a lot in order to support me in everything. That is not something I will ever forget or take for granted. A shoutout is not enough to thank them, but it’s a start. My grandmother, Abuela Ina, is another hero of mine. Aside from the myriad of obstacles she and my grandfather overcame as Cuban immigrants in this country, she managed to raise three children and build a successful company all while maintaining a full time job as a teacher. She is the driving force behind every success my family has had. She is the backbone. And to me, she is the quintessential woman – strong, fearless, intelligent, elegant, timeless.
Lastly, at the ‘risk’ of sounding overly cheesy, I want to thank my partner in crime – partner in everything, for that matter – Ryan. He was the first man to exhibit the patience and sincere willingness to know and understand my every facet, as an artist, as a woman, as a human being. His connections and encouragement helped me become completely independent and self sufficient for the first time in my life. His love and faithfulness inspire me to love and trust myself. He is a beautiful force to be reckoned with and completely unaware of his power. But it’s there. And I am forever grateful to him for being my first and everlasting example of true love and companionship.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/katherine_diaz93/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCV6TygN0wA3PtWfYJefEi2Q