Meet Lisa Cazes | Producer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Lisa Cazes and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Lisa, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking
I spent many years of my life afraid of taking risks. Let’s be real, taking risks isn’t easy. It takes courage. It takes guts. As much as you wish for something to happen, making the big move requires a lot of strength and determination. When came the time to decide what I wanted to study, I chose a safe road: law school. At the time it felt like the best option for me. Looking back, I realize my heart was screaming something else. I’m an artist. I play music and sing, I write. Back in high school, everyone would ask me, “why don’t you pursue a career in music?” to which I would reply, “I want to secure a job first.” I’m not sure why I convinced myself I needed that to be fulfilled. Society, probably. After graduating law school, I finally listened to my heart and started following a more creative path. I worked in film, live theater, music. That decision really marked the start of my journey of taking risks. From then on, I never let fear decide for me. I now follow a simple motto, “do it first, figure it out later.” That’s what led me to move to the US in 2019 to pursue my career as a film producer. I remember sitting on the plane and thinking, “okay, I guess you’re doing this.” As scary as it may have been, it is honestly the best decision I’ve made in my life.
Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I am a film producer. I turned to production after getting my masters in Intellectual Property Law with the aim of working on projects that shed a light on overlooked topics. As a mental health and LGBTQIA+ advocate, I make a point of producing films that support my lifelong activism. I recently wrote, directed and produced a short film called ‘Up and Down’ that challenges misconceptions about bipolar disorder and emphasizes the importance of having a strong support system. It follows Camille, a young French filmmaker living with bipolar disorder that must fight to keep her stability a priority when her immigration status is compromised. Our main actor Alizée Falque and I were lucky to join Cassidy Quinn on her podcast ‘Mentally Together’ to talk about the film and spread awareness about bipolar disorder. Inclusiveness is very important to me. I am thrilled and grateful to have collaborated with a female-driven/mostly queer team that have poured their heart into the project. There were bumps on the road during preproduction and production, but we did it! The film is now in post-production. I am very proud of it and what we’ve been able to accomplish as a team. I cannot wait to share the result with the world!
If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
There are many places that I love in LA. One of my favorites is the Griffith Observatory. I find it so peaceful up there. It has the most beautiful view of the city if you ask me. I love looking at the horizon and getting lost in my thoughts. Mulholland Drive at night is pretty nice, too. I absolutely adore wandering around the Art District in DTLA. I take anyone that comes to town there. I usually try to make a stop at The Last Bookstore while in downtown. The architecture is outstanding, their book selection is great. It’s always hard to refrain myself from buying the entire store! The area I’m the most familiar with is Westwood as I’ve been living there for the past two and a half years. The Hammer Museum is a must see for all the contemporary art lovers! For those who can’t resist some sweets, I highly recommend Saffron & Rose for a great ice cream and the Pink Orchid Bakery for some amazing pastries.
Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I owe a lot to my family. They have been supportive of all my choices. I wouldn’t be where I am today if it wasn’t for them. A special shoutout goes out to my sister. I look up to her a lot. She knows her worth and always goes for what she wants. She knew early on she wanted to work in music and she made it happen, regardless of other people’s opinions. I’m in awe of her drive. I thrive to be more like her! Another shoutout I want to give is to director Rachel F. Betts. I met Rachel through a friend almost a year after moving to LA. We instantly clicked and she offered me to produce two of her films. Everything good that has happened to me in my career in the US is because of her and her trust. She’s taught me a lot and I am so very grateful for her.
x
Website: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm11974975/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_1
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lisa_cazes/
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisa-cazes/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/LisaCazes
Other: Links to the ‘Up and Down’ social media accounts: – Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/up_and_down_film/ – Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/upanddownfilm/ – Twitter: https://twitter.com/upanddown_film
Image Credits
First photo: GradImages