Meet Lisa Cole | Award-Winning Filmmaker

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

Hi Lisa, is there something you can share with us that those outside of the industry might not be aware of?
Most people don’t realize just how complex the journey is for a film to become an Academy Award contender. I’d like to share a bit about my experience with my short film, “Bienvenidos a Los Angeles,” (Balafilm.com), which was Oscar-Shortlisted for the 96th Academy Awards in the Best Short Film category. It’s incredible to have made the list of 15 films alongside industry icons like Wes Anderson, Pedro Almodóvar, Ethan Hawke, Pedro Pascal, John Travolta, and others. I hope to give you a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to reach such a prestigious milestone and shed some light on the process.

The application period usually wraps up in the summer or fall, so it’s a good idea to keep an eye on the Academy’s website for exact dates. You can apply by either winning an Oscar-qualifying festival or four-walling your film in approved theaters. The Shortlist is announced mid to late December, followed by the nominations in January, and then the big Oscar ceremony in March.

When it comes to PR strategy, it’s often a good idea to hire a firm before you apply. However, we found that there’s not much a PR firm can do for short films early on. We didn’t start with one but still managed to make the Shortlist.

For the campaign, there are two main phases. In Phase 1 (Pre-Shortlist), short films don’t get much visibility, so Academy e-blasts through approved mailing houses are crucial. We spent $1,600 on two e-blasts ourselves instead of hiring a PR firm. It’s worth noting that having a huge budget doesn’t guarantee success. In Phase 2 (Post-Shortlist), hiring a PR firm becomes essential, and it’s wise to have one lined up in case you get Shortlisted due to the tight timeline.

When it comes to campaign strategies, e-blasts are tightly regulated and can only be sent once a week. Making the most of personal connections and social media is also crucial for boosting visibility. With so many films from major streamers dominating the short film category these days, it’s a tough landscape for indie filmmakers. Once we were shortlisted, we raised $23K in ten days to cover two e-blasts, an IndieWire digital ad, a one-day Variety Digital Takeover, the PR firm’s retainer, and asset design. That amount is just a drop in the bucket compared to the marketing budgets of films backed by the big streamers.

From this experience, I learned that a big budget doesn’t always equal success, so being strategic and creative with your resources is crucial. Networking with influential figures and using their platforms can also give your film a significant boost. Overall, a well-planned PR strategy and smart budgeting can improve your film’s chances, though results can still vary.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
My work is all about storytelling that bridges cultural gaps and highlights diverse voices. I focus on bringing true stories to the screen, aiming for narratives that are both authentic and impactful. My perspective comes from living with 201 host families across 12 countries over three years, which has given me a deep understanding of different cultures and the world. I’m especially proud of my film “Bienvenidos a Los Angeles,” which was inspired by a real immigration story. This project really captures my passion for telling genuine, engaging stories that connect with people on a deep level. Getting to where I am now hasn’t been easy—let’s just say there have been a lot of challenges! But all of that has taught me the value of resilience and teamwork. I’m dedicated to creating content that not only resonates culturally but also promotes connection, understanding, and inclusivity.

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.
As an Eastside Angelino, I mostly stick around my neighborhood. Over the past decade, the Eastside’s food & bar scene has really taken off, and we boast some of city’s best restaurants. I’m a foodie, so some of my favorite spots involve eating!
Speranza: Delicious Italian food with outdoor seating in Silver Lake, run by our friends Hieu and Jens.
Manuela: Great outdoor spot in the DTLA Arts District—next to Hauser & Wirth gallery.
Damian: Fancy Mexican cuisine in a stylish downtown setting.
Elf Cafe: Cozy tiny gem in Echo Park.
Barra Santos: Neighborhood Portuguese place with a laid back sidewalk setup.

For late night fun, I go to La Descarga, a Cuban themed nightspot with a cigar lounge and burlesque show. It’s a fun sexy spot to dance and have a great time.

Weekend mornings, I love hiking the trails at Vermont Canyon Tennis Club (near the Greek Theater). It’s a great workout with sweeping city views.
Super King Market has huge tables of limes, exotic fruits, and a variety of ethnic foods that showcase the Eastside’s diversity.
The Rose Bowl Swap Meet is where I’ve found tons of treasures. My latest finds are cactus silk pillows, an inlaid globe and gorgeous Danish MCM chairs. Get there early to beat the heat and the crowds!
Raven Spa in Silver Lake offers amazing Thai massages or the Olympic Spa in Koreatown (women only) is a great experience.
And definitely catch a movie in one of LA’s many theaters. Quentin Tarantino recently renovated The Vista in Los Feliz, and Jay & Mark Duplass helped bring Vidiots back to life in Eagle Rock. It’s like a nostalgic trip back to video rental days with special film screenings.
In summer, I love the Hollywood Bowl and the outdoor screening series at the Hollywood Forever Cemetery on Santa Monica Boulevard.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
“Bienvenidos a Los Angeles,” (Balafilm.com) wouldn’t have happened without the incredible support from The Lagralane Group. This small but mighty production company based in LA is a real game-changer in multimedia storytelling. They’re all about pushing cultural boundaries with honest, powerful human stories. With their three branches—INITIATE for creating content, INVEST for film financing, and IMPACT for social justice—Lagralane is all about giving a platform to unique and often overlooked voices. They don’t just talk the talk; they really make things happen. I’m genuinely thankful for their commitment and partnership.

Website: https://www.lisalcole.com and www.balafilm.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bienvenidosfilm/?hl=en

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KF3AABbTuG4&t=2s

Image Credits
Behind the Scenes stills by Jordie Hennigar