Meet Lizzie Cugnini: Actor and Filmmaker

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

Hi Lizzie, what’s the most important lesson your business/career has taught you?
That every path looks different. I used to think that I had to have a clear career path; Starting right when I graduated college I had to be working in the field I want, doing an entry level job in exactly what I wanted, and any deviation from that path was a failure. Then I started talking to professionals and how they got to where they are. I realized that the path to what I want to do isn’t set in stone, and that failure isn’t an end but an opening to a new pathway that you didn’t think of. I read a great book by Jack Halberstam titled “The Queer Art of Failure.” It was all about how there are different paths to success that deviate from the norm and that’s ok because they lead to success in a different way that may actually be more beneficial. Deciding to pursue a career in the creative field has really taught me that success looks different on everyone and it’s more important to gauge how I feel, rather than comparing myself to others. My career in the arts has really taught me to be open and flexible to change because I never know where it’s going to take me… and that’s why I love it. I can explore what excites me and ignites my passion.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I’m most proud about creating my own content that’s just like me… a little weird, but a lot of fun. Besides studying acting and filmmaking in college, I researched cult films and Queer Temporality which has really impacted my art. I’m always looking into how I can create and consume content that deviates and diverts from the norms of media. I’m experiencing my biggest challenge now: COVID. It’s just a tad difficult to meet new people in a new city (yes I’m a pandemic move) when you can’t actually meet people in person. I’m taking this time to just focus on what makes me happy, and then see what comes out of that creatively. I want the world to know that it’s ok to fail, you just got to keep going and keep creating in different ways; Who knows what will come out of it.

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.
So! I moved to LA a day before we got put into lockdown, so my visit would be just a tad different. I would start by getting up early and doing a hike. There are so many good places to hike with views of the ocean so that would be a must. Then we’d pack a little lunch and enjoy a beach picnic. After that I’d drive to Silver Lake and just walk around. You never know what little coffee shop you’ve never noticed, or tucked away vintage shop lurks around a corner. I love to just walk and take my time to really notice the world around me. No destination in hand, no cellphones, just exploring the world around you. On a recent walk I found two people dressed as skeletons selling small animal skulls. Were they real? Were they fake? Who knows but if I wasn’t walking and letting the world in I would never have noticed this spooky little cart.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I want to dedicate my Shoutout to all my professors who helped foster my passion and supported my creative endeavors. They pushed me to think critically, and hone my skills. Without their support I wouldn’t be where I am today.

Instagram: @Lizeeclaire

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elizabeth-cugnini19970/

Twitter: @Lizeeclaire

Youtube: https://tinyurl.com/y2kplr5d

Other: https://tinyurl.com/y2kplr5d – Above is a link to the films I have made