Meet Maggie Hood | Actor, Producer & Creative Collaborator

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

Hi Maggie, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
I chose to pursue an artistic career because art gave me the opportunity to meet and engage with the parts of myself that weren’t invited to the table in my upbringing and culture (the so-called messy bits, the ugly parts, the big feelings). I was inspired to continue my artistic pursuits into adulthood in order to be part of creating the opportunity for others to do the same and to continue to engage with my own inner child. A creative career requires continued work on communication skills and active listening, building connection, and the constant balance between play and productivity. We benefit from confronting bias, personal hurdles, and our own limitations (and those same things in the parts we play) which I would say are of immense value to any person in any workforce.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I’m an actor of the non-musical theater/film/TV variety. I collaborate on Indie film crews and with female-led production companies as an actor, but also as the occasional script supervisor, production coordinator, and administrative assistant. I co-founded and produced for a Shakespearean theater company for 5 years which was one of my greatest accomplishments. I love stories, being part of telling them, and experiencing the excitement when they come together. I think most of all I love being a connector. You need a female DP? I know one who is amazing.

I’m most proud that I am still creating and learning after 15 years in the industry of auditioning, hustling, and working in both New York City and LA.

A few things I’ve learned along the way:
-Let things go quickly and attempt to maintain a posture of open hands
-experiencing your disappointment and giving space to it is sacred
-There is something to learn from every single experience on set, on stage, and behind the scenes
-Look around you at the people moving up with you instead of trying to grab onto the coattails of those further on
-Everyone has their own brand of networking and that’s okay
-Cultivate the genuine celebration of your peers’ successes
-Always keep an eye on the pendulum of productivity and when it swings too far into capitalism

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
A morning Fryman hike followed by Blue Bottle in Studio City for some caffeination and Mendocino Farms for lunch. A hike a day to really see LA – Wildwood Canyon, Eaton Canyon, Malibu State Park, Griffith Park, and more. A trip to Century City Mall for the touristy agenda and rollerblading on the bike path in Venice or the bike path in Burbank. But locally, hang in the valley – catch a game at The Thirsty Merchant and play some arcade games at Ready Player One. Savor a cocktail at Foreman’s and get tacos anywhere and everywhere. Thrift in Pasadena and beat the heat at any of the 3 AMCs in downtown Burbank.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My grandmother who was always deeply moved by art. She gave me countless tickets to the theater for 10 years in New York City and she always saw my choice to be an artist with the most joyous romantic view – that everything would be good when surrounded by art and it would all work out one way or another.

Website: www.maggiehood.com

Instagram: @maggiehood4

Image Credits
Lexi Johnson, Emma Mead, Jon Kopaloff