Meet Maria de Sa | Actress & Writer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Maria de Sa and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Maria, what role has risk played in your life or career?
Taking risks has played a crucial part in my career, in fact is what kickstarted it. The desire to get out of my comfort zone led me to the most fulfilling experiences. The first I recall is at 15 years old deciding to move to London to start my acting training. I didn’t know the language perfectly nor I had ever lived away from home, but taking this opportunity led me later on, at 18, to be able to embrace a bigger risk which led me to Los Angeles.

Those bigger decisions, that truly frighten us, are usually the most rewarding and the ones we grow the most with. As an actress, I see that in my work every day. The challenging and complex characters are the ones who teach me the most. It´s a very gratifying exchange because either I have to learn something new (a skill, an accent.) or I discover something new about myself. From my perspective, It’s through taking risks that artists create. By having the will to wonder into the unfamiliar, make mistakes and try again!

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I am an actress and writer -originally born in Portugal- who loves to tell stories across the mediums of film, theatre. and other art forms. I moved to London at 15 to start my acting training at the Arts Education School, Tring and later on, moved to Los Angeles to continue my studies and begin my career. I was fortunate to be awarded scholarships to help me with my studies but the real work began after that. As an actor, perseverance and believing in yourself, even though it might sound cheesy truly are, the foundation to not giving up, and keep going despite everything seeming to go wrong or having too many rejections.
I started to write as another way to channel my creativity, and tell stories with themes that I had an urge to talk about. This led me, in time, to currently be working on a few projects that combine both acting and writing.
When you’re working, you are thriving and that attracts people. So, through my perspective, if the job hasnt come yet, create the job! Keep yourself busy, in the meantime. Not only you’re practicing your craft but that will also give you the confidence and positive energy to fill the next casting room you walk into.

I have worked in theatre, commercials and cinema. I starred in several award winning short films which you can check out on my IMDB page and I am currenlty involved as a co-writer in some upcoming projects, which are specially dear to me as it highlights Women and their position in modern society.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If a friend came to visit I would take them:

– On a hike at golden hour through Runyon Canyon, or to the wisdom tree trail.
– Jon and Vinny’s for a delicious Italian dish
– Diddy Riese – for a quick sweet treat in Westwood
– Joans on third – for brunch, and the list goes on and on and on!
– the famous flea market Melrose Trading Post.- will not leave empty handed, the people are so friendly and there is stuff for all tastes!!
– a daytrip to Malibu (with its incredible scenery on the way) and if you’re staying longer visit Laguna beach too. Love the vibe there!

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?

I’d like to dedicate my shoutout to a recent book I read called “Outliers” by Malcolm Gladwell. It’s a book that deconstructs success and by doing so really inspires you to take action and make your own future happen. It takes you through different stories of success and unfolds their trajectory.
‘Practise isnt a thing you do once you’re good. It’s the thing you do that makes you good’. – This is one of the passages from the book I really like because it highilghts and reminds us the importance to keep working and not giving up. Even if the big life changing casting hasnt arrived yet; the continuous work and practise must be done in the meantime. Our bodies, are our essential instrument in acting, and must be always active.
This book really inspired me recently and I hope, if anyone reading this needs an extra push, you might want to check it out. There are pretty amazing success stories there with surprising explanations.

Instagram: _mariadesa_

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mariadesa94/

Other: Imdb link : imdb.me/mariadesa

Image Credits
Teresa Pamplona, Oscar Garcia Photography