Rising Stars: Meet Lexi Sisk of Broader California region

Today we’d like to introduce you to Lexi Sisk.

Hi Lexi, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I initially skipped college, and my first job out of high school was working as an assistant to a casting director. Her husband and daughter were location managers, and I found myself drawn to their work. She encouraged me to start as a PA, learn the business from the ground up, and decide from there which direction I wanted to pursue. I took her advice.

I did well as a PA and eventually became very comfortable in that role—almost too comfortable—and I stayed in it for seven years. During the COVID-19 pandemic, I realized I still had a strong interest in locations. The Location Managers Guild offered an apprentice membership that included all the benefits except running for the board, so I joined. Through workshops and Zoom sessions, I had the opportunity to learn from some of the best in the industry.

I’ve now been working in locations for five years and earned full professional membership in the Location Managers Guild three years ago. Along the way, I was elected to the Board of Governors for the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences (NATAS), NorCal chapter, in 2019—when I was 25—and I’m now entering my seventh year on the board.

I also returned to college during the pandemic to make the most of the lockdown and recently graduated with my bachelor’s degree in film and media from Arizona State University.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Nothing is ever completely smooth sailing, but I will say I’ve had it easier than some. For me, the hardest part was figuring out where I fit best in the industry. I’d loved production my entire life, but I had no idea what went into the business or what paths were even available to pursue. In many ways, everything along my journey has been a happy accident.

I’ve also learned that when people say “persistence is key,” they truly know what they’re talking about. I’ve watched many people come and go in this business, and you really do have to learn to ride the waves and keep going, even when things feel hopeless. A mistake is not the end-all, be-all, and just because one opportunity doesn’t work out doesn’t mean nothing ever will.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
As a Location Manager, you’re always looking for an existing foundation you can build upon. There are countless logistics involved, and the role is a close second to producing. You’re working to stay within budget, securing permits, ensuring every department’s needs are met, and coordinating with property owners. It’s a very special corner of the industry because you get to watch a simple canvas transform into something extraordinary.

I haven’t yet been hired specifically for it, but my passion is historical structures and modern structures made to look historical. As a hobby, I research and read about castles and manors around the world. There are some stunning examples right here in California that look like they belong in Europe. My dream project would be something that calls for grand mansions, historic manors, cathedrals and castles.

I can’t share many details, but I’m especially proud of a project where we used a single funeral property as a cemetery, an apartment complex, and a university campus for an indie film. You’d never know it was the same location—that’s the magic of the locations department. We build worlds. Another project that felt incredibly special to be part of was an indie film called Give Me an A. The film connects 16 short stories to deliver an artistic response to the Supreme Court’s decision impacting women’s privacy, bodily autonomy, and healthcare. It is currently available on AppleTV, Amazon, and Tubi, and was released on Blu-ray this past year. We worked with more than 20 different locations on the project, and my producers and directors were truly some of the best I’ve had the privilege to collaborate with—bar none.

Alright, so to wrap up, is there anything else you’d like to share with us?
I think its important for people to know that once you decide to pursue your calling, remember that you have your own journey. No two paths are the same, and the route someone else takes may not be the one that works for you and your goals—and that’s okay. There are no rules anymore.

Contact Info:

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