Today we’d like to introduce you to Nancy Rizk
Hi Nancy, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
Hi, I’m Nancy Rizk, an actor, writer, producer, and the founder of The Hollywood Initiative. I help international actors successfully navigate the L.A. industry by providing mentorship, resources, and a supportive community to accelerate their careers.
My approach to acting and career development is holistic—I combine my industry expertise with a deep understanding of the mental, emotional, and creative aspects of the craft. This allows me to offer actors a well-rounded path to success.
I’ve been fortunate to gain extensive experience across multiple sectors of the entertainment industry, including working as an agent in Australia. This has given me a unique global perspective, which I now bring to my mentorship work. My focus is on helping actors build sustainable careers while overcoming the challenges of this ever-evolving industry.
Before moving to L.A., I worked part-time for a company that flew agents, managers, casting directors, and directors to Australia for various industry events. That role not only gave me invaluable insight into the industry but also allowed me to build connections with influential figures in the business. On top of that, I became an agent in Australia while continuing to pursue my own acting career, which deepened my understanding of the representation process and how actors can position themselves for success.
These experiences shaped my perspective and ultimately inspired me to create The Hollywood Initiative. The program is everything I wish I’d had when I started out: a 10-day intensive designed to help actors build contacts, understand the industry, and feel confident in their journey. We focus on workshops and classes to build actors’ skillsets, agent & manager showcases, and working on the mind, body, soul, and business. We help actors become self-sufficient with a clear, unique roadmap tailored to each individual actor. Many international actors face the same hurdles I did, and knowing you’re not alone can make all the difference.
Over the years, the program has evolved to meet the needs of actors aiming to succeed in Los Angeles or elevate their careers worldwide. It’s been incredibly rewarding to see participants go on to secure representation, book roles, and thrive in their careers. My journey—both as an actor and someone who has worked closely with industry professionals—has allowed me to create a program that bridges the gap for international actors. I’m so proud of the community we’ve built, and I’m excited to continue supporting actors as they pursue their dreams.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
The journey has been full of ups and downs. Moving to a new country and not knowing anything was incredibly tough. I had to figure out things like getting a Social Security number and building a credit score—concepts that were completely foreign to me. On top of that, I fell victim to scams, which was heartbreaking and frustrating. Those experiences fueled my desire to ensure actors are protected, which became one of the driving forces behind starting The Hollywood Initiative.
Like many others, I moved to L.A., got a gym membership, and jumped into acting classes. However, being on an O-1 visa added an extra layer of difficulty. I couldn’t work a normal job, so every six to eight months or so, I would fly back to Australia, work nonstop for a month—sometimes juggling two or three jobs—just to save up enough money to return to L.A. The constant back and forth was exhausting, but it was the only way to sustain my dream.
During those early years, I moved 10 times in the space of four years before finally finding some stability. It was a challenging time, but every obstacle taught me resilience and gave me a deeper understanding of the struggles actors face when pursuing their dreams in a new country.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about The Hollywood Initiative ?
At The Hollywood Initiative, we specialize in providing international and local actors with the tools, mentorship, and industry insights they need to successfully transition into the L.A. entertainment scene. We offer a 10-day intensive program that includes personalized coaching, workshops with top industry professionals, and networking opportunities with agents, managers, and casting directors.
What sets us apart is our holistic approach. We don’t just teach the technical aspects of acting; we also focus on helping actors understand the business side of things, guiding them through the often overwhelming process of moving to L.A., securing the right representation, and building a sustainable career. My experience as an actor, writer, producer, and agent allows me to give a comprehensive view of the industry, helping actors avoid common pitfalls and build the foundations for long-term success.
I’m most proud of the community we’ve built at The Hollywood Initiative. It’s an inclusive space where actors can find not only professional guidance but also emotional support. It’s been incredibly rewarding to see our alumni flourish in their careers, and I’m proud of the fact that we’re empowering actors to take control of their journeys with confidence.
At the heart of our brand, we want our readers and potential clients to know that we’re more than just a program—we’re a supportive community that equips actors with the knowledge, connections, and mindset to thrive. Our mission is to make the transition to L.A. smoother, faster, and more successful for international actors, ultimately helping them achieve their dreams in the entertainment industry.
Networking and finding a mentor can have such a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?
When it comes to finding a mentor or networking in general, my advice is simple: get yourself out there and network your a*s off! It’s all about showing up, making connections, and being persistent. It’s easy to get discouraged, but the more you put yourself in situations where you can meet people—whether at events, classes, or even casual meet-ups—the more you’ll learn and grow.
Another key piece of advice is to be true to your word. Follow through on commitments and build a reputation as someone reliable and professional. People respect integrity, and that will help you establish trust with potential mentors and collaborators.
But most importantly, be yourself. Authenticity is everything. The right people will be drawn to you when you’re genuine and honest about who you are and what you’re looking for. Networking is not about trying to impress others; it’s about building real relationships that are mutually beneficial. In my own experience, being my true self has opened doors and led to some of the most meaningful connections in my career.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.thehollywoodinitiative.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thehollywoodinitiative/
Image Credits
Headshots- Chris Jon Photography
