We’re looking forward to introducing you to Tessa Markle. Check out our conversation below.
Hi Tessa, thank you so much for joining us today. We’re thrilled to learn more about your journey, values and what you are currently working on. Let’s start with an ice breaker: What do you think is misunderstood about your business?
Working in film is a GRIND. I think that people outside of the industry glamorize being an actor and filmmaker but the amount of time, money, and energy that goes into my career is kind of insane. Most people only see the final product, not the years and thousands of dollars spent just getting to the point of being able to access the big auditions or create your own work. It’s definitely a career you have to LOVE to pursue or you will get burned out very quickly. Don’t get me wrong, it’s also very worth it when you do finally get to the point of creating work you are proud of and get to share, but it’s a lot of hard work to get there.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m an actress and filmmaker. I grew up performing on stage most of my life then moved to LA in 2014 and have acted in film, television, commercials, on stage, and in voiceover. After establishing Femme Regard Productions in 2018, I’ve produced multiple shorts and my first feature film, SYNC. I co-hosted a podcast about indie filmmaking for 6 years. All of this led me to a very multi-hyphenate career in entertainment. Acting will always be my first love and ultimate passion, but I’ve come to enjoy creating my own content as well and supporting other creatives in their pursuits.
Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. What part of you has served its purpose and must now be released?
After spending the last few years fully immersed in producing a feature film, alongside my production partner and co-star Carolina Alvarez, I needed to re-evaluate my goals and priorities. After co=operating Femme Regard Productions since 2018, Carolina and I decided to go our separate ways in order to each pursue our individual dreams. Producing a feature film was a wake-up call for me. I learned so much and am so full of gratitude and pride, but it isn’t what I want to dedicate my life to. I missed acting. Not just auditioning and doing the actor grind, but really performing. And I missed a live audience. I realized that while I’m not about to give up pursuing an on-camera acting career, I needed the fulfilling feeling of being on stage again. Not for my career, but for ME.
I think that it’s really important to dedicate yourself to your career in entertainment enough that you understand what it takes. You can’t just dip your toes if you want to succeed, you have to put in the work. But work-life balance is also important and you really have to love what you do. Finding a happy medium amidst all of that takes time and reflection. I’m so lucky to have so much to be proud of and I don’t regret a thing, but I’m also ready for the next chapter in my career and excited to see what that brings!
If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
Never ever change for anyone. Don’t let people make you feel like you need to be “less”. Don’t try to fit in. Allow yourself to shine. People will always judge and have their own opinions. Let them. Do you and be you and I promise it will pay off.
I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. What’s a cultural value you protect at all costs?
There’s a Shakespeare quote that I love: “Love all, trust a few, do harm to none.” I think everyone deserves a chance, and a second chance. But I also think that we all need to guard our own energy. If you are a good person, you’ll attract good people. But blind trust is dangerous. Life is all about balance and so are relationships. You always need to advocate for yourself, but you can’t do it alone.
Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. What false labels are you still carrying?
I’ve faced and worked on conquering imposter syndrome in my career a lot over the years. I had a big shift when I started co-hosting Femme Regard Podcast and seeing that our audience was really listening and learning and grateful to us for sharing so much. It really helped me to see that nobody really has the answers, we’re all out here doing whatever we can to succeed, and learning along the way. But there’s still a long way to go. I often still feel like I don’t know what I’m doing or that I’m not doing enough or that I should be more successful than I am after all this time. But I really have to stop and remind myself of how much I’ve accomplished, learned, and grown.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.tessamarkle.com
- Instagram: @syncthemovie
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tessamarkleactor
- Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/@TessaMarkle
