Today we’d like to introduce you to Anzu Lawson.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I”m a Native LA girl who started in Japan as a #1 Chart-Topping J-Pop star as a teenager, while acting in America. I landed my first lead in an American Movie opposite Viggo Mortensen in a film called American Yakuza (currently streaming now on Amazon Prime). I am also a Stand-Up Comic and a Screenwriter/Playwright. Up until the pandemic lockdown, I was locally performing my One Woman Show called www.DEARYOKO.com which was inspired by a musical I wrote called www.DEARJOHNWHYYOKOMUSICAL.com. Currently, in lockdown, I coach actors for their self-tape auditions over Facetime and I also love taking headshots for actors in all stages of their career. I have an Instagram page @anzuphotos.
It’s a passion, but my number one passion right now is my writing projects for TV. As an Asian American actress, I continually felt female Asian stories were not being told or written so I received my certificate in screenwriting at UCLA and am excited to have several projects I’m pitching & producing. My websites are www.HappyHapaFilms.com & www.AnzuLawson.com. This industry is changing by the day and as an actor in 2020, it’s a great time to pave and write our own path. More than ever before, it’s time to tell our unexcavated stories of diversity in America and let that be the old new normal, showing we are all the same and we are ALL in this together.
Has it been a smooth road?
As a once “very naive actress/singer-songwriter” navigating through a pre #metoomovement in Hollywood alone, I’ve had more than my fair share of the “dark nights of the soul” so to speak. I’ve learned a lot and that’s probably why I am so passionate about guiding artists and actors just starting out. I guess you could call it life career coaching. If I can save someone time and heartache, I will! Of course, I also realize that every person has their own journey but my friends know to call me or refer their friend if they need a resource. I think the struggle right now is, getting back to work on set and it can’t happen quickly enough for me. I was Guest recurring as Ashley Kim on NBC’s Chicago Med & was gearing up to fly to Chicago the week before they shut down Cinespace Studios because a crew member tested positive for the Corona Virus. At the end of the day, I count my blessings and have stayed productive and hopeful, even though the news just breaks my heart sometimes. I made a music video honoring the HealthCare Workers, First Responders, the Cuomo brothers, our Governor Newsome, and all the people that have come together in this crisis, etc. called “I WANT TO LIVE.” You can find it under Anzu Lawson on YOUTUBE.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with Anzu Lawson & AnzuPhotos – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of and what sets you apart from others.
Until I am able to get back on set, I will continue taking headshots. My Instagram is @AnzuPhotos and I also coach actors on for their auditions and next career moves over facetime and Zoom. I take a very personal approach from the very beginning of the shoot or coaching. For headshots, I think it’s important to collaborate with the artist on their brand, their package, knowing their essence and capitalizing on their look while thinking of the current market. I care very much for everyone around me to succeed.
Let’s touch on your thoughts about our city – what do you like the most and least?
I’m a California girl all the way! I grew up in a bathing suit, lol. I don’t even mind the traffic because that’s the only time I get to listen to my audiobooks and call people back now. There’s still so many parts of this city I have yet to explore but I do love all the new delicious vegan restaurants popping up everywhere. I love CiclaVia, Dreamscape at The Century City Mall, and currently I’m excited to start surfing lessons this week. I am quite upset with the homeless situation and don’t know what the solution is. I’m listening to NPR and hoping we can find a better solution soon. It doesn’t feel safe. Tweet me any questions or thoughts at Twitter.com/AnzuLawson I would love to discover more places in LA that I don’t know!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0493188/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_0
- Phone: 4242399650
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/anzuphotos/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AnzuPhotos-102460667776843
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/AnzuLawson
- Other: https://www.instagram.com/anzulawson/?hl=en
Image Credit:
Raul Guzman
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