Meet Liza Fernandez of Subway Token Films

Today we’d like to introduce you to Liza Fernandez.

So, before we jump into specific questions, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I co-created Subway Token Films (STF) with actor/director/filmmaker Felix Solis. We met at the famed Goodman Theatre in Chicago while performing the Midwest premiere of Jose Rivera’s Boleros for the Disenchanted. We started writing together a lot; a 15-minute short film, TINTO as well as two feature-length scripts, Good Grief and Gentle Rain. TINTO was an official selection of the Tribeca Film Festival in 2014 and was nominated for Best Narrative Short.

We noticed there was a common theme in our stories: the “Street Level Miracles” in our characters’ journey. Street Level Miracles aren’t masked in capes or disguises, they are the derailments that sprout from true-to-life circumstances. Small tokens arriving at the right moment, and in doing so, giving us pause, hope and potential growth. Whether hard-hitting and gut-wrenching or simply a kind gesture, Street Level Miracles keep us on track towards honest expression of the world around us.

Well, not all stories line up with our main mission so we created a subdivision called STFsparks. We see it like this: in life we can be like trains, making unscheduled stops along the way, but inevitably always arriving at our proper destination. So, this new series is a carriage on the very same train. We shot our first STFsparks film in Los Angeles last year, a short called “Going Down” by Cynthia Bastidas. It’s now in post-production and soon to be moving through the film festival circuit.

Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Oh man! What a journey. From backend housekeeping: getting super organized with the financials and learning about IRS regulations, company taxes, etc. To the front end: leading a team effectively and efficiently, looking for even more capable, intelligent manpower. Also, a big lesson is that everything takes time! Whether it’s getting funded or waiting on color/sound to finish their magic, you need patience and to remember your BiggerWhy. Why did you embark on this journey in the first place? What was it about the story/actors/creative team that got your juices flowing in the first place? Remembering your Why is everything.

Please tell us about Subway Token Films.
STF is a boutique film production company that makes in-house films from start to finish; we write, self-produce, cast, direct and spearhead post-production. Our team specializes in narrative films, both short and feature in length, intended for festival use, as well as new media channels on the internet. We are known for the Street Level Miracles in our stories. We take our time with story development so that when we are ready for principal photography, the story stands on its own. Having a killer script keeps everyone jazzed, focused and in concert with our bigger Why of the project. My proudest moment was when we became an official selection of the Tribeca Film Festival. That’s when I realized dreams can come true. 🙂

Do you look back particularly fondly on any memories from childhood?
I grew up in Australia. Back then, television was not as powerful and influential as it is today. I watched a lot of movies with mum. Going to the movies was a sacred experience. As the lights were fading in the theatre I would close my eyes and thank God that I had eyes to see, a heart to feel and a mind to dream on. I remember watching Baz Luhrmann’s Romeo & Juliet and crying with awe at its mastery. This movie marked a shift in my mindset: it was like the lens of my life was pulled back, and suddenly my heart whispered to my soul, “I want to do that.” And I did, and have. That vow between heart and soul has not changed in 20 years.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.subwaytokenfilms.com
• Phone: 917-275-7879
• Email: sayhi@subwaytokenfilms.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/subwaytokenfilms/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/subwaytokenfilms/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/SubwayTokenFlms/

Suggest a story: VoyageLA is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.