

Today we’d like to introduce you to Lisa Cole.
Hi Lisa, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today.
My journey into the world of filmmaking began at the age of 18 when I embarked on an international tour with the educational performance organization “Up With People.” Initially slated for a one-year program, I was later offered a position to continue for an additional two years. Over the course of three transformative years, I lived with 201 host families across 12 countries. This immersive odyssey not only exposed me to diverse cultures but also ignited my passion for storytelling.
After singing, dancing, and doing community service around the globe, I moved to Norway, where I spent a year teaching dance and working for an international clothing line. During this time, I recognized that my true calling lay in the intersection of movement and storytelling. Enrolling in the School of Film and Television at Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles, I immersed myself in film production, working on both student and professional shoots. My first industry job was as a P.A. on an MTV reality series about stars in their cars. During that fun shoot, I met Sophia Coppola, Zoe Cassavetes, Keanu Reeves, and Flea. I also became good friends with some members of the camera crew. From there, I started working as a camera assistant on music videos, commercials, and indie films. I soaked up everything I could from seasoned camera crews who had also traveled the world. I loved that time in my life as I learned so much being on set close to directors, actors, camera & lighting.
My experiences living with host families around the world reinforced the belief that everyone has a story worth telling. This conviction fueled my desire to become a filmmaker.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back, would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
The film industry is often a battleground, demanding resilience and tenacity. Projects can take years to develop and come to fruition. Facing rejection is inevitable. Yet, I’ve discovered that “NO” often means “new opportunity.” I’ve also learned the hard way about discerning genuine collaborators from those who merely string you along. Understanding your WHY is paramount, as is scrutinizing your collaborators’ motivations. Once, faced with resistance from a producing partner, I asked, “Why are you passionate about this project? What does it mean to you?” Their inability to articulate a compelling answer prompted me to reevaluate our partnership and ultimately walk away.
While embracing any opportunity from a potential collaborator is tempting, I’ve learned the significance of building a supportive network. Take time to align yourself with individuals who share your vision and values, ensuring mutual trust and commitment to safeguarding the project. Consider the allies you want by your side in the trenches.
I’d also add that, like many women, I came up in the film industry before #Metoo, enduring my share of mistreatment from male bosses. Reflecting on those experiences, I recall feeling obligated to accompany a boss who lacked a significant other to social events. One such occasion led me to a lavish dinner party at the home of a famous designer in the hills above LA. Despite being broke and scraping by with nothing but saltine crackers for lunch earlier that day, I found myself amidst opulence, feeling diminutive next to ‘important’ guests who boasted about European vacations and villas in Tuscany.
On another occasion, while catering a party for an Oscar-winning screenwriter on July 4th, I seized a moment to hold an Oscar statue for the first time. It felt weighty and significant in my hands, igniting a vow to one day have my own statue. As the night concluded, the writer offered to drive me to my car, only to make unwelcome advances. Though I safely extricated myself from the situation, I later grappled with anger and regret for not asserting myself. I understood his status didn’t grant him superiority—he was simply taking advantage of his position. But fear silenced me; I couldn’t risk jeopardizing my job.
These encounters underscore the systemic issues women face in industries where power imbalances breed exploitation.
Looking back, I no longer harbor shame or embarrassment. I wish I could have reassured my younger self that despite the hurdles, she should always reject feelings of inferiority and recognize her worth and resilience. She wasn’t small; she was mighty, and her moment would arrive.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I specialize in filmmaking, proficiently juggling roles as a writer, director, and producer. My passion lies in crafting narratives championing bold, trailblazing women who defy the odds to leave their mark on the world. I often write about neglect and am inspired to dramatize tales of self-made empowerment.
My dedication to amplifying marginalized voices and shining a light on pressing social issues sets me apart. One project encapsulating this commitment is ‘Bienvenidos a Los Angeles,’ a short film I wrote and directed. It tells the true immigration story of my friend and her harrowing experience reuniting with her son detained at LAX airport. This powerful narrative resonated deeply with audiences and earned recognition as an Oscar Shortlisted film for Best Live Action Short this year. It was an honor to make this list of 15 films that included filmmakers Wes Anderson, Pedro Almodovar, John Travolta, Pedro Pascal, and Ethan Hawke.
I take pride in my team’s diversity and the project’s impact on social change. With 56% of our filmmaking team comprising BIPOC creatives, we crafted a compelling film and contributed to a broader narrative of inclusivity. Beyond raising awareness about immigration complexities, we partnered with the Los Angeles-based non-profit San Fernando Refugee Children Center, generating support and funds for their cause.
Recently, a prominent producer described my projects as ‘uphill battles.’ However, I embrace these challenges, believing in the transformative power of cinema. Meaningful storytelling can ignite change and foster empathy. With every obstacle, I am reminded of the significance of my mission, propelling me to push boundaries and effect meaningful change through my work.
Risk-taking is a topic that people have widely differing views on – we’d love to hear your thoughts.
My best friend is a skilled Otolaryngologist, and I’ve often marveled at her journey from med school to residency, ultimately becoming chief of surgery at an excellent hospital. Through the years, we’ve shared many conversations over wine, during which I’ve candidly shared the uncertainties of my filmmaking journey.
A while back, I tossed her a hypothetical question: Could she imagine excelling through medical school and securing a coveted residency, only to face uncertainty about becoming a doctor afterward? The notion struck her, and she replied that such uncertainty was unfathomable in her field.
This exchange made me confront the reality of my filmmaking journey—an industry teeming with talent but offering no guarantees of success. Dedication and hard work don’t always translate to success, and uncertainty looms large despite one’s achievements.
The realization that my narrative could inadvertently reinforce a sense of failure prompted a shift in perspective. I resolved to reject pity and embrace resilience, to navigate the challenges of my chosen vocation with optimism and determination.
Contact Info:
- Website: lisalcole.com
- Instagram: @thelisacole @bienvenidosfilm @flyingfishpics
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KF3AABbTuG4&t=116s
Image Credits
Jordie Hennigar