We recently connected with Daniela Lugo and have shared our conversation below.
Daniela, thank you so much for making time for us. We’ve always admired your ability to take risks and so maybe we can kick things off with a discussion around how you developed your ability to take and bear risk?
The phrase to which I’ve felt a stronger connection is “No Risk, No Win.” As an actress and filmmaker in the industry, I’ve embarked on numerous ventures that were shrouded in uncertainty, and surprisingly, many of them have led me to significant opportunities on prominent sets. Often, fear can be our most formidable adversary, but once you conquer that inner voice that whispers, “don’t do it, you’re not good enough,” you’ll find yourself on the path to victory.
While seeking comfort in our safe spaces is entirely natural, the entertainment industry, in particular, demands that we embrace risks. Life is fleeting, and it’s far more fulfilling to proudly proclaim, “I did it” or “I tried,” than to ponder, “what if.” Taking risks and stepping out of your comfort zone can lead to remarkable achievements and experiences, and it’s a motto I’ve lived by in 2023.
Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
As a bilingual Latina actress and filmmaker hailing from Mexico City, my passion for the entertainment industry ignited at a tender age. I delved into the realms of acting, filmmaking, singing, and dancing. However, it was while working on Alfonso Cuarón’s Oscar-winning masterpiece, “Roma,” in 2016 that I unearthed my true calling as a filmmaker. Since then, I have been dedicatedly forging my career in the vibrant hubs of New York City and Los Angeles. Here, I’ve produced a range of short films and lent my acting talents to various projects, including the off-Broadway production “Octopus In Its Own Ink” and my two most recent short films, “WIFI DATE” and “March of the Penguins.”
I want to inspire young filmmakers and actors around the world who want to pursue acting and filmmaking. I felt that inspiration with Alfonso Cuaron, Guillermo del Toro, Alejandro Iñárritu, and Salma Hayek.
I hope one day I could be as good as they are.
To follow my projects and updates, visit my website (www.danielalugoactress.com) or my Instagram account @daniela_lugo_mtz.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
1. Networking stands as a foundational pillar of success for both actors and filmmakers. Cultivate connections, participate in industry events, and actively engage with your peers. These relationships have the potential to unlock fresh opportunities and foster fruitful collaborations.
2. It’s crucial not to take rejection personally. The entertainment industry is rife with “NOs,” and casting decisions often hinge on specific criteria that may not align with your individual attributes. Remember that not getting a role doesn’t mean you did something wrong; it might simply be a matter of a different personality or physical appearance being sought after for that particular role. Stay resilient and continue pursuing your goals with determination.
3. Prioritize actions that are true to your own aspirations and not merely to impress others. When you act from a place of authenticity, your passion shines through.
One of our goals is to help like-minded folks with similar goals connect and so before we go we want to ask if you are looking to partner or collab with others – and if so, what would make the ideal collaborator or partner?
I envision a life where I have the opportunity to both produce and act in projects that bring immense joy to people’s lives. The ability to create work that deeply resonates with audiences, stirs emotions, and provides them with a brief respite from reality would be incredibly fulfilling. Striving to touch people’s hearts and bring smiles to their faces through my craft is my ultimate aspiration.
In this ideal life, I would relish the privilege of working on projects that allow me to connect with diverse audiences, transcending cultural and societal boundaries. Through the art of storytelling, I would possess the ability to uplift, inspire, and effect positive change.
I yearn to collaborate with filmmakers and actors who share a similar vision and passion. In today’s age of social media and connectivity tools, forging these connections is more accessible than ever before. We are closer than we might realize, so let’s harness technology to our advantage and foster these connections, Right?. I have a genuine love for producing projects as I find immense joy in collaborating with talented professionals in the field.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.danielalugoactress.com
- Instagram: @daniela_lugo_mtz
- Other: https://linktr.ee/danielalugoimdb.me/DanielaLugo
Image Credits
1. Andrea Torres – Professional Mexican Photographer 2. Curtis Davis – WIFI DATE DP 3. Jonathan Brad – The March of The Penguins DP 4. Netflix – Event Photographer 5. Cadet – Itzany Friedman DP 6. Paramount – Event Photographer
