Meet Lisa Shiomi

We recently connected with Lisa Shiomi and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Lisa, so excited to have you with us today, particularly to get your insight on a topic that comes up constantly in the community – overcoming creativity blocks. Any thoughts you can share with us?

I believe it’s important to trust myself and remember that there’s a reason I’m here. I also make a habit of writing things down when I feel stuck.

When I first came to the United States to attend graduate school at Loyola Marymount University, I was confident in many ways except for my language skills. However, things weren’t as easy as I had hoped. Every time I submitted an idea for class discussions, my work was rarely selected or even remembered by others. This made me lose confidence whenever I had to share my ideas.

To process this struggle, I wrote about it in my journal and tried to put into words why I felt so stuck. That’s when I realized I wasn’t focusing on my own perspective. I was trying to adjust my ideas to fit an “American” story, even though I didn’t fully understand that experience. If I hadn’t written it down and taken the time to reflect, I wouldn’t have recognized this.

Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?

I was born in the United States as a Japanese American, but after my parents’ divorce, I moved to Japan, where I spent most of my adolescent years. Growing up between two cultures has deeply influenced my perspective, shaping the way I see stories and approach filmmaking.

In Japan, after completing my undergraduate studies, I worked as a Web Director at a marketing company, specializing in website production. This role allowed me to develop strong skills in project management, storytelling through digital media, and creative problem-solving. However, I always felt a deep passion for film, its ability to convey emotions, challenge perspectives, and connect people across cultures.

Motivated by this passion, I moved back to the United States in 2023 to pursue an MFA in Film and TV Production at Loyola Marymount University. My goal is to become a Creative Producer in film, bringing together my background in web production and my cross-cultural experiences to craft meaningful and impactful stories. I am particularly interested in exploring themes of identity, family, and societal expectations, using film as a medium to foster dialogue and empathy.

Right now, I just finished working on my film project that delves into the complexities of domestic abuse, toxic masculinity, and the juvenile justice system in Japan. Through this project, I hope to shed light on the cyclical nature of violence and how personal identity is shaped by one’s environment.

I am excited to continue growing as a filmmaker and to collaborate with others who share a passion for storytelling that challenges and inspires.

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. Believing in Myself (Confidence) While Staying Open to Learning
Having confidence in my abilities has been crucial even you don’t have in the beginning it will make it true later which we call in Japanese “Kotodama (言霊)”. And I also recognize that I am not the best and that there is always something to learn from others. Being open to feedback and continuously improving has helped me grow as a filmmaker and storyteller. My advice to those starting out is to trust in your own vision but also stay humble. Learn from everyone around you and let those lessons shape your work.

2. Knowing Myself and My Own Story
I’ve realized that the most powerful stories come from personal experience and emotions. The more I understand myself and reflect on my own history, the more authentic my storytelling becomes. When I create something that feels deeply relevant to me, it resonates more with others. While I haven’t won any major awards yet, I have received applause from my cohort and professors, which reassures me that I am on the right path. For those just beginning, I encourage people to explore your own life and emotions, everyone has a story worth telling.

3. Communication and Building Relationships
Filmmaking is a collaborative process, and strong communication is key. Even something as simple as saying “thank you” with a smile or acknowledging others’ efforts can help build a great crew. Treating people with respect and appreciation fosters a positive working environment, making it easier to bring creative visions to life. My advice is to always be kind, express gratitude, and know when to say sorry. It makes a huge difference in both personal and professional relationships.

Before we go, maybe you can tell us a bit about your parents and what you feel was the most impactful thing they did for you?

The most impactful thing my parents did for me connects to the important qualities I value today as I mentioned in the important skills. They taught me how to say “thank you” and “I’m sorry” properly, which is a fundamental lesson for many Japanese people. This simple but essential practice has shaped how I communicate and build relationships.

Additionally, they gave me the opportunity to live in both Japan and the United States. Two countries that are deeply connected to my identity and storytelling. Experiencing life in both cultures has given me a unique perspective, allowing me to explore themes of identity, belonging, and cultural differences in my work.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://lisashiomi.squarespace.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/saltlook39/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisashiomi