We were lucky to catch up with Tiziana Giammarino recently and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Tiziana, appreciate you sitting with us today to share your wisdom with our readers. So, let’s start with resilience – where do you get your resilience from?
Resilience is a curious thing. Some might argue it’s inborn, others might say it’s cultivated through the storms of life. For me, it is fueled by a combination of influences: the unwavering strength of those I love, the inspiring tales from strangers, and the personal challenges life throws my way. These experiences have instilled in me the belief that, even during trying times, positive outcomes can surface if we remain patient and keep in mind that tough moments are just temporary.
When my mother was diagnosed with cancer and given a slim chance of survival, it felt as if the ground had disappeared beneath our feet. But even amidst the fear and sorrow, her spirit remained unyielding. She had moments of weakness, of course, but there were also times when she almost laughed in the face of adversity. She won her battle, and from her, I learned that hope can shine brightly even in the darkest hours. I realized that it’s not just the challenges we face that define us, but how we respond to them. I know it’s a sentiment that’s often expressed, and it’s easy to say, but sometimes, when we least expect it or doubt our own capabilities, we discover an innate strength to persevere and rise above.
Losing my father was another event that reinforced my resilience. The grief remains a tidal wave, both overwhelming and consuming. But amidst the pain, I draw strength. I recall his pride in the little things I achieved, and his comforting smiles. An enduring lesson from him was his unhurried approach to life, teaching me the value of patience. Today, his memory stands as a guiding force, providing even more strength in my work, my writing, and all my projects.
On a lighter note, if there’s one more thing about my resilience, it’s that I’ve always been someone who doesn’t take ‘no’ for an answer, especially when navigating the relentless film business. I’m not suggesting I never feel defeated, that I don’t occasionally curl up in the fetal position and let out a good cry. However, these vulnerable moments serve as a soothing balm, helping me get back on my feet and work even harder.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
I’m from a small town in Switzerland called Porrentruy (dare you to pronounce it out loud ;)) with mountains as my first love. If you say “road trip,” I’ll be in the car before you’ve even finished the sentence no matter where we are going. I relocated to Los Angeles about ten years ago, diving deeper into screenwriting and producing. Right now, I’m working on a couple of exciting projects. I’m co-developing a TV series centered on the true story of Jessica Hicklin, who’s pretty much the definition of resilience. Additionally, I’m penning a movie for a Swiss production company, shedding light on domestic violence. I’m also gearing up a few more projects, including an animated short film, that I hope to also get ready for production by next year.
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?
Compassion, patience, and integrity have been the cornerstones of my journey.
Compassion has been a guiding star in my personal journey. Every person we meet carries a world within them, filled with stories, dreams, and challenges. Taking the time to genuinely understand and empathize with others has not only deepened my personal connections but has also shaped my work.
Patience has been a consistent teacher in general and in my work. Embracing the inevitable waiting times, whether due to rewrites, delays or rejections, has become an integral part of my growth process. It offers moments for learning, seeking feedback, or engaging in introspection.
Integrity is my anchor. If a path or project doesn’t align with my values, no matter how shiny it looks, I’m out. It’s all about keeping it real—with others and myself. It means being honest about what I can actually do and what I truly believe in.
Before we go, any advice you can share with people who are feeling overwhelmed?
I would say that whenever you feel overwhelmed or hit a crossroad, just think back to what really matters to you. Maybe go spend some time in nature, dance in the middle of your living room, go meet with your friends and family. Lastly, I like to live by: what’s meant to be will happen. While feeling overwhelmed is distressing, it will pass. So try as much as you can to enjoy the ride.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm7364826/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tiziana_giammarino/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tiziana-giammarino-9265b7152/
Image Credits
Fabrice Chapuis Régis Cramatte Régine Frossard
