Actress Nerd Under The Microscope: @AliciaLaraLA
#TalkNerdyToMeLover's Awesome Applesauce: Charles Quevedo
A few months ago, I met the gorgeous "Alicia Lara" (@AliciaLaraLA) on "Twitter" (I love meeting new people on that site, especially people like her). She is a talented Los Angeles-based actress, writer, producer, and director. She is currently starring in the web series, "The Resolve". "Talk Nerdy To Me Lover" was fortunate enough to pick her brain (no, not literally) for a little "Q&A" (Questions & Answers) interview:
Q: Where were you raised?
A: I was born in San Francisco, lived there for my first 9 years or so. Then, I moved to Berkeley/ Oakland area, then to Spokane (Washington) for a few years. Ended up back in the Bay Area... so, I was raised pretty much in Northern California. I think the first years in San Francisco REALLY formed a lot of my personality, especially being raised by a single Mom who was politically involved. I met lots of people and experienced things that I probably would not have if I'd been raised elsewhere.
Q: What ethnicity are you?
A: I am 1/2 Greek and 1/2 El Salvadoran.
Q: What does your family consist of?
A: I DON'T have any brothers or sisters (which means, of course, that I've always wished I did have them). My friends become like family to me. But I have my Mom, my Dad (separately -- they've been divorced since I was one year-old), aunts, uncles, and cousins... In Greece and spread out in the United States.
Q: How long have you been acting?
A: Years. And years.
Q: What acting projects have you starred in?
A: Various short films. I was in an indie film, "Irene In Time" (that was in theaters last year). Right now, I'm in the web series, "The Resolve". I really think the whole web series movement is great! It gives anyone who wants it the opportunity to get their ideas out into the world. The Internet is the great equalizer.
I'm also working on a series of shorts to post on the "Funny or Die" website... currently my friend, Carmen Perez and I have one short posted on there (Title: "That's Awesome") that we shot in a couple of hours last year. We like the characters and are going to have them continue on in different situations. This short has gotten a good number of views so far. I think the series could be really good. It will be fun for us. :)
Q: Tell us more about "The Resolve" web series you're starring in. What's it about?
A: It is the first web series I've been involved with, so I had no idea what to expect. It's been a great experience because it is well done -- and I think it is evolving as we go (in terms of camera work, lighting, etc.). The idea was interesting to me -- "A man who gets fed up and finally decides to react to the happenings in life that seem so unfair. Things that a lot of people wish they could lash out at -- a pimp selling children, drug dealers... the things that bring society down as a whole". The WAY this man deals with it is, ahem, questionable, but it allows the audience to experience the fantasy of "taking care" of these opportunists." The series will be an interesting ride. Keep up with it (be sure to watch from Episode 1) at: http://www.theresolveseries.com
Q: Did you go to a special acting school?
A: I started with teacher Shelley Mitchell in San Francisco... I've always leaned towards the Stanislavski (Method) style of acting, but my favorite schools are those that incorporate ALL techniques, not just one. I've studied with Sal Romeo (who is a great teacher in L.A). and at the Beverly Hills Playhouse.
Q: Besides acting, you also write. What have you written? Favorite genres to write?
A: Oddly enough, I tend to write "comedy". Well, "drama" with "comedy" in it. I've done mostly dramatic acting work, but when I write, there tends to be a comedic tilt to it. My short film, "The Track" was purely "drama," though. Maybe as I mature, I'm realizing there is "comedy" in EVERYTHING. It all depends on how you look at things. I've been working on a book forever (isn't everyone working on a book?) about experiences in my life and it's comedic. The experiences can be awful and while they're happening, but can be funny when you look back. I've written a film script, as well.
Q: I understand you have a production company? What's the name of it?
A: Green Thumb Productions.... because I'm good with plants and enjoy taking care of them and seeing them grow. I like the idea of taking the seed of an idea and tending it as it grows into a film.
Q: Which A-List actors would you love to act with someday?
A: Benicio del Toro, without a doubt. Also... let's see... Robert DeNiro, Christopher Walken, Emma Thompson, Judi Dench, Helen Mirren, Toni Collette.
Q: Favorite books?
A: I love Maya Angelou. "The Bluest Eye" ( by Toni Morrison) is a book that has always stayed with me. "The Jungle" (by Upton Sinclair). Biographies. "The Alchemist". And throw a romance novel in every now and then.
Q: Favorite movies?
A: The movie that really made me sit up and decide to move to L.A. to pursue acting... "The Usual Suspects". It's strange, because there are no female lead roles in it really! But the movie had twists and turns, kept my attention until the very end ("The Sixth Sense" was another one) and was well done. I've seen female performances that have inspired me immensely... Meryl Streep in "Sophies Choice", Cate Blanchett in "Elizabeth". I love my comedies, too -- Jim Carrey is a favorite. Any movie with Katherine Hepburn or Bette Davis will get my attention, as well.
Q: What makes you smile?
A: Baby hummingbirds -- they're the size of a big bumblebee. Dogs that look really happy they're out for a walk. Babies with cute little hats on playing in the park with other babies. A rainy day that clears the L.A. air after it hasn't rained in a while. Driving towards and catching my first glimpse of the Golden Gate Bridge after I haven't seen it in a few months. Hearing a song on the radio from way back that makes me want to just stop everything and dance.
Q: How do you keep in shape? Do you go to a gym? Diet?
A: I like to run/walk/hike most of the time. The L.A. climate lends itself to that -- I'm lucky. I've been a vegetarian since I was a child -- I don't really do fast food but I do like my sweets, so I have to watch my diet! I probably should watch it a little closer ;) But cupcakes... how do you turn down cupcakes?
Q: Favorite snacks?
A: Baby carrots with Ranch dressing. Cereal ("Honey Nut Cheerios" or "Raisin Bran").
Q: If you could have any super-power, which one would you pick and why?
A: I'd want the ability to ease the suffering/pain (of a specific person or animal) without taking it all into myself.
Q: If you were "President of the United States", what would you change first?
A: I would make drastic changes to health care so the pharmaceutical companies weren't controlling so much of it and I would begin helping the people IN the U.S. that need help. We send lots of aid elsewhere when there are hungry children and homeless people right here. These are my idealized thoughts -- easier said than done.
Q: Are you into politics?
A: Not especially. I find the whole process pretty frustrating.
Q: Favorite words of inspiration?
A: I love quotes... different ones speak to me at different times of my life. My go-to quotes: "Never face facts." (-Ruth Gordon-) ... for an artist, this is important to remember, because my life may not make "sense" to a person who works 9 to 5. If I faced facts, I could end up living a life that is miserable to me. "Forget safety. Live where you fear to live. Destroy your reputation. Be notorious." (-Rumi-)... Again, as an artist, it's important to not be too safe about your thoughts -- allow your ideas to wander into the territoryof the surreal. Those ideas can change the world.
Q: What social media media website do you frequent the most?
A: I really enjoy Twitter and Facebook. I keep up with both of these daily. I didn't really understand Twitter at first, but I've been on it about a year and I've met some great people!
Q: Do you consider yourself sexy?
A: Sometimes. Not all the time. I don't think it's one of my defining traits... but it's all in the eye of the beholder. If I'm sexy, I would definitely be on the nerdy side of things, so this website is appropriate, LOL!
Q: "Nerdy" is the new "sexy". What qualifies you as "nerdy"?
A: Well, I'm a homebody... is that "nerdy"? I think so. Somebody called me a "hot nerd" once and I took that as a big compliment.
Q: Are there any websites/links you shamelessly want to plug?
A: http://www.facebook.com/AliciaLaraLA
http://www.twitter.com/AliciaLaraLA
http://www.imdb.com/name/nm2358487
http://www.theresolveseries.com