This is our first interview in 2013, and we interview Frances Lozada. She struck me so much during the interview, I had to ask a few personal questions from which I have learned quite a lot from. I would describe her as magnificent. She is a talented actor and a disciplined business person.
Oladapo: GIVE A CONCISE BIOGRAPHY OF YOURSELF?
Frances: I started acting about 12 years ago. I was looking for a void to be filled in my life and I just couldn’t find it. I had already graduated St. John’s University with a Bachelors in Business. During some soul searching, I was interested in going to acting school. My friends wanted to go with me so they wanted me to wait until they saved some money to go with me. Well after a year of passing and not hearing from them if they saved or not, I decided to go by myself to my first acting class, and since then I felt my void close, that very night of my first class, I felt like I had finally found my place, my home. France is the founder of Cinema Night.
Cinema Night is a short film series event that showcases the best and upcoming NYC filmmakers within the community. It has been in existence almost 3 years. This event happens in Brooklyn, at Brooklyn’s Tiki bar where the bar is filled with television sets to show these films. No matter where you are in the bar you will see the work of a NYC filmmaker. This event has grown through the years and it still keeps growing. Many artists have walked through the doors of this event. This event is hosted by Frances Lozada. Being an actress and a filmmaker. Frances realized the importance of networking and showing the work on an artist. A friend of her’s Anthony Cintron, owner of Brooklyn’s Tiki Bar, was looking for a special event to happen at his bar. Together they created CINEMA NIGHT. For more info on Cinema Night please visit CINEMA NIGHT page on facebook and www.franceslozada.com
Oladapo: HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR ACTING?
Frances: My acting seems to be very intense and coming from a deep place. I am a very passionate person, I love hard and I fight hard and I think it shows in my acting. Of course these are all comments that I have heard from people and what I know of myself.
Oladapo: HOW DID YOU GET INTO ACTING?
Frances: As a child, I always thought I would be a famous singer. I began writing songs at the age of 10-11, mostly country songs for whatever reason. I loved Olivia Newton John. I remember telling my mother at the age of 9, “Mom, I am going to be a famous singer” and my mom would say “Oh Yeah?” She took me to my first singing class and she then told me it would be too expensive to keep taking me. Although I was bummed out, I could not get mad at her for that. And I never thought of acting because I thought actors really died in movies. And I used to say “Why would anyone want to become an actor, if they are going to die doing it.” It wasn’t until years later when I would see the same actor doing several films that I realized it was “acting”. I got into acting as a way out, an escape and I have loved it ever since. It’s a little world I have created that empowers me and let’s me be creative and expressive, in any shape or form.
Oladapo: DID YOU STUDY ACTING
Frances: I studied acting for several years and even when I work with a new writer, director, I consider that an acting class for me. I studied in the Gene Frankel acting school. I tool an extensive summer program at the Wendy Ward studio. I also attended several acting technique and improv classes at the famous HB Studios. I get most of my training now working with different filmmakers and just listening to their guidance. And I have learned that listening to your instincts is your greatest teacher. I have often heard we are our greatest teachers and that is so true.
Oladapo: DO YOU OPERATE ON INSTINCTS WHEN ACTING?
Frances: Ha! I just mentioned instincts in my last question. Yes I rely solely on my instincts to start the process of the actor’s journey and then the other half relies on the direction of the director and of course the blocking of the scene. Your instincts say it all. They are the ones that help us survive in life and in acting.
Oladapo: WHAT ACTING TECHNIQUE TO YOU USE?
Frances: I have learned so many acting techniques. It’s funny because when I act, I don’t particular use one method but a combination of everything I have learned up until now. I look for the truth in a scene. Something that looks and feels real. Audiences don’t want acting they want truth. That is the only way they can relate. Blocking out everyone but you and what is really going on, gets me there. That sense of being alone. That intimacy draws people in.
Oladapo: BRIEFLY DESCRIBE A FEW WRONG IMPRESSIONS ACTORS HAVE ABOUT ACTING
Frances: I feel actors get the wrong impression of acting, especially when I hear that they get so lost in their character they can’t get out. Or when I hear that they must stay in their character ALL day even if it means blocking people out or treating people bad. I don’t believe in that at all. I feel that a really good professional actor knows how to turn on and off the acting switch. I heard a famous actress say “After you finish a character, turn it off” I really believe that. It is ACTING for Godsakes. It does take time and technique and mind control to do this, but it can be done.
Oladapo: DO YOU OFTEN TAKE COURSES IN ACTING TO INCREASE YOUR CRAFT?
Frances: I have gone to several different workshops and acting courses to hone my craft. I like watching other actor’s work to learn and keep inspired. We all learn from each other and of course grow from each other. Art is contagious and inspirational.
Oladapo: WHAT BOOKS DO YOU READ?
Frances: I read many scripts which I find are like books. I love children’s books and I am often reading them to my 4 year old son. He loves books and maybe it is because my husband and I when we read to him, we act out the story and make it fun. I definitely want to get in to writing children books. I already wrote one called ‘Using Your Imagination’, I have to work on getting it to the next level.
Oladapo: HOW DO YOU KEEP IN SHAPE AS AN ACTOR?
Frances: I think it is very important as an actor, artist or just being a person, to always stay in shape. Not just our bodies but our minds. It is very important for our own sanity and self worth. Being an actress, I have to work harder to staying shape. This business expects a lot from us and we have to be ready for anything, even doing our own stunts sometimes. Keeping in shape keeps us healthier and gives us more energy to work and put into our work.
Oladapo: WHAT PHYSICAL EXERCISES DO YOU DO TO KEEP IN SHAPE?
Frances: I like Handstands, headstands, anything upside down. I like to feel the blood circulating all around. I love taking long walks. I dance when I work out and love playing sports like, handball, soccer, volleyball, tag football, etc. I like to stay active period.
Oladapo: WHEN YOU ARE OFFERED A ROLE, WHAT DO YOU DO?
Frances: When I am offered a role. I read the whole script (not just my part) to get an good understanding of what the WHOLE story and how I(my character) fit it. I then print out my sides and read them over and over again. It is funny how you can read something in its entirety but when you read it a second or third time, you find out different things about the character and what is really happening. It is like watching a movie twice. You always find something new that you did not discover the first time you first saw it.
Oladapo: HOW DO YOU TAKE A CHARACTER IN A SCRIPT TO A HONEST, BELIEVABLE AND BREATHING PERSON?
Frances: Each character has a different story to tell. I try to see how that character feels and mix it in with how I would feel as well in that situation. I also try to see if I know someone of that nature in my life now. That also helps. I try to figure why characters would say or do certain things. And reading the lines over and over again helps a lot. It slowly becomes second nature so when the lines come out they sound like my very own and not like a script.
Oladapo: HOW DO YOU REMAIN FRESH ON A FILM SET?
Frances: I remain fresh on the set by staying alert and relaxing when I have to. If I am doing an emotional scene I try to stay in that mood so I don’t have to keep having to go there from scratch. Keeping that rhythm is very important. I try to vibe with all actors on set to create a more comfortable working environment for me.
Oladapo: WHAT ‘THING/SITUATION’ HELPS YOUR CHARACTER DURING A PRODUCTION?
Frances: I think what helps me with my character or situation is having a good understanding of what is really happening and why this is happening. Once I get a clear vision, the rest is easy. It’s like being a messenger and getting an exact address and great directions on how to get there. Then all you have to do is deliver the package.
Oladapo: EXPLAIN A CREATIVE CHOICE YOU TOOK ON SET OF A RECENT PRODUCTION
Frances: I am sure I have many memorable moments on each set that I have worked on. But one that stands out in my mind was when I was doing a scene from a short film ‘A Hero’s Return’ written and directed by Daryl Denner. It was a scene that involved me running in the streets looking for my husband whom I thought was alive and found out that he had really passed. The director of course spoke to me about what and how I should be feeling. When I did the scene and my son came running to me and held me I collapsed in his arms and feel in the street and just cried. That is what felt natural to me at the time. After we shot that scene the director said he loved that I did that because he did not see it that way, but he liked it very much. That part of the movie still remains one of the strongest. Good acting I am learning is a combination of the director’s vision and the actor’s instincts.
Oladapo: WHAT IS THE MOST MEMORABLE SCREEN CHARACTER YOU HAVE PLAYED?
Frances: I think the most memorable character I have played was a young gang member named Lopez who eventually went to jail and changed her life. That character was very interesting to me and took me back to my teenage years where we tend to be fearless and careless. It was a great experience which taught me a lot and my community and those who have seen the film thought it was a very real portrayal. The film is called ‘Gang Girl’ written and directed by Damian Bailey and can be purchased at Amazon.com as well as other sites. It was distributed by Maverick Entertainment and was very popular in Rikers Island, and in the streets, so I have heard.
Oladapo: WHAT DO YOU WANT FROM A DIRECTOR DURING A PRODUCTION?
Frances: What I ask from a director is clear information and guidance on where I should take this character. I also would like the director to be open with my questions and suggestions if they make sense. Usually good directors will be open to that. I also like to work with director’s who have a good understanding on acting and the actor’s process. I am a true believer that directors should take acting courses just to get a better understanding on our process and how to relate to us to get the best out of the scene and our performance.
Oladapo: HOW DO YOU PREFER TO WORK WITH A DIRECTOR DURING A PRODUCTION?
Frances: I like to have good communication with the director and let them know if they need me to change anything I am up for the challenge. I love when directors give me a good sense of what should be happening and how it should happen and the end result. Directors that have this info, I find are easy to work with. Clear vision is what I ask for. And if they want to try something new, I am up for that too. Whatever it takes to get that great scene and moment.
Oladapo: DO YOU GET OFFERS FROM FILM INDUSTRIES? LIKE HOLLYWOOD, BOLLYWOOD OR NOLLY WOOD?
Frances: I have not had Hollywood, Bollywood, Or Nollywood calling just yet but I know with the hard work I put in, it is just a matter of time. In Hollywood “Hollywood” though I am making a name for myself. The artistic community around me knows who I am and what I do and what I can do. You put in the time and work, and the rest will happen on its own. It is a domino and snowball effect. Last year my reel caught the eye of a film producer and they hired me for their feature film 36 SAINTS as an actress and co-producer. For more info on that film you can visit www.36saintsthefilm.com. We are awaiting a theatrical release soon. Date TBD.
Oladapo: WHAT DO YOU THINK AN ACTOR CAN DO TO GET INTO THE FILM INDUSTRY?
Frances: I think an actor to get into a film industry needs to surround themselves with film, filmmakers, events that have these people there. It is important to keep in that circle so you can grow and let’s others see you grow as well. Study your craft, study other actors and just learn as much as you can so you can get better and better. Then when your work speaks for you, you will get those phone calls. People will want you to tell their story.
Oladapo: WHO IS YOUR FAVORITE ACTOR?
Frances: Hmm, my favorite actor. I don’t really have a set one. But I do admire several actors’ performances from different movies and scenes. Male actors: Sean Penn, Robert DeNiro, Joaquin Phoenix, Rusell Crowe and I am sure there are more. Female Actresses: Helen Miran, Meryl Streep, Michelle Phiefer, Madeline Stowe, Lucille Ball to name a few.
Oladapo: WHY IS THIS ACTOR YOUR FAVORITE ACTOR?
Frances: Any actors that I have mentioned have had tremendous scenes in film and very memorable performances. They draw you in and you just get lost in their light. It is wonderful to see that as an actress and to learn from it, it is great.
Oladapo: WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE AMATEUR ACTORS AROUND THE WORLD
Frances: The advice that I give to amateur actors is don’t look for the easy way out. Know that you will have a difficult and lonely road as an artist and know that payment is not always the case. Payment comes in all sorts of ways. Being able to play a great role written by a great writer is payment enough. Know that work gets more work and take parts big and small to grow and keep growing. And even if you have gotten a big part doesn’t mean you cannot continue to take on smaller roles. Learn and build that community around you and just keep working.
Oladapo: BRIEFLY WRITE ABOUT YOUR CAREER
Frances: I started this business as a Mambo Dancer and even open for the legendary Wynton Marsalis in one of his annual intimate charity concerts at the House of Tribes in NYC. Transitioning to an actress, I have appeared in several theatrical and film productions which have gone to show through different film festivals throughout the United States. I have also become a writer, director and producer in the process and am continuing to grow as an artist in many ways. Last year I acted and co-produced a feature film called 36 SAINTS written by Joey Dedio and Jeffrey DeSerrano and we hope to have theatrical release soon. For more info on my work please visit www.franceslozada.com.
