Today we’d like to introduce you to Marliza Mendez
Hi Marliza, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
My story is one of ambition and drive. Growing up in Dallas, I dreamed of bringing stories to life on stage and screen, a passion that led me to earn a B.F.A. in Theatre Education from The University of Texas at Austin. After college, I became a teaching artist at Creative Action, helping 5th graders discover their voices through social justice theatre. My career led me to full-time teaching as a first-grade reading teacher. While working in education, I couldn’t shake the pull toward film and television. I spent my free time acting or doing background commercial work. I became fascinated by Austin’s growing industry, reading everything I could and looking for ways to break in. That drive led me to Northwestern University, where I earned a master’s in communications, opening doors to work at MACRO—a multiplatform media company dedicated to amplifying Black and POC voices in film and television. At the end of my program, I had to decide whether to move to LA or New York to continue building my career. Ultimately, I chose to come back home to Texas, where my collaborators, family, and creative community are. With my background in education and film, I’m grateful to work at The Austin Film Society, where I’m the Program Coordinator in the Community Education department.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
One of my favorite mottos is “work smarter, not harder,” which has pushed me to think outside the box. I’ve faced financial barriers and imposter syndrome, especially when I first started filmmaking and believed I needed an expensive camera to create. During quarantine in 2020, the Austin Arthouse Film Festival inspired me to make short films on my iPhone, teaching me that you don’t have to wait—just create. Imposter syndrome also held me back in college, making me hesitant to share my ideas, but I’ve learned that if I want to be an exec one day, I have to speak up. Now, I communicate my ideas through writing, pitch decks, and voice memos, building a portfolio that reminds me why I belong in the room.
I’ve always been told, “It’s about who you know,” while networking is crucial, I believe it’s about building genuine connections. March is my favorite time of year because SXSW brings Hollywood to Texas, and I start planning which events to attend as soon as I hear about them. When I was first starting out, I volunteered at festivals like SXSW and The Austin Film Festival, gaining invaluable insight into the Texas film and TV industry. Now, I prioritize attending industry events year-round to connect with future collaborators. Organizations like Women in Film & TV Austin and Tejanas in Film have been instrumental in helping creatives like me find and build community in Austin.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
My purpose is to foster creativity, connection, and community through storytelling. I specialize in acting, screenwriting, and arts administration within theatre, film, and TV, bridging the gap between creative and operational worlds. In the summer of 2024, I led Camera Obscura, a three-night community film showcase at The VORTEX, with the goal of uniting Austin’s theatre and film ecosystems.
I’m especially proud of my first short film, A Little Prayer, which I wrote, produced, and acted in—it was a full-circle moment seeing it on screen at The Front Festival, a festival I deeply admire. I also take pride in serving as a board member for The VORTEX Repertory Company, a pioneering leader in Austin’s alternative theatre scene. Above all, I’m committed to learning and understanding the Texas film and TV industry while sharing that knowledge with others. My goal is to be known as an industry connector, not a gatekeeper.
How do you think about happiness?
I love this question! My happiest days are the ones where I can slow down and be present. Mornings to myself feel like a gift—I’ll drive to Mozart’s, order a small mocha, find a table by the water, and write. There’s something about being alone near a body of water that makes me feel inspired and at peace.
I also find joy in sharing experiences with the people I love. Whether it’s watching a movie or a theatre production, I cherish the conversations that follow—unpacking what we just saw over a good meal.
Lastly, happiness for me comes from creative fulfillment. There’s nothing like the feeling of finishing a script or wrapping the final shot on a film shoot. That moment of completion, knowing I brought an idea to life, is deeply satisfying.
Pricing:
- The Skipper Monthly Membership at THE VORTEX- $25/monthly
- Austin Public Producers Program- $12/month
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @therealmarliza
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marliza-mendez/
Image Credits
I have permission to use all the photographs I’ve provided.
A Little Prayer- Livia Treviño
Camera Obscura- AFS Production Services
Capstone 2023- Heather Leah Kennedy
Capstone 2024- Yvonne Uwah
Naked Feast 2024- Steve Rogers
Performance Park 2018- Errich Petersen
WIFT- Janelle Lee Austin
Headshot- Josh Baker
