Today we’d like to introduce you to Lana Marie.
Hi Lana, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I grew up a shy girl with a huge love for movies. Something was magical about it, seeing the story come together. How the actor portrays a character, the nostalgia it would create, all the things they do behind the scenes to make it seem real. And as an actor, the ability to invoke an emotional response, make someone feel something, or to think differently. I want to make people feel, Just as the movie characters/actors made me feel.
With my love for movies, I decided to take acting classes & Theater through Jr.high to college. Also hoped it would help with my shyness. After a time, I decided I want to get into film, I researched, took film acting classes, stunts, martial arts, anything that I felt would help my acting, and eventually got an agent. I did several commercials, Voiceovers for ads, Modeling, and Indie films through the years all over Texas.
Sometime later, I got involved in costume design and did themed shoots, since I kinda got tired of film/castings labeling me as a one category look, I wanted to show my different sides and I really loved designing my own ideas or recreating characters I loved. I would even build the sets for some photoshoots. Little did I know there was a world called cosplay, so in 2004 I started getting invited as a guest at conventions for my homemade costumes & crafts. I also did a few costume designs for indie films. Many know me more for the costumes since it hits media more often.
Back to my acting — For a time, I looked into becoming more involved in voice acting. I wanted to do more than just ads, I really loved being characters and doing multiple voices. High voices, Low Voices, Kid Voices, Villain Voices. I took every voice acting workshop/class I could afford, Radio Dj to Animation. I came across a workshop that ADV films had for Anime Voice dubbing and jumped on it as soon as I saw it. It was the most intimidating & exciting experience I ever had. And I felt Like this is where I belong. Flash forward, I did small animation voiceovers for ADV films and several Indie Video Games & Cartoons.
I’m always asked why voice acting over film acting? Don’t get me wrong, I still do film acting and still have plenty of love there…But there is something about Voice acting. It feels right, I feel I get to show my true talents. I can be anyone I want to be, I don’t have to worry about the face I’m making on a screen haha (unlike film), it’s all in my voice, talent, & acting. Where film has more to deal with visually, which can be distracting at times.
Fast forward, some personal & family situations happened and I kinda paused on my dreams, still did a few things here and there, but not like I was…And plenty of times, I felt I’m just not good enough. I’d keep pushing through, even when I felt doomed.
We get to today, I have been focusing on my voice work, I have my own home studio where I can record my work when studio is not possible. Which has helped me get more voice acting done. As of recent have had two major animation companies contact me to audition and I’m hoping it’s finally my time! I’m so excited and Nervous, I might cry. I have waited so long for this opportunity. I once had a chance with a big animation studio over ten years ago and got so sick I lost my voice, I was absolutely devastated and thought I would never get the chance again.
Along with the voice acting, I still do film, cosplay/costume design, and I am a digital artist/retoucher currently re-working my portfolio.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
(It wasn’t smooth) Of course not. But you got to move to forward and be self-motivated. No one else can do this for you.
Judgment, lack of motivation at times, personal life & family situations, not knowing if you are doing the right things and making the right choices, it’s like anything you put yourself through in life, there are always struggles on the way.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am an Actress/Voice actor (character voices) and Digital Artist/Retoucher. I also do cosplay/costume design.
As an actor & designer, I love creating characters either with my voice or in visual form.
My vocal range is somewhere between flutter-shy to Jessica rabbit.
I have made over 70 costumes. Currently, I’m told my Mileena (mortal kombat) costume is the most memorable, but it often changes.
Do you have recommendations for books, apps, blogs, etc?
I actually try to disconnect from the internet world in less it’s work-related or checking up on a friend/family member. Exercise, video games, music, old movies, and spending time with loved ones.
For posting my work and occasional randomness, I use the usual social medias: Instagram, Facebook, Twitter. And have a small addiction to Pinterest. Pinterest is a creative’s playground, so many ideas you can save for later and categorize. You can also find new recipes to workouts.
Contact Info:
- Website: http://www.LanaMarieLive.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/LanaMarieLive
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LanaMarieLive
- Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/LanaMarieLive
- SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/LanaMarieLive
Image Credits
(Catwoman) Photographer: MDR Foto – Marc (Iron Woman/Rescue): Julio Moreno Photography Other Images: Self
