I recently had the privilege of interviewing the inspiring and prolific director Rosemary Rodriguez. She spoke of the power of film, collaboration, storytelling and staying positive. She also shared some of the films that have inspired her. Rosemary wrote and directed the Sundance feature film Acts of Worship, which was nominated for 2 Independent Spirit Awards. Silver Skies, Rosemary’s second feature, chronicles a group of seniors whose lives turn upside down when their Los Angeles apartment complex threatens to be sold out from under them. It has won the Audience Award at Ft. Lauderdale Int’l Film Festival, Best Comedy at…
Author: Sarah Louise Lilley
One of my goals for 2015 was to read or listen to self-development every day. Some days I read for over an hour on the subway, other days I only manage to squeeze in a quick video, but even 5 minutes is helpful. Here are 5 other helpful habits that all take under 5 minutes but exponentially feed my inner life! Gratitude I love the Gratitude 365 Ap. The icon on my phone always reminds me too so I never forget to write in my gratitude Journal. It allows me to list all the things I’m grateful for even if…
I’ve produced my own films, had recurring roles on Late Night with Conan O’Brien, shot two episodes of Law and Order and numerous indies but my toughest role…Mom! Being a mom is awesome, well…most days, but like any great role not without its learning curve and challenges. I’m the first to admit there are plenty of areas of motherhood I still need to work on …Patience immediately comes to mind! But today I choose to celebrate why I’m an awesome mom – specifically five ways being an actor helps me in my parenting journey. 1) My appreciation for characters and…
Inspired by Jen Levin’s blog, Actor Goals I have for 2015, I thought I would declare some goals too. What a wonderful way to stay accountable! I am committed to living a balanced life and so have divided my goals into 8 areas (an exercise from Courtney Rioux) and will share one of my goals in each area. 1. Career/Business Book a standout TV credit in a NYC 1hr Drama by April 1st 2015. This was my goal for the fall but I have not achieved it (yet). It is a new year and I have a strong urge to…
The Holiday season is upon us. As I was putting this blog together I realized that Ms. In The Biz had just posted a similar list by the lovely Jen Levin. What can I say? Great minds think alike! It was fun to read her list and see where it diverged and overlapped with mine. Drum Roll please… In no particular order…. My top 7 gift ideas: 1) Personalized Journal from Sensationery. I love these handmade journals – I got one as a gift myself and now they are one of my favorite gifts to give. 2) Monogrammed Cufflinks also…
I’ve been meditating for over a year now and I find it incredibility helpful. As I juggle career and motherhood I find those 15 minutes vital to my well-being. My Meditation practice had a pretty comedic start though – Day 1. I committed to just 5 minutes and chose a simple technique that involves meditating on one word. I set my kitchen timer and explained to my 2 yr old that I was going to sit on my yoga mat, close my eyes and meditate. I invited him to sit with me and sat in lotus position on a stack…
Juggling an acting career and motherhood, Time is often on my mind. Every day feels like a race against the clock as I try to get as much work done as possible in the 3hrs my son is in PreK. I’m still surprised how much time it takes me to get my son out of the door in the morning, but that is a whole other story! Pre kid – I often used to complain that I didn’t have enough time. All I have to say…. WHAT WAS I THINKING??? However Time is a funny thing…. Years ago, a bar…
Recently I started doing a series of daily mantras around the theme of Ease. I realized I have a limiting belief that I have to work hard (aka struggle) to have the success I want. Working hard has been drilled into me since I was a kid. Don’t get me wrong, success often requires hard work, commitment and dedication, but it also requires trust and confidence. It is certainly more enjoyable too if you can relax and allow, and not merely muscle and struggle through it. Life can be wonderfully easy. I don’t have to work hard to have the…
I was very committed to getting my 4yr old to swim this summer. I loved swimming as a kid and would train with my swim club before or after school several times a week, so I signed my son up for a two week intensive swim class. He had spent time in pools before but hadn’t really taken to it – I knew this summer would be different! At the first class he wouldn’t even get in the pool. At the second class he managed to get in the pool but hung onto the side in abject terror. By the…
I’m an actor and also a TCM NYC Classic Film Tour Guide. It’s a great fit for me – passionate about both Film and NYC, I love how the two intertwine. I’ve been re-watching some of my favorites recently and thought I’d compile a list for your summer-classic-film-watching-pleasure! In chronological order: 1. My Man Godfrey – 1936. A classic screwball comedy. The real-life divorced couple of William Powell and Carol Lombard have great chemistry. I also love Mischa Auer as Carlo, who is always sighing in the corner and does a hysterical monkey impression! 2. Bringing Up Baby – 1938.…
I often find myself downtown with a random hour or two between auditions or before my next appointment. Here is my top 10 list of NYC actor “hangs” – all convenient to busy casting offices, great places to relax, look over sides or eat a tasty, inexpensive meal. In no particular order: 1. The High Line (Gansevoort – 34thSt, btwn 10th & 11th) My favorite park in NYC – a walk along the high line is guaranteed to leave you refreshed and inspired. A stunning mix – abandoned railway tracks and cutting edge, contemporary architecture. Take a stroll and enjoy…
A few months ago my Italian cousin sent me a Facebook message, which said she had seen me in the Italian magazine Come Stai. I assumed it was just someone with my likeness. I was wrong. It was a photo of me with a caption that translated as ” 20% of separations are caused by an unfulfilling sex life.” It was from a stock photo shoot I did 4 years ago! With a risk of TMI – I think that a fulfilling sex life is important in a marriage, so I’m ok with this. However, it was a great reminder…
I started 2014 with a brand new website. It was very “on brand” and I excited for the re-launch. My resume is available for download from my site; however when I looked at my resume it was more 2004 than 2014- a major overhaul was a necessity. I have to give a huge shout out to Jen Ponton and Beyond Postcards for helping me with the revamp. Anytime I have fun ideas for marketing tools, she is my go to. I can come up with the idea but figuring out how to format/create it on the computer is not one…