FACE OF THE WEEK
Lisa Butala: A Rising Star in American CinemaFace of The Week:
Lisa Butala’s journey from a small-town upbringing to the glitz and glamour of Hollywood is nothing short of remarkable. This American actress, with her ambitious spirit and captivating on-screen presence, has been making waves in the entertainment industry. Her story is a testament to the power of pursuing one’s dreams with unwavering determination.
Growing up in a tranquil small town just outside of Napa Valley, Lisa discovered her love for performing at a young age. At the tender age of 5, she was already captivating audiences with her singing talent at county fairgrounds. But Lisa was more than just an entertainer; she was a well-rounded individual. Her athletic prowess earned her an honorable mention at the state CMCs for tennis, while her academic dedication resulted in a stellar 4.0 GPA. Lisa even took on the role of a student coach for the varsity football team, showcasing her leadership qualities.
In 2020, Lisa embarked on her academic journey at California State University, Long Beach, with plans to study Criminology & Criminal Justice, aiming for a career in the FBI. However, life had other plans for her. While in Los Angeles, Lisa decided to take a leap of faith and explore her long-standing dream of acting. What started as a hobby soon turned into an all-consuming passion as she fell in love with the art of storytelling. In parallel to her acting pursuits, Lisa also dedicated her time to training as an EMT, showcasing her commitment to various facets of her life.
In an impressive display of dedication and determination, Lisa completed her college degree a year ahead of schedule in 2023, allowing her to focus entirely on her burgeoning acting career. But Lisa’s ambitions don’t stop at acting alone. She is continuously broadening her skillset, diving into activities like horseback riding, rock-climbing, stage combat, and stunt work. Her relentless pursuit of self-improvement is a testament to her unwavering commitment to her craft.
Lisa Butala is more than just an actress; she’s a rising star whose journey from small-town beginnings to the silver screen is a captivating tale of ambition, hard work, and the pursuit of dreams.
DIZZYDIDDY+PLUS FACE OF THE WEEK
Can you tell us a little about yourself and what you do?
Absolutely! My name is Lisa Butala and I am a small-town country girl, turned actress. I have been acting professionally for a little over two years. I have worked a lot in the action genre, having some training in stunts and stage combat as well as good look for the typical female badass. I have been able to work in a variety of other genres, including western where I was able to put my horseback riding skills to use. I am very proud and grateful of how far I’ve come and I look forward to what’s ahead. In addition to acting, I am a certified EMT and have a very energetic, but lovable German Shepard named Nala.
What inspired you to pursue your career or business?
A career in acting was something I day dreamed about constantly. I wanted to bring amazing characters to life, to be a part of movies and shows that move people, and to make connections with others in the industry. I knew when I was in Los Angeles that I needed to at least give it a shot. I am so thankful I did.
What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced in your career/business and how did you overcome it?
I would say the biggest challenge I’ve faced thus far is taking that first step. Acting was very much outside of my comfort zone. In high school, I didn’t audition for the school plays because I was worried I wouldn’t be good enough. As simple as it may sound, I overcame it by doing it and by putting myself out there. I started my journey by jumping into acting classes and learned you can do amazing things when you step out of that comfort zone.
How do you stay motivated and focused on your goals?
There are numerous ways I stay motivated. One important way is by taking care of myself. I go to the gym, eat healthy, take time to relax, and spend time with those I care about. Alongside that, I do what I can to work towards my goals. When I’m not working on a specific project, I’ll work on improving current skills as well as training in new ones. I stay motivated and focused on my goals by constantly working towards them and growing, both as an actor and person.
What’s the biggest lesson you’ve learned in your career/business journey so far?
The biggest lesson I’ve learned in this industry is to accept it won’t be easy nor will it always go your way. This line of work will test you. There are a lot of things that are out of your control as an actor, but if you can learn how to focus on what is within your control, then you’ll be able to better navigate your career.
How do you define success?
I consider there to be multiple types of success. I define a great success as finally reaching the goal(s) I have worked so hard to achieve. With that said, I also like to celebrate the little successes along the way. For instance, the fact that you worked hard regardless of the end result. Maybe something you did got you one step closer. Something as simple as getting out of bed and choosing to seize the day, I would consider to be a success.
What is your biggest dream, and how are you working towards achieving it?
My biggest dream is to be able to work with Tom Cruise!
It has been a goal of mine since before I started acting. In the hopes that one day I will have the opportunity, I have been continuously working hard on my acting as well as training in new skills. I actually trained recently in stunts and stage combat with stuntman Daniel Locicero, who has worked on Mission Impossible. I wanted to work with someone who had worked at the level I strive to get to. He was amazing and I plan on continuing to train with him.
Who is your biggest inspiration, and why?
There are so many people who inspire me. It’s impossible to highlight just one. I would say I am most inspired by fellow actors and professionals in this industry who show it can be done through hard and dedication. There are many I look up to. Tom Cruise, Kevin Costner, Harrison Ford, Stephen Spielberg, Helen Mirren, and Henry Cavil to name a few. In addition to that, in many ways, my family, friends, and manager continuously inspire me with their support and belief in me. I wouldn’t be where I am today without them.
Would you like to explore other opportunities within your field?
I would love to direct someday! It may be further down the line, but definitely something I have thought about. As of now, my main focus is acting, but I have also become a part of the producing side of things and I am looking forward to continuing that as well.
What advice would you give to someone just starting out in your field?
Believe in yourself! It is easy to get in your own head and question yourself or be your biggest critic. Remember that you know yourself best and what you’re capable of. Even if you’re unsure or scared, if you believe you can do it and put in the hard work to achieve it, you’ve already won. Believe in yourself, work hard, and never stop dreaming.
What is the most rewarding aspect of your work/business?
There is something so special in being able to bring joy, as well as other emotions, to people through a screen. I love that a character I play or a film/show I’m apart of can give you an escape from a bad day or bring you closer to those you’re watching it with. I hope, through my work as an actress I can have a positive impact on the world, both as an entertainer and as a person.
What is something that you’re passionate about outside of your work/business?
I’m very passionate about animals! I love all of them. I grew up around horses and dogs. I am very much the person who will become friends with the dog at a social gathering.
What’s something you can’t live without?
My dog, Nala! Nothing puts a smile on my face more than her greeting me when I come home, especially after a long day.
What is something you wish you knew when you were just starting out in your career/business?
Learning the business side is just as important as learning the acting side. The entertainment industry is a business and it is very helpful to educate yourself on it as early in your career as possible. Making acting a career is hard work, but it is possible. Knowing how the industry works will help you greatly.
How do you deal with failure or setbacks?
I like to think of failure as success in the effort and/or attempt. Failing at least means you’re giving it a shot. It means you’re trying. I try my best to learn from my failures and use them as a stepping stone to continue forward towards my goals.
What is your philosophy in life?
My philosophy in life has always been to live it to the fullest, work hard, love, and be kind to everyone!
What is one thing that you have accomplished that you’re most proud of?
I’m very proud of how hard I worked during my time in college, to not only finish my degree a year early, but to also complete my training as an EMT and build a solid foundation for a career in acting.
How do you see yourself and your business/career evolving in the future?
Working with Tom Cruise! In all seriousness, I hope to continue to build my career and skills as an actor. I hope to be able to work with amazing people to tell amazing stories. I would love to get to the point where I’ve built a name for myself and can work as an actor full-time. Until then, I plan on continuing to work hard!
How do you strive to make a positive impact in the world?
I always strive to be kind to everyone, even if it’s simply giving a smile in passing. I believe in the little things such as opening a door for someone or complimenting them. I do my best to stay off my phone and be present when out and about. If I see a veteran, I will thank them for their service. If I see an opportunity to do something kind for someone, I will.
Do you have a favorite quote? What is it?
I do! “If opportunity doesn’t knock, build a door.” Take opportunities that come your way, however also create your own! Whatever your dream or passion may be, work hard to make it happen.
What is the best advice you have ever received?
“You can do anything you put your mind to.” Ever since I was a little girl, my grandfather would tell me this. My parents continue to remind me as an adult. While it’s a simple and well-known saying, it rings true for me in everything I do and strive for.
How do you stay innovative and adapt to changing circumstances in your field?
Adaptability is a necessary skill in this industry. As an actor, you are working on yourself consistently in your abilities, skills, and what you have to offer. I embrace changes that come my way while maintaining a positive mindset.
Finally, can you share a funny story or experience related to entrepreneurship that you’ve had?
Absolutely! When filming on the set of “The Oldest Posse,” I ripped my pants! I was getting onto my horse to rehearse the blocking for the first scene of the day and they ripped right down the back. Luckily, I was wearing a long black duster that covered it. Since I had the duster and since we were out in the middle of nowhere on a tight schedule, I decided to tough it out. We got all our shots and had a good laugh. So, fun fact, the majority of my scenes in the film where I’m riding, my pants are ripped.
ABOUT DIZZYDIDDY+PLUS FACES:
“Celebrating Impactful Achievements Across Various Fields”
DIZZYDIDDY+PLUS has launched a new initiative called “Face of the Week,” which aims to showcase the achievements of men and women who are making an impact in various fields, including entrepreneurship, entertainment, education, communication, and more. Each week of the year, from January to December, a new face will be introduced to the public through DIZZYDIDDY+PLUS’s platform.
Many of these faces of the week will also be honored at the Crownys, which are the DIZZYDIDDY+PLUS Awards and where all the faces and people who worked or partnered with DIZZYDIDDY+PLUS will be celebrated. The ultimate goal of this initiative is to give recognition and exposure to individuals who are making a positive difference in their respective fields.
The initiative will culminate with the release of a printed magazine in December for the Face Of The Year.
By highlighting the achievements of these individuals, DIZZYDIDDY+PLUS hopes to inspire and encourage others to pursue their passions and make a positive impact in the world.
