Today we’d like to introduce you to Diana Riley.
Diana, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I had a fantastic drama teacher in high school (whose class I only even took because he was hilarious) who really gave me a taste for acting. I knew I was in love with it when I finished my first play, went home and sobbed that it was over. It wasn’t until 2010 when a director I greatly admired encouraged me to pursue it, that I really decided 100% I was an actress. The modeling came in several years later, bit by bit, as I needed headshots, then social media content. I moved to Atlanta in 2016 to further pursue acting, which is my main passion.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
It has definitely not been a smooth road. I was married, but after eight years together, the acting became too strong a source of contention and I lived my worst nightmare – choosing him or my career. Moving to Atlanta, a city where I had nothing more than a couple acquaintances for support, was immensely challenging. Financially transitioning from a steady 9-5 to a freelancer’s lifestyle was utterly terrifying. But you keep powering through, you force yourself to get up every day and meet your fears head-on. You refuse to let them be stronger than your drive for success. Fear is just in your head, it’s a construct of your mind. You can’t let fear keep you living the life you really want. For acting in particular, I heard some excellent advice that I will pass on to any aspiring talent: if there is anything – ANYTHING – else you can do and be JUST as happy, do that instead. Most actors aspire to just be working; the glamour of Hollywood is 1%. You condemn yourself to a life of fiscal insecurity, cities with terrible traffic and high crime rates, constant rejection, long workdays when you finally DO get on set, and much more. That said if the joys of it still outweigh any other career you could pursue, go for it. It can be immensely rewarding. Start with acting classes and as you grow, keep in mind that auditioning is the job. Being on set is the reward.
We’d love to hear more about your work.
I’m definitely partial to dramatic acting for film and television, although I’ll do just about anything they’ll pay me for. 😛 I’m probably most known for the feature film Crazy Lake (Ripper Lake in some countries), where I played the sweet and nerdy Kristen. I’ve done a number of fantastic short films that have made their way through the film festival circuit too. What I’m most proud of as far as my brand is my authenticity. I’m quirky, nerdy, passionate, and I try to spread love and light. My social media reflects that. I like to share some of the funny behind-the-scenes moments of my life and the quotes that inspire me because, at the end of the day, I want to leave behind a legacy of positivity. I want people to have stories about that time I brightened their day or spoke straight to their soul. That’s so much more important than a pretty picture of my face.
Finding a mentor and building a network are often cited in studies as a major factor impacting one’s success. Do you have any advice or lessons to share regarding finding a mentor or networking in general?
Ha! As an introvert, find a human shield to adopt you and attach yourself to them. Networking exhausts me and I hate it – it always feels so superficial. I much prefer just genuinely trying to make friends. Attending classes and film festivals has helped me meet some wonderful people. Getting on sets even as the background will allow you to connect with others interested in the craft. Go where people with similar interests are, conduct yourself respectfully, and listen. When you take everything in and start implementing what you learn, you stand out, even if you don’t say a word. People notice consistent good work.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.DianaRileyTalent.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drileytalent/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/drileytalent/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/DRileyTalent
Image Credit:
Harry Garvin, Jay Jhala, Kristia Knowles
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