We had the good fortune of connecting with Luisa McDougall and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Luisa, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
Why did I choose a creative career?

Im Luisa(or Lulu!!) a NYC writer/filmmaker, and I specialize in mythology. Lore, is a fantastical way to tell history, as it relates to the events, culture and people within the region the stories originated. This has been my all consuming interest since childhood, as soon as I could read. A practical career, such a medicine, is undeniably important, but I have always been more interested in medicine for the soul. A creative writing career, for me, is a means of connecting people across the globe, so I suppose people are part of my Art as well. To say that passion is the only reason I’ve pursued the Arts, would be unfair. I’ve been exceedingly fortune in this life to have a stable home life, that allowed me to take risks, knowing that if I fall I will have a support system behind me. My mother is an Artist and my father unwaveringly supported my interests. No wonder they ended up with 3 creative daughters! Now at 26, I’ve worked for HBO, ViacomCBS, Disney Television, amongst many other smaller companies, bringing stories to life on screen. Not only has this career been an honor, but a privilege. I choose Art for the girls, somewhere in the world, with the same passions, the same knowledge, but not the same opportunities. I choose Art because when you’re given this chance, you run for it like hell.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Getting my foot in the door of Hollywood was certainly no easy feat. I had just recently graduated from college and returned home from a trip around the world, when the pandemic began, shutting down my industry(well, the first shut down). I spent that time, networking relentlessly and my break came from frequently attending networking events (online, then in person), premiers, and submitting my own short films to festivals around the world. When I finally got the call from a friend at HBO, I knew that this career would require constant collaborations in order for me to be successful. Filmmaking is almost entirely network based, so not only did I need to be a good artist, but good with people. Now, having worked multiple shows, I’ve learned that the hustle of an Artist knows no end, but that is also part of the thrill. I can now see a near future in which I’m creating a mythological series with some of my favorite directors, like Guillermo del Toro. I’m so excited to transition from filmmaking across all genres, to enjoying more fantasy projects!

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I’m from the Big Apple, so there is no shortage of great spots to visit!

For a week in NYC I would recommend spending a few days in Brooklyn! Their nightlife is far better than Manhattan. Club Cache is a great Latin club for dancing. To grab dinner, I would always recommend “Surfish Bistro” the Peruvian restaurant. 5th street Park Slope has a great selection of boutiques and bars. A walk through Prospect Park is also beautiful.

Another day should also be spend in Dumbo, Brooklyn, right along the water. The Time Out Market has a fantastic selection of cuisines and bars, as well as beautiful seating areas around and on top of the building.

I often avoid Manhattan because all year is tourism year here! However, you can’t come to NYC and not spend a few more days eating soup dumpling at Kung Fu Kitchen, walking along the high line park, and grabbing lunch or some trinkets at the Chelsea market.

Slightly lower Manhattan has the famous Soho, which is a must for any fashion lover. Some of the roads are a stunning cobblestone and great photo op! They have some of the most delicious Italian restaurant in this area. I would recommend the restaurant “Jacks Wife Freda.”

With a couple extra days left, I’d recommend going to slightly quieter areas like Queens! The have the Museum of Moving Image and a great Puerto Rican restaurant called “The Freakin Rican.”

NYC will always keep you busy!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My entire tribe has always been so supportive but I’d like to mention my fiancé. Recently, my career had been on hold due to the writers guild and SAG strike, and he not only supported me during that time, but always encouraged me to continue my Art during that break. Now, I have a completed graphic novel that I intend to publish in the next couple months!

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lulu-mcd?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app

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