Meet Livi D | Award Winning Director & Screenwriter

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

Hi Livi, how do you think about risk?
The concept of risks and taking them is one of the most important things in life, especially in a creative field. Actively working in the film industry, it’s an environment that is built around constantly taking risks; through pitches, logistics behind bringing scripts to life, etc. I believe as a filmmaker or even an artist in general, it is so crucial to take risks because it can change your career for the better. Through my experience as a Director and Screenwriter, I’ve found that if you have a concept, whether it be fully thought out already, or even just an inkling; if that passion and ambition are present, run with it! As risks expose that sensation of danger and the adrenaline of hope, which can be truly refueling as a creative. Trusting risks has allowed me to create projects that leave me feeling exhilarated and filled with gratitude for what I have been able to bring into the world and how it has pushed my career forward. Along with that, if I had let fear be the mind killer that it is, I wouldn’t be in the place I am today, where I am constantly doing what I love. If there is someone reading this who has an idea; whether it be related to art or just anything and you are on the fence about, I would say to just go for it! It can be that one decision that changes your life forever. Without taking risks, art cannot grow, life cannot grow and the world cannot grow. Take that risk and don’t let fear hold you back.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I’m Livi D, I’ve been directing and writing films for close to 10 years now. I started my career at a very young age where I was a child actress acting in commercials, short films, etc. Around the age of 10-12, I dived headfirst into writing and directing short films where I had the opportunity to intern multiple directors and screenwriters to learn more about the craft. When I got older, I enrolled in a trade school where I got to further expand my skills as a filmmaker and eventually went to film school where I am currently studying Directing for motion picture. Currently, I’ve created and been apart over 20 projects consisting of short films, music videos and content based media. When it comes to my workflow regarding any project that I am involved in, I like to fully invest myself into the story that I am bringing to life and deliver a notably eccentric experience for the audiences who view my work. Despite being early into my career, there has been many challenges that have arisen but those experiences as well as how I learned from them have shaped me into who I am as a creative and even a person today. My biggest drive when it comes to making films is to make the art that you want to see, follow your passionate intuition and bring the story to a point where it becomes larger than life; invest that energy and spark into a project because that dedication will persist through what you’ve made. As my career is growing, I currently have a handful of projects that I am looking forward to sharing with the world and I am so thankful that I am at a point now where I can direct and write films full time as well as distribute the stories that are being told from my lens.

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.
As someone who is a native Arizonan, there are a ton of places that I would recommend that I love personally but have also been supportive to my creative endeavors. Coffee has always been a staple for me, especially on long set days. My favorite coffee spot for awhile now has been Air Guitar in Gilbert, Arizona. Not only is it one of the coolest convenience stores out here in the valley but they serve some of the best coffee, fully customizable for a great price. I frequent this spot quite a bit to the point where one of the amazing baristas has the ‘Livi D coffee’ memorized. (Shoutout Annette! Thank you for all your support). If you are curious about what the coffee contains; Iced Carmel Macchiato with Pumpkin Spice and a quad. If coffee isn’t up your alley, they have other options as well as pizza, ice cream, sushi and so much more! This is defiantly one of the top places I would recommend to anyone currently in Arizona or just visiting.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I want to thank everyone who has supported my films and my career; To the amazing creatives I’ve met and have had the opportunity to work with, individuals who watch my work, and everyone who has helped me grow into the filmmaker I am today. Thank you from the bottom of my heart and I am so excited to see what the future holds!

Instagram: instagram.com/livid.oh

Youtube: YouTube.com/@livi-d

Image Credits
Emmanuel Villa, Alyssa Ramirez & Trini Guevara