Lisa Nelson-Fries is an Assistant Director, Indie Producer, and Actor who has been working on and off in the film industry for over 25 years. Her journey started at the age of 14, when she began her film acting career.
Lisa has worn many different hats in the entertainment industry, having made her start in theatre – working as an Actor, as a Stage Manager, and as the General Manager at Shakespeare in the Ruins (SIR).
Lisa’s first foray into film production was in 2014 as the Production Manager on the NFB short film The Measure of a Place. The pandemic allowed her to use her film-producing skills again. In response to the times, SIR turned to the screen. Lisa was an important catalyst in shifting the theatre company’s focus and resources to produce three feature-length films for SIR between 2020 and 2021: Macbeth, The Winter’s Tale, and Shakespeare’s Will. One of her greatest accomplishments in film is accepting the Best Feature Film award for Macbeth at the Carmarthen Bay Film Festival in 2023.
In 2021, Lisa made a shift in her career from theatre to working full-time as an Assistant Director in film. She’s worked as an AD on numerous high-profile movies and series, including Love Hurts, Clown in a Cornfield, Little Bird, Acting Good, Silent Night Deadly Night, and Best Christmas Pageant Ever.
When and how did you start in the media production industry?
I started working in film as a teen as an actor! It was the late 90’s, and Winnipeg was home to a few YTV kids shows – The Adventures of Shirley Holmes, and 2030 CE – I worked on both shows as a BG and an actor. I was hooked. I loved being on set. My favourite thing to do was to guess which department all of the busy crew worked in. And I still remember Gaffer Lawrence’s tie – even though I didn’t know who he was back then.
The film industry was very small back then, so I worked in theatre as well. As a performer, you often have to make your own work, so I started working behind the scenes very early on in my career. I discovered I have a knack for it. Eventually, arts and entertainment producing, organizing and management became my full-time job (I still act and perform on the side!).
What area of the film industry do you work in now, and why?
I currently work as a 3rd and sometimes a 2nd Assistant Director. Why? It’s hard to articulate. My personality is a natural fit to be an AD. I’m calm and thrive under pressure, can manage a lot of things at once, and I enjoy being a manager and directing a team. I feel like it’s hard to teach someone how to be an AD – sure, you can show someone the nuts and bolts of the job – but you have to be a certain person to really “get it,” and excel at it.
So, to answer your question why? Because I’m built for this job!
What has been a substantial change in the industry since you started?
I used to moonlight in the costume department between 2012 and 2015, and since then, it’s become kinder and friendlier. Work/life balance is becoming more understood. And I think the pandemic showed us that, yes, if I’m sick, I should take the day off, and you can call someone in to replace me for the day, and the whole thing won’t fall apart.
If you could give yourself advice today to yourself in the past, what would it be?
When I was in my 20’s, I took work VERY seriously. I felt I had a lot to prove. I would tell myself that it’s ok to have more fun at work and let people know the goofy, silly part of me. I can still be taken seriously, work hard, and have fun at work. It makes the days go by faster when we’re laughing and working hard together.
What advice would you give to someone starting off in the media production industry?
Networking is just as important as your skills. We all talk – it’s a small world. I would encourage someone starting off to take people up on opportunities to connect outside of a film set – going out for a drink (even if you don’t drink – go and chat! Drink a pop!), coffee, bowling, whatever it is that you’re invited to. People remember how you make them feel, then they remember how hard you worked. I’ve built my career on premiers, work events, and drinks on Friday after wrap.
Why is learning and training important?
My Dad used to say, “Education is never a waste,” and he was right. Every person you meet has something to teach you – so taking classes and upgrading your training is important throughout your career. Even if you walk away from a class with one new technique for your tool kit or one new connection, you’re ahead of the game.
What are some of the films, TV series, or even books that have inspired you? How about anything new you’ve been into?
As a kid, I was fascinated with movies like The Dark Crystal and Legend, and as an adult, LOTR and Game of Thrones. I love world-building – the army of people it takes to construct everything you see on screen is incredible to me. I’d love to work on a movie or series like that one day.
Is there something about you or an interesting past experience that you’d like to share with your colleagues?
When I’m not working as an AD, I impersonate Marilyn Monroe! I sing live, her voice, the whole bit. I perform at private events – galas, birthday parties, and frequently perform during cabaret nights with the local burlesque community.
FTM is a member of the Province of Manitoba’s Sector Council Program funded through the Manitoba Business, Mining, Trade & Job Creation. FTM builds a highly skilled and adaptable film industry workforce to support the activities of Manitoba production companies. FTM collaborates and partners with members of the film and television industry to identify training needs to support workforce development output.