By Katie Chambers
We are thrilled to welcome new NYWIFT member Isi Laborde! Isi is a Brooklyn-based actor (AEA, SAG/AFTRA). Her film roles include Return to Montauk, directed by Academy Award-winner Volker Schlöndorff, and Jay-Z’s music video “Smile,” directed by Grammy-winner Miles Jay. She has had TV appearances in Facebook TV’s Strangers and Paramount’s Younger. Theater credits include The Bacchae at La Mama Experimental Theatre Club and Skip to My Lou at Theater for the New City.
Laborde’s work has received awards and nominations at the Berlin International Film Festival, SXSW Film Festival, Cannes Lions Festival, and Urbanworld Film Festival. She has a B.F.A. in Drama from NYU Tisch.
She spoke to us about her craft, how she kept up her creativity during COVID, and her dream role!
NYWIFT Member Isi Laborde
Tell us about yourself – give us your elevator pitch!
I am a Brooklyn-based actress looking to make meaningful, intellectual, and unique work with directors, writers, and producers who share my passion for deep and thoughtful storytelling.
What has been your favorite project to date?
I loved working with director Jordan Bayne because she created a work that spoke to a very real human experience of love and loss. She told a story that was deeply personal, and I felt a great sense of purpose helping her create such a delicate cinematic experience.
And what is your dream role? What kind of work speaks to you creatively?
My dream role would be to play a powerful mind such as Angela Davis. I am so intrigued by what moves people to catalyze change and become a true leader and voice for others.
The pandemic has taken a toll on so many, but it was especially tough on actors and other folks who rely on being on set or on stage. How did you continue to thrive creatively during COVID-19?
I created a study plan of books, plays, and films to keep me engaged in my craft. Every day I decided what my topic of research would be and also worked in a physical and vocal practice. I am an eternal student and there are so many resources and information out there to gobble up. I racked up a lot of subscriptions, though!
What is the best advice you ever received? And the worst?
Best – Don’t get distracted!
Worst – You should wear more makeup.
What brought you to NYWIFT?
A community for women to lead in the arts and invest in each other’s creativity. Women are putting out the most compelling work in my opinion and I would like to see a woman in a leadership position for everything I am a part of.
And what is next for you?
Auditioning, going to film festivals, and finding independent female directors and producers who share my style and passion.
Connect with Isi Laborde via email: isilaborde@gmail.com
And check out her reel:
Katie Chambers
Related Posts
Meet the New NYWIFT Member: Melissa Roxburgh
Welcome to NYWIFT, Melissa Roxburgh! Melissa Roxburgh is a Sagittarian (12/10/92), actress and Canadian. Her parents moved to Canada from the United States and founded a church in Vancouver. Roxburgh is the second oldest of four children; she has two sisters and one younger brother. While pursuing acting roles in Vancouver, Roxburgh studied communications at Simon Fraser University. She is an alumna of the William Esper Studio. Roxburgh landed her first major role in Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Rodrick Rules and has worked steadily in television and film. She is currently portraying Rebecca "Bex" Henderson, an FBI Special Agent, in The Hunting Party, a procedural crime drama on NBC. Melissa spoke to us about her creative journey, family roots, favorite actors, and her directing dreams.
READ MOREMeet the New NYWIFT Member: Melanie Fox
Let's give a warm welcome to new NYWIFT member, Melanie Fox! Melanie Fox is a linguist who turned her passion for accents, dialects, presentations, and language learning into a thriving coaching business. Melanie empowers actors and public figures to speak clear, confident English through accent reduction, interview and presentation training. She also trains actors to master authentic English and Spanish dialects. She is a paid public speaker who helps her audiences "Hack into Language" and hosts a new podcast, "Hack That Accent." Melanie holds a Masters of Science degree in Linguistics from Georgetown University. She credits a lot of her inspiration to two semesters studying abroad at la Universidad de Salamanca in Spain. In our interview, she discusses how her work as a dialect coach spans multiple industries, her coaching success stories, and how she encourages clients to maintain their cultural authenticity while adjusting their presentation to match their business goals.
READ MOREMeet the New NYWIFT Member: Katharine Chin
Mic up. Headphones on. Press record for Chapter 1: NYWIFT’s Newest Member. We’re pleased to welcome Katharine Chin to the NYWIFT community! Katharine is an actor, writer, and audiobook narrator who has worked on numerous audiobooks for Harper Collins, Penguin Random House and more. As an actor and writer, her career spans television, film and theater. She’s a founding member of The Nobodies Collective, which offers a space to nurture new work for the stage and screen. Read our interview with Katharine to learn more about her creative journey, what it’s like recording audiobooks, and her advice for other artists.
READ MOREMeet the New NYWIFT Member: China L. Colston
Welcome to NYWIFT, China L. Colston! China is a SAG-AFTRA actress and award-winning filmmaker. As an actress, she has embodied emotional women, from the guilt-ridden mother in Strings Attached to the dealer in Sweet Thang. China’s unwavering dedication as the star, writer, director, and producer of Dark Seed led the film to acclaim from the Validate Yourself Film Festival, African American Arts Alliance of Chicago, and the Dramatist’s Guild Success In The Arts Award aka SITA. She is the recipient of a 2021 NYFA grant for her script To Cook or Not to Cook, which follows a chef in Harlem repairing his relationship with his family through food. She is the recipient of a 2021 NYFA grant for her script To Cook or Not to Cook, which follows a chef in Harlem repairing his relationship with his family through food. China brings us through her incredible journey as a creator here!
READ MORE
Comments are closed