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Ladyhawke Productions (LHP): Renee', you get asked
to do interviews all the time. Why did you decide to do this
one?
Renee' O'Connor (ROC): Well, my two
new friends at Ladyhawke Productions feel somehow that I may
be able to shed some light on aspiring women in entertainment.
Don't wait with bated breathe, because I am not a writer and
not the most insightful at the best of times. All the more
reason to try anyway, right?
LHP: "Just try", is that
your motto?
ROC: It's a remark I heard shouted
at me by a young girl in New Zealand. She was laughing at
my reaction to an apparatus I needed to mount, SEVERAL feet
off the ground, and use to fly down a hill.
LHP: During your stint on Xena?
ROC: Not on XENA. This was merely
a recreational tool the New Zealanders use to entertain unsuspecting
guests. Myself included. There were no wires to keep me safe.
No cushions to break my fall. And just as I felt my fear of
heights remind me that I had no business being up there, this
little girl says "just try". Ha! But I let go of
reason and flew through the air with the greatest of ease.
LHP: So it is a motto of sorts...something
that has carried you through when you've been afraid?
ROC: Well, of course working in the
entertainment industry is not as simple as saying "yes,
I'll try", but having the courage to make the leaps of
faith will definitely help you along the way. We have to believe
in ourselves and visualize our goals to persevere through
a very competitive field.
LHP: Which person(s) has most influenced
or inspired you in your life and/or career? Why?
ROC: I was very fortunate to have
a family who supported me emotionally. My mom will always
be my biggest fan and a woman who gave me the freedom to realize
my dreams.
LHP: If you could, what part of that
would you like to pass on?
ROC: I only hope I am able to encourage
my own children to see past any obstacles and reach for their
own dreams.
LHP: What should a girl/young woman
hoping for a career in the entertainment industry be forewarned
about?
ROC: Well...I've been asked several
times "how does one break into show business?" These
are strange times right now, with both the challenges in the
economy and the television/movie industry having to compete
even harder to find their audiences. I feel the best approach
is to write your own stories!
LHP: LOL. That's great. Write your
own. Well I guess we've got a few great recent examples of
that ideology don't we... "Kissing Jessica Stein"
and "My Big Fat Greek Wedding". Both female driven
films starring their authors.
ROC: There is no need to go to Hollywood
anymore. Let them come to you! They will if you have taken
the time to nurture your talents, writing being the most important
one. Attend film festivals and meet other people who also
need support. It will not come easily, but if you are challenging
yourself in your craft, your work will eventually take on
a life of its own.
LHP: So...do you feel that women
in the entertainment industry supportive of one another?
ROC: Well, yes...and no. I have met
women who feel threatened by other women in the industry,
but maybe by people all together. I have never understood
why someone must feel she needs to be ruthless in order to
gain respect.
LHP: How do you protect yourself
from those who are ruthless, yet stay open and available to
those who are, like yourself, kind and nurturing?
ROC: I have been aware of my intuitive
reaction to people I meet, male or female, and I have been
fortunate to have the opportunity to know women in television/film
who ARE intelligent, creative, supportive, and kind.
LHP: Do you think that your experience
is unique because you were on such a long running hit television
show?
ROC: I feel there are good people
in every city who are looking to
help others. I met a woman director and teacher who said
that we are not successful until we have taken our knowledge
and mentored another. I loved that! A quote to live by.
LHP: Now for the truly revealing
questions...What CD is playing in your car or home stereo
right now?
ROC: Café Afrique, Sting,
Miles Davis, Little Shop of Horrors, Moby.
LHP: What kind of pets, if any, do
you own?
ROC: One dog we found at a kennel,
maybe a mix of Bull Mastiff and Ridgeback- and a cat who adopted
me years ago.
(The first time Renee' described this dog
to me, I had visions of the animal swallowing Miles, her little
one, whole. She has reassured me, on more than one occasion,
that there is no need to worry- Miles crawls all over him
and he's gentle as a lamb. Phew)
LHP: What book or magazine is currently
on your nightstand?
ROC: "Emotional Intelligence",
Congreve's, "Way of the World", and a friend's book-
Devil's Playground.
LHP: What is one thing that always
makes you smile?
ROC: Hearing my son's laughter.
LHP: Where can we tell people to
watch for you next...what's next on your creative horizon?
ROC: I've got a few balls in the air at the moment...projects
I'm not really ready to discuss.
LHP: Any last words (of wisdom) you'd like to share?
ROC: Hmmm...yeah... Life is not a
dress rehearsal.
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