Marisa Blake
She played in Polly Schattel’s Dollar Baby Here There Be Tygers as Ms. Trask.
SKSM: Could you start with telling me a little bit about yourself? Who are you and what do you do?
Marisa Blake: My name is Marisa Blake. I am an actor and voiceover artist. I spend most of my days working in my booth working on audiobooks, commercials, e-learning videos and more! When I get lucky, I get to work on set for films, TV series and commercials. I love my job!
SKSM: When did you know you wanted to become an actress?
Marisa Blake: I always liked being part of school and church plays when I was younger. When I was a teenager my brothers and I got “Scouted” by an agency where we did some commercial work and I first started doing voiceover. After years of rejection (As goes in this industry) I decided it was not for me. About 6 years ago I helped one of my employers create some video content and re-found my love for working in front of the camera. I signed up for Acting Classes, then found an agent, and here we are!
SKSM: How did you become involved in Here There Be Tygers Dollar Baby film?
Marisa Blake: I am lucky enough to be friends with the insanely talented Jennifer Trudrung! We took classes together and have worked on several projects together. I feel incredibly lucky to get to work with her in any capacity.
SKSM: What do you think it is about the story that attracts people so much?
Marisa Blake: I think this story leaves something to the imagination. I also think that looking into earlier works by people who have seriously excelled in their careers as Stephen King has, are intriguing.
SKSM: Did you have to audition for the part or was it written directly for you?
Marisa Blake: If I recall correctly, she just “saw me” in the role. I use to teach children and I play guitar, so I think it made sense.
SKSM: You worked with Polly Schattel on this film, how was that?
Marisa Blake: Polly is incredible! Just like Jennifer, she has a vision and she knows how to execute it to get the shots that she wants. Also, being able to work with and direct kids is not always an easy task. We did however, have some talented young actors working on this film. She had a great crew she was working with and I think Polly was able to tie in all the elements to create what I consider a beautiful work of art.
SKSM: Was there any funny or special moment when they made the movie that you would like to tell me about?
Marisa Blake: Well, for me, it was that my youngest son is in the scene with me. Getting to work with him by my side is pretty cool! (He is in the bottom right hand corner blowing bubbles in the scene where I am playing guitar with my students)
SKSM: Do you still have any contact with the crew/cast from that time? If so with who?
Marisa Blake: Yes! Almost Everyone. Asheville has a beautiful acting community. There are a lot of us here that know each other and often work together on various projects. I feel incredibly lucky to be a part of it all.
SKSM: What are you working on nowadays?
Marisa Blake: Auditions, Auditions, Auditions! ? I am not working on a specific project at this moment, but this past year had some incredible opportunities. I was able to work on set for the DC Comics series Swamp Thing with actors Will Patton and Kevin Durand. That was a big moment for me. I narrated a handful of audiobooks this past year. One series that was a blast was the Lola Cruz Mystery Series! And my voice is in the Smithsonian Natural History Museum in Washington DC with their new Deep Time exhibit that opened in June of 2019. It’s been a great year and I look forward to more!
SKSM: Are you a fan of Stephen King’s work?
Marisa Blake: Stephen King, scares the crap out of me. ? I am a fan in the sense that I appreciate an artist who can bring characters to life, convey emotions and feelings through his writing, and can do so as often a he does! But in general, I am not a fan of “scary”. Yes, I am and adult who is still afraid of the dark….
SKSM: What is one thing people would be surprised to know about you?
Marisa Blake: With social media it is hard to be “surprised” anymore. But I think that people who do know me are surprised that I am Latina and that I speak Spanish. And since you are writing from Spain, I can also share that I grew up dancing Flamenco. My grandparents on my Dad’s side were from Alicante, and my mother’s mother was from Madrid. My mothers father is from Puerto Rico, and so is she. My father was born in Cuba. I am very proud of my Hispanic/Latin Heritage!
SKSM: Thanks for taking the time to answer my questions. Is there anything you want to say to the fans that read this interview?
Marisa Blake: If you are still reading this, THANKS! If you want to learn more about me or follow my work, you can check out my website: www.MarisaBlake.com or follow me on Instagram or Twitter @MarisaBlakeActs
SKSM: Do you like to add anything else?
Marisa Blake: Thanks so much for reaching out Oscar!
