Meet Shanisa Dixon | Actress & Film Industry Contractor

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

Hi Shanisa, what role has risk played in your life or career?
I feel that risks are an important factor when it comes to reaching your goals. In my opinion, you can’t grow if you don’t challenge yourself. No one should want to do the same thing every single day. I know I don’t because life gets boring that way. Moving forward and getting your feet a little dirty to progress in whatever it is you want makes life worth living.

I decided to work full-time in the industry–which was actually part time when I first began. No money at all. But I knew what I wanted and I knew that there was no other way for me to get what I wanted if I didn’t quit my 8-5 job. Taking risks plays a big part in my life. If it weren’t for those, I wouldn’t be doing this interview today or having a peace of mind because of the progression I’m making.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I’ve been working in the film industry since December of 2018 as an Actress. I was the Content Administrator at Red Zeppelin Productions, LLC out in Virginia. It’s something I really enjoyed doing. I have worked with a few other film production companies in the DMV area like LaRay Productions, LLC as an Administrative Assistant and Sa-Loan Productions, LLC as a Production Assistant. I just branched out to a company in New York (McGregory Media Productions, LLC) as a Production Coordinator. Since 2018 I’ve performed in shorts, web-series, and in my first feature film in 2021.

I’m most proud of my progression with my acting performances. The role I played in the feature film, Rachel, was the hardest character I’ve ever portrayed and the fact that it was a feature film.

What sets me a part from others would be my ambition to learn about the industry from every aspect. Yes I’m an actress, but I have to do more than just that. I have to keep busy and keep growing. The film industry has so much depth, so I had to think to myself ‘what is it I want to master?’. I majored in Business Management, so I decided that I’m going to use that and go from there.

Of course it’s not easy. It’s never easy. There’s always something that makes you sad, angry, or frustrated. But without all of that, it would be boring. There would be no milestones to reach or challenges to overcome. For me, taking each day and each assignment one step at a time helps me get through the challenges. I’m a contractor, so there are always different assignments coming in that require more time than others and it can get overwhelming. I have to map out everything and give myself deadlines if they aren’t already provided in order for me to have a peace of mind.

I’ve learned so many things, but most importantly… One, that I have to be patient with myself. I want so many things, but I can’t have everything right when I want it. I have to work for it. I have to go get it and I have to remember that with patience comes rewards. Everything is coming together and all I have to do is keep praying and keep going. Mistakes will be made, but it’s up to you to decide what to take from those mishaps. Two, you can’t trust everyone. There are scams out there and people looking to take advantage of you in whatever way they see fit. You have to be smart about your decisions in this industry.

I would like everyone to know that my story isn’t the worst, but it’s not the best either. Everyone has their own set of trials and tribulations, but it’s about how you handle it and go about it. When I want something, I go for it. It’s as simple as that.

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.
I love food, so I would take them to: a specific Olive Garden out in Tysons Corner, VA
Yard House in Springfield, VA
Graces Mandarin at the National Harbor
Pike Kitchen in Rockville, MD
a specific Hook & Reel in Montgomery Village, MD

The movies is one of my favorite places to go:
a specific AMC movie theater in Gaithersburg, MD

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I would like to give a shoutout to my family. They know that since before I could talk or walk I would sing, dance, and write all day. They’ve supported me through it all – the talent shows, the songwriting/music making, the dance competitions, auditions for film projects, and the tears that came along with it all. At home is where it all started. My family is huge, so trust me when I say the support is real.

My best friends for the non stop encouragement and support. I’m grateful to have them in my life. They’re family.

And last but not least, the two Production Companies that have made a difference in my life, Red Zeppelin Productions and McGregory Media Productions. Red Zeppelin Productions was the very first company I worked with. I learned so much because Ted Adams decided to give me a chance.

Working with McGregory Frederique has opened so many doors for me and I am so grateful for the opportunities I’ve been blessed with and for what’s to come. I’m grateful to have worked with both companies because without them, other companies wouldn’t have given me a chance at all.

Website: https://www.shanisadixon.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shanisa_dixon/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shanisadixon/

Image Credits
Jeremy Bustin – Jeremy Bustin Photography Emily King Brown – Make-up Artist