In The Director’s Chair with LisaRaye McCoy – BET Her & The Waiting Room

When you have been in the business for a while you pick up a couple things. LisaRaye McCoy picked up a skill in directing that others saw in her. Throughout her journey in entertainment she has been on it to elevate and elevate those around her. A natural giver and provider, LisaRaye took her directorial opportunity with BET Her and MegaMind Productions to make sure the short The Pink Fight would come to life. In the Director’s chair she made sure to pick the right people for the job to provide them an opportunity and to give life to the script. 

McCoy: First, I have to say the production company that has worked with BET for the last four years has been instrumental in bringing their stories to life for them with these shorts, and BET has given the initiative to Black female directors to be able to do so. But Tressa Smallwood, who is the spearhead behind MegaMind Productions, is the woman behind it all.

McCoy (continued): I worked with Tressa on a film and she told me I think you would be a good director. I told her you are right because I have in the past. She said, “I think I have something for you.” 

LisaRaye explained that moments like that are so vital in the business because it’s about the relationships you create and maintain. She said, “you never know who you will meet on set or where things can go.” So she is always mindful of each interaction and also how she presents herself on set. This is something she advises and hopes many people in the entertainment field realize early on. 

McCoy(continued): So later Tressa reached out to me and told me of a short she was working on that she thought I’d be perfect to direct. After reading through the script she sent me, I told her once again you are right.

Cox: What about this opportunity and short spoke to you?

McCoy: I always look for an organization or charity with a cause that touches my heart authentically. Previously, I have been an ambassador for Susan G. Komen. I’ve had several family members who had breast cancer, some survived and others didn’t. So, I know I would be able to bring justice to this short.

“As a director, I’m able to bring a level of calmness and support to let you know I have been there too.”

Cox: So tell me how was it for you directing this short?

McCoy: I automatically knew who I wanted to cast, so I just had to get the greenlight from BET and MegaMinds, which I did.  I wanted Claressa Shields for the role of Tameka whom the short revolves around. I knew if I could get Claressa there would be a certain realness that she could bring to it. This sista is bad with more titles than you can count and in different divisions. 

McCoy(continued): After securing Claressa for the role, she revealed to me that her grandmother had passed from breast cancer. So I was like Oh! This is going to touch you. I’m going to be able to bring out something in you. 

She was able to bring out certain emotions from Claress for the short because she had been in front of the camera most of her career. That gave her an advantage with directing because she knows what it feels like to have that camera on you and to be NERVOUS. 

Cox: What is one highlight of this short that people will take away?

McCoy: The message being delivered is going to create dialogue. It will educate and encourage others to practice self examination, make that doctor’s appointment if you feel something is wrong, know some of those symptoms and know you are not alone. They will see that you can be part of the survival statistics, and it’s not the end for you. This is why early detection is so important for our community. The only way we can do this is by letting go of the stigma and fear of being diagnosed. 

McCoy (continued): Beyond this short, it’s great that we have Breast Cancer Awareness month but we have to make sure we continue to educate the importance year-round . This is a disease that is crippling and if not it is taking us out. 

Cox: What’s the difference between actor LisaRaye compared to director LisaRaye?

McCoy: When I’m an actor on set I just have to worry about me, my lines, and if I’m looking good. But that’s what the actor is supposed to focus on because they have to make sure they hit each part. But as a director, I’m focused on the entire vision of the project. I’m responsible for what you the viewer is going to see when you watch the project. 

McCoy (continued): Now, I watch movies and television shows differently. I’m paying attention to the scenes, angles, and creativity of it all. As an actress, I wasn’t that interested. 

Cox: It’s about the journey for me, how have you been able to navigate this industry and sustain a long career?

McCoy: From the bottom of my heart, I’m so thankful to God that I may have a small resume but I’m still relevant. Honestly, I  don’t even know how I’ve done it. I might not be an oscar winning actress but I’m LisaRaye and you still know who I am. I have been around for a while, so it’s nobody but God I can thank for it. Those times I think I won’t have another project here, God comes with one for me. That’s why I keep myself looking good (laughs).