July 7, 2021 • 54 mins
In this episode we will introduce Regina Hoyles to you. We will discuss everything from women in film to different paths to making a dream a reality. Regina Hoyles was born and raised in the south suburbs of Chicago, IL, Regina Hoyles is an award-winning actor, writer, and producer who got her start in the entertainment industry as early as nine years old. She is a graduate of New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts where she received her BFA in Drama and minored in the Business of Entertainment. Regina created NAPS, an original web series which screened at festivals such as the NYC Webfest and NYU’s Fusion Film Festival. Regina wrote, produced, directed, and starred in her first short film entitled ADULLAM which premiered as an official selection in the 2020 Bentonville Film Festival and is now airing on REVOLT TV’s anthology series, “Short and Fresh”. Adullam was awarded Best Black Lens Film at the 2020 Sidewalk Film Festival as well as Best Narrative Film in the 2020 Argo’s Untold Stories Short Film Awards. She is the Founder/Producer of her production company RLH Productions, which serves to highlight the work of emerging artists of color, particularly amplifying Black voices and all their complexities across genres. She produced the short film TENDER (dir. Felicia Pride) which received the Lionsgate/STARZ Producer Award at the Blackstar Film Festival. As an actor, she can be seen featured on shows such as THE MARVELOUS MS. MAISEL (Amazon), THE CHI (Showtime), ALL RISE (CBS) and 9-1-1: LONE STAR (FOX).
Regina is currently based in Los Angeles, CA.
Regina Hoyles
Adullam
Hosts: Layne Marie Williams & Kat Gorospe
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Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Layne Marie and Kat (00:10):
Hello and welcome to the walkie check.
Layne Marie (00:13):
Hey folks.
Welcome to the walkie check.
Kat (00:15):
I'm Kat Gorospe, a script supervisor from Chicago.
Layne Marie (00:18):
And I'm Layne Marie Williams, a film director in Los
Angeles, California.
We're super excited to beworking with our friends at
Noisefloor to bring you the mostcreative and talented people out
there to share theirexperiences, knowledge, and
power.
Kat (00:32):
This episode is brought to you by film craft studio gear.
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Filmcraft Studio Gear, the#1Trusted Brand of Pro-Grade
Director Chairs In Film&Entertainment.
Kat.
Layne Marie (00:45):
And Layne Marie.
Layne Marie and Kat (00:46):
for Regina.
Regina Hoyles (00:48):
Go for Regina.
Kat (00:49):
So today for our first guest, we're flying in miss
Regina Hoyles
Speaker 2 (00:53):
Regina hoiles is an actor writer, producer, and
director while she can be seenfeatured in shows like 911 Lone
star, The Chi and severalothers.
She also has her own boutiqueproduction company, R L H
productions.
She's currently based in LosAngeles.
However, we had the pleasure ofworking with her here in her
home state of Illinois.
Kat (01:15):
We worked with her on her short film, titled Adullam,
which she wrote, produced,directed, and started.
The film was entirely shot inthe suburbs of Chicago and it
premiered as an officialselection in the 2020 buttoned
film film festival and is nowairing on revolt TV's anthology
series short n fresh it's now asuccessful, mostly virtual film
festival run racking up awardslike best black lens film at the
(01:38):
2020 sidewalk film festival, aswell as bus narrative film, and
the 2020 Argos untold stories,short film awards.
coming in hot with all thoseawards.
Layne Marie (01:51):
coming in.
Super hot.
Yeah.
Kat (01:55):
Welcome Regina.
Regina Hoyles (01:57):
Hey, I am so happy to be here.
Thanks for having me.
Kat (02:01):
Oh man.
It's been a minute for sure.
Since we worked on Adullam, whatwas that?
Two, three years ago?
Regina Hoyles (02:07):
Yes.
Tech.
I know pandemic just ruined oursense of time too.
It was two years ago.
We're coming up on like twoyears.
Exactly.
Yeah
Layne Marie (02:14):
Man.
Yeah.
Cause what I'm trying toremember, like what month?
Like we.
Regina Hoyles (02:18):
may.
Layne Marie (02:19):
Yeah, that's right.
Cause it wasn't, it was kindanice out.
Regina Hoyles (02:23):
Yeah.
And it was like raining superheavy.
I remember like one the nightbefore it was like 40 days and
40 nights type of flood.
And then like the whole, likelot we were meant to shoot in
completely cleared out.
So I'm like, thank you god,hahaha.
Layne Marie (02:36):
Yeah, yeah.
And you know, like I justremember, so Kat was a script
sup on that shoot and then Ihelped produce.
And um, it was honestly like oneof them, at least for me.
And I, I can't speak for youguys, but it was one of my all
time favorite shoots.
Kat (02:52):
Oh yeah, for sure.
I just remember, uh, when youpicked me up from the train
station in the U hall, you wereso bright and you're like, Hey,
are you ready to make a movie?
I was like, oh my God, I don'tknow you.
But yeah, let's, Let's, let'smake a movie and Regina, you and
your mom were so nice.
You let me stay at your house,which I really appreciated.
I got the meet Bucky, your d og.
(03:13):
Sweet baby angel.
That was so fun.
Oh my god.
Layne Marie (03:16):
Yeah.
I remember like myself and someof the other crew like stayed in
an Airbnb and we just had somuch fun, you know?
Like you just, you made it, youreally made it happen.
And um, I hope that you lookback at that film with a lot of
pride because I feel like it'sgone so far and I mean, I'm
thrilled to see whatever it isthat you do next.
So we'll talk about some ofthat.
Kat (03:38):
Yeah.
So my biggest question, Regina,cause you were the first
director I've worked with whoalso acted what's that like for
you getting to do both in thesame project?
Regina Hoyles (03:50):
Um, well that was my second time doing that.
Um, my first major undertakingwas a web series entitled naps
where I was wearing a lot ofhats.
And so I noticed, although itwas like just two products I've
done since then.
Um, I noticed that I liked toslim down how many roles I take
on.
And I definitely feel at thispoint in my life that directing
(04:12):
and acting simultaneously is notsomething I necessarily want to
do.
Um, I, I really value, you know,like mastering crafts I've the
most I've been doing is acting.
I've been acting for 16 yearsprofessionally now.
And so like, I know that for me,I love when I'm able to like
fully immerse myself, um, in acharacter.
(04:33):
And I find that easier to do,like say if I'm, if I written a
project, I can do that.
Or if I'm producing, I still canmanage that.
But directing, I don't know,maybe that's just like the me
who likes to seek externalvalidation, but coming out of
like conservatory training I'mso like used to having so much
chatting in my ear, like, whatdo you mean by that?
What are you saying with this?
You know, and like really likegiving me that extra, that extra
(04:56):
push.
And so I would say that it was areally rewarding experience for
me because I just gained so muchknowledge about myself as an
artist.
And I was surrounded by apowerhouse team.
Okay.
Like from everybody from youKat! I remember like asking you,
like which take do you thinkthat was like super good?
And then having Taylor as myfirst Ad shout out to Taylor, he
(05:18):
kept me in check made sure Iwasn't like stepping outside of
any of the roles I had confirmedI would be doing.
Um, and then Layne, like therewas so much that she did that
was just making thingsseamlessly happen and I didn't
even realize until after thefact.
I was like wait Layne too careof that?
When was she doing this?
So I learned that there was justlike so much value in having a
team you trust around you.
(05:39):
But for me as an artist, I knowthat I really love when I'm able
to devote myself.
Um, and I feel like it maybe, ifI wasn't, um, producing, I could
potentially like act indirect insomething simultaneously, but I
know that I'm very, very, um,intentional and careful, like
when I do that, you know?
Layne Marie (05:58):
Yeah.
And I think it's with Indies inparticular, you just saw,
especially if you're selfproducing, you just end up doing
so much.
Regina Hoyles (06:06):
I totally agree.
You know, I'm very much of themindset that, um, your gift will
make room for you.
I believe it is so awesome tohave multiple talents and skills
and, uh, recognize that.
But I do think there is so muchvalue in mastering a singular
craft.
You know, notice I said, yourgift singular will make room for
you.
(06:26):
And a lot of times that's how alot of people get their starts
and new doors open because theyhave truly put the work in, in
one area and are like, okay, Ifeel like I have gained enough
knowledge, wisdom experience inthis field that I'm now able to
open myself up because it is theage of the multihyphenate.
But I believe that at the sametime, because that's kind of a
(06:46):
thing, praised a lot of peopledon't necessarily go deeper into
what that means.
A lot of the most successfulmultihyphenate are the ones that
have learned the power ofmastery you know, as an actor,
you know, I was in training andlike, I know Sanford Meisner
said like it takes 20 years tobecome an actor for real, for
real.
And so like if you take thatmindset with you in any craft,
whether you're in this industryor not, like you just become one
(07:08):
who has, you're just likeascending master, I feel like,
you know, you really have likehoned in on what it is you're
good at and truly dedicatedyourself to the, to the craft.
And in that regard, like youbecome undeniable.
Just, I think that that's, thatshould be the mark of someone w
ho's great.
You know?
Kat (07:25):
Whew.
Speaking the truth jeez, I wasjust like, oh my God.
Well, I wasn't, I wasn't readyfor that.
Layne Marie (07:33):
Love it.
Yeah.
Kat (07:34):
Going off of that is, would you say active would be your
gift?
Which one would you consider outof all the roles directing,
writing, acting, producing?
Regina Hoyles (07:42):
I would say the earliest have been like acting
and writing.
Um, writing was something that,um, didn't come to me early
professionally as acting did,you know, I've literally been
professionally acting since Iwas nine.
Got my S.A.G Card at 12.
Um, so with writing though, it'ssomething that I had kind of
like had always been doing andnot realizing that's what I was
doing.
(08:02):
Like creating the stories that Iwould act in myself.
Um, but yeah, acting isdefinitely the one where I have
invested the absolute most time,money and energy in my life thus
far.
Um, and then writing, I feellike is next in line and honing
that craft.
I noticed in the pandemic, I wasreally taking in a lot of
knowledge, taking a lot ofvirtual classes, workshops, all
(08:23):
of that.
I'm honing in that wholebusiness aspect of writing, you
know, like I have scripts justready to go.
And when I make my projects, I'mtypically the one writing them.
But when it comes to likeentering the, the world of, of
like pitching and, and all ofthat.
And what does staffing mean andwhat does that look like?
Um, like this past year was thefirst year I've ever had a
literary agent.
(08:44):
So understanding what, likerepresentation looks in that
space, you know, versus I'vebeen repped as an actor since I
was maybe 10 years old.
So yeah, I would say like thosetwo, but if had to like really
slim that it would probably beacting.
I just know that I'm, I am inthat world for sure.
When I'm, when I'm acting.
Layne Marie (09:04):
I love that.
That's so powerful.
And I can definitely see thatfor you like a hundred percent.
I mean, I can't, I can't wait towork with you at some point in
that way, you know, I'm justlike, what is that role going to
come along?
Let's do it roles.
Plural.
Regina Hoyles (09:21):
Thank you.
Thank you.
Amen.
Received.
Layne Marie (09:24):
As far as like, um, getting representation goes,
whether that's, you know,through S.A.G or a literary
agent, I feel like our listenerswould definitely want to hear
more about like what thatprocess was like for you.
Regina Hoyles (09:39):
Yeah.
So, you know, everyone's likejourney of course is going to
look differently, but to tellyou mine, um, I, I was very
adamant when I was younger aboutbeing, wanting to be an actor.
I was the kid who, you know,adults ask you, what do you want
to be?
And like, it's like itastronaut.
And they're like, oh, that'scute.
And so like, I tell people, like, I want to be an actor.
I was very precocious.
(09:59):
I would look them dead in theface.
Like, no, no, like is reallygoing to happen.
Like you have to understand likeat five.
And so my mother liked didn'ttake me like that much seriously
until I was, um, maybe nineyears old.
And you know, um, my mom doesn'thave any knowledge of the
industry, but she just believedthat I would, I would not let it
go.
And so she took it upon herselfto do everything she could and
researching and reaching out toagents, reaching out to classes.
(10:22):
That was the first step.
And I believe I went to someschool and I went to a big
convention.
And I remember there was some,there was a good response from
agents who had been present.
And again, I was like 9 or 10 atthis time.
And that was my firstintroduction to representation
out in Chicago.
And then I had another agentthat I moved over to when I was
(10:43):
younger.
And I had been with them beforeI moved to LA.
Um, I've been with them formaybe Ooh, like 13 years.
I'm not really sure if I'mmisquoting.
I forgetting how old I am.
It was, it was a long, It was along time.
But, um, that was my firstexperience with representation.
Kind of always just having itfrom like my mom's just
(11:04):
realizing like, oh, this is whatshe wants to do.
And her stepping out of her wayto do that research.
And so then from there, like Iwent to NYU and going to
college, there was a new agentthat came in to the agency I was
already at.
And she in a way became likethis, geez, first of all, a
(11:24):
powerhouse.
And she just, I developed arelationship with her as an
adult, whereas like a whole,whole lot of my time acting as a
child, you know, there was thismain person who was talking to
my mom, communicating throughme, but when this new person,
while I was in college, camealong, you know, she's still
representing me while I'm out inNew York.
She says, when are you cominghome?
We can send you out when we'rehere.
(11:45):
And all of that.
And from there, like she justtruly been a ride or die.
And, um, after that, you know,it just was matter of me like
creating my own work has trulybeen the through line for any
representation I've had so likewhen I made my web series that
attracted the attention of amanager and when I made my short
film, when I made Adullam likethat attracted my current agent,
as well as my literary agent.
(12:07):
And I, again, like these werethings that weren't necessarily
expected.
They were just kind of drawn tome because of the work that I
was creating.
So yeah.
I hope that was like detailed.
Layne Marie (12:19):
Totally.
No, I mean, I love that ithappened, it happened really
organically.
I think that that's, you know, alot of times that's what it
takes.
Like it's just like that oldphrase it's like build it and
they will come, you know, like,I think there's so much value to
that.
So for the literary agent, sodid you like send them the film
or did you send them the scriptor like, how did you, what did
(12:40):
they want to see?
Like what was that process like?
Regina Hoyles (12:43):
So even there, and I'm very much still
navigating this space becausethe truth is I can't be a
serious regular on a show and bestaffed in one at the same time,
unless it is literally my show.
So we have to prioritize, butfor me acquriring her...
Layne Marie (12:59):
I mean...Let's make it happen.
Regina Hoyles (13:01):
Yeah, exactly.
I have a friend who she it's sofunny because she is very much
like we're on the same track interms of career, but she's on
the agency side, but we're stilllike, cool.
And so we kind of always kept intouch.
And so as she moved around andleveled up in her career as an
agent and I did as an actor,we're still in touch.
And so like, I'm checking inwith her, just like asking her
(13:22):
what's up and just seeing howshe's doing.
She's asking me what I'm up to.
I literally just sent her myshort, not genuinely not
thinking anything of it and thenfind out like she sent it to her
boss and I got her agency wholike, runs like talent, like at
it.
And I'm just like, oh, wow,cool.
She's like, yeah.
Do you want a meeting?
I'm like, oh sure.
And you know, I was likehesitant at first.
(13:43):
I thought it was all a, it was asurprise to me.
And so upon doing that, likemeeting with them, we vibed
immediately.
And like my friends, like yourfriends are your best advocates
when you have a good one, likethey truly are.
And so she's like, yeah, shewrites too, what she did this,
and this is everything else thatshe does.
And we're bringing in, you know,new agents to represent people
on the literary field.
(14:03):
And so she just took it uponherself to ask me, like, if I
had anything else, I have pilotsthat I've written and I just
sent them to her.
And, um, she was like, yeah, youwant to meet with our literary
agent next week?
And I was like, yeah, sure.
So like, that's pretty much likehow that happened.
So yeah.
Kat (14:20):
Yeah.
Crazy how that all kind of justhappened, like organically and,
you know, that's, that's thetype of people you want to keep
in your life.
I always preach to friends likeyou are who you surround
yourself with and you know, thatfriend of yours, like, that's
the type of person you want.
It's not like you asked her tolike, oh, can you like send this
to like, whoever, you know, she,like you said, she just did it.
And then they're like, Hey,let's have a meeting.
And it's just, you know, that's,that's how, that's how you kind
(14:42):
of like move up in this like,field with like genuine people
like that.
Regina Hoyles (14:45):
Definitely.
Definitely.
Yeah.
Layne Marie (14:48):
That's awesome.
Yeah.
And just to name a couple ofother roles that you've played,
you were Enid and the MarvelousMrs.
Maizel, Tammy and The Chi andTiara Gage and all rise.
Indie versus TV.
What do you feel like thedifferences are there and do you
(15:08):
prefer one over the other or,you know, they're just different
cups of tea.
Regina Hoyles (15:13):
Yeah, no, I would definitely say every set is
different.
Every set is different.
And having had been fortunateenough to have that experience
of like, um, cable as well asnetwork, you know, network is a
little different.
It really depends on the show,honestly, though, because like
The Chi really gave me indievibes.
(15:33):
It was so much inclusivity onthat set.
Kat (15:36):
I love that set.
Regina Hoyles (15:36):
I do too.
I was like, I saw so much ofmyself on the other side of the
screen, you know, and workingbehind the scenes and everyone
was so freaking welcoming.
It just felt like a familyreunion they're two different
type of way.
Yeah.
It was wonderful.
You know?
And so I think that one of thebiggest things between like
(15:58):
indie and like television worldis television world.
It's almost like a rule that youdon't live by this rule.
You got to your fire, everybodystay in your lane, do not at all
step outside into somebodyelse's and you know, I shot, um,
in COVID too.
So I, it was even more strict asfar as like, please remain in
your zones.
Like let's not like put anybodyat risk, but I think that's just
(16:21):
the feel of indie is you got todo everything at once at some
point.
Like, that's just how it is, youknow?
And I think that I love thenetwork and television because
there's a broader reach.
And depending on the storyyou're telling, it just makes it
that much more impactful.
But I guess the truth of thematter is if you've impacted
just one person you've impacted,like enough.
Kat (16:40):
I could totally relate to that.
It's funny.
Cause I'm working on the showtomorrow.
I've been, um, yeah, I've beenlike working on their second
unit.
It's been super fun andcompletely agree with Regina.
I love the cast, loved the crew.
So welcoming and you know,working on different shows.
Like it could, you can kind offeel like the new kid, like in
school so it can be nervewracking sometimes.
Regina Hoyles (16:59):
Yes! And that's what I'm saying.
Like with the shy, I felt sowelcomed.
You know, my, my scenes werewith, um, Ms.
Burgundy baker who wasincredibly talented and Ms.
Hyla and Robin, it was like, itwas so nice, but they just
truly, it was like, oh, well,come on in.
Hey Tammy.
And then with Jett, the directorwho was also incredible, um,
they really made me feel welcomeor like I could come back here
(17:21):
like next week or the week afterlike that, just that ease the
ease of, um, joining the castfelt so amazing.
Layne Marie (17:29):
Yeah! And I feel like that's so important, like
when we're making movies,because it's really hard work,
the hours are really long, youknow, depending on what kind of
production it is, like I'mshooting something right now.
And today's my off day.
And I'm like very exhausted, butlike, it's so important to just
check yourself and be like, butI'm doing, you know, I'm doing
(17:49):
what I love.
And like set comradery is soimportant.
And like from every singleperson from talent to the
producer, to the script sup, tothe key PA like it's so
important to, to like lead withkindness.
Cause it gets stressful.
And like people get, you know,like it's just one of those
things where like I was tellingsomebody the other day, like,
(18:11):
don't use it.
You just can't, you have tochoose to not take things
personally on set.
Kat (18:17):
Definitely.
And you never know like whatthese relationships are gonna
turn out to be, you know, likeif you told me when, like when I
accepted the job on Regina set,if you told me we would be here
now doing a podcast likealtogether, I'd be like, you're
crazy.
What, what are you talkingabout?
Well, like I have no idea, butit just goes to show like, you
never know what's going tohappen.
You don't know what connectionsyou're gonna make and you know,
(18:38):
I'm going to be all connected.
Layne Marie (18:39):
Yeah.
Me too!
Regina Hoyles (18:40):
Me too!
Layne Marie (18:41):
So we've talked a lot about filmmaking.
We've talked a little bit aboutlike what your process with
getting reps and all that goodstuff is.
And um, you know, I'm wonderinglike, what are some of your
interests outside of filmmaking?
Regina Hoyles (18:57):
Yeah.
And do I have some, uh.....
All (18:58):
hahahahahhahaah!
Regina Hoyles (18:58):
Um, I love, I love cooking.
I've been saying, because Inoticed that low key would say
this when I was younger, butit's stuck.
Like if I wasn't an actor, awriter, producer, director, all
that, like I would be a chef.
Um, and it's probably becauseit's a creative outlet.
I've been really thrown down notto brag, hahaha!
All (19:18):
hahahhaha!
Layne Marie (19:20):
You're making me hungry
Regina Hoyles (19:22):
For sure, for sure.
I love cooking, reading.
I'm doing better at that.
Cause like I last year I, Iremember making it a goal, but
in 2021 I've already likedsurpassed.
Like what last year's readingswere.
Um, I'd definitely say cookingis probably the biggest one that
sticks out to me.
Layne Marie (19:38):
So you're in LA.
How long have you been there andwhat's that been like so far?
Regina Hoyles (19:43):
I've been in LA since September, 2018.
And I found a community veryearly upon coming to LA and that
truly made a world ofdifference.
Whether it be a community withinmy alumni network community in
the black community, like justmy mentor figures came quick and
I just really felt like I wasbeing protected.
(20:04):
There was something over me, youknow?
And so I think that that reallyassisted with my transition.
And I know that there's a lot ofpeople who, when they make that
big move, they feel like they'reflopping or failing just because
they don't have anyone tosurround you, you know, and a
good group of folks to surroundyou.
Like you said, Kat, like youtruly are who you surround
yourself with.
And so I think that that wassuper important for me and
(20:27):
making it feel less like, oh mygosh, my childhood is slipping
from my fingers.
And like, even, even now, like Ifeel it slipping away, but it's
more like a, okay, I'm going tostart waving intentionally
goodbye from me.
You know, it's not like, ohwait, hold on.
But yeah, that's, that's been myjourney thus far.
Layne Marie (20:44):
Nice.
Yeah.
I feel you about the likechildhood.
I've actually been thinking alot about how to reconnect to
like my younger self recently.
And um, and I feel like it's soimportant, especially as
creatives to like, not losesight of like twelve-year-old
Regina and you know, how can youstill, you know, how can you
(21:07):
still stay true to her whilealso going about paying bills
and just trying to survive andlike communicating well with
others and like giving yourselfgrace and all these, you know,
all these hard things that wehave to do in order to like,
keep going.
(21:28):
Especially in this business.
That's like, you know, people,people have egos very much in
our business and what's beenlike a challenge for you,
Regina.
What's like a moment where youwere just like, I I'm out, you
know?
Or like, I think I'm out, butyou kept going.
Regina Hoyles (21:49):
I think that, I think that we all have those
moments.
I feel like that's a, um, atiming problem.
A lot of us are so like hopefulthat things will work out in our
own timing.
And like, I do believe in divineorder, divine timing and that
everything comes when it'ssupposed to.
And so even when you've beenhitting the ground, as hard as
you can hit in the payment,really like putting in work,
you're like, why am I notgetting where I think I should
(22:12):
be getting?
Because maybe because youweren't supposed to get there.
Maybe you're supposed to gosomewhere else, you know?
And I feel like you should notwant anything.
That's not for you.
You should not want that.
And I feel like just reallyletting the, and it's so easy to
say, but how many of us trulylike let it rest?
You know, I feel like, let me betransparent.
Like, you know, I can pray andsay, God, I know you're gonna do
(22:32):
this in my career.
And like, I know you're gonna doit in your timing, but in the
back of my head, I'm like, Ikind of want you to do it like
next week.
All (22:38):
Hahahahahaha!
Regina Hoyles (22:41):
Like that would be really great.
You know, it's all I feel likehow many of us are really like
surrendering to our life'sjourney, letting it truly take
us wherever it's meant to takeus.
And I think that that's reallyimportant and recognizing like,
Hey, I am where I'm supposed tobe.
Whether or not I think this iswhere I'm supposed to be.
Um, I'm here, you know, and it'sreally funny.
(23:02):
This might be like a little deepto share, but I was talking to
my attorney who is very muchlike a grandmotherly figure to
me at times.
And I was saying to her, I wasjust like heart to heart.
And I'm like, you know, I feellike I could be hard on myself
at times or whatever.
And she was like, and you know,it's good to be hard on yourself
as long as you're progressing,but if you're doing the best,
you can lay it, like lay off.
(23:23):
Like there's no reason to go inon yourself.
Like the world, the world isgoing to go in on you.
Things are going to like giveyou a tough time.
Period.
You know?
So if you know, and you can, youcan truly know in your heart,
your BS meter will go off whenyou are doing your absolute
best, like this, just give,like, give it away, just let it
go.
Let whatever's meant to happento you and your career and your
life.
(23:44):
Like it is not in your hands,you know?
Layne Marie (23:47):
Yeah, for sure.
What have you beenbinge-watching and like also you
mentioned that you've beenreading and I would love to
hear, like about what you'vebeen reading and if you have any
recommendations for ourlisteners.
Regina Hoyles (24:03):
Yeah.
I'm definitely off the top of myhead.
I started my year like this, andI felt so fresh.
I read, um, uh, Cecily Tyson'sautobiography and it was so
impactful in so many ways.
I felt so connected to her andjust like several, I, I, she's
just, she's incredible.
She's a pioneer.
And I resonate with her beingvery selective about the roles
(24:25):
she accepted and that she waseven willing to like go out for,
like, I'm at a place in mycareer where I'm able to, um, be
firm in my yeses and my nose.
Um, and, you know, I feel likeas an actor, we're so often
like, accustomed to saying like,you know, I just should accept
every opportunity that comes myway, everything that gets put in
my email, like I just say yes,yes, yes, too.
(24:45):
But like, I think the pandemicit's truly was a divine pause.
Cause it made you realize likewhat, what really matters like
here in life.
And I believe that, um, CicelyTyson lived that her whole
trajectory reading her story andhow she was both an artist and
an activist and use her platformincredibly intentionally in her
(25:05):
living incredibly intentionallywas so inspiring to me and a
great way to start off my year.
Another one that I probably haveto give another read.
Cause I like to read it every sooften is the Alchemist by Paulo
Coelho.
Um, it always offers you somenew perspective depending on
where you're at in your life,but yeah.
And then binge watching, youknow, I've been watching a lot
(25:27):
of, a lot of different thingsfor the first time I saw
Breaking Bad and that made ittruly one of my favorite shows.
Layne Marie (25:34):
Such a great show!
Regina Hoyles (25:36):
It's incredible! You know my favorite show of all
time is fresh Prince of Bel air!I love will Smith.
Like two of my, like big, mygrades who are role models need
Sicily and like wWill Smith.
Like that's the type of TVfamily I desire.
I really immerse myself in a lotof independent film.
One of the standouts to me, GodLee was on Rhada Blank's 40 year
(25:59):
old version.
Oh my gosh.
Oh my God.
I was clapping.
I was like in the room rockingback and forth, like, yeah, it
was a Radha.
Um, I think that it was a reallyawesome opportunity to tap into
more of the indie, the indieworld and see a lot of films I
might not have otherwise seen,um, traveling around like that.
Layne Marie (26:17):
Yeah.
Yeah.
And Roger's movie was black andwhite
Regina Hoyles (26:20):
Is sure was.
Yeah.
incredible.
Layne Marie (26:22):
Yeah.
I thought that that was likesuch a cool choice and like,
it's something that hasn't beendone in a w hile and gosh, it
makes me, I mean, I've beenwanting to shoot something on
film and I also want to dosomething in black and white and
I just, I'm so excited for herand like her trajectory, like
I've read so many interviewswith her and like a really cool
thing to like, watch her!
Kat (26:46):
What has your experience been like as a black woman in
film?
Regina Hoyles (26:49):
You know, you have a lot of, at times proving,
it feels like to people who, whowouldn't do the same thing to a
cis white man who is just, youknow, and like, it's, you're
aware as a black person, you'realways kind of, at least for me,
like you're kind of walkingthrough life with a bit of a
(27:10):
double consciousness, you know,I've been afforded opportunities
where I've been in rooms whereI'm like, oh, I know how to like
navigate this in a way where I,I can just, I can be myself, but
also like I have my guard up alittle bit, um, and things are
changing, but it, that dependson the room you're in.
I feel like someone will saylike, let's celebrate black
(27:31):
woman and someone might shoutback.
No, all women in this like, noone was like coming for anybody
else, you know?
And it's just like, we've beencelebrating everybody else for
so long.
And we've been told thenarrative that like, we don't
matter for so long.
So why is it offensive to youthat we can't uplift our own
communities?
You know?
And I think that that is true.
(27:53):
Like if we don't have ourcommunity, like, what do you
have?
Like, I feel like that's, that'struly important to me.
So yeah.
It's, it's to say, like, what'smy experience as a black
filmmaker, it puts me in alittle bit of a head spin
because I'm like, I don't know,I've been a black person, like
my whole life.
And so I'm like, I don't knowthat I necessarily am able to
differentiate the two in ways,you know?
And I've again, been fortunateenough where I have found
(28:15):
community and a lot of otherblack people, like there are
people out here doing it.
And regardless of what you'rehearing or seeing in terms of
like, we can't find them, they,yes, they exist.
They exist and they're doinggreat, even though they just
haven't been given theopportunities because of like a
lot of gatekeeping that has beenlong, long a part of our
industry.
So I, I think we're reallygetting to a place, a place of,
(28:39):
okay, like let's call foraccountability.
Let's actually identify thespecific communities.
Even with the whole like BiPOCthing.
I'm a little like hesitant to,to say that because that loop
mumps in a whole group of likepeople of color and it's like,
no, no, no.
Let's point out the veryspecific differences that we can
celebrate.
Not saying like you're againstany of these communities, but
(29:00):
you're just wanting to recognizethis is what makes you special.
This is what makes you special,you know, like, let, let's give
the same, the same, um,attention to detail to these
communities as I feel like wehaven't given to white folks for
the longest.
Um, so that's yeah,
Kat (29:13):
Definitely.
Yeah.
And you know, going off of that,um, something that stood out to
me when I was doing a little bitof creeping on you, um, on your
website, it says that, you know,your little mantra on, um, RLH
productions, it said, you know,a black woman owned a boutique
production company where webelieve diversity to be
normalcy, both onscreen andbehind the scenes.
(29:34):
And that really stuck with me.
I was just like, yeah, that's agood point.
Like why, like why, why, whyisn't it normal?
Layne Marie (29:42):
Yeah.
I mean, I feel like it's likeone of those things where it's
like, I hope that we can get toa place in the world where that
doesn't have to be a part ofyour mission statement.
I just have so much admirationfor you.
And I'm so excited to see whatyou do next.
So speaking of which, what areyou working on right now?
And like, what are you workingon like filmmaking,
artistically, and then alsolike, what are you working on
(30:03):
that has nothing to do with yourcareer?
Regina Hoyles (30:06):
What am I working on that has nothing to do with
my career?
I'll start there is myself.
All (30:10):
Hahahahaha!
Layne Marie (30:11):
Yes! I love it!
Regina Hoyles (30:16):
Um, self-work, you know, I've been in therapy,
um, for a good minute.
I'll literally be finishing up,um, this week.
Um, but like just talkingthrough some things about
myself, you know, I feel likethe pandemic gave a lot of, a
lot of things, just theopportunity to rush the surface
that need to be addressed to behealed, um, within me.
So I think that this year hasvery much been a year of
(30:38):
accountability for me beingaccountable for my thoughts, my
emotions, recognizing that theydon't have to be the master of
me, but I'm the master of them.
Um, I feel like that's, I'm insuch a place of just like I'm
open to whatever growth God isintending for me to step into.
Um, and then on the careerfront, you know, I'm workshoping
(30:58):
a couple of pilots.
There's one that I really,really want to shoot as soon as
possible, but I'm going to goback into the cave and hone it
just a little bit more, butthat, that's what I really want
to get out there.
Um, and then still on the actingtip, you know, like stay tuned
for things there I'm very much,always very much honing that
craft.
Um, and so I'm, I'm open to very, a lot of collaboration
(31:21):
opportunities.
I think at this time, like I'mproducing the feature version of
a short called Tinder writtenand directed by Felicia pride
that I produced shortly afterAdullam.
So in the end of 2019, and we'rein like early, early pre-pro for
that.
And then I'm working with a lotof upcoming creatives who like
have experiences as actors, butnot necessarily behind the
(31:43):
scenes experience.
And so serving as a producer,just knowing that I have certain
resources and knowledge that I'mable to share and all of them
are black women.
So I might just being able tolike pour into people who look
like me is really important andfulfilling for me at this time.
Layne Marie (31:59):
Yeah.
Like as an actor, when you dostep behind the camera and take
on different roles, why do you,like, what do you think that has
done for you as an actor?
Like, do you feel like it'shelped you?
Do you feel like it's hurt youin some ways?
A little bit of both.
Regina Hoyles (32:13):
Yeah.
It definitely, definitelydoesn't hurt me.
And it helps me so much becausewhen I'm just an actor on set,
like I'm, I'm totally aware ofwhat everybody else needs and
the crew I'm like, I know thatthis will be helpful for
scripty.
I know that this will be helpfulfor the director.
I know that the first AD justneeds me to get out the trailer
right now.
Like what, what is reallyrequired of me as an actor.
(32:36):
And I, like, I just do my best,honestly, like make everyones
job easier while also makingsure that I create that space
for myself to do a good job asan actor.
Um, so I think it's definitelygave me a deeper appreciation
because let me tell, I have beenhumbled, um as a PA and I think
that's a good place to operatefrom just imagining, like I
(32:57):
could be a PA like next week onsomebody else's shoot and I'm
gonna go right back into it.
I don't care what trailer out oncame out of.
I will still be running around,eating lasts for everybody else.
You know, like just having thatmentality makes it so much more
easy to work with with otherswhen I'm in that actor capacity.
Cause I'm just like, Iappreciate you.
I know where you're coming from.
I'm gonna let you do your thingcause I've been there before.
Layne Marie (33:19):
Yeah.
Yeah.
I love that.
I agree.
I think like, as an actor, likego produce something on your
own.
Uh, it does, it does give youlike, you know, an idea of like
what it's like behind the, onthe other side.
Very cool.
Well, I, you know, I want to askyou as well.
Like, do you have any advice forour listeners?
Regina Hoyles (33:39):
Yeah, I would definitely say be try as often
as possible, as early, as oftenas possible to be your authentic
self and don't be afraid tospeak your truth, try your best.
And I say your best becausewe're human.
Like it happens.
We sometimes don't even realizeit's happening, but do your best
to avoid shape-shifting to fitsomebody else's idea of you or
(34:00):
what shape-shifting to fill, fitsomebody else's idea of what
your career should look like.
And, you know, please likeunderstand we're all humans like
you, what you might feel aboutyourself one day career-wise
could totally be different likethe next year.
You know, I'm pretty sure that'sbeen the experience for a lot of
folks, um, in this pandemic thathas forced a lot of people to
(34:20):
pause and kind of reevaluatewhere they're at professionally,
personally.
So be gentle with yourself, giveyourself a lot of grace, you
know, it's okay to, to fall downand make mistakes as long as
you're trying.
And like again, being authentic,coming from an authentic place,
I think that's truly what, whathas made so many people
(34:40):
successful is they weregenuinely just being their self
and thinking nothing of it,honestly.
So yes, they true stay true.
Stay you.
Kat (34:48):
Is that what you would say to younger Regina?
Regina Hoyles (34:50):
Yeah, I would.
I think I have always been, Ifeel like there had always been
that, u m, as an a ctorspecifically, that one that just
wondering of, do I just say yes,because like, this is an
opportunity or do I like seekthis person out because like, t
hey're they have these accoladesand this, this u nder like
(35:11):
they're just big in theindustry.
I don't know.
I feel like I was not totallyunderstanding of the idea that
people truly will come to you solong as you're just being
yourself and doing the work thatspeaks to who you are as a
person and as an artist.
And sometimes the work for me isliterally just showing up, just
showing up as me.
And so I think that I would tellmyself that when I think of
(35:32):
younger, i t's, it's funny.
C ause I'm still y oung.
I'm like, I feel like I, Idefinitely have grown so much
just even since I was in collegeo f feeling like I needed to
like reach out to as many peopleas possible.
And I admire that in my youngers elf, the drive, but I feel
like I c ould h ave focused thatenergy on honing, like what it
(35:54):
is about me.
I want to tell a s, as astoryteller, what kind of work
do I want to make or be a partof that really speaks to things
that people need to hear.
U m, you know, whether it be anencouraging word through a film
or something that has to do withlike the black community, how do
I showcase that?
You know, just really honing in.
I believe I did the best of whatI could while also when you're
(36:16):
younger, you don't necessarilyhave that much life experience
to pour into your art.
You know, like i t's, that's whyyou see a lot of like older
people who are just trulykilling it.
And it's because they've lived,they've had so much to
experience and now they haveformed these very, u m, solid
opinions about the world andabout themselves.
(36:37):
And so like, I think I wouldjust continue to tell myself to
give myself room to grow, u m, give myself more grace because
I'm not g oing t o get it right.
Even t ill like I'm doing thisat 80 years old lord willing,
you know, I think that's justreally important.
Layne Marie (36:51):
Well, and I think that perspective is really
interesting because it's like,you know, when you talk about
like how you were sending emailsand you were reaching out to all
these people, when, you know,not that, that wasn't fruitful.
Of course it was, but likelooking at it and being like,
man, I kind of wish I had justlike slowed down and like taken
the time to like just create andjust write and just figure out
(37:16):
who I was.
And I, I really relate to that.
Cause I feel like I did that too.
You know, I felt like I'd spenta lot of time just being like
launchpad, gotta do this, gottado that.
Like, you know, hanging my haton every single way I could like
create, you know, but create ina way that was about that.
Honestly in a lot of ways wastied to like capitalism.
(37:38):
You know, it was like acapitalist mindset.
Like I, I am my work and if mywork isn't going somewhere that
I, what do I have?
And Kat and I talked about thatin our first step episode
recently just like, you know,who are you when you're not
working?
And like, gosh, it's just, um,I've been reading this book, The
War on Art and um, highlyrecommend it.
(38:01):
And it's all about likeresistance and how resistance is
ultimately like the enemy of youbeing able to be your authentic
self and to create and to write.
It's a great book.
And if you haven't checked itout, it's a really easy read.
It's one of those books that youcan just kind of pick up, read a
couple of pages, put it down.
Kat (38:20):
Yeah.
It's super easy to feel like youhave to constantly be, go, go,
go.
And my therapist has told me,she's like, I noticed you're
like an all or nothing person.
You need to stop that becauseyou're draining yourself.
And I was like, okay, Diane,I'll try.
Layne Marie (38:39):
She likes built some hot tea on you.
Kat (38:42):
Right.
I was like, oh, you're right.
I am an all or nothing typeperson.
But yeah.
And it's just like you said,like capitalism, like makes us
think like, oh you, if, like yousaid, if your work isn't going
anywhere then like, is, is iteven worth anything?
But like, if your work willalways be worth something, no
matter how many awards it has,no matter how many film
festivals it gets into, it'sstill valid.
(39:03):
No matter what.
Regina Hoyles (39:04):
Yes.
Oh my gosh.
That
Layne Marie (39:06):
Makes me want to talk about film festivals a
little bit Regina.
Regina Hoyles (39:09):
Oh I would love to.
Layne Marie (39:09):
So you would please tell us about your, because I
know I can tell you that ourlisteners really want to hear
about film festivals
Regina Hoyles (39:20):
For me, you know, Adullam.
I really had, I had such avision.
I had such a plan.
I was like, we're going to havea physical film festival run.
We're going to have theseAirbnbs.
I'm going to have the crew comeout.
It's going to be fun.
We're going to, we're going toget into this.
We're gonna get into this.
And God was like, haha! And sowith the pandemic, like we have
this major shift right.
(39:41):
O f these virtual filmfestivals.
And that was already likeinteresting to me.
And I think we all, what was thefirst big one South by
Southwest?
And that just m arkedeverything.
We were all just like, what isgoing to happen?
And you know, I, as this beingmy first short film, I like
counting on this to really m akeits rounds and everything.
(40:02):
But what I didn't see at thetime of things just unfolding
was the blessing coming from itof just like being able to be a
part of way more festivals thanI probably w ould h ave been
able to physically, but evenstill, let me talk about this, u
m, this journey and desiringthings so badly and you have to
get to a place of like, okay, Idon't need it.
Film festivals for me areabsolutely an avenue.
(40:24):
They're an opportunity, but theyare not the end all be all.
And also every experience willbe totally different based on
your team, based on your filmand based off the programming
team and that community.
And I think that there can be,for me, I'll speak for myself.
There's so much focus.
I feel like I placed on certainones and really banking on them.
(40:46):
Like just accepting Adullam.
And when I received rejectionsand see right there, see how I
said, how I received rejectionsversus the film was rejected.
Layne Marie (40:56):
Whoa, woah!
Regina Hoyles (40:58):
I think I talked about this with my theripist and
she was like.
Girl, separate it.
Just like that, that easily wecan get so caught up.
A nd this is what I mean with awards we can get so caught up in
the accolades and t he, theornaments of the Christmas tree
that we forget to admire thetree for what it is.
Layne Marie (41:15):
Right.
Regina Hoyles (41:16):
And just really appreciate.
Amen.
Really appreciates the journeyand this film in this huge
undertaking, we've allcollectively poured into.
And at the same time, you'realso missing the other
communities that you may nothave been so focused on that are
pouring into you.
Like we love you.
It's not a matter of acceptanceas much as we just like
celebrate you.
(41:36):
And the fact that you likeaccomplish this, you know,
that's a big feat indiefilmmakers, like shout out to
all of y'all who are out heredoing this independent thing.
It is not easy.
It's hard.
Yes, very much so.
And like between like jugglingalready coming off of juggling
multiple hats on set.
Now you're like thisdistributor, this marketer, like
all of that, you're hoping forthe project, but you know, you
(41:59):
got to accept that what the bestoutcome is doesn't always have
to look like what you envisionit to be.
And I feel like for me, I, onehad to let go of the idea that
rejections were not a reflectionof myself as an artist.
Um, it didn't mean I couldn'tmake art.
And I had moments where I waslike, maybe I just shouldn't be
a filmmaker.
Like maybe again, this isliterally my first like short
(42:21):
film.
And I'm already saying like, Idon't belong out there.
Like, I'm just not like, meantto do all this only for like
acceptances to come in that Ididn't expect prize money that I
didn't expect to come in.
And all of these, like peoplewho are rallying around me and
my team that made me go like,wow, I never saw any of this.
(42:41):
And I think it's when you let goof any expectation in life, it
too, like you open yourself upfor so many blessings and just
roll on in that you never wouldhave expected.
And I feel like for me, the filmfestival journey absolutely
taught me that even when it wasvirtual, I try to like reason
with myself saying like, okay,things are virtual.
It should be like easier to getthem like this, this and this
(43:03):
now, you know, like I thoughtthat that would be helpful for,
to the ones that I was liketruly holding onto.
But once I let go, once Iallowed myself to explore other
avenues of getting the film,like out there, it was like, wow
, you know, like it's really notthe end all be all.
And I had to remind myself forthe most part, I would be like
(43:23):
the youngest in the lineup oflike filmmakers for a category.
And at times I had to really letthese stories sink in of someone
saying, you know, I've beentrying to get into this festival
like every year and I'm 40something years old.
And you know, like, I believelike Ava DuVernay always talks
about like trying to get intoSundance in a variety of their
programs and to being rejectedmultiple times.
(43:45):
And it's like, why is it thatwe're so prone to focus on the
nose that when the yeses come,we're just like, okay, cool.
Or we celebrate.
And like, it was like, allright, next, next, next.
Layne Marie (43:57):
Right.
Right.
It's like this complex of likenever enough, never an I mean, I
definitely experienced that.
Like, and it's something thatI've, I've been working really
hard on and I, I totally feelyou about the pandemic as
difficult and horrible as it hasbeen, you know, the silver
linings are there.
And I think a lot of that hasjust been like slowing down
(44:18):
really prioritizing what'simportant, working on self-care,
which is, would be like our nextquestion.
How do you, like, what are someself-care rituals that you have?
Like what, like, what do you doto have like a work-life because
again, like we've discovered inthis podcast today, it is so
easy to just go, go, go, go.
(44:39):
I'm a machine.
I'm only as good as my nextthing.
Like money, money, money, money,money, like, how do you, what do
you do?
Regina Hoyles (44:47):
Yeah.
For people who are offer this toanyone who has adapted that
thinking of like, you are amachine we are, and some would
have, may have heard it, but youare a human being, not a human
doing.
I believe that it is reallyimportant to rest in that and
just accept like where you areat any time in life.
And for me, self-care, I alsoreally love Layne Marie, how you
(45:09):
said ritual, because I thinkthat we, a lot of times use self
care as a quick band-aid to acut, we just got versus like us
just taking in, um, taking in alot of things that are healthy
for us and letting that just beour baseline versus our
emergency.
So for me, it's been likegetting better with being
disciplined and it, and that initself is like an uphill battle,
(45:32):
trying to make sure I'm like onit.
I also offer, um, to people totake deep breaths because that's
something I incur, I'm noticingI'm incorporating more, so much
of our, our problems come fromus, like holding our breath.
And like, you don't realize howmuch we're just walking around
life up here, like in our chest,you know, just gosh, like you
can feel life returned back intoyou.
(45:55):
Um, so recognizing when I'mholding that in my shoulders,
like your body, your bodydoesn't lie.
That's one of the first things Iwas taught, um, in acting is
like, the body does not lie.
So checking in with myself,mentally checking in with myself
physically.
Um, I'm not a hiker, I'm not acamper, but I love nature.
And that it makes me feel sogrounded and connected.
(46:16):
So when I'm home, you know, Igot a big backyard.
I like to walk around barefootin the grass.
I love to like take super deepbreaths and open spaces.
I love traveling places that arerich in nature.
I just got back home a couple ofweeks ago from Eugene, Oregon,
and just being in a new placethat I've never been before,
where there's so much beautyjust in the earth and taking
(46:38):
that in.
Like that does make me feel solike alive, you know, like it's
really, it's really how Irestart and just make.
And also, I, you know, I, I'mvery known amongst my friend
groups for disappearing, fromsocial media, without any
warning whatsoever.
Um, and just like going off thegrid.
Layne Marie (46:55):
Hiatus time.
See ya later!
Regina Hoyles (46:57):
Yup, that's me.
Layne Marie (47:02):
It's like, yeah, whatever.
Like it's just, sometimes it'sjust good to take a hiatus.
Like just delete the apps, justget off for a minute.
Kat (47:10):
Yeah.
Just get off your screen forhowever long.
Regina Hoyles (47:14):
Yeah! And I don't start my morning.
I don't start my morning with myphone.
Like I have it on do notdisturb, put it on airplane mode
off.
All I got is The Bible app.
And I'm reading scriptures inthe morning, but that's it like,
other than that, making surethat, you know, my thoughts at
the top of my day are mythoughts.
Like, and I know self, like I'mbringing into therapy, things
(47:37):
that I didn't even everconsidered before about myself.
I'm like, wait a minute.
Was that, was that just somebodyelse saying that?
And I'm like, oh, maybe that'sme.
Maybe that's how I should livemy life.
Like, I think that we're in sucha like consumer, uh, consumer,
um, period right now where we'rejust taking in we're scrolling.
We don't even realize how muchwe're allowing everybody.
And they mama to pour into us somuch so that we don't even know,
(47:58):
like we can't even findourselves because it was like,
oh, I am, I'm adopting thatthinking.
I'm adopting that thinking.
Yeah.
Layne Marie (48:04):
Yeah, absolutely.
Oh, it's so
Kat (48:06):
Easy to get wrapped up in that.
And like what I really likedthat, of all the wonderful
things you listed was that theway you talk to God, isn't all
like whole, like completelywholesome prayer.
Cause like I came from a reallyreligious family and like, I've
been trying to kind of figureout where I stand with certain
things.
But like I like how likegenuine.
And really you are by sayinglike, God, I'm kind of right
(48:28):
now.
Like that's I love that.
And like it's, it's, it makesreligion less intimidating, less
scary.
Cause I know some peoplestruggle with that.
So I really liked that at thattime.
I'm gonna start my mornings now.
Layne Marie (48:40):
Yeah.
Oh, that's so wonderful.
You're such a magical person,you know, like you're just
someone that like you, I couldspend, I could literally talk to
you like all day and it's just,it's such a beautiful thing.
And I, one thing I also want toask because we've talked, we've
covered a lot of ground and thisis such a simple question, but I
(49:01):
feel like it's so important.
What do you, what do you do forfun?
Regina Hoyles (49:08):
What do I do for fun?
Layne Marie (49:11):
How do you have fun?
Regina Hoyles (49:14):
What do I do?
I travel.
I engage in my bougietendencies.
Uh, I love being bougie.
I love it.
Uh, I,
Layne Marie (49:23):
I want to hear more about that.
You're going to have to unpackthat.
How do you be bougie?
Regina Hoyles (49:29):
I treat myself to the finer things You know that
hotels are we five star hotel?
We treat ourselves essentially awater, you know, no offense to
those who are drinking from likea Walgreens brand.
That's okay, too.
If that's your bougie, thenthat's your bougie.
That's fine.
And like, for me, I'm just liketaking, putting more effort into
(49:50):
what I put into my body.
Sometimes I'll go, I'll go forthe whole foods salad instead of
, um, some other random groceryaround the corner.
Other things I do for fun.
I feel like talking to mygirlfriends is truly a church in
some ways.
I love talking to them,especially, and I love all of my
friends who are in the industrytoo, but I have some people who
are from home who are not inthis industry.
(50:12):
And just being able to likeunravel with them being like,
girl, did you hear about likethis person from our high
school?
I was like, oh my gosh.
Kat (50:17):
Ugh yes! yes! Oh, it's so fun to talk about other things!
Speaker 1 (50:25):
It is! It is! And it reminds you, we were like, oh
right.
I'm a human.
Okay, cool.
Cool.
Just to check in that way.
So, oh, it's not as much forfun.
It is intentional, but like I doget joy from it.
I, my desire is to becomeincredibly, incredibly fluent in
Spanish.
Like totally fluent I, I hearyes.
(50:46):
And I I've learned, I've beentaught Spanish my whole life.
I wasn't like AP Spanish, got afive on that test.
Shout out to me and I'm able tohave like conversational
Spanish, like when I'm inpublic, but I want to be like in
Barcelona, Spain able to like goand just like, people don't
doubt me, you know?
And now nowadays, like peoplewill look and be like, oh, can
(51:08):
we trust you?
I do really know what we'respeaking.
But yeah, that's my goal.
I always, when I'm around likenative speakers and I hear them
flow in and out, I'm like, Iwant to be like that so bad.
Like I just, and it's such abeautiful language.
That's something I want to do.
Layne Marie (51:22):
Yeah!
Kat (51:23):
That's so inspiring.
Layne Marie (51:25):
I love that.
And I feel like you willabsolutely make that happen.
Regina Hoyles (51:28):
Thank you.
Thank you.
I received that.
Yeah.
Yeah.
Kat (51:32):
One day she is going to pick up the phone and just start
like a mile a minute.
It'd be like,
Layne Marie (51:36):
I'd be like, I understood approximately three
words of that.
Kat (51:39):
Yeah right!
Regina Hoyles (51:41):
Make these sets even more inclusive!
Layne Marie (51:44):
Yeah.
Got you.
You know, well, Regina, youknow, where can we follow and
support you?
Where can our listeners go lookyou up and like, see, you know,
your next TV show.
Like tell us, tell us where wecan go to, to keep an eye on
you.
Kat (52:01):
Where do we find Regina?
Regina Hoyles (52:03):
Yes! For sure.
Well, you know, Instagram ispretty much my only social
media.
Um, I'm at Regina Hoyles R E G IN A H O Y L E S.
Um, and then my website is thesame reginahoyls.com.
Like, if you want to look me up,literally just look up my name.
Cause I don't have any like, youknow, QT girl, 21.
I don't have any like code names.
(52:24):
Like just look me up there.
And then my production company'sInstagram is at RLHprod, P R O
D.
And then that's the same for thewebsite is www.RLHprod.com.
And that's pretty much how youcan stay in touch with me also
for those who like to do, youknow, connects professionally in
the DMS.
I might on occasion, but do keepin mind that I really, really do
(52:46):
like go missing off social mediasometimes.
Um, and I really love, I loveemails.
I stay in my emails.
I think that's my favorite modeof communication.
Um, so Yeah, that's um, that'sme!
Kat (53:00):
And we'll add all of those in the show notes so people can
find ya.
Layne Marie (53:03):
Yeah and go follow you and check out what you're up
to next!
Kat (53:07):
And email you.
Layne Marie (53:13):
I love it.
Time to go off Walkie! Thank youso much to Regina for being our
very first guest here! And thankyou to our listeners.
We hope you learned a thing ortwo and are inspired to get
creative until next time.
I just would like to take aspecial moment to thank our
executive producers ofnoisefloor LTD.
(53:35):
If you're not familiar withnoisefloor, or you should become
familiar with noisefloor, youcan check out their website.
They are a post sound productionhouse.
They also have fabulous locationmixers, really any kind of sound
service you need for makingvideos.
This is the place to go.
Kat (53:53):
Also, thank you, thank you.
Thank you to my very good friendBrynn Wassel for giving us our
lovely logo.
I can't wait to see it as anactual neon sign one day!
Layne Marie (54:01):
It's so cute.
Oh yeah, we got grand plans.
Y'all so definitely stay tuned.
Be sure to follow us on Facebookand Instagram at the walkie
check and at legacy Mariepictures.
Hello and welcome to the walkie check.
Layne Marie (00:13):
Hey folks.
Welcome to the walkie check.
Kat (00:15):
I'm Kat Gorospe, a script supervisor from Chicago.
Layne Marie (00:18):
And I'm Layne Marie Williams, a film director in Los
Angeles, California.
We're super excited to beworking with our friends at
Noisefloor to bring you the mostcreative and talented people out
there to share theirexperiences, knowledge, and
power.
Kat (00:32):
This episode is brought to you by film craft studio gear.
Own The Icon.
Filmcraft Studio Gear, the#1Trusted Brand of Pro-Grade
Director Chairs In Film&Entertainment.
Kat.
Layne Marie (00:45):
And Layne Marie.
Layne Marie and Kat (00:46):
for Regina.
Regina Hoyles (00:48):
Go for Regina.
Kat (00:49):
So today for our first guest, we're flying in miss
Regina Hoyles
Speaker 2 (00:53):
Regina hoiles is an actor writer, producer, and
director while she can be seenfeatured in shows like 911 Lone
star, The Chi and severalothers.
She also has her own boutiqueproduction company, R L H
productions.
She's currently based in LosAngeles.
However, we had the pleasure ofworking with her here in her
home state of Illinois.
Kat (01:15):
We worked with her on her short film, titled Adullam,
which she wrote, produced,directed, and started.
The film was entirely shot inthe suburbs of Chicago and it
premiered as an officialselection in the 2020 buttoned
film film festival and is nowairing on revolt TV's anthology
series short n fresh it's now asuccessful, mostly virtual film
festival run racking up awardslike best black lens film at the
(01:38):
2020 sidewalk film festival, aswell as bus narrative film, and
the 2020 Argos untold stories,short film awards.
coming in hot with all thoseawards.
Layne Marie (01:51):
coming in.
Super hot.
Yeah.
Kat (01:55):
Welcome Regina.
Regina Hoyles (01:57):
Hey, I am so happy to be here.
Thanks for having me.
Kat (02:01):
Oh man.
It's been a minute for sure.
Since we worked on Adullam, whatwas that?
Two, three years ago?
Regina Hoyles (02:07):
Yes.
Tech.
I know pandemic just ruined oursense of time too.
It was two years ago.
We're coming up on like twoyears.
Exactly.
Yeah
Layne Marie (02:14):
Man.
Yeah.
Cause what I'm trying toremember, like what month?
Like we.
Regina Hoyles (02:18):
may.
Layne Marie (02:19):
Yeah, that's right.
Cause it wasn't, it was kindanice out.
Regina Hoyles (02:23):
Yeah.
And it was like raining superheavy.
I remember like one the nightbefore it was like 40 days and
40 nights type of flood.
And then like the whole, likelot we were meant to shoot in
completely cleared out.
So I'm like, thank you god,hahaha.
Layne Marie (02:36):
Yeah, yeah.
And you know, like I justremember, so Kat was a script
sup on that shoot and then Ihelped produce.
And um, it was honestly like oneof them, at least for me.
And I, I can't speak for youguys, but it was one of my all
time favorite shoots.
Kat (02:52):
Oh yeah, for sure.
I just remember, uh, when youpicked me up from the train
station in the U hall, you wereso bright and you're like, Hey,
are you ready to make a movie?
I was like, oh my God, I don'tknow you.
But yeah, let's, Let's, let'smake a movie and Regina, you and
your mom were so nice.
You let me stay at your house,which I really appreciated.
I got the meet Bucky, your d og.
(03:13):
Sweet baby angel.
That was so fun.
Oh my god.
Layne Marie (03:16):
Yeah.
I remember like myself and someof the other crew like stayed in
an Airbnb and we just had somuch fun, you know?
Like you just, you made it, youreally made it happen.
And um, I hope that you lookback at that film with a lot of
pride because I feel like it'sgone so far and I mean, I'm
thrilled to see whatever it isthat you do next.
So we'll talk about some ofthat.
Kat (03:38):
Yeah.
So my biggest question, Regina,cause you were the first
director I've worked with whoalso acted what's that like for
you getting to do both in thesame project?
Regina Hoyles (03:50):
Um, well that was my second time doing that.
Um, my first major undertakingwas a web series entitled naps
where I was wearing a lot ofhats.
And so I noticed, although itwas like just two products I've
done since then.
Um, I noticed that I liked toslim down how many roles I take
on.
And I definitely feel at thispoint in my life that directing
(04:12):
and acting simultaneously is notsomething I necessarily want to
do.
Um, I, I really value, you know,like mastering crafts I've the
most I've been doing is acting.
I've been acting for 16 yearsprofessionally now.
And so like, I know that for me,I love when I'm able to like
fully immerse myself, um, in acharacter.
(04:33):
And I find that easier to do,like say if I'm, if I written a
project, I can do that.
Or if I'm producing, I still canmanage that.
But directing, I don't know,maybe that's just like the me
who likes to seek externalvalidation, but coming out of
like conservatory training I'mso like used to having so much
chatting in my ear, like, whatdo you mean by that?
What are you saying with this?
You know, and like really likegiving me that extra, that extra
(04:56):
push.
And so I would say that it was areally rewarding experience for
me because I just gained so muchknowledge about myself as an
artist.
And I was surrounded by apowerhouse team.
Okay.
Like from everybody from youKat! I remember like asking you,
like which take do you thinkthat was like super good?
And then having Taylor as myfirst Ad shout out to Taylor, he
(05:18):
kept me in check made sure Iwasn't like stepping outside of
any of the roles I had confirmedI would be doing.
Um, and then Layne, like therewas so much that she did that
was just making thingsseamlessly happen and I didn't
even realize until after thefact.
I was like wait Layne too careof that?
When was she doing this?
So I learned that there was justlike so much value in having a
team you trust around you.
(05:39):
But for me as an artist, I knowthat I really love when I'm able
to devote myself.
Um, and I feel like it maybe, ifI wasn't, um, producing, I could
potentially like act indirect insomething simultaneously, but I
know that I'm very, very, um,intentional and careful, like
when I do that, you know?
Layne Marie (05:58):
Yeah.
And I think it's with Indies inparticular, you just saw,
especially if you're selfproducing, you just end up doing
so much.
Regina Hoyles (06:06):
I totally agree.
You know, I'm very much of themindset that, um, your gift will
make room for you.
I believe it is so awesome tohave multiple talents and skills
and, uh, recognize that.
But I do think there is so muchvalue in mastering a singular
craft.
You know, notice I said, yourgift singular will make room for
you.
(06:26):
And a lot of times that's how alot of people get their starts
and new doors open because theyhave truly put the work in, in
one area and are like, okay, Ifeel like I have gained enough
knowledge, wisdom experience inthis field that I'm now able to
open myself up because it is theage of the multihyphenate.
But I believe that at the sametime, because that's kind of a
(06:46):
thing, praised a lot of peopledon't necessarily go deeper into
what that means.
A lot of the most successfulmultihyphenate are the ones that
have learned the power ofmastery you know, as an actor,
you know, I was in training andlike, I know Sanford Meisner
said like it takes 20 years tobecome an actor for real, for
real.
And so like if you take thatmindset with you in any craft,
whether you're in this industryor not, like you just become one
(07:08):
who has, you're just likeascending master, I feel like,
you know, you really have likehoned in on what it is you're
good at and truly dedicatedyourself to the, to the craft.
And in that regard, like youbecome undeniable.
Just, I think that that's, thatshould be the mark of someone w
ho's great.
You know?
Kat (07:25):
Whew.
Speaking the truth jeez, I wasjust like, oh my God.
Well, I wasn't, I wasn't readyfor that.
Layne Marie (07:33):
Love it.
Yeah.
Kat (07:34):
Going off of that is, would you say active would be your
gift?
Which one would you consider outof all the roles directing,
writing, acting, producing?
Regina Hoyles (07:42):
I would say the earliest have been like acting
and writing.
Um, writing was something that,um, didn't come to me early
professionally as acting did,you know, I've literally been
professionally acting since Iwas nine.
Got my S.A.G Card at 12.
Um, so with writing though, it'ssomething that I had kind of
like had always been doing andnot realizing that's what I was
doing.
(08:02):
Like creating the stories that Iwould act in myself.
Um, but yeah, acting isdefinitely the one where I have
invested the absolute most time,money and energy in my life thus
far.
Um, and then writing, I feellike is next in line and honing
that craft.
I noticed in the pandemic, I wasreally taking in a lot of
knowledge, taking a lot ofvirtual classes, workshops, all
(08:23):
of that.
I'm honing in that wholebusiness aspect of writing, you
know, like I have scripts justready to go.
And when I make my projects, I'mtypically the one writing them.
But when it comes to likeentering the, the world of, of
like pitching and, and all ofthat.
And what does staffing mean andwhat does that look like?
Um, like this past year was thefirst year I've ever had a
literary agent.
(08:44):
So understanding what, likerepresentation looks in that
space, you know, versus I'vebeen repped as an actor since I
was maybe 10 years old.
So yeah, I would say like thosetwo, but if had to like really
slim that it would probably beacting.
I just know that I'm, I am inthat world for sure.
When I'm, when I'm acting.
Layne Marie (09:04):
I love that.
That's so powerful.
And I can definitely see thatfor you like a hundred percent.
I mean, I can't, I can't wait towork with you at some point in
that way, you know, I'm justlike, what is that role going to
come along?
Let's do it roles.
Plural.
Regina Hoyles (09:21):
Thank you.
Thank you.
Amen.
Received.
Layne Marie (09:24):
As far as like, um, getting representation goes,
whether that's, you know,through S.A.G or a literary
agent, I feel like our listenerswould definitely want to hear
more about like what thatprocess was like for you.
Regina Hoyles (09:39):
Yeah.
So, you know, everyone's likejourney of course is going to
look differently, but to tellyou mine, um, I, I was very
adamant when I was younger aboutbeing, wanting to be an actor.
I was the kid who, you know,adults ask you, what do you want
to be?
And like, it's like itastronaut.
And they're like, oh, that'scute.
And so like, I tell people, like, I want to be an actor.
I was very precocious.
(09:59):
I would look them dead in theface.
Like, no, no, like is reallygoing to happen.
Like you have to understand likeat five.
And so my mother liked didn'ttake me like that much seriously
until I was, um, maybe nineyears old.
And you know, um, my mom doesn'thave any knowledge of the
industry, but she just believedthat I would, I would not let it
go.
And so she took it upon herselfto do everything she could and
researching and reaching out toagents, reaching out to classes.
(10:22):
That was the first step.
And I believe I went to someschool and I went to a big
convention.
And I remember there was some,there was a good response from
agents who had been present.
And again, I was like 9 or 10 atthis time.
And that was my firstintroduction to representation
out in Chicago.
And then I had another agentthat I moved over to when I was
(10:43):
younger.
And I had been with them beforeI moved to LA.
Um, I've been with them formaybe Ooh, like 13 years.
I'm not really sure if I'mmisquoting.
I forgetting how old I am.
It was, it was a long, It was along time.
But, um, that was my firstexperience with representation.
Kind of always just having itfrom like my mom's just
(11:04):
realizing like, oh, this is whatshe wants to do.
And her stepping out of her wayto do that research.
And so then from there, like Iwent to NYU and going to
college, there was a new agentthat came in to the agency I was
already at.
And she in a way became likethis, geez, first of all, a
(11:24):
powerhouse.
And she just, I developed arelationship with her as an
adult, whereas like a whole,whole lot of my time acting as a
child, you know, there was thismain person who was talking to
my mom, communicating throughme, but when this new person,
while I was in college, camealong, you know, she's still
representing me while I'm out inNew York.
She says, when are you cominghome?
We can send you out when we'rehere.
(11:45):
And all of that.
And from there, like she justtruly been a ride or die.
And, um, after that, you know,it just was matter of me like
creating my own work has trulybeen the through line for any
representation I've had so likewhen I made my web series that
attracted the attention of amanager and when I made my short
film, when I made Adullam likethat attracted my current agent,
as well as my literary agent.
(12:07):
And I, again, like these werethings that weren't necessarily
expected.
They were just kind of drawn tome because of the work that I
was creating.
So yeah.
I hope that was like detailed.
Layne Marie (12:19):
Totally.
No, I mean, I love that ithappened, it happened really
organically.
I think that that's, you know, alot of times that's what it
takes.
Like it's just like that oldphrase it's like build it and
they will come, you know, like,I think there's so much value to
that.
So for the literary agent, sodid you like send them the film
or did you send them the scriptor like, how did you, what did
(12:40):
they want to see?
Like what was that process like?
Regina Hoyles (12:43):
So even there, and I'm very much still
navigating this space becausethe truth is I can't be a
serious regular on a show and bestaffed in one at the same time,
unless it is literally my show.
So we have to prioritize, butfor me acquriring her...
Layne Marie (12:59):
I mean...Let's make it happen.
Regina Hoyles (13:01):
Yeah, exactly.
I have a friend who she it's sofunny because she is very much
like we're on the same track interms of career, but she's on
the agency side, but we're stilllike, cool.
And so we kind of always kept intouch.
And so as she moved around andleveled up in her career as an
agent and I did as an actor,we're still in touch.
And so like, I'm checking inwith her, just like asking her
(13:22):
what's up and just seeing howshe's doing.
She's asking me what I'm up to.
I literally just sent her myshort, not genuinely not
thinking anything of it and thenfind out like she sent it to her
boss and I got her agency wholike, runs like talent, like at
it.
And I'm just like, oh, wow,cool.
She's like, yeah.
Do you want a meeting?
I'm like, oh sure.
And you know, I was likehesitant at first.
(13:43):
I thought it was all a, it was asurprise to me.
And so upon doing that, likemeeting with them, we vibed
immediately.
And like my friends, like yourfriends are your best advocates
when you have a good one, likethey truly are.
And so she's like, yeah, shewrites too, what she did this,
and this is everything else thatshe does.
And we're bringing in, you know,new agents to represent people
on the literary field.
(14:03):
And so she just took it uponherself to ask me, like, if I
had anything else, I have pilotsthat I've written and I just
sent them to her.
And, um, she was like, yeah, youwant to meet with our literary
agent next week?
And I was like, yeah, sure.
So like, that's pretty much likehow that happened.
So yeah.
Kat (14:20):
Yeah.
Crazy how that all kind of justhappened, like organically and,
you know, that's, that's thetype of people you want to keep
in your life.
I always preach to friends likeyou are who you surround
yourself with and you know, thatfriend of yours, like, that's
the type of person you want.
It's not like you asked her tolike, oh, can you like send this
to like, whoever, you know, she,like you said, she just did it.
And then they're like, Hey,let's have a meeting.
And it's just, you know, that's,that's how, that's how you kind
(14:42):
of like move up in this like,field with like genuine people
like that.
Regina Hoyles (14:45):
Definitely.
Definitely.
Yeah.
Layne Marie (14:48):
That's awesome.
Yeah.
And just to name a couple ofother roles that you've played,
you were Enid and the MarvelousMrs.
Maizel, Tammy and The Chi andTiara Gage and all rise.
Indie versus TV.
What do you feel like thedifferences are there and do you
(15:08):
prefer one over the other or,you know, they're just different
cups of tea.
Regina Hoyles (15:13):
Yeah, no, I would definitely say every set is
different.
Every set is different.
And having had been fortunateenough to have that experience
of like, um, cable as well asnetwork, you know, network is a
little different.
It really depends on the show,honestly, though, because like
The Chi really gave me indievibes.
(15:33):
It was so much inclusivity onthat set.
Kat (15:36):
I love that set.
Regina Hoyles (15:36):
I do too.
I was like, I saw so much ofmyself on the other side of the
screen, you know, and workingbehind the scenes and everyone
was so freaking welcoming.
It just felt like a familyreunion they're two different
type of way.
Yeah.
It was wonderful.
You know?
And so I think that one of thebiggest things between like
(15:58):
indie and like television worldis television world.
It's almost like a rule that youdon't live by this rule.
You got to your fire, everybodystay in your lane, do not at all
step outside into somebodyelse's and you know, I shot, um,
in COVID too.
So I, it was even more strict asfar as like, please remain in
your zones.
Like let's not like put anybodyat risk, but I think that's just
(16:21):
the feel of indie is you got todo everything at once at some
point.
Like, that's just how it is, youknow?
And I think that I love thenetwork and television because
there's a broader reach.
And depending on the storyyou're telling, it just makes it
that much more impactful.
But I guess the truth of thematter is if you've impacted
just one person you've impacted,like enough.
Kat (16:40):
I could totally relate to that.
It's funny.
Cause I'm working on the showtomorrow.
I've been, um, yeah, I've beenlike working on their second
unit.
It's been super fun andcompletely agree with Regina.
I love the cast, loved the crew.
So welcoming and you know,working on different shows.
Like it could, you can kind offeel like the new kid, like in
school so it can be nervewracking sometimes.
Regina Hoyles (16:59):
Yes! And that's what I'm saying.
Like with the shy, I felt sowelcomed.
You know, my, my scenes werewith, um, Ms.
Burgundy baker who wasincredibly talented and Ms.
Hyla and Robin, it was like, itwas so nice, but they just
truly, it was like, oh, well,come on in.
Hey Tammy.
And then with Jett, the directorwho was also incredible, um,
they really made me feel welcomeor like I could come back here
(17:21):
like next week or the week afterlike that, just that ease the
ease of, um, joining the castfelt so amazing.
Layne Marie (17:29):
Yeah! And I feel like that's so important, like
when we're making movies,because it's really hard work,
the hours are really long, youknow, depending on what kind of
production it is, like I'mshooting something right now.
And today's my off day.
And I'm like very exhausted, butlike, it's so important to just
check yourself and be like, butI'm doing, you know, I'm doing
(17:49):
what I love.
And like set comradery is soimportant.
And like from every singleperson from talent to the
producer, to the script sup, tothe key PA like it's so
important to, to like lead withkindness.
Cause it gets stressful.
And like people get, you know,like it's just one of those
things where like I was tellingsomebody the other day, like,
(18:11):
don't use it.
You just can't, you have tochoose to not take things
personally on set.
Kat (18:17):
Definitely.
And you never know like whatthese relationships are gonna
turn out to be, you know, likeif you told me when, like when I
accepted the job on Regina set,if you told me we would be here
now doing a podcast likealtogether, I'd be like, you're
crazy.
What, what are you talkingabout?
Well, like I have no idea, butit just goes to show like, you
never know what's going tohappen.
You don't know what connectionsyou're gonna make and you know,
(18:38):
I'm going to be all connected.
Layne Marie (18:39):
Yeah.
Me too!
Regina Hoyles (18:40):
Me too!
Layne Marie (18:41):
So we've talked a lot about filmmaking.
We've talked a little bit aboutlike what your process with
getting reps and all that goodstuff is.
And um, you know, I'm wonderinglike, what are some of your
interests outside of filmmaking?
Regina Hoyles (18:57):
Yeah.
And do I have some, uh.....
All (18:58):
hahahahahhahaah!
Regina Hoyles (18:58):
Um, I love, I love cooking.
I've been saying, because Inoticed that low key would say
this when I was younger, butit's stuck.
Like if I wasn't an actor, awriter, producer, director, all
that, like I would be a chef.
Um, and it's probably becauseit's a creative outlet.
I've been really thrown down notto brag, hahaha!
All (19:18):
hahahhaha!
Layne Marie (19:20):
You're making me hungry
Regina Hoyles (19:22):
For sure, for sure.
I love cooking, reading.
I'm doing better at that.
Cause like I last year I, Iremember making it a goal, but
in 2021 I've already likedsurpassed.
Like what last year's readingswere.
Um, I'd definitely say cookingis probably the biggest one that
sticks out to me.
Layne Marie (19:38):
So you're in LA.
How long have you been there andwhat's that been like so far?
Regina Hoyles (19:43):
I've been in LA since September, 2018.
And I found a community veryearly upon coming to LA and that
truly made a world ofdifference.
Whether it be a community withinmy alumni network community in
the black community, like justmy mentor figures came quick and
I just really felt like I wasbeing protected.
(20:04):
There was something over me, youknow?
And so I think that that reallyassisted with my transition.
And I know that there's a lot ofpeople who, when they make that
big move, they feel like they'reflopping or failing just because
they don't have anyone tosurround you, you know, and a
good group of folks to surroundyou.
Like you said, Kat, like youtruly are who you surround
yourself with.
And so I think that that wassuper important for me and
(20:27):
making it feel less like, oh mygosh, my childhood is slipping
from my fingers.
And like, even, even now, like Ifeel it slipping away, but it's
more like a, okay, I'm going tostart waving intentionally
goodbye from me.
You know, it's not like, ohwait, hold on.
But yeah, that's, that's been myjourney thus far.
Layne Marie (20:44):
Nice.
Yeah.
I feel you about the likechildhood.
I've actually been thinking alot about how to reconnect to
like my younger self recently.
And um, and I feel like it's soimportant, especially as
creatives to like, not losesight of like twelve-year-old
Regina and you know, how can youstill, you know, how can you
(21:07):
still stay true to her whilealso going about paying bills
and just trying to survive andlike communicating well with
others and like giving yourselfgrace and all these, you know,
all these hard things that wehave to do in order to like,
keep going.
(21:28):
Especially in this business.
That's like, you know, people,people have egos very much in
our business and what's beenlike a challenge for you,
Regina.
What's like a moment where youwere just like, I I'm out, you
know?
Or like, I think I'm out, butyou kept going.
Regina Hoyles (21:49):
I think that, I think that we all have those
moments.
I feel like that's a, um, atiming problem.
A lot of us are so like hopefulthat things will work out in our
own timing.
And like, I do believe in divineorder, divine timing and that
everything comes when it'ssupposed to.
And so even when you've beenhitting the ground, as hard as
you can hit in the payment,really like putting in work,
you're like, why am I notgetting where I think I should
(22:12):
be getting?
Because maybe because youweren't supposed to get there.
Maybe you're supposed to gosomewhere else, you know?
And I feel like you should notwant anything.
That's not for you.
You should not want that.
And I feel like just reallyletting the, and it's so easy to
say, but how many of us trulylike let it rest?
You know, I feel like, let me betransparent.
Like, you know, I can pray andsay, God, I know you're gonna do
(22:32):
this in my career.
And like, I know you're gonna doit in your timing, but in the
back of my head, I'm like, Ikind of want you to do it like
next week.
All (22:38):
Hahahahahaha!
Regina Hoyles (22:41):
Like that would be really great.
You know, it's all I feel likehow many of us are really like
surrendering to our life'sjourney, letting it truly take
us wherever it's meant to takeus.
And I think that that's reallyimportant and recognizing like,
Hey, I am where I'm supposed tobe.
Whether or not I think this iswhere I'm supposed to be.
Um, I'm here, you know, and it'sreally funny.
(23:02):
This might be like a little deepto share, but I was talking to
my attorney who is very muchlike a grandmotherly figure to
me at times.
And I was saying to her, I wasjust like heart to heart.
And I'm like, you know, I feellike I could be hard on myself
at times or whatever.
And she was like, and you know,it's good to be hard on yourself
as long as you're progressing,but if you're doing the best,
you can lay it, like lay off.
(23:23):
Like there's no reason to go inon yourself.
Like the world, the world isgoing to go in on you.
Things are going to like giveyou a tough time.
Period.
You know?
So if you know, and you can, youcan truly know in your heart,
your BS meter will go off whenyou are doing your absolute
best, like this, just give,like, give it away, just let it
go.
Let whatever's meant to happento you and your career and your
life.
(23:44):
Like it is not in your hands,you know?
Layne Marie (23:47):
Yeah, for sure.
What have you beenbinge-watching and like also you
mentioned that you've beenreading and I would love to
hear, like about what you'vebeen reading and if you have any
recommendations for ourlisteners.
Regina Hoyles (24:03):
Yeah.
I'm definitely off the top of myhead.
I started my year like this, andI felt so fresh.
I read, um, uh, Cecily Tyson'sautobiography and it was so
impactful in so many ways.
I felt so connected to her andjust like several, I, I, she's
just, she's incredible.
She's a pioneer.
And I resonate with her beingvery selective about the roles
(24:25):
she accepted and that she waseven willing to like go out for,
like, I'm at a place in mycareer where I'm able to, um, be
firm in my yeses and my nose.
Um, and, you know, I feel likeas an actor, we're so often
like, accustomed to saying like,you know, I just should accept
every opportunity that comes myway, everything that gets put in
my email, like I just say yes,yes, yes, too.
(24:45):
But like, I think the pandemicit's truly was a divine pause.
Cause it made you realize likewhat, what really matters like
here in life.
And I believe that, um, CicelyTyson lived that her whole
trajectory reading her story andhow she was both an artist and
an activist and use her platformincredibly intentionally in her
(25:05):
living incredibly intentionallywas so inspiring to me and a
great way to start off my year.
Another one that I probably haveto give another read.
Cause I like to read it every sooften is the Alchemist by Paulo
Coelho.
Um, it always offers you somenew perspective depending on
where you're at in your life,but yeah.
And then binge watching, youknow, I've been watching a lot
(25:27):
of, a lot of different thingsfor the first time I saw
Breaking Bad and that made ittruly one of my favorite shows.
Layne Marie (25:34):
Such a great show!
Regina Hoyles (25:36):
It's incredible! You know my favorite show of all
time is fresh Prince of Bel air!I love will Smith.
Like two of my, like big, mygrades who are role models need
Sicily and like wWill Smith.
Like that's the type of TVfamily I desire.
I really immerse myself in a lotof independent film.
One of the standouts to me, GodLee was on Rhada Blank's 40 year
(25:59):
old version.
Oh my gosh.
Oh my God.
I was clapping.
I was like in the room rockingback and forth, like, yeah, it
was a Radha.
Um, I think that it was a reallyawesome opportunity to tap into
more of the indie, the indieworld and see a lot of films I
might not have otherwise seen,um, traveling around like that.
Layne Marie (26:17):
Yeah.
Yeah.
And Roger's movie was black andwhite
Regina Hoyles (26:20):
Is sure was.
Yeah.
incredible.
Layne Marie (26:22):
Yeah.
I thought that that was likesuch a cool choice and like,
it's something that hasn't beendone in a w hile and gosh, it
makes me, I mean, I've beenwanting to shoot something on
film and I also want to dosomething in black and white and
I just, I'm so excited for herand like her trajectory, like
I've read so many interviewswith her and like a really cool
thing to like, watch her!
Kat (26:46):
What has your experience been like as a black woman in
film?
Regina Hoyles (26:49):
You know, you have a lot of, at times proving,
it feels like to people who, whowouldn't do the same thing to a
cis white man who is just, youknow, and like, it's, you're
aware as a black person, you'realways kind of, at least for me,
like you're kind of walkingthrough life with a bit of a
(27:10):
double consciousness, you know,I've been afforded opportunities
where I've been in rooms whereI'm like, oh, I know how to like
navigate this in a way where I,I can just, I can be myself, but
also like I have my guard up alittle bit, um, and things are
changing, but it, that dependson the room you're in.
I feel like someone will saylike, let's celebrate black
(27:31):
woman and someone might shoutback.
No, all women in this like, noone was like coming for anybody
else, you know?
And it's just like, we've beencelebrating everybody else for
so long.
And we've been told thenarrative that like, we don't
matter for so long.
So why is it offensive to youthat we can't uplift our own
communities?
You know?
And I think that that is true.
(27:53):
Like if we don't have ourcommunity, like, what do you
have?
Like, I feel like that's, that'struly important to me.
So yeah.
It's, it's to say, like, what'smy experience as a black
filmmaker, it puts me in alittle bit of a head spin
because I'm like, I don't know,I've been a black person, like
my whole life.
And so I'm like, I don't knowthat I necessarily am able to
differentiate the two in ways,you know?
And I've again, been fortunateenough where I have found
(28:15):
community and a lot of otherblack people, like there are
people out here doing it.
And regardless of what you'rehearing or seeing in terms of
like, we can't find them, they,yes, they exist.
They exist and they're doinggreat, even though they just
haven't been given theopportunities because of like a
lot of gatekeeping that has beenlong, long a part of our
industry.
So I, I think we're reallygetting to a place, a place of,
(28:39):
okay, like let's call foraccountability.
Let's actually identify thespecific communities.
Even with the whole like BiPOCthing.
I'm a little like hesitant to,to say that because that loop
mumps in a whole group of likepeople of color and it's like,
no, no, no.
Let's point out the veryspecific differences that we can
celebrate.
Not saying like you're againstany of these communities, but
(29:00):
you're just wanting to recognizethis is what makes you special.
This is what makes you special,you know, like, let, let's give
the same, the same, um,attention to detail to these
communities as I feel like wehaven't given to white folks for
the longest.
Um, so that's yeah,
Kat (29:13):
Definitely.
Yeah.
And you know, going off of that,um, something that stood out to
me when I was doing a little bitof creeping on you, um, on your
website, it says that, you know,your little mantra on, um, RLH
productions, it said, you know,a black woman owned a boutique
production company where webelieve diversity to be
normalcy, both onscreen andbehind the scenes.
(29:34):
And that really stuck with me.
I was just like, yeah, that's agood point.
Like why, like why, why, whyisn't it normal?
Layne Marie (29:42):
Yeah.
I mean, I feel like it's likeone of those things where it's
like, I hope that we can get toa place in the world where that
doesn't have to be a part ofyour mission statement.
I just have so much admirationfor you.
And I'm so excited to see whatyou do next.
So speaking of which, what areyou working on right now?
And like, what are you workingon like filmmaking,
artistically, and then alsolike, what are you working on
(30:03):
that has nothing to do with yourcareer?
Regina Hoyles (30:06):
What am I working on that has nothing to do with
my career?
I'll start there is myself.
All (30:10):
Hahahahaha!
Layne Marie (30:11):
Yes! I love it!
Regina Hoyles (30:16):
Um, self-work, you know, I've been in therapy,
um, for a good minute.
I'll literally be finishing up,um, this week.
Um, but like just talkingthrough some things about
myself, you know, I feel likethe pandemic gave a lot of, a
lot of things, just theopportunity to rush the surface
that need to be addressed to behealed, um, within me.
So I think that this year hasvery much been a year of
(30:38):
accountability for me beingaccountable for my thoughts, my
emotions, recognizing that theydon't have to be the master of
me, but I'm the master of them.
Um, I feel like that's, I'm insuch a place of just like I'm
open to whatever growth God isintending for me to step into.
Um, and then on the careerfront, you know, I'm workshoping
(30:58):
a couple of pilots.
There's one that I really,really want to shoot as soon as
possible, but I'm going to goback into the cave and hone it
just a little bit more, butthat, that's what I really want
to get out there.
Um, and then still on the actingtip, you know, like stay tuned
for things there I'm very much,always very much honing that
craft.
Um, and so I'm, I'm open to very, a lot of collaboration
(31:21):
opportunities.
I think at this time, like I'mproducing the feature version of
a short called Tinder writtenand directed by Felicia pride
that I produced shortly afterAdullam.
So in the end of 2019, and we'rein like early, early pre-pro for
that.
And then I'm working with a lotof upcoming creatives who like
have experiences as actors, butnot necessarily behind the
(31:43):
scenes experience.
And so serving as a producer,just knowing that I have certain
resources and knowledge that I'mable to share and all of them
are black women.
So I might just being able tolike pour into people who look
like me is really important andfulfilling for me at this time.
Layne Marie (31:59):
Yeah.
Like as an actor, when you dostep behind the camera and take
on different roles, why do you,like, what do you think that has
done for you as an actor?
Like, do you feel like it'shelped you?
Do you feel like it's hurt youin some ways?
A little bit of both.
Regina Hoyles (32:13):
Yeah.
It definitely, definitelydoesn't hurt me.
And it helps me so much becausewhen I'm just an actor on set,
like I'm, I'm totally aware ofwhat everybody else needs and
the crew I'm like, I know thatthis will be helpful for
scripty.
I know that this will be helpfulfor the director.
I know that the first AD justneeds me to get out the trailer
right now.
Like what, what is reallyrequired of me as an actor.
(32:36):
And I, like, I just do my best,honestly, like make everyones
job easier while also makingsure that I create that space
for myself to do a good job asan actor.
Um, so I think it's definitelygave me a deeper appreciation
because let me tell, I have beenhumbled, um as a PA and I think
that's a good place to operatefrom just imagining, like I
(32:57):
could be a PA like next week onsomebody else's shoot and I'm
gonna go right back into it.
I don't care what trailer out oncame out of.
I will still be running around,eating lasts for everybody else.
You know, like just having thatmentality makes it so much more
easy to work with with otherswhen I'm in that actor capacity.
Cause I'm just like, Iappreciate you.
I know where you're coming from.
I'm gonna let you do your thingcause I've been there before.
Layne Marie (33:19):
Yeah.
Yeah.
I love that.
I agree.
I think like, as an actor, likego produce something on your
own.
Uh, it does, it does give youlike, you know, an idea of like
what it's like behind the, onthe other side.
Very cool.
Well, I, you know, I want to askyou as well.
Like, do you have any advice forour listeners?
Regina Hoyles (33:39):
Yeah, I would definitely say be try as often
as possible, as early, as oftenas possible to be your authentic
self and don't be afraid tospeak your truth, try your best.
And I say your best becausewe're human.
Like it happens.
We sometimes don't even realizeit's happening, but do your best
to avoid shape-shifting to fitsomebody else's idea of you or
(34:00):
what shape-shifting to fill, fitsomebody else's idea of what
your career should look like.
And, you know, please likeunderstand we're all humans like
you, what you might feel aboutyourself one day career-wise
could totally be different likethe next year.
You know, I'm pretty sure that'sbeen the experience for a lot of
folks, um, in this pandemic thathas forced a lot of people to
(34:20):
pause and kind of reevaluatewhere they're at professionally,
personally.
So be gentle with yourself, giveyourself a lot of grace, you
know, it's okay to, to fall downand make mistakes as long as
you're trying.
And like again, being authentic,coming from an authentic place,
I think that's truly what, whathas made so many people
(34:40):
successful is they weregenuinely just being their self
and thinking nothing of it,honestly.
So yes, they true stay true.
Stay you.
Kat (34:48):
Is that what you would say to younger Regina?
Regina Hoyles (34:50):
Yeah, I would.
I think I have always been, Ifeel like there had always been
that, u m, as an a ctorspecifically, that one that just
wondering of, do I just say yes,because like, this is an
opportunity or do I like seekthis person out because like, t
hey're they have these accoladesand this, this u nder like
(35:11):
they're just big in theindustry.
I don't know.
I feel like I was not totallyunderstanding of the idea that
people truly will come to you solong as you're just being
yourself and doing the work thatspeaks to who you are as a
person and as an artist.
And sometimes the work for me isliterally just showing up, just
showing up as me.
And so I think that I would tellmyself that when I think of
(35:32):
younger, i t's, it's funny.
C ause I'm still y oung.
I'm like, I feel like I, Idefinitely have grown so much
just even since I was in collegeo f feeling like I needed to
like reach out to as many peopleas possible.
And I admire that in my youngers elf, the drive, but I feel
like I c ould h ave focused thatenergy on honing, like what it
(35:54):
is about me.
I want to tell a s, as astoryteller, what kind of work
do I want to make or be a partof that really speaks to things
that people need to hear.
U m, you know, whether it be anencouraging word through a film
or something that has to do withlike the black community, how do
I showcase that?
You know, just really honing in.
I believe I did the best of whatI could while also when you're
(36:16):
younger, you don't necessarilyhave that much life experience
to pour into your art.
You know, like i t's, that's whyyou see a lot of like older
people who are just trulykilling it.
And it's because they've lived,they've had so much to
experience and now they haveformed these very, u m, solid
opinions about the world andabout themselves.
(36:37):
And so like, I think I wouldjust continue to tell myself to
give myself room to grow, u m, give myself more grace because
I'm not g oing t o get it right.
Even t ill like I'm doing thisat 80 years old lord willing,
you know, I think that's justreally important.
Layne Marie (36:51):
Well, and I think that perspective is really
interesting because it's like,you know, when you talk about
like how you were sending emailsand you were reaching out to all
these people, when, you know,not that, that wasn't fruitful.
Of course it was, but likelooking at it and being like,
man, I kind of wish I had justlike slowed down and like taken
the time to like just create andjust write and just figure out
(37:16):
who I was.
And I, I really relate to that.
Cause I feel like I did that too.
You know, I felt like I'd spenta lot of time just being like
launchpad, gotta do this, gottado that.
Like, you know, hanging my haton every single way I could like
create, you know, but create ina way that was about that.
Honestly in a lot of ways wastied to like capitalism.
(37:38):
You know, it was like acapitalist mindset.
Like I, I am my work and if mywork isn't going somewhere that
I, what do I have?
And Kat and I talked about thatin our first step episode
recently just like, you know,who are you when you're not
working?
And like, gosh, it's just, um,I've been reading this book, The
War on Art and um, highlyrecommend it.
(38:01):
And it's all about likeresistance and how resistance is
ultimately like the enemy of youbeing able to be your authentic
self and to create and to write.
It's a great book.
And if you haven't checked itout, it's a really easy read.
It's one of those books that youcan just kind of pick up, read a
couple of pages, put it down.
Kat (38:20):
Yeah.
It's super easy to feel like youhave to constantly be, go, go,
go.
And my therapist has told me,she's like, I noticed you're
like an all or nothing person.
You need to stop that becauseyou're draining yourself.
And I was like, okay, Diane,I'll try.
Layne Marie (38:39):
She likes built some hot tea on you.
Kat (38:42):
Right.
I was like, oh, you're right.
I am an all or nothing typeperson.
But yeah.
And it's just like you said,like capitalism, like makes us
think like, oh you, if, like yousaid, if your work isn't going
anywhere then like, is, is iteven worth anything?
But like, if your work willalways be worth something, no
matter how many awards it has,no matter how many film
festivals it gets into, it'sstill valid.
(39:03):
No matter what.
Regina Hoyles (39:04):
Yes.
Oh my gosh.
That
Layne Marie (39:06):
Makes me want to talk about film festivals a
little bit Regina.
Regina Hoyles (39:09):
Oh I would love to.
Layne Marie (39:09):
So you would please tell us about your, because I
know I can tell you that ourlisteners really want to hear
about film festivals
Regina Hoyles (39:20):
For me, you know, Adullam.
I really had, I had such avision.
I had such a plan.
I was like, we're going to havea physical film festival run.
We're going to have theseAirbnbs.
I'm going to have the crew comeout.
It's going to be fun.
We're going to, we're going toget into this.
We're gonna get into this.
And God was like, haha! And sowith the pandemic, like we have
this major shift right.
(39:41):
O f these virtual filmfestivals.
And that was already likeinteresting to me.
And I think we all, what was thefirst big one South by
Southwest?
And that just m arkedeverything.
We were all just like, what isgoing to happen?
And you know, I, as this beingmy first short film, I like
counting on this to really m akeits rounds and everything.
(40:02):
But what I didn't see at thetime of things just unfolding
was the blessing coming from itof just like being able to be a
part of way more festivals thanI probably w ould h ave been
able to physically, but evenstill, let me talk about this, u
m, this journey and desiringthings so badly and you have to
get to a place of like, okay, Idon't need it.
Film festivals for me areabsolutely an avenue.
(40:24):
They're an opportunity, but theyare not the end all be all.
And also every experience willbe totally different based on
your team, based on your filmand based off the programming
team and that community.
And I think that there can be,for me, I'll speak for myself.
There's so much focus.
I feel like I placed on certainones and really banking on them.
(40:46):
Like just accepting Adullam.
And when I received rejectionsand see right there, see how I
said, how I received rejectionsversus the film was rejected.
Layne Marie (40:56):
Whoa, woah!
Regina Hoyles (40:58):
I think I talked about this with my theripist and
she was like.
Girl, separate it.
Just like that, that easily wecan get so caught up.
A nd this is what I mean with awards we can get so caught up in
the accolades and t he, theornaments of the Christmas tree
that we forget to admire thetree for what it is.
Layne Marie (41:15):
Right.
Regina Hoyles (41:16):
And just really appreciate.
Amen.
Really appreciates the journeyand this film in this huge
undertaking, we've allcollectively poured into.
And at the same time, you'realso missing the other
communities that you may nothave been so focused on that are
pouring into you.
Like we love you.
It's not a matter of acceptanceas much as we just like
celebrate you.
(41:36):
And the fact that you likeaccomplish this, you know,
that's a big feat indiefilmmakers, like shout out to
all of y'all who are out heredoing this independent thing.
It is not easy.
It's hard.
Yes, very much so.
And like between like jugglingalready coming off of juggling
multiple hats on set.
Now you're like thisdistributor, this marketer, like
all of that, you're hoping forthe project, but you know, you
(41:59):
got to accept that what the bestoutcome is doesn't always have
to look like what you envisionit to be.
And I feel like for me, I, onehad to let go of the idea that
rejections were not a reflectionof myself as an artist.
Um, it didn't mean I couldn'tmake art.
And I had moments where I waslike, maybe I just shouldn't be
a filmmaker.
Like maybe again, this isliterally my first like short
(42:21):
film.
And I'm already saying like, Idon't belong out there.
Like, I'm just not like, meantto do all this only for like
acceptances to come in that Ididn't expect prize money that I
didn't expect to come in.
And all of these, like peoplewho are rallying around me and
my team that made me go like,wow, I never saw any of this.
(42:41):
And I think it's when you let goof any expectation in life, it
too, like you open yourself upfor so many blessings and just
roll on in that you never wouldhave expected.
And I feel like for me, the filmfestival journey absolutely
taught me that even when it wasvirtual, I try to like reason
with myself saying like, okay,things are virtual.
It should be like easier to getthem like this, this and this
(43:03):
now, you know, like I thoughtthat that would be helpful for,
to the ones that I was liketruly holding onto.
But once I let go, once Iallowed myself to explore other
avenues of getting the film,like out there, it was like, wow
, you know, like it's really notthe end all be all.
And I had to remind myself forthe most part, I would be like
(43:23):
the youngest in the lineup oflike filmmakers for a category.
And at times I had to really letthese stories sink in of someone
saying, you know, I've beentrying to get into this festival
like every year and I'm 40something years old.
And you know, like, I believelike Ava DuVernay always talks
about like trying to get intoSundance in a variety of their
programs and to being rejectedmultiple times.
(43:45):
And it's like, why is it thatwe're so prone to focus on the
nose that when the yeses come,we're just like, okay, cool.
Or we celebrate.
And like, it was like, allright, next, next, next.
Layne Marie (43:57):
Right.
Right.
It's like this complex of likenever enough, never an I mean, I
definitely experienced that.
Like, and it's something thatI've, I've been working really
hard on and I, I totally feelyou about the pandemic as
difficult and horrible as it hasbeen, you know, the silver
linings are there.
And I think a lot of that hasjust been like slowing down
(44:18):
really prioritizing what'simportant, working on self-care,
which is, would be like our nextquestion.
How do you, like, what are someself-care rituals that you have?
Like what, like, what do you doto have like a work-life because
again, like we've discovered inthis podcast today, it is so
easy to just go, go, go, go.
(44:39):
I'm a machine.
I'm only as good as my nextthing.
Like money, money, money, money,money, like, how do you, what do
you do?
Regina Hoyles (44:47):
Yeah.
For people who are offer this toanyone who has adapted that
thinking of like, you are amachine we are, and some would
have, may have heard it, but youare a human being, not a human
doing.
I believe that it is reallyimportant to rest in that and
just accept like where you areat any time in life.
And for me, self-care, I alsoreally love Layne Marie, how you
(45:09):
said ritual, because I thinkthat we, a lot of times use self
care as a quick band-aid to acut, we just got versus like us
just taking in, um, taking in alot of things that are healthy
for us and letting that just beour baseline versus our
emergency.
So for me, it's been likegetting better with being
disciplined and it, and that initself is like an uphill battle,
(45:32):
trying to make sure I'm like onit.
I also offer, um, to people totake deep breaths because that's
something I incur, I'm noticingI'm incorporating more, so much
of our, our problems come fromus, like holding our breath.
And like, you don't realize howmuch we're just walking around
life up here, like in our chest,you know, just gosh, like you
can feel life returned back intoyou.
(45:55):
Um, so recognizing when I'mholding that in my shoulders,
like your body, your bodydoesn't lie.
That's one of the first things Iwas taught, um, in acting is
like, the body does not lie.
So checking in with myself,mentally checking in with myself
physically.
Um, I'm not a hiker, I'm not acamper, but I love nature.
And that it makes me feel sogrounded and connected.
(46:16):
So when I'm home, you know, Igot a big backyard.
I like to walk around barefootin the grass.
I love to like take super deepbreaths and open spaces.
I love traveling places that arerich in nature.
I just got back home a couple ofweeks ago from Eugene, Oregon,
and just being in a new placethat I've never been before,
where there's so much beautyjust in the earth and taking
(46:38):
that in.
Like that does make me feel solike alive, you know, like it's
really, it's really how Irestart and just make.
And also, I, you know, I, I'mvery known amongst my friend
groups for disappearing, fromsocial media, without any
warning whatsoever.
Um, and just like going off thegrid.
Layne Marie (46:55):
Hiatus time.
See ya later!
Regina Hoyles (46:57):
Yup, that's me.
Layne Marie (47:02):
It's like, yeah, whatever.
Like it's just, sometimes it'sjust good to take a hiatus.
Like just delete the apps, justget off for a minute.
Kat (47:10):
Yeah.
Just get off your screen forhowever long.
Regina Hoyles (47:14):
Yeah! And I don't start my morning.
I don't start my morning with myphone.
Like I have it on do notdisturb, put it on airplane mode
off.
All I got is The Bible app.
And I'm reading scriptures inthe morning, but that's it like,
other than that, making surethat, you know, my thoughts at
the top of my day are mythoughts.
Like, and I know self, like I'mbringing into therapy, things
(47:37):
that I didn't even everconsidered before about myself.
I'm like, wait a minute.
Was that, was that just somebodyelse saying that?
And I'm like, oh, maybe that'sme.
Maybe that's how I should livemy life.
Like, I think that we're in sucha like consumer, uh, consumer,
um, period right now where we'rejust taking in we're scrolling.
We don't even realize how muchwe're allowing everybody.
And they mama to pour into us somuch so that we don't even know,
(47:58):
like we can't even findourselves because it was like,
oh, I am, I'm adopting thatthinking.
I'm adopting that thinking.
Yeah.
Layne Marie (48:04):
Yeah, absolutely.
Oh, it's so
Kat (48:06):
Easy to get wrapped up in that.
And like what I really likedthat, of all the wonderful
things you listed was that theway you talk to God, isn't all
like whole, like completelywholesome prayer.
Cause like I came from a reallyreligious family and like, I've
been trying to kind of figureout where I stand with certain
things.
But like I like how likegenuine.
And really you are by sayinglike, God, I'm kind of right
(48:28):
now.
Like that's I love that.
And like it's, it's, it makesreligion less intimidating, less
scary.
Cause I know some peoplestruggle with that.
So I really liked that at thattime.
I'm gonna start my mornings now.
Layne Marie (48:40):
Yeah.
Oh, that's so wonderful.
You're such a magical person,you know, like you're just
someone that like you, I couldspend, I could literally talk to
you like all day and it's just,it's such a beautiful thing.
And I, one thing I also want toask because we've talked, we've
covered a lot of ground and thisis such a simple question, but I
(49:01):
feel like it's so important.
What do you, what do you do forfun?
Regina Hoyles (49:08):
What do I do for fun?
Layne Marie (49:11):
How do you have fun?
Regina Hoyles (49:14):
What do I do?
I travel.
I engage in my bougietendencies.
Uh, I love being bougie.
I love it.
Uh, I,
Layne Marie (49:23):
I want to hear more about that.
You're going to have to unpackthat.
How do you be bougie?
Regina Hoyles (49:29):
I treat myself to the finer things You know that
hotels are we five star hotel?
We treat ourselves essentially awater, you know, no offense to
those who are drinking from likea Walgreens brand.
That's okay, too.
If that's your bougie, thenthat's your bougie.
That's fine.
And like, for me, I'm just liketaking, putting more effort into
(49:50):
what I put into my body.
Sometimes I'll go, I'll go forthe whole foods salad instead of
, um, some other random groceryaround the corner.
Other things I do for fun.
I feel like talking to mygirlfriends is truly a church in
some ways.
I love talking to them,especially, and I love all of my
friends who are in the industrytoo, but I have some people who
are from home who are not inthis industry.
(50:12):
And just being able to likeunravel with them being like,
girl, did you hear about likethis person from our high
school?
I was like, oh my gosh.
Kat (50:17):
Ugh yes! yes! Oh, it's so fun to talk about other things!
Speaker 1 (50:25):
It is! It is! And it reminds you, we were like, oh
right.
I'm a human.
Okay, cool.
Cool.
Just to check in that way.
So, oh, it's not as much forfun.
It is intentional, but like I doget joy from it.
I, my desire is to becomeincredibly, incredibly fluent in
Spanish.
Like totally fluent I, I hearyes.
(50:46):
And I I've learned, I've beentaught Spanish my whole life.
I wasn't like AP Spanish, got afive on that test.
Shout out to me and I'm able tohave like conversational
Spanish, like when I'm inpublic, but I want to be like in
Barcelona, Spain able to like goand just like, people don't
doubt me, you know?
And now nowadays, like peoplewill look and be like, oh, can
(51:08):
we trust you?
I do really know what we'respeaking.
But yeah, that's my goal.
I always, when I'm around likenative speakers and I hear them
flow in and out, I'm like, Iwant to be like that so bad.
Like I just, and it's such abeautiful language.
That's something I want to do.
Layne Marie (51:22):
Yeah!
Kat (51:23):
That's so inspiring.
Layne Marie (51:25):
I love that.
And I feel like you willabsolutely make that happen.
Regina Hoyles (51:28):
Thank you.
Thank you.
I received that.
Yeah.
Yeah.
Kat (51:32):
One day she is going to pick up the phone and just start
like a mile a minute.
It'd be like,
Layne Marie (51:36):
I'd be like, I understood approximately three
words of that.
Kat (51:39):
Yeah right!
Regina Hoyles (51:41):
Make these sets even more inclusive!
Layne Marie (51:44):
Yeah.
Got you.
You know, well, Regina, youknow, where can we follow and
support you?
Where can our listeners go lookyou up and like, see, you know,
your next TV show.
Like tell us, tell us where wecan go to, to keep an eye on
you.
Kat (52:01):
Where do we find Regina?
Regina Hoyles (52:03):
Yes! For sure.
Well, you know, Instagram ispretty much my only social
media.
Um, I'm at Regina Hoyles R E G IN A H O Y L E S.
Um, and then my website is thesame reginahoyls.com.
Like, if you want to look me up,literally just look up my name.
Cause I don't have any like, youknow, QT girl, 21.
I don't have any like code names.
(52:24):
Like just look me up there.
And then my production company'sInstagram is at RLHprod, P R O
D.
And then that's the same for thewebsite is www.RLHprod.com.
And that's pretty much how youcan stay in touch with me also
for those who like to do, youknow, connects professionally in
the DMS.
I might on occasion, but do keepin mind that I really, really do
(52:46):
like go missing off social mediasometimes.
Um, and I really love, I loveemails.
I stay in my emails.
I think that's my favorite modeof communication.
Um, so Yeah, that's um, that'sme!
Kat (53:00):
And we'll add all of those in the show notes so people can
find ya.
Layne Marie (53:03):
Yeah and go follow you and check out what you're up
to next!
Kat (53:07):
And email you.
Layne Marie (53:13):
I love it.
Time to go off Walkie! Thank youso much to Regina for being our
very first guest here! And thankyou to our listeners.
We hope you learned a thing ortwo and are inspired to get
creative until next time.
I just would like to take aspecial moment to thank our
executive producers ofnoisefloor LTD.
(53:35):
If you're not familiar withnoisefloor, or you should become
familiar with noisefloor, youcan check out their website.
They are a post sound productionhouse.
They also have fabulous locationmixers, really any kind of sound
service you need for makingvideos.
This is the place to go.
Kat (53:53):
Also, thank you, thank you.
Thank you to my very good friendBrynn Wassel for giving us our
lovely logo.
I can't wait to see it as anactual neon sign one day!
Layne Marie (54:01):
It's so cute.
Oh yeah, we got grand plans.
Y'all so definitely stay tuned.
Be sure to follow us on Facebookand Instagram at the walkie
check and at legacy Mariepictures.
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