Sonia Mena
Sonia Mena, a Mexican American actor and filmmaker, has a new series, "Tell Me Lies," airing on Hulu. "Tell Me Lies," which is executive produced by Emma Roberts, is a drama based on Carola Lovering's bestselling novel. The series follows a tumultuous but intoxicating relationship as it unfolds over the course of eight years.
Sonia is best known for their recurring role on season 3 of HBO's 1970s-set drama "The Deuce" they played Xiomara. Sonia has also amassed numerous credits on stage including New World Stages' off-Broadway production of the hit comedy "Puffs" among others.
Suit by Gianfranco Ferré
Congratulations on your Hulu Series "Tell Me Lies." What specifically drew you to the storyline of the novel, "Tell Me Lies," that sparked the show's conception?
Thank you! I’m excited (and relieved) it’s out in the world. The role of Pippa stood out to me the moment I read the breakdown. I was floored by the detail and complexity that Meaghan created. Pippa is this deeply layered, complicated, weird person hiding behind a lot of armor. She can be a little acidic and mean, but underneath all that was someone I knew, someone I loved instantly, someone that was very close to myself. All these characters are trying their best to be loved and to find a version of themselves that feels the most alive. They might be really bad at that, and their versions of that might be super toxic, but it’s fun to watch them try.
In your award-winning short film "Freezerburn," you simultaneously star, write, and produce. How does this affect your acting performance?
Oh, I have no idea. Usually when I’m acting in things I’ve also written and am producing, I’m just trying to make sure everything is on time, that everyone is fed, and things are moving relatively smoothly. By the time they say action, I’m just doing my best to be in the moment. I guess since I wrote the script, I knew the subtext of what was being said already, one would hope, making movies is a clusterfuck.
Left:
Jumpsuit by G Label
Shoes by Jimmy Choo
Right:
Jacket by Thom Browne
What is a consistent message you like to convey through your screenwriting?
I don’t think I really have one. I try not to write with a message in mind. I don’t want to feel like I’m teaching people or telling them what to think. I just write about what interests me, what I’m curious about, or struggling with. I strive to make things I never got to see growing up and still don’t really see today.
Tell us about "SALTY," the Los Angeles-based film collective dedicated to radical visibility in front of and behind the lens.
Salty is a collective I created with one of my best friends, Sarah Rattay-Maloney, who’s a brilliant director and DP. I mean, you basically said it, that’s our motto. Essentially, we do our best to make sure our crews reflect the stories we tell. If we’re telling a story about two POC women running around a golf course, our crew is going to be made up of mainly femme identifying people, and we want everyone to feel respected and seen. Afterall, a movie isn’t just about the final product, it’s about how it’s made, who has power in the room, who gets paid, etc. We try our best to run sets that are more democratic, that aren’t about flexing experience or above the line/ below the line bullshit. It’s about the best idea wins, and anyone can pitch an idea.
Left:
Jacket by Thom Browne
Right:
Jacket and Shorts by Saint Laurent
Shirt by Vintage Ann Taylor
Shoes by Stylists Own
What are your hopes for the new series "Tell Me Lies" as the season develops for fans?
I hope people like it. I hope they get obsessed and tell their friends and their friends tell their friends and the obsession slowly ruins their lives life, but it’s ok because we get to join you for a (potential) season 2.
Tell us about working with your costars and one producer Emma Roberts.
We clicked instantly as a cast. It was a little ridiculous. it was like summer camp. They are such a hilarious and brilliant group of weirdos, and we hung out outside of set a lot. When we shot the lake house episode (episode 7) we were on location and instead of staying in the hotel rooms, we decided to rent a house and live together, art imitates life imitates art imitates life and all that. The producers were wary; they kept being like “you know you’re going to be shooting together 12-15 hours a day, in a big house, and then you all want to go home together--in a big house. You’re going to kill each other.” But they couldn’t stop us. We’re wild animals. Can’t be tamed. And it was great, we had dinners and watched 2007 movies. Cat and I pet a horse who peed a lot.
Creatively, it was really collaborative. Meaghan was always around to talk about ideas and questions I had about Pippa. As the season goes on, Pippa and Lucy start to transform. Their clothes get crazier, their makeup gets bolder, their hair gets bigger. It was so fun to work with the artists on set to create those looks, and brainstorm with Grace, thinking about the moments in which Lucy is wearing Pippa’s clothes, or when one of them sees an iconic photo of Paris Hilton for the first time and decides “I MUST BECOME THIS.” There’s a lot of frosty lip gloss and bronzer coming your way.
Left:
Jumpsuit by G Label
Shoes by Jimmy Choo
Right:
Suit by Vintage John Galliano
Shoes by Jimmy Choo
Which city do you prefer living in, Los Angeles or New York?
Los Angeles, but I love visiting New York often.
Does your family still live in the Bay Area, and do you get to visit them often?
They do and I would say yes, but I think my mom would say “no, not nearly enough.”
Given your experience with television, film, and theater, what production or role was most impactful?
Probably this one. Or the first show I did in New York, “The Place We Built,” directed by Danya Taymore. I met some lifelong friends, and it was an important moment (even though we were all working for free, which is insane) of feeling like I was starting this journey, that the move to New York was worth it. I was one of the youngest people there and I remember absorbing everyone’s energy and feeling a kind of awe that it was all happening.
Suit by Gianfranco Ferré
How do you see yourself developing professionally, either short-term or long-term?
I hope I keep working. I hope I keep growing and getting better. I want to keep making films too. I am doing my best to learn about all the departments on set, so one day, when I’m in charge of one, I can lead with some knowledge. Awareness about the things you don’t know, basically knowing how stupid you are, makes a good leader, in my opinion.
What's the best piece of advice you've received and how does it empower you?
Hmm, I think I spent too much of my life listening to other people instead of trusting my gut. It’s easy to let people tell you who to be and what to do and what’s possible. So, I feel like fuck advice. Aside from, I don’t know, “look both ways before you cross the street” or “be kind.”
Social Media.
Instagram: @sonialosem
CREW CREDITS:
PhotoBook Editor-In-Chief: Alison Hernon
PhotoBook Creative Director + Photographer + Producer: Mike Ruiz + @mikeruiz.one
Talent: Sonia Mena
Fashion Stylist: Tabitha Sanchez for The Only Agency
Hair + Makeup: Ivan Betancourt
Photographer’s Assistant: Ozzie Gutierrez
Tearsheets: Daniel López, Associate Art Director, PhotoBook Magazine
Interview: Chloe Liu, Contributor, PhotoBook Magazine
Location: FD Studios in Los Angeles
SHOP THE LOOK: SONIA MENA
