"...undeniable stage appeal."
- The New York Times
"Datz is winning and sympathetic..."
- Los Angeles Times
"Lisa Datz... is exceptional."
- San Diego News
.png)
_tiff.png)
_tiff.png)
LIFE OF Riley
"A multicultural love story in a complicated world."
Written and Directed by Lisa Datz
LIFE OF RILEY
One moment of doubt shatters Riley’s perfect love story, setting off a chain of betrayal, mistrust, and heartbreaking consequences.
"Datz has created a fantastic short-form culture clash drama. A stirring multi-faceted story helped along by a straight-forward and straight-talking script."
- John Higgins, Film and TV Now
"Lisa Datz, a dynamic force in the entertainment industry, seamlessly transitions between roles as a critically acclaimed actor, director, writer, producer, and voice-over artist."
- American Film Market's, 'Just Cinema International' Magazine
"Datz's performance is so true, so focused, so multifaceted and full of spirit. She takes you inside her character's head and heart, and makes you root for her."
- Chicago Sun Times
"Lisa Datz, [...] is quite brilliant in a pair of crucial and contrasting roles."
- Oregon Arts Watch
News & Updates
Life of Riley — Award-Winning Debut & “Director to Watch”!
Lisa’s writing and directorial debut Life of Riley has earned awards for Best International Short (London), the Jury Prize for Best Short (Los Angeles), Best Ensemble, and 15 nominations!
Its streaming premiere was featured by the Associated Press — [Read article →]
From "Detective Schmidt" to Director-in-Training on CBS’s FBI: Most Wanted. Behind the scenes HERE!
From commercials to video games, Lisa’s back in the booth—recently the live announcer for
Lenovo Tech World and Zeta Live 2025!
Lisa Named a Rising Female Director to Discover!
Lisa is chosen for the prestigious American Film Market's, "Rising Female Directors to Discover" and "10 Filmmakers to Watch" at The Los Angeles International Film Festival
Lisa joins CBS’s FBI: Most Wanted as "Detective Carmen Schmidt," opposite Dylan McDermott.
"Lisa Datz is a force of nature and a seismic talent. Acting with Lisa is a liberating, exhilarating experience. Is there a word for the state of being simultaneously comfortable and electrified?"
- Silas Weir Mitchell, Actor
GRIMM (NBC), PRISON BREAK (FOX)
LIFE OF RILEY (Short)