Paula Garcés Ventures into Directing with Netflix’s ‘The Lincoln Lawyer’

Colombian-American actress Paula Garcés has built a notable acting career over the course of three decades in Hollywood. She is well remembered for her roles in the Harold & Kumar film series and television shows such as “The Shield,” “Devious Maids,” and “On My Block.” However, Garcés is now expanding her repertoire by stepping into the director’s chair.

Garces has recently directed episodes for the popular Netflix series “The Lincoln Lawyer,” which stars Manuel García-Rulfo. Speaking about this opportunity, Garcés described it as life-changing. “The Lincoln Lawyer is literally a dream come true. It has changed my life in many ways,” she remarked, adding that her passion for the show as a fan drove her to pursue a role within it.

Her transition into directing was facilitated by her participation in Netflix’s Series Director Development Program. This program provided Garcés with training in the technical aspects of directing and the opportunity to shadow industry professionals, such as director Ben Hernandez Bray, during the filming of “The Lincoln Lawyer.” “Not only did they give me the tools as far as teaching me technical aspects of directing, but they guarantee that if you did well, you would get your own episode on a running show on Netflix,” Garcés explained.

Despite initial feelings of impostor syndrome, Garcés emphasized the supportive environment she encountered on set. Her collaboration with García-Rulfo was cited as particularly inspiring. “He was so invested in this character and in doing the best show possible,” she said. Her directorial approach has been praised for her understanding of actors’ needs. García-Rulfo noted, “I like to work with directors that are concerned about the needs of the actor, and she has that.”

Garces’ journey behind the camera began with her venture into creating the comic book character Aluna, a superhero she co-created and later adapted into a video game. This experience piqued her interest in directing, particularly during the production of video game cut scenes.

Looking ahead, Garcés seeks to blend her roles as an actor, director, and producer. She remains committed to promoting female empowerment within the entertainment industry by encouraging other women to pursue their ambitions. Garcés expressed a desire to continue collaborating with production companies and streaming services like Netflix to create more inclusive content. “I invite other women who are watching me fumble sometimes and not be perfect, that if I could do it, they can definitely do it,” she said.