In 2011, Laura formed Lulu Pix, Inc., a
production company
dedicated to new works generated from within. The works focus on those
Laura
has written directly for the screen but have also produced projects for
the
stage and the web. Her current feature screenplay (that she will also be
directing) is LYING GAMES, a thriller in the vein of A SIMPLE PLAN meets
RESERVOIR DOGS. In addition, along with her business partner Lindsey
Arnold,
Laura has developed, written, produced and directed a new web series
entitled BENCHMARKS
soon to be seen all over the world wide web.
La Libertad: How did you first get into directing?
Laura Black: From an early age, I was always organizing, coordinating and conceptualizing whatever shows and events I could convince my neighbors and chums to play roles in. I realized not only did I love doing this, I was pretty good at it. When I attended film school and we were thrown into creating our own film projects including the writing and directing of them - I knew I had found what I truly wanted to do. After graduation, I continued to do films and plays here and there - in between the day jobs. And I've been doing them ever since.
La Libertad: Have you done any other work in the entertainment industry?
Laura Black: For about four years after I graduated from USC, I worked for producers, studios and networks in a variety of pre-production, production and post production positions. It was baptism by fire to say the least. I learned so much about the process and gained so much respect for so many of the people who make the whole movie-making process possible. After these jobs, I ventured out on my own as an independent filmmaker, playwright and theatre director. And of course, I still help friends on their projects.
La Libertad: What is it like being a female in a male dominated field?
Laura Black: Tough. I wish I could say the playing field is level but that's not the case. That said, you still have to make your own luck and connections. And I have found much support from male colleagues especially when you produce a quality film. I also feel you have to constantly be working on projects - not letting yourself get complacent or rusty. The key, though, is finding great women networking groups like the one we met through "Reel Ladies."
La Libertad: What projects are you interested in creating?
Laura Black: Quality projects. Ones that have come from an idea or situation or interest that just won't let go of you. Genre isn't as crucial to me although I have been leaning towards thrillers or comedies lately. However, I do have some dramas and a horror film script as well. I am constantly writing in my head, taking down notes and ideas in my "idea book" and developing possibilities. It's all about the possibilities and making those a reality.
La Libertad: What has been you favorite project?
Laura Black: That's a tough one - like when people say pick your favorite child. THE RULES was a film of mine that I traveled around the world with and won a few awards. That really helped confirm that I may be onto something as a writer-director. But it's always a great experience - even when you're working on a micro budget, or don't have enough time or can't get the location you want. The people I have worked with from cast to crew have been wonderful across the board. So, my favorite project is always the current one and the next one. LOL.
La Libertad: Do you have any projects in the works?
But more currently, my business partner Lindsey Arnold and I have been working on BENCHMARKS - an original web series we completed production on and are in the final stages of post. It's about benches everywhere and the characters who sit on them. The episodes are all self contained and the benches are either instrumental or incidental in the plot. They lean toward comedy and some are outrageous. We're happy to report BENCHMARKS will make it's world premiere at the Action on Film International Film Festival here in Los Angeles August 17-25 before we launch it on line. Our facebook page is http://www.facebook.com/BenchmarkSeries so be sure to like it! And follow us on twitter @benchmarkseries -- we'll be announcing any screening places and times as well as when we'll be launching the series on youtube, bliptv and vimeo to name a few. It stars Jane Hajduk, Joseph Beck, Aric Martin, Mark Slater and Jesse Torrilhon and they're fantastic!
La Libertad: What is the hardest part of your job as a director?
Laura Black: You have to work very hard since you are involved in every aspect of the decision-making from development to production to the post to the marketing of the film and on and on. It would be great if you could just focus on the art of it, but the reality is you must be aware and astute of the whole picture, so to speak. You also have to be extremely organized (I'm a big proponent of preparation and rehearsals) so when you do make it to the set, you have what you need planned - and then you can let it go to get the organic place. And, of course, the surprises that occur. One last thing - you need to be willing to compromise. Know which shots you can let go of (as painful as that may be). You always have to be thinking of the vision and what's best for the project - and your sanity!
Interview by Libertad Green
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