Today we’d like to introduce you to Lisa Donmall-Reeve.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I am originally from the UK. I moved to New York in early 2012 with my green card and a desire to continue my (then) long and successful musical theatre career onto Broadway. We stayed in NYC for 5 and ahead years but then moved to LA when my husband had the incredible opportunity to be the musical director on the Broadway show Hamilton on their first National tour, which started in San Francisco then LA.
We have been in LA since the summer of 2017. Before moving to the west coast, I decided I didn’t want to perform anymore and started my own production company…. I made my first short film under my company LDR Creative in New York in 2016 and was hooked! Rewinding slightly to explain why I jumped from performing on stage to producing film… I was working on my demo reel for film as an actor, and organized it all….writers, actors, crew etc. The DP/director listed me as Producer on the call sheet and I thought…. “huh… is THAT what that means….I think I like that more!” I soon realized I had been producing for many years but just didn’t know that was what I was doing. I am naturally very pro active and make things happen and love organizing and scheduling and storytelling!
Whilst on the film festival journey with our first short film EARLY MOURNING – I was approached about a potential feature documentary about jazz dance. I jumped in with both feet and by November 2017 we were filming. My personal and professional journey with that feature (‘Uprooted – The Journey of Jazz Dance’ – currently on MAX) was HUGE for me. I learnt so much – I am a filmmaker who did not go to film school so I have been learning on my feet and been very lucky to have had some amazing mentors and colleagues guiding and advising me along the way.
Since finishing UPROOTED – I also filmed another two short films and then finished them all during covid! After covid I have produced several more short films, another feature documentary (‘Susan Feniger.FORKED’) and have been actively raising money for 3 feature narratives and another feature documentary.
I am currently in the middle of producing 3 awesome narrative shorts – 2 in LA and 1 in New Jersey and another short documentary.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
NO! I don’t think anyone who creates independent film has a smooth road! It is par for the course. The most challenging thing is finding the money and getting projects over the line. Even projects that are incredibly important and valuable and educational have been a struggle to raise the money. At the end of the day, film investment is a high risk investment. So finding the right balance and the right financiers and investors and other grassroots donors can be a challenge. Never impossible – although it feels like that sometimes, it just makes you reframe it and think differently for each project.
The film industry is shifting and changing and you need to continue to understand how to change and move with it.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I chose Artist/Creative over business but technically I am both BUT ultimately my core will always be creative.
I am an indie film producer – I love collaborating and telling stories that need to be told or are inspired by true stories.
I like working with emerging directors and writers, as I believe new talent needs a voice.
What sets me apart? My background and history. I spent decades as a performer and then an assistant to directors and choreographers, so I feel I am a good communicator with both talent, creative and crew. I understand all sides and make sure I listen to understand and help. Seeking solutions.
If we knew you growing up, how would we have described you?
From a very young age I loved to dance. Whenever there was music playing and space to dance – I would dance. My dream was to be in musicals – which I was lucky enough to fulfill.
I loved sports and playing! I am grateful to have grown up in the 70’s and 80’s where social media and cell phones were not a thing. A much simpler time.
I was (and am) sensitive, stubborn and head strong. I have always known what I wanted to do – and thought everyone was the same. I am also very grateful for that!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.ldrcreativellc.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ldrcreativellc/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisa-donmall-reeve-24b82b123/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@LDRCreativeLLC
