Story & Lesson Highlights with Lauren Kleeman of Culver City

We’re looking forward to introducing you to Lauren Kleeman. Check out our conversation below.

Lauren, really appreciate you sharing your stories and insights with us. The world would have so much more understanding and empathy if we all were a bit more open about our stories and how they have helped shaped our journey and worldview. Let’s jump in with a fun one: What is something outside of work that is bringing you joy lately?
Working out!

Building muscle takes so much patience and dedication, and I LOVE doing hard things. It enriches the rest of my life because it starts my day off right, which leads to making better decisions, makes me stronger, healthier, and most important – makes my butt bigger.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Lauren aka Lolo, I’m a comedy writer/director with an insatiable curiosity for the world. Storytelling is the through line of life, so I make sure to keep things interesting. Whether I’m kayaking in the swamp with gators, breathing fire, or bathing elephants, I find ways to explore the world in new ways. But I also find so much beauty in mundanity. Watching my nails grow out while I contemplate how much life has been lived since they were painted, thinking about how much life exists on a single leaf, or being steeped in sonder watching strangers walk by. Life is a movie, and mine is full of wonder.

Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. What did you believe about yourself as a child that you no longer believe?
Limits.

Okay, not literally – I know there are external limits, but I’m talking about the ones I put on myself. As a kid, I believed those barriers imposed on me. Over time I’ve quieted that inner voice telling me I can’t do it and learned to trust in my own abilities and ambition. “It’s simple, but it’s not easy” is a phrase I live by. We are capable of so much and it all starts with believing in ourselves. Without it, there wouldn’t be airplanes flying across the world or spacecrafts capturing pictures of Jupiter. The yogis were right, it all comes from within.

If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
Hey Cutie!
I am so proud of you. You are a shining star, don’t you dare dim it. And don’t straighten your curls, they’re immaculate.

Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? What’s a belief or project you’re committed to, no matter how long it takes?
TRAILER PARK QUEEN

Anyone who knows me knows I live and die for this film. I’ve come so far on this journey, from writing the script, to making the proof of concept, to pitching the feature. I know in my bones that storytelling is my ikagai and I will continue to push this project until I get it made.

Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. If you laid down your name, role, and possessions—what would remain?
Pure love.

Cliche, maybe but oh so true. When the writer’s strike happened in 2023 I had a complete identity crisis,. My life has always revolved around film and suddenly that foundation was gone, with no secure future in sight. Recovery has been challenging as the industry evolves, but the strike forced me to confront who I am beneath all the external layers of identity. And underneath, I’m just a silly little swamp fairy here to spread love and light.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.meltingunicorns.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/explaurentheworld/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AreBOoMX1vw

Image Credits
Emily Aguilar