Today we’d like to introduce you to Lauren VanDerwerken.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Lauren. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
When I was in high school, my parents dragged me with them to the theatre to see “Skyfall”. I, having no interest in James Bond, begrudgingly attended, bribed with the promise of bottomless popcorn and maybe some Buncha Crunch.
Long story short, something happened when I watched that film. I couldn’t put my finger on it, but I will never forget the drive home—I googled what a “Director of Photography” was, and the rest is history! It was a long journey, but “Skyfall” will always have a special place in my heart. It wouldn’t be until much later that I would be able to conceptualize what exactly was going on behind the scenes, or even that I wanted to be a cinematographer, but that random trip to the movie theatre changed the course of my life!
Now I live here in Los Angeles and work as a prep tech at Keslow Camera. On the side I shoot in whatever capacity I can, as a DP and camera operator. Working at a camera house does make me miss my first true love: lighting, so I also jump at any opportunity on the lighting side of things.
When I was in college, I had the opportunity to DP a feature film, “The Unexpected Race”, featuring Jack Black and Jon Heder, which was a huge learning experience—it really cemented the fact that making a movie truly takes a village, and the collaboration is the best part! There is a documentary about the making of the film, “The Insufferable Groo”, which I can’t recommend enough!
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It has absolutely not been a smooth road—the film industry is not an easy thing to break into, not to mention for women in cinematography. The days are long, the labor is exhausting, but I can’t think of another thing I would rather do! When you find collaborators you work well with, and genuinely enjoy spending time with (did I mention the long hours?), there’s nothing better than working towards the common goal of telling a story.
It can be difficult to notice progress sometimes, but I really believe in playing the long game. The hard work I am putting in now will pay off later. I always joke (but honestly believe) that the stuff I do in my career is more like an investment that will pay off in my forties!
It’s really important to be driven and hardworking, but the past few years have also been a lesson in trying to enjoy life while it’s happening to you, not after “insert benchmark here”. Honestly, I would stamp this quote by Thomas Edison on my forehead every morning if I could, because it’s that crucial to remember: “Opportunity is missed by most people because it is dressed in overalls and looks like work.” Note to self!
We’d love to hear more about your work and what you are currently focused on. What else should we know?
Right now, I work as a preparation technician at Keslow Camera but I also DP, camera operate, and work as a gaffer on the side! At Keslow, I work with the top camera assistants in the industry, helping them dial in the gear they need to do their jobs, whether that be shooting a commercial, documentary, TV show, or feature film. Directors of Photography also come into the warehouse to test cameras, and especially lenses, so I also assist with that.
Is there a characteristic or quality that you feel is essential to success?
In my opinion, the most important thing you can be in filmmaking, regardless of your title or responsibilities, is a good collaborator. It takes a village! And if everyone is bringing their best ideas and skills to the table, it only elevates the final product. Leave your ego at the door! We’ve got a movie to make!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.laurenvand.com
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/laurenvand
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