Today we’d like to introduce you to Penelope Lawson.
Hi Penelope, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I started my production company, Pink Revolver Pictures, right after I finished my undergraduate degree at Fordham University in New York ten years ago. Initially, I was an English major, but after spending two years in the visual arts lab studying film and cinema studies, I decided to switch gears and concentrate on communications, media, and film. I began making little experimental YouTube shorts with my friends that I shot on the super 8 and super 16 cameras, something I feel blessed to have been able to experience— to touch real film before everything got digitized was what truly sparked my love of the craft of cinema. I then decided to pursue my master’s degree in Film Directing at NYU Tisch, which allowed me to hone in on my skills further and focus specifically on writing, directing, and producing narrative films. My first ‘real’ narrative short film under my production company, Numb, was a selection at Miami, London and Los Angeles International Film Festivals.
I then decided to also enter the VR space, where I directed, co-wrote, and executive produced a choose your own adventure film in conjunction with a French company named WondaVR. The film, Wilde Eastern, premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival and was also an official selection of the Cannes Film Festival. I then moved to Los Angeles from New York, where I then undertook my most ambitious project under Pink Revolver— a feature film. We had a small budget but a mighty team. 1 Night in San Diego was released from distributor 1091 Pictures, where we currently have a deal with Hulu for streaming. In addition to creating my own content, Pink Revolver Pictures is also a production company that strives to give women a powerful voice in a male-driven industry. Most recently, Pink Revolver Pictures wrote and produced Jenna Ushkowitz’s short film, The Dinner Party, which was an official selection of Mammoth, Female Eye, Miami, and Portland Film Festivals. We have two new features and two shorts on deck and are now also venturing into the commercial content space.
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?
I would say the hardest part about being a creative is listening to your gut instincts. People are always going to have an opinion of what you’re creating. Stick to your truth, and don’t be discouraged by negativity and other people’s opinions. They’re not you, and the only person who can clearly articulate your voice is YOU! Making movies is not an island. What I mean when I say that is that you need to rely heavily on the support of your team around you in order to get anything done. While the entertainment industry isn’t easy, I would say that the best thing you can do is always be a team player and always show up (early please 🤪), not only for yourself but for those around you. While there are ups and downs in every project, the highs become much higher when you have great people to share them with.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
As the founder and executive producer at Pink Revolver Pictures, I specialize in writing, directing and producing films. Growing up in the nineties and early 2000’s, I remember watching hilarious, female-positive content. I hope that my company can take a lot of the nostalgia of that time and that we can continue to use this as inspiration to produce Female positive content in a world where so many voices are silenced. I am so proud of everything my company has accomplished so far and the content we will continue to put out there for everyone to enjoy.
Is there any advice you’d like to share with our readers who might just be starting out?
Be positive. Be early (if you’re on time, you’re late!). Show up with a positive attitude. Be ready to learn from those around you. Other people’s successes are not your failures, so make sure to support people. Your time will come!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://m.imdb.com/name/nm7215870/
- Instagram: PenelopeCupcake
- Other: PinkRevolverPictures (IG)
Image Credits
Charles Benoit
