Meet Lauren Lightfoot

Today we’d like to introduce you to Lauren Lightfoot.

Hi Lauren, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
My story is like many other artists that travel to LA with a dream. I came here with the goal of being an actress and then quickly realized my goal mirrored everyone else’s. I would walk into casting rooms and see a group of women that looked exactly like me. They were probably just as talented and we all wanted the same gig. I knew early on that I had to create my own space in this industry, and it wouldn’t come from just auditioning. I don’t knock that hustle. I’ve done it for years, and the rat race is necessary to keep improving your craft but I wanted more. I went to school for journalism in 2007 and never completed. One thing I took from college was that I loved the art of storytelling. So I started writing. That’s where my first script came from called ‘Home’. Although it was a short film, it became a project of passion. I did all the casting, found all the locations, and built a crew.

This was the first time I really felt at home and it was on set. I knew from that point on, I had to keep replicating this feeling. I began producing on sets regularly and got acting reps. One of my closest friends also referred me for a production job at a company whose project just got picked up for Netflix. I knew at that moment I had made it. But then 2020 happened. Everything that I worked for got put on pause. The world was a different place. I thought the best option for me was to move back home with family or maybe go back to school for something more practical. It wasn’t until one of my friends told me to keep writing, that a lightbulb went off. My next short was born, and we shot it during 2020. It went on to be accepted to the Studio City International Film Festival this year. Although it was a labor of love and an uphill battle, the reward was unmatched. I’m happy to say from that, I’ve received funding for my first feature film and the dream continues. I’m so grateful for all of my experiences no matter how good or bad they were. I just want to know that I left my imprint on the world after it’s all said and done.

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?
Where do I start? I think every artist goes through it, or else you wouldn’t call it “the struggling artist.“ But what’s the journey without an obstacle or two? My struggles came mainly from the relationships that I dealt with coming to LA. I’d like to think I was pretty sheltered, and coming to a city like this can destroy you mentally if you’re not prepared. I dealt with people who I thought were my friends that really weren’t, I dealt with postproduction staff that took my money and couldn’t complete the job and I definitely dealt with heartbreak. Trust me, I made these missteps the center of my existence at a point in time. I thought it was the end of the world. But if you don’t wake up for yourself, then no one else will. I had to really wake up every morning and choose me.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I am a number of things. I can’t stand when people say that they’re a jack of all trades, but I love my crafts so much that I have to list them all.

I’m an actress. I’ve worked in short films, music videos, and commercials that you’ve probably seen.

I am a writer and director. I’ve written and directed three short films and directed a number of music videos for local artists.

I am a photographer. I started my business with a friend called Lo Imagery LLC in 2020 and I love helping artists achieve their dreams through photography.

I am a producer. I’ve helped develop and plan for a number of projects. I love working on sets and bringing ideas to life.

Let’s talk about our city – what do you love? What do you not love?
What I like about Los Angeles. I love that there’s so much to do. I love that the weather never changes. I love that you can meet people from all walks of life here.

What I can’t stand about Los Angeles. The traffic! Enough said. A certain type of people that only want to associate with you if you have connections or a following. Dating here is also awful, lol.

Pricing:

• New Client Session (Photography) – 1 hour, public location, you receive all photos, and two edits for $80
• Film Development Consultation Call – 45 min – $50

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://instagram.com/lo_imagery?igshid=OGQ5ZDc2ODk2ZA==
• Other: https://instagram.com/iam_laurennicole?igshid=OGQ5ZDc2ODk2ZA==