Today we’d like to introduce you to Anna McLain.
Anna, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
For as long as I can remember, my life has always been infiltrated with the arts. I grew up in a family of musicians and quickly realized that I wanted to pursue an avenue in the film industry. That led me to fall into acting when I was 15. I was 16 when I was on my first film set, The Veil. I had a very supportive and artistic family who came along side me when I wanted to move out to LA at 17. At age 19, after realizing not only did I want to act, but I wanted t to have my hands in a little bit of everything, that’s how my production company, Dolores Haze Films came about. Since then I have written and directed two short films, and currently have my feature film in development with Route One Entertainment (Equals, Colossal, The Circle).
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?
There have been a lot of ups, but with as many ups also come as many downs. I think the biggest struggle I’d say is being taken seriously.
I’m a woman in an industry that isn’t always easy to be a woman in, and I’m a young filmmaker at that. So there are many times that I’m looked down upon because people tend to think I’m not as experienced as them, but I realize you just have to take the good and leave the bad. Where one door closes it’s just a matter of time before another opens.
Has luck played a meaningful role in your life and business?
Luck has definitely played its part in my life. When I first moved out to LA I was a student at Studio 4, James Franco’s acting and film school. It was there that I met him and the producers of his company which led me to working for them for some time. Which in turn led me to meeting many people that encouraged and mentored me along the way and it ultimately inspired me start my company and start creating my own work. I would say it was definitely by luck that I came across the school, and that I had those experiences that I’m forever thankful for.
Contact Info:
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: http://instagram.com/annamlanier http://instagram.com/doloreshazefilms
- Twitter: http://twitter.com/annamlanier
Image Credit:
Rayme Silverberg
Braverijah Gregg
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