Laurie Lane, How did you get inspired to become a filmmaker?
I’ve been a film photographer for years and have always envisioned “moving pictures” or film/video as a progression from that. Photography is telling a story with a still image and movies take it a step further into the whole story.
What is your favorite part about the short film form?
The challenge of getting your message across in a limited amount of time.
Who were the people that supported the making of this film?
My parents. Dad was a creative so he encouraged me through his conviction, experience and hands on and mom is a never ending support as you can tell from her acting in the film. My whole family has supported this natural progression, including my husband and two daughters who are also artists.
Filmmaker Laurie Lane’s “Granny Reviews 100 & Counting”
What resources do you use as a filmmaker? Music, locations, props, editing, crew, etc.
Location is critical but you can’t make that work without the talent. I use the people that I know to make the groundwork happen and then find the necessary talent and crew to fill in. My husband is a singer songwriter so we work together on the soundtrack. Editing is the most difficult as it takes a lot of time to get the moments to be succinct with the whole outcome.
What is your next project?
I’ve been working on a story for a long time that involves my daughters drawings. I’m hoping someday to make that a reality as a feature length film.
Filmmaker Laurie Lane’s “Granny Reviews 100 & Counting”
The independent film business is a difficult one. What keeps you motivated? Where do you see the industry going in the future?
The creative business as a whole is a difficult field but there is always room at the top. When you’ve seen people you love suffer for their talent it makes you aware of what it takes and if you have what it takes; incredible dedication, focus, talent and forethought. If you don’t have that, forget it. I can’t help creating visual stories as it’s all I know. Digital will keep making things weirder and enable us to put down what we imagine but I think that the story will become ever more important as we search for more meaning.
Which filmmakers, artists or individuals have most influenced your work?
Well, I like all the classic photographers like Ansel, Imogene, Alfred, and painters/sculptors, Rembrandt, DaVinci, Michelangelo, Gaugan, Camille Claudell, Rodin, Louise Bourgeois, Picasso, Van Gough and Georgia. However, I have to say that being born into a family that was personally involved with the arts had the most influence on me.
What advice would you give new filmmakers?
Be dedicated to your own voice. Do not copy. Be original and true. It’s not as glamorous as people make it out to be.
Watch and Vote for Filmmaker Laurie Lane’s “Granny Reviews 100 & Counting” competing in 100th Hotel Opening Video Contest.
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