Women have been fighting for equality since the beginning of time. Today I am speaking with Lauren Elizabeth Harris who is a force to be reckon with. She is an actor and producer that is making a name for herself in the entertainment industry. She is talented, beautiful and humble. Here is my q&a with the multi fascinated Lauren Elizabeth Harris.
David:
Hi Lauren, thank you for making time to speak with me. This must be an exciting time for as you are a rising star. Tell me what inspired you to become a producer/actor?
Lauren:
I’ve wanted to be an actor since I played the titular role in Strega Nona during kindergarten. I was in the wings whispering to the rest of the kindergarteners their lines. I became passionate about producing upon beginning my career in Hollywood and finding the roles for women rather limiting. Producing was an endeavor that would allow me to have more creative control over the roles that I got to take on. I’m passionate about helping rising directors have their voices heard through their projects, so this combination is the perfect fit for me.
David:
It’s a smart move to also be a producer. You can get yourself roles and create the work experience you want as an actor. Was that your intention?
Lauren:
Absolutely! I definitely first became interested in it after playing roles like “Hot Girl By The Pool”, while that was as fulfilling as you can imagine, I knew I wanted to play roles with a bit more depth. I then started enjoying it so much that I founded my company, Pathway Pictures. It brings me so much joy to have a writer/director’s vision come to life, and I now also produce projects that I’m not acting in.
David:
What would be your ideal role you want to play?
Lauren:
I would love to be in a biopic of a strong woman who’s waiting to have their story told at a larger scale, or a period piece. I also love limited series, and would love to take on the challenge of being a series regular.
David:
Is it challenging for you to be a producer and have people take you serious giving that you are young woman.
Lauren:
I think that’s something that all women struggle with and is why it’s so important that there’ve been many courageous women before me who have been chipping away at that glass ceiling. I worked to combat that issue by going to Columbia University to receive my MFA in Producing with the intention of establishing more credibility. I guess I’ll just have to continue to have a hand in creating projects that tell awesome stories to continue working on that!
David:
What are obstacles you face in the entertainment industry that you want to change?
Lauren:
I think what you bring up regarding women being taken seriously in the industry has changed somewhat but is still pertinent to continue to combat that moving forward. I would also like to continue to see more diverse faces/genders/shapes both on screen and off and hope to be able to provide that via my company. It’s important to me to be a support for underprivileged people in entering the entertainment industry, especially for young women/ non binary.
David:
What do you feel the entertainment industry lacks?
Lauren:
The entertainment industry often takes its time in adapting to cultural changes and can be hesitant about letting newcomers in until they’ve proved themselves in some capacity. I hope through my company to have a part in changing this by offering opportunities to those who would not be offered a seat at the table otherwise.
David:
Who are some actors / directors you are inspired by and would like to work with?
Lauren:
Reese Witherspoon, Jennifer Anniston, Margot Robbie, are all incredible both actors and producers who I’d love to work with. Regarding directors, I think Greta Gerwig and Ava DuVernay are absolutely phenomenal.
David:
What have you learned about yourself as an actor?
Lauren:
I’m an actor that thrives off direction. I love aiding in helping a director’s vision come to life. I definitely enjoy building back story and the world that my character is coming from before diving in. On the current character I’m playing, I built her backstory by deciding on her astrological sign, her favorite foods, and even made a playlist for her. These are some things that help me to access who I’m playing before I start.
David:
What advice do you have for people struggling to make it in the entertainment industry?
Lauren:
Keep going. Don’t rely on validation from others or give up by not seeing success immediately. This industry takes time and it’s important to give yourself grace as you proceed. Keep learning and growing as an artist and pay attention to what others who are succeeding around you are doing. Everyone has their own path in this industry.
David:
Thank you for your time. What are some words of wisdom to all the readers?
Lauren:
Be persistent and be the hardest working person you know. Do something for your career everyday and find what brings you joy from it. Take risks and don’t be afraid to put yourself out there, fortune favors the brave!