We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Lauren Keller. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Lauren below.
Lauren, appreciate you joining us today. Can you talk to us about a project that’s meant a lot to you?
The most meaningful project I have worked on was my senior thesis film, “A Little Glass of Rum.” I wrote this script when I was a sophomore in college and I got the script to a point where I decided that this was the story I wanted to tell for my senior thesis. This project obviously taught me more about filmmaking, but also taught me a lot of personal lessons that help me grow as a person.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
My name is Lauren Keller and I’m an independent filmmaker based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. My films have been exhibited internationally across more than eighteen countries, with my short film, “A Little Glass of Rum” broadcasting on the television network, WQED. My creativity extends into photography, where I specialize in special effects makeup portraiture. I hold a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Cinema Production from Point Park University, with a concentration in Cinematography and a minor in Photography. My professional experience also includes work within feature and commercial production, contributing to projects for major platforms such as Netflix and Apple TV. Currently, I work as a Media Coordinator and Photographer at a specialized trade school.
I’ve always wanted to dive into the world of filmmaking at a young age and often felt that it wasn’t quite possible for me to achieve. Once I hit high school and joined theater, everything changed for me and that’s how I ended up at Point Park University. I mainly specialize in the production side of filmmaking, mainly camera, but I admire all aspects of the craft. Lately, I’ve been doing a lot of acting, writing, producing and directing for independent films across Pittsburgh. Filmmaking is my passion. I love telling stories. I love creating them. It’s been in my blood from the beginning and it’s something I’ll always do. The main thing I want clients to know about my work is that anything is possible. Anything can be achieved if you put the time in, work hard, and don’t let anyone tell you can’t.
What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?
The most rewarding aspect of being a creative is seeing the impact your work has on others. It can be as small as a client changing their profile photo to one I took or somebody just hitting share on Facebook of your film. I love having that reward of people knowing my work before they even know who I am. “Wait, you made that short film? I saw it at a film festival!” “You took their photos? I thought their wedding photos were amazing!” I just love how my work travels around.
Can you tell us about what’s worked well for you in terms of growing your clientele?
I think the most effective strategy for growing clientele is the collaboration and networking. I have people reach out to me who I have never heard of before and they’re like “I’ve followed you on Facebook for years, I’ve always wanted you on my project!” I do a lot of free labor for sure, just because I have the passion for the films and want to work with and meet new faces. That’s enough payment for me, meeting new filmmakers, having fun, building my portfolio and leaving with great stories to tell. You never know who you might be working with or meeting, they might be able to take you places if you play your cards right.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://laurenkellerfilm.com
- Instagram: @photosbylaurenkeller
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lillaurenkeller
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lauren-keller-bb911a206
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@LaurenKeller
