We were lucky to catch up with Laura Medeiros recently and have shared our conversation below.

Laura, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Learning the craft is often a unique journey from every creative – we’d love to hear about your journey and if knowing what you know now, you would have done anything differently to speed up the learning process.

While film school equipped me with essential tools, becoming a respected film producer requires venturing beyond academic safety nets. The film industry’s unpredictability demands stepping out of the comfort zone and sharing projects with the world. After my MFA program, I honed crucial personal skills by engaging with a diverse range of individuals outside the academic space. Navigating the industry involves more than classroom learning, particularly in dealing with investors and networking at festivals. The key to success lies in actively putting oneself out there, fostering adaptability to unforeseen challenges and expanding professional horizons.

Over the past year, I actively participated in numerous film festivals where my short film “Good Times/Bad Times” was screened. Through these experiences, I gained valuable insights into effectively navigating such events and honed my networking skills. I realized that being a passive observer is not sufficient; one must take a proactive approach and actively seek connections. By doing so, not only did I expand my professional knowledge, but I also discovered new opportunities to engage in exciting projects as I met and connected with various industry professionals.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

Driven by a profound passion for film since a young age, I embarked on a journey that led me from my hometown of Porto Alegre, Brazil, to Los Angeles. I’ve swiftly gained recognition in the industry with projects making waves at festivals. One such achievement is the 3-minute micro short thriller, “Good Times/Bad Times,” which I not only I proudly produced, but also wrote it and directed it. Despite its minimal budget (under $1,000) and a small team of 10 people, this project has garnered over 9 festival selections nationwide and received prestigious award nominations. This success echoes a core belief: the true essence of impactful storytelling transcends budget constraints, relying on innovative ideas and a dedicated crew.

Succeeding in the competitive landscape of the film industry demands unwavering perseverance and a resilient spirit, qualities that I have cultivated through my academic journey. Armed with a Bachelor’s degree in strategic design and an MFA in film producing, I navigate challenges with a practical and creative mindset. I’ve learned to handle rejection and criticism by transforming setbacks into invaluable learning experiences. Embracing failure has not only fueled my personal growth but has also been instrumental in refining my approach, ultimately contributing to the success of subsequent projects.

What makes me stand out is my ability to blend creativity with practicality. I enjoy writing, and it helps me make creative choices that stay within budget and schedule without compromising the story. Being both a producer and storyteller is something I love and believe is essential for success in this industry.

In your view, what can society to do to best support artists, creatives and a thriving creative ecosystem?

The film industry poses significant challenges for independent and small creatives, particularly in California, where expenses run high. Despite the availability of government and private grants, the financial barrier to entry for aspiring filmmakers remains substantial, as getting equipment and obtaining shooting permits are very unaccessible for small and low-budget productions. Many indie projects rely heavily on the generosity of friends, who contribute their time and skills as a form of support.

However, I believe that as a society and community, we can enhance the accessibility of filmmaking to those eager to learn the craft. However, there are a lot of bad apples out there that make it hard on anyone who dares to make a film. My personal experiences include instances where filming in rented spaces was disrupted by neighbors playing loud music, demanding payment to cease the interference. Contrary to the misconception that film productions are flush with funds, most operate on shoestring budgets, if any budget at all.

To foster a more collaborative and understanding environment, it’s essential for local communities to recognize the financial constraints faced by filmmakers. Increased support and a touch of empathy can propel our industry forward, making filmmaking a more viable and sustainable pursuit for passionate individuals.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

Without a doubt, having your film showcased to hundreds of people is an incredible experience. I feel privileged to have my stories featured in numerous festivals, and witnessing my project and name on the big screen is truly magical. It serves as a testament to the validity and quality of the film. The journey to bring a movie to life is filled with hard work, sweat, and financial investment. Seeing my shorts accepted into established events, and even receiving nominations and awards, is the ultimate validation and makes all the effort truly worthwhile.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://demedeiroslaura98.wixsite.com/laura-medeiros-produ
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/producedby_medeiros/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laura-medeiros98/