We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Lauren B Martin a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Lauren B , appreciate you joining us today. Can you open up about a risk you’ve taken – what it was like taking that risk, why you took the risk and how it turned out?
As a creative ,we take risks all the time right , what we do is risky.However creating a project and getting it made ,brings on a whole other level of risk taking. I have written and produced and starred in two of my own projects .Convincing talented people to trust me ,jump in the creative waters with me, and trust the process. Not for the faint of heart .Everything is on the line .”You are not special ” and “Reality sets in’ were loaded with life lessons . Standing in your own light is scary and yet incredibly exciting and empowering. One project I lost a partner in the middle .A costar took his life and I had been hit by a cab all while trying to stay the course. The next project had it’s issues ,personality conflicts,stalled progress. After completion two major surgeries for me ,as I was sick with no diagnosis during the entire process. Our incredible investor passed away ,and the project sat . My partner Scott and I completely at a loss. A pandemic , prayers and time on my hands ,I took another risk and asked for help.We were able to get “Reality sets in ” streaming on Amazon . This year we received several Indie Series nominations.’You are not Special ” is currently being revistsed …. Never give up , take the risk , bet on yourself always.
Lauren B , before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
My career started in modeling as a teenager . My first big break was being scouted for the Cosby show . Later being signed to a production contract with one of Boston’s biggest management companies along with NKOTB . My career weaved in and out of acting , singing and modeling until my first television contract with Another World , then As the World Turns, Guilding Light and All My Children. I have been blessed to appear on many shows and in many films .Even a few awards along the way . I have voiced some fun roles and you most likely have heard my voice on your T.V. in the background . I am thrilled to have some great projects percolating and returning to ANACOSTIA and PAPER EMPIRE . laurenbmartin.com is packed with great clips and current articles and awards.
Do you think there is something that non-creatives might struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can shed some light?
To be a creative ,again we can use that word risk . It’s not a safe choice .Often it can appear to be a thankless career. Non creativesTdon’t understand the process. Auditioning ,pitching a project .How rare the moments are . How many people never even get in the room and are incredibly talented. How many almost yes’s can be a turning point in your career. It can appear to be an unrequited love , however the truth is ,that love is in an artists heart already. We all want to feel special from the moment we realize the warm fuzzy that comes with being gifted with a talent ,any talent.Chosing to put it all on the line and continuiously bet on hope and luck and your own talent takes courage. Everyone can live a little bigger , bolder. Ask the man out .Take that dance class. Paint your door magenta.Say no,to what doesn’t serve your spirit,say yes to your best self .Every audition we get , we stand infront of a camera ,we make our creative choices and try our damndest and then hit send .Releasing into the universe ,knowing we did our best .You have to live every day that way .Show up and give it your all .All it takes is one yes .
What can society do to ensure an environment that’s helpful to artists and creatives?
I want to see more women behind the camera. More education offered in inner cities focusing on careers in film and television .Teaching the business of entertainment .Painting a landscape that shows diversity .Children need to see themselves represented to dream big things. We are a visual society , and art can heal and educate in tandem.
Contact Info:
- Website: laurenbmartin.com
- Instagram: laurenbmartin also larenb6828
- Facebook: lauren b martin
Image Credits
Thomas Concordia photography