Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Laurie Gardiner. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Laurie, 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.

Reflecting on my USC days, I wish I would’ve made more of my own film projects. If I could turn back time, I’d have been a weekend filmmaker, unfazed by budget or project size. After all, learning through trial and error is the craft’s lifeblood! To budding creators, my counsel is simple: progress thrives on constant creation, even amidst constraints. So embrace experimentation, build a robust network, study fervently, and have unyielding commitment, no matter the limitations.

Laurie, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I am Laurie J. Gardiner – a Writer, Director and Musician who creates music-driven dramas for film and television. My academic foundation was laid at Oakwood University, where I earned my music degrees in Music Education and Performance. During those formative years and beyond, I had the privilege of performing both domestically and internationally for over 10 years as an Opera Singer. However, I was always passionate about filmmaking and in 2015, I took the leap and applied to the University of Southern California’s School of Cinematic Arts, marking a pivotal moment that would shape my career.

I was accepted into the program and went on to earn my MFA in Film and Television Production. This marked the moment when I set out to weave my two great loves, music and film, into a harmonious tapestry of storytelling. My overarching goal has always been to create narratives with strong musical elements that delve into the heart of societal issues. Mental health, social injustice, and the often overlooked challenges faced by those with invisible disabilities have been central themes in my work.
The inception of Laurelwood Studios was a significant milestone in my journey, and in 2022, we unveiled our debut short film, “Remedial.” This project has garnered recognition at prestigious film festivals, including the Oscar-qualifying LA Shorts, BronzeLens Film Festival, and the Pan African Film Festival. Its reach extended further through distribution on Aspire TV and its affiliate networks and YouTube’s Omeleto.

Yet, beyond the accolades and achievements, I find my greatest pride in creating a safe haven for fellow filmmakers to explore their true selves while weaving these vital narratives. I’ve had the privilege of witnessing the profound, life-altering effects of storytelling, how it has the power to not only spark essential conversations within our communities but also to foster empathy, understanding, and change.

As I look ahead, I’m filled with anticipation. There are countless more stories waiting to be told, lives yet to be touched, and conversations ready to blaze trails toward lasting transformation. Each project released under the Laurelwood banner is an opportunity to ignite the spark of change, and I’m committed to continuing this journey – illuminating the path with narratives that resonate, provoke, and inspire.

Have any books or other resources had a big impact on you?

As a filmmaker, ‘The War of Art’ by Steven Pressfield has been a transformative guide in my journey. While its core message revolves around the creative process, its wisdom extends seamlessly to entrepreneurship.

Pressfield brilliantly identifies resistance as the arch-nemesis of every artist and entrepreneur alike. Resistance takes many forms, from writer’s block to self-doubt, and it’s the relentless force that can derail our creative and entrepreneurial pursuits.

This book has been my steadfast companion in my filmmaking and entrepreneurial endeavors. It has taught me invaluable lessons about discipline, persistence, and facing resistance head-on. Filmmaking, like entrepreneurship, is fraught with challenges, from securing funding to navigating the ever-evolving industry landscape. Recognizing and conquering resistance has become a crucial part of my toolkit.

I now view creative blocks and business setbacks not as insurmountable obstacles but as opportunities for growth and innovation. It has cemented my belief that success is a product of unwavering commitment and consistent effort and it enabled me to harness my creativity and entrepreneurial spirit to their fullest potential.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

Shortly after graduating in 2018, I embarked on my career journey, only to be met with unforeseen challenges, including the onset of a global pandemic and a Writer’s/SAG strike.

Navigating through these unprecedented obstacles was no small feat, but it was during these trying times that I truly discovered the depth of my resilience. I often found myself questioning my path and the seemingly insurmountable hurdles in my way. However, I always returned to my core motivation—my passion for storytelling and my unwavering belief that I was where I was supposed to be even if the destination didn’t match the directions on my map.

This belief became my anchor, keeping me grounded and pushing me to persevere. I came to understand that the path to success is rarely a straight line; it’s filled with twists, turns, and unexpected detours. But it’s precisely these challenges that shape us into stronger, more resilient individuals.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.lauriejgardiner.com
• Instagram: @lauriejgardiner
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/laurelwoodstudios
• Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/lauriejgardiner

Image Credits
Image #8 was shot by Leef Parks at the Micheaux Film Festival