What was the process by which Laurel Parmet went from Staff Picks to feature films
"I am sure everyone will say, 'Just do it. Make your movie.' But it's real," she adds. "Self-doubt is very significant and simply as a drain on your energy. The time that you spend thinking, 'Ah you're right, I'm not able to do this it, I'll never get it right.' You could be using that, I could use it to develop." We got the chance to sit down with Laurel to find out more about her method and her creative evolution. Read on for the full interview.
What's the most helpful advice you've ever received?
Laurel: I think the greatest advice I've received is to, when you're not sure, return to what's exciting and what is meaningful to me as a storyteller. You can easily get kind of caught up on industry issues, but in the end, at the end day, it's just since I'm passionate about telling stories. It's a kind of my North Star.
Where do you get the source of inspiration?
Laurel Truthfully, I get inspiration from my work by observing locations. While writing that I write, it is really helpful to physically be in that location, even where a film is set. For my next novel will be put it on the Oregon coast since I was there visiting and just fell in love with the place and said, "I need to write an action film for this area."
What was it like stepping on set for your first feature?
Lauren: It was a really long process to get there. Writing the script and getting it into the right place, getting the funds, and finding your team. And it should take a lengthy time since good things take a long time and good scripts take a long time to write, I think.
The first day I was on set for "The Starling Girl," I thought that I was going to be jittery and think I didn't know what I was doing however, it actually was such a joy and I was so relaxed and knew this is the job I was meant to do. It was as if I was riding a bicycle. It was like I could get back to the job really easily and was enthralled.
What motivates you to keep going?
Lauren: First and foremost It's about the work. I am a fan of being on the set, it's my favorite place to be. That's why, having an picture in my mind of "Oh, I'll get there." I think is what keeps me focused. Also, I am a fan of working with others, I desire to be able to create something with my friends, it's so fun.
Can you describe your Staff Pick experience?
The Laurel : Staff Picks, that was very much everyone's goal when I was producing shorts and taking part in festivals. You feel like you're getting noticed by the people who appreciate your work. You're accepted into the community that so many filmmakers have a place that I respect.
How do you use within your job?
Lauren is what I use for everything. Recently, we were using when we were cutting "The Starling Girl," uploading edits to share with everyone. This is by far the most high-quality video sharing service I've encountered so it's the one I prefer to make use of.