How Laurel Parmet went from Staff Picks to feature films
"I am sure everyone will say"Just make it happen. Just go make your film.' But it's real," she adds. "Self-doubt is a huge issue and simply as a drain on your energy. The time that you spend contemplating, "Oh you're right, I'm not able to do this and I'll never get it right. There's a chance that you're doing that and be using that to create." We got a an opportunity to speak with Laurel to learn more about her method and her creative evolution. Read on for the full interview.
What's your favorite advice that you've ever gotten?
Laurel: I think the greatest advice I've received is to, when you're not sure, look back at what's interesting and meaningful for me as a storyteller. It's possible to 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 your source of inspiration?
Laurel The truth is, I get inspiration from my work from locations. When I write something that I write, it is really helpful to actually be at the place, no matter where a scene is set. The next one I'm working on is going to be set it in the Oregon coast since I was there visiting and just fell in love with it and thought, "I need to write an action film for this area."
What was it like stepping on set for your first feature?
Lauren: Well, it was a really long process to reach this point. The writing of the script, getting it to an acceptable level, obtaining the money, finding your team. The process should take longer time, because all everything good takes a long time, and great scripts require an extended time to create I believe.
One day on the set of "The Starling Girl" I had the impression that I was going to be jittery and I thought I wasn't sure the right thing to do however, it actually was such a joy that I felt completely at ease and I felt this is the job I was meant to do. It was as if I was riding a bicycle. I re-entered the work with ease, and I just loved it.
What keeps you going?
Laurel: First and foremost that's work. I love being on set as it's my favourite place to be. So, just having that picture in my mind of "Oh, I'll get there." It keeps me going. And I love the process of collaborating, I always desire to be able to create things with my buddies, it's so fun.
Can you describe your Staff Pick experience?
Laurel : Staff Picks, it was pretty much everybody's ambition when I began making shorts and playing at festivals. It feels you're being recognized for what you do and being invited into this community which is full of filmmakers who are part of it that I respect.
What do you make use of in your work?
Lauren The Laurel is the one I use for every thing. Recently, we used the platform while we cut "The Starling Girl," uploading edits to share with everyone. It's honestly the best quality video sharing platform that I've come across, and that's what I like to use.