Daily Inspiration: Meet Lauren Caster
Today we’d like to introduce you to Lauren Caster.
Step into the vibrant world of Lauren Caster, a captivating LA-based filmmaker and actor who’s reshaping the landscape of LGBTQ+ storytelling. Her journey is a testament to the indomitable spirit of creativity, where personal experiences and influential mentors have woven a tale of cinematic brilliance.
Lauren, welcome! Can you kick things off with an introduction to yourself and your journey?
Of course! Well, my journey into the world of filmmaking is deeply intertwined with my personal experiences and the incredible mentors who have guided me along the way. Before becoming a filmmaker, I spent a decade working as an actress in the industry, gaining insights and lessons that would later shape my creative vision.
My initial step into filmmaking led to the creation of my short film, “Donor Baby.” This project was deeply personal, as it drew from my own life experiences as someone conceived through donor insemination. After its completion, the film enjoyed a successful run at various film festivals and eventually found a home on Amazon Prime, where it can still be viewed today. However, it was a pivotal phone call from one of my mentors, someone I deeply respected within the industry, that truly propelled me forward. After watching “Donor Baby,” this mentor reached out to me with words of encouragement and validation, igniting my determination to continue down the path of filmmaking.
A remarkable journey indeed! What were some of the obstacles you encountered along the way?
Making films is an amazing yet very challenging adventure, and let me tell you, it wasn’t always smooth sailing, especially in the beginning. As I mentioned earlier, creating my first film was a significant undertaking, and I gotta admit, it was far from a seamless process. If it weren’t for that pivotal phone call from one of my mentors I mentioned earlier, I might have considered giving up on filmmaking altogether. That encouragement and belief in me made all the difference.
Like most filmmakers, I’ve encountered numerous obstacles throughout my journey. Whether it’s the logistical complexities of production, financial constraints, or the ever-present artistic challenges, each project brings its own set of hurdles. However, I’ve come to realize that when you’re passionate about a story and believe in its importance, you find a way to overcome any obstacle that comes your way. It’s this unwavering determination that has allowed me to navigate the challenging moments and push forward, ensuring that the stories I hold dear are brought to life on the screen. So, while the road may not always be smooth, my passion and dedication to storytelling have always been my guiding lights through the darkest moments.
Your dedication is truly inspiring. Can you tell us more about your latest project, “You’re Not Supposed to Be Here”?
Yes! I’m incredibly proud of “You’re Not Supposed to Be Here,” which is set to premiere on November 4th. It’s a thrilling film starring Chrishell Stause and Diora Baird as a lesbian couple on a babymoon in a secluded mountain town.
The concept for “You’re Not Supposed to Be Here” originated from my story and creative vision, it follows the journey of Zoe (Stause) and Kennedy (Baird), an expectant couple who are granted a much-needed break from their hectic lives when Kennedy’s boss entrusts them with a key to a cabin nestled in the woods. However, their idyllic getaway takes a nightmarish turn when they are met with a less-than-warm welcome from the town’s residents. Zoe’s instincts prompt her to raise concerns about homophobia while Kennedy tries to defuse the situation. But just as they begin to let their guards down, their peaceful retreat takes a sinister twist. They realize that they are woefully unprepared for the hidden secrets of the town and that the townspeople are after something they possess.
What makes this project profoundly meaningful to me is my background. As someone who was donor-conceived and raised by a lesbian mother, I recognize the importance of diversity and representation in storytelling. But what’s even cooler about this project is that it’s breaking new ground by featuring LGBTQ+ representation in a thrilling narrative. On Lifetime! I couldn’t be happier to be part of it. I fully understand the significance of this moment in my filmmaking journey, and it fuels my passion to continue pushing boundaries and breaking new ground in filmmaking.
That sounds like an incredible project with a powerful message. Can you share a fond memory from your childhood that led you on this filmmaking journey?
One of my all-time favorite childhood memories is the time my step-siblings and I got our hands on a camcorder. We went all-in on recreating scenes from movies like Monty Python, and let me tell you, our version of the ‘puke scene’ from ‘The Meaning of Life’ was, um, unforgettable. Let’s just say it involved homemade “puke” and the TV. Sorry, Mom(s)!
These moments of cinematic playfulness and collaboration ignited my early fascination with storytelling and the magic of the visual medium. Little did I know that these childhood adventures would eventually evolve into a lifelong passion for filmmaking, propelling me on the creative journey that I’m on today.
What a fun and vivid memory! Your journey has been shaped by a deep love for storytelling from the very beginning. Thank you for sharing your inspiring journey with us, Lauren.
