1) Why did you decide to get into this industry?

 

 

I’ve wanted to be a filmmaker ever since I can remember. There has never been anything else I thought I would want to do growing up other than telling stories. My favorite toy was my (dad’s) betamax. I would spend all day recording stuff from the tv as well as watching old tapes my dad had recorded. I remember being fascinated by all the effects in the 80’s music videos, as well as seeing creatures like ET and gremlins that only existed in movies.

 

2) What’s a defining moment in your life?

 

Getting a Fulbright scholarship to be able to come to the US for film school, which was my dream. It was the only way I would have been able to study abroad so I’ll always be grateful with this program. Ever since then, my heart has two homes. I love being able to go back and forth between LA and Costa Rica for work.

 

3) What is your biggest concern with the future?

Global warming and world peace …also I’m always concerned about being able to find that next story that will shake my ground and make me want to do nothing but produce it. There are many scripts but not so many that connect with you deeply. With so many things going wrong in the world today I really want to find stories that will inspire people to do something about it, but can also entertain.

 

4) What is a successful moment in your career so far?

 

Having “Entonces Nosotros” (“About Us”) become the Costa Rican contender for the Oscars this year. Also, I feel successful every time that I’m able to go into principal photography with a small independent movie. Because it’s hard!

 

5) What advice do you have for other women in the industry?

 

 

 

To support other women. Whenever we can open a door to another woman, we should do it. We should push each other to become better each day at what we do, guide each other, and help each other gain more confidence, because of course we can do it!

 

 

6) What, if anything, do you collect?

 

 

 

Pictures. When all the family albums and childhood pictures were destroyed by humidity in Costa Rica, I started searching for pictures other family members could have and started digitalizing them. Since there are not that many anymore, I cherish every old picture I can find and collect very much. I also like taking new pictures, which I save and backup, and backup, and backup. …I also collect bikinis 😛

 

7) What are you working on next? In addition, if people want to find out more about you, where can they find you on social media?

 

Instagram: lalalaprod and lalalauritsu

facebook: lalalaprod

My most recent film “Aquí y Ahora” or “Here and Now” in English just got selected in the Viña del Mar International Film Festival Work in Progress. It’s the film’s first festival and hopefully it helps us find support to finish it. I’m also trying to bring productions to Costa Rica. We have amazing locations and it’s just a 5 hr flight from LA.