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

To make a difference. There is incredible power in storytelling. The media that we create will shape our culture. What are we saying? What do we want the next generation to know? How are we inspiring them? These are the things I think about.

 

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

When I got my acceptance letter to NYU it felt like a real life-changing moment. Growing up in small town Pennsylvania, it felt so right moving to New York. I was blessed with incredible training at Tisch, and living in New York City is a constant education unto itself.

 

3) What is your biggest concern with the future?

Sustainability. Both in the career sense and for our planet.

 

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

Every time I book a job, or create art, it feels like a success. I’ve been blessed with some really wonderful roles on stage and screen. A short I produced is currently available on HBO. It’s called Marisol. I also booked my first co-star on a miniseries last month, so that’s a win. But most days won’t have a concrete win, so you need to figure out what success is for you. This industry can sometimes feel like a negative one so it’s important to celebrate every triumph, no matter how small.

 

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

 

Support each other. Share each other’s work. Hire each other.

 

6) What, if anything, do you collect?

I hadn’t thought of it this way, but I suppose I ‘collect” collaborators. When you find a person that you click with and you work well together, you want to hold onto them. Making art is challenging, and the more you can surround yourself with friends and colleagues, the happier you’ll be on set!

 

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?

I have several film projects in various stages of production, and I’m always looking for good stories to help produce, and complex women characters to play.

My website is http://www.laurensowa.com. Find me there or on all social! Say hi – Let’s collaborate!

IG and Twitter: @laurensowa