We had the good fortune of connecting with Juliet Lucas and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Juliet, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
I love being able to bring people together with my art. I think movies that can spur conversations and community are some of the highest forms of artistic experience, and I want to create that as much as possible.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I am constantly growing in my art- I don’t think I will ever be ‘done’ learning. A big opportunity to learn more I saw was taking the leap to direct my first feature film. I am happy I made that decision. It was a lot of work on the production side, but seeing how it all turned out and the final takes we were getting on set made it all worth it. I can’t really describe what it felt like wrapping on our last day- it felt special and exciting, and it also felt like only the start. Despite the amount of work it took to pull off, I don’t feel discouraged or exhausted; I definitely needed a nap, but I’m ready for my next big project.

What is Pen Pals?
Pen Pals is a feature film entirely produced by a student crew. I decided I wanted to make this project in my Junior year, and started preproduction the summer before my senior year. Deciding to make this project was one of the hardest steps; once my producer, Lydia Wills, and I committed to the idea of pulling off a feature film while still in school, we stood our ground on it and just focused on getting the world done to make it happen!
Pen Pals Synopsis
Lindsey, a struggling therapist self-diagnosed with a serious case of imposter syndrome and relationship anxiety, takes over her late grandmother’s pen pal correspondent. Both unable to admit to her loss, and in an attempt to prove her abilities, she forges a connection with one of her grandmother’s old students, leading both of them to find out more about themselves and their relationship needs.
Follow our Instagram to stay updated; the release is planned for 2024!

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I have seen a lot to love in LA, but I really have a special love for the Orange County area. I would say the Source Mall, Seal Beach, and various coffee shops in the area including Cream and Sugar in La Mirada and Enchanted would be my top recommendations.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I would love to shoutout my amazing lead producer, Lydia Wills, who without this project would have never been created.

Website: https://redressproductions.wixsite.com/reddressproductions

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/julietacine/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/juliet-lucas-02511617a/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQmGfE-W6yfTK0bluSXtZsg

Other: Pen Pals Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/penpalsfeature/

Image Credits
Seth Dacio Lydia Lau Micheal Piehl

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutLA is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.