Meet Lauren Caster | Filmaker & actor

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

Hi Lauren, can you tell us more about your background and the role it’s played in shaping who you are today?Of course! Well, I’m a born and raised Southern Californian, and I owe a tremendous debt of gratitude to my incredible single mom. She’s been my rock from day one. My story is a bit unique because I was conceived through an anonymous sperm donor, so it was just my mom and me from the very beginning. Growing up in a conservative community and not knowing half of my genetic background was an eye-opening experience.

Being raised by a lesbian mother in that environment had a profound impact on me. I couldn’t understand why people judged us. The bigotry and prejudice I encountered as a little girl were astonishing. It’s these experiences that have shaped a lot of the stories I tell through my work. If I can reach even one close-minded person through my films and open their mind, I’d consider it a tremendous success.

I firmly believe that we’re all just humans doing our best in this world. Our sexual orientation, our race – these are just facets of our identities, but beneath it all, we all bleed the same red blood. My hope is that my work can help showcase our shared humanity and promote empathy and understanding.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?

My art, well, it’s deeply personal. Always has been. Even when I’m writing fictional stories, there’s a part of me etched into the very bones of the story. I’m not sure if I know how to write or create anything that doesn’t carry a piece of my soul. Maybe someday I’ll figure that out, but for now, I’m here, squirming in my theater seat as everyone watches a part of me that I’ve vulnerably shared up on the big screen.

Right now, I’m excited that our film, You’re Not Supposed To Be Here, is making its grand premiere on Lifetime this November 4th and available to stream on the Lifetime app starting November 5th. You’re Not Supposed to Be Here is an upcoming LGBTQIA+ thriller that follows an expectant couple as they travel to a remote mountain town on a babymoon. The trip takes a turn when Zoe (Chrishell Stause) starts to feel uncomfortable with how the townspeople are looking at her. Zoe assumes it’s because she’s in a same-sex couple, but quickly discovers there’s something else the locals want from her.

I wrote the story years ago and pitched it as part of a Pitchfest for Emerging Female Filmmakers, hosted by The Wrap and Lifetime. Winning that, especially while I had a newborn baby in one arm and was pitching to executives over Zoom, is something I’m genuinely proud of. But what excites me the most is having the film out there for the world to see. It’s been an incredible journey, and I was deeply involved from the development phase right through to the filming. I had the privilege of shadowing the director throughout the shoot and even served as an associate producer on the film.

Now, I’m gearing up to step into the director’s chair for my very first feature film. It’s a project that’s incredibly personal to me, and I couldn’t be more excited about it. Winning the pitchfest and having that experience under my belt has given me the confidence I needed to take on this new challenge.

I should also mention that being donor-conceived and sharing stories that revolve around LGBTQ+ themes is a big part of who I am and what I create. It’s my world, and it’s a world that should be seen as normal, not unique. But for now, I recognize that it’s a crucial part of my journey and storytelling, and I’m proud to contribute to a more inclusive and accepting world through my work.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.

Oh man. This is hard to sum up but I’ll give it a crack. We’d start with a hike in Malibu, there is a secret spot offering stunning views of canyons on one side and the endless ocean on the other. Afterward, we’d head to Broad Street Oyster Co for mouthwatering lobster rolls and natural wine, all while watching the waves crashing at sunset.

A cinematic double feature would definitely be on the agenda, with a classic movie like Hitchcock at the Aero Theater or another throwback cult film at Vidiots.

Live music definitely, shows at the Hollywood Bowl and the Greek Theatre under the starry night sky. Dancing in the outdoor ambiance. Southern Thai curry at Jitlada while we are on that side of town. After dinner drinks at La Poubelle.

Thrifting for unique treasures would be a must, with visits to the Melrose flea market and the iconic Rose Bowl flea market, perfect for shopping and people-watching. We’d also dive into leisurely book-browsing at Skylight Books.

Comedy nights would be on the itinerary, UCB and the Groundlings, followed by drinks at the Umbrella Co. Nothing like sharing laughs and stories with friends.

A Dodgers game would be in the plans, go Dodgers! Disc golf fun in Echo Park, with the fantastic views. And wrapping it up at Huntington Gardens for some nature, beauty and zen.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?

Absolutely, without a question my mom deserves the first and forever shoutout! I truly owe everything to her and her unwavering support. But it’s not just her; there’s this whole crew of people who’ve played major roles in my journey.

From my wonderful supportive family including my new found family (my bio-Dad’s side!) to my amazing friends, it’s like having this tribe of folks who’ve always had my back, even when my creative endeavors felt like a string of trial and error. And then there are those key mentors who’ve been absolute game-changers. They’ve generously shared their insights, pulled me into transformative conversations, and even let me in on projects I wouldn’t have had access to otherwise. I can’t thank them enough.

You know, being an artist can often feel like a lonely road. But when I look around, there’s this wellspring of love and support that shows up right when I need it most. Big shout-outs to Sharon Chatten, Margie Haber, Vincent D’Onofrio, my rockstar manager David Lillard, and the rest of my incredible team, Jaime Love and Brittany Stone. They’ve been like a lifeline during the tough times.

You know what’s incredibly surreal? When people I look up to compliment me and make me feel truly seen. I’ve got to be honest; I don’t think I’ll ever fully wrap my head around it (so, seriously, don’t stop with the compliments, folks!). Being part of this journey and collaborating with such remarkably gifted individuals is more than an honor; it’s a blessing. I’m not just thankful – I’m honestly overwhelmed by the kindness, care, and passion that surrounds me. It’s these incredible souls that make me who I am today. Without them, I’d be wandering without a map.

I’ve got to give a special nod to The Wrap and Lifetime. Their Pitchfest for emerging female filmmakers was a game-changer, especially for someone like me. It gave me the chance to get behind the scenes, learn the ropes on the job, and see my story come to life from start to finish, just like a network does it. That’s an experience I’ll treasure forever.

But most of all, my partner deserves a big shout-out. His support is unwavering, day in and day out. He’s shown me how to stay calm in situations where I’d naturally freak out. Without him by my side, I wouldn’t have even half the strength to do what I do.

Website: lauren-caster.com

Instagram: @laurencaster

Image Credits
Matt Kallish, Stephanie Nortiz