Meet Lauren Henning | Storyteller

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

Hi Lauren, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
There are so many ways to make an impact in this life; but, for me, storytelling has always been the medium with which I give back. I can’t count how many books, TV shows, and films have given me a place of refuge and acceptance– pure escapism in Gilmore Girls, total rage in Promising Young Woman, heartbreak and inspiration in Dopesick. I have been shaped by stories and I know it’s my purpose to shape others through my own.

This has felt more and more true as I’ve tried on other ‘hats’ in the industry. I wrote & directed my most recent film, Text Me When You Get Home, in addition to acting in it. Based heavily on my own experiences, the film explores the blurry nature of sexual assault and offers an honest look into what it feels like. My team & I have been lucky enough to be featured in six film festivals and have won several awards including Best Women’s Empowerment. But, the most exciting part of this whole experience has been how much it has resonated with others. Everyone had their own ‘Text Me’ story to share. It just became very clear to me then that the gift of sharing a story isn’t just how it makes you feel, but how it can make someone else feel just a little less alone.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I think the biggest thing that sets me apart from other artists is that I just can’t stop myself from doing… everything. I will literally wake up at 3 AM and jot down ideas for an entire 3-season show that I’ve just created in my dream. When I get auditions, I can’t help but spend hours researching every scrap of the production team, deep-diving into the character, and analyzing every detail down to my shade of lipstick. On set, I need to know how everything works from lighting to hair & and make-up. I love every piece of the puzzle.

As for where I ‘am,’ I think for the first time I’m really coming into my own as a creative voice. I’ve been training and working as an artist since I was 11-years-old. I trained at the Academy of Visual & Performing Arts in Bergen County, New Jersey. It was part of this wonderful magnet high school that was divided into several specific academies where students go to focus deeply on their interests ranging from technology to cooking. I basically got a BFA before going to college! I then went on to train at UCLA and later the London Academy of Music & Dramatic Art. But, genuinely, this past summer on set for my film was the first time I really felt ownership of the work I was putting out into the world. I’ve spent a lot of my life creating other people’s visions when I think deep down all I really wanted was to share my own.

The trickiest part about art is that it comes entirely from you. So, if you’re having a bad day, an imposter moment, a wave of self-doubt… it can knock you out if you’re not aware of it. For me, I have been and continue to be my own biggest challenge. So, the greatest lesson I’m learning is just to take care of myself. What you think about yourself and your work is so much more valuable and important than what anyone else thinks.

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.
My favorite spots in LA (& SoCal):

Things to do:
– Wine tasting! For views check out Cielo Farms in Malibu & for fun check out the Blending Lab on West 3rd.
– Museums! Who doesn’t love to learn?! Check out the Griffith Observatory, the Norton Simon in Pasadena, & the Getty Museum.
– Have a bonfire! Because I didn’t grow up here, I missed out on the true SoCal teen experience of bonfires. So, check out Dockweiler to roast some marshmallows.

Where to eat & drink:
– If you’ve got $$$, Nobu in Malibu is truly wild. Such good sushi.
– Grab a baguette & cheese from the Playa Vista farmer’s market and have a picnic!
– For a date night go to Monsieur Marcel in Mid-Wilshire area.

Places to see:
– The beach (my faves are Marina del Rey & Malibu)
– The Grove! I don’t care if it’s tourist-y, I still love it.
– The views from the Santa Monica mountains or Griffith Park Observatory.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I owe so much of my sanity, inspiration, and success to my life & business partner Maggie Jorgenson. We’ve been inseparable since day one at UCLA and she’s gotten me through pretty much everything. From fishing my phone out of a frat house toilet to being the ultimate production manager on “Text Me When You Get Home,” she can literally do it all. She is the world’s best right-hand (wo)man.

Website: https://www.laurenhenning.com/

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

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lauren-henning-8b5824175/

Other: https://www.violentpinkproductions.com/ Trailer for “Text Me When You Get Home”: https://youtu.be/_4ou6Mnsvb4

Image Credits
Bella Saville Photography Leo Sfeir (Cinematography)