Meet Natalie Lomske | Writer, Director, & Content Creator

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

Hi Natalie, let’s start by talking about what inspires you?
When developing an idea for a film, I am inspired by our diverse world, the beauty in nature, and music. I spend a fair amount of time outside, exploring the various beaches, hiking trails, and national parks the United States offers. For example, I recently wrote a film set in Northern Michigan at the Sleeping Bear National Lakeshore. I have been exploring that area since I was a child, and the beauty of the dunes inspired me to write a coming-of-age story about a girl whose journey climbing the tall, daunting dunes helps her find the acceptance of others and self-acceptance. When it comes to music, live music inspires me the most, and I think my audience can see a hint of my fascination with live music in my work. Live music, especially, can be compellingly mystical, cathartic, and transformative. I attend concerts frequently, and this environment inspires me to create. One of the projects I’m currently writing follows a group of music venue employees and the influence a historic concert hall has on their lives.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My creativity blossomed towards the end of high school when the drama club performed a stage play I wrote. Until then, I contemplated pursuing a career in medical research, but once I saw the impact of my creative work and the intrigue it evoked, I started to see how art can inspire others to make a change in the world. Filmmaking, specifically, can reach viewers all across the globe, bringing people together that are so far apart, and that is one aspect of filmmaking that inspired me to start my business.

Once I started studying film production, screenwriting, and creative writing at the University of Michigan, I began honing my skills. Since graduating, I have focused on creating films that showcase disabled and non-disabled characters from diverse backgrounds. Through my work, I strive to show disabled people living everyday lives and how they creatively navigate challenges associated with their unique disabilities. Outside of scripted work, I develop video content for my YouTube channel that explores the range of accessibility within the travel and entertainment industries.

Since childhood, I have had a passion for photography, writing, and filmmaking, and I couldn’t see myself pursuing any other career path. I enjoy introducing people to different perspectives, and I think art is the most compelling way of doing so. My everlasting interest in art is why I’ve pursued a career as a writer, director, and content creator. I want my art to facilitate discussions and encourage people to interact with each other.

While pursuing my career, I have encountered many instances where a program, film set, bathroom, or venue was not wheelchair accessible, and therefore my ability to participate was limited. As a disabled artist, I have had many discussions with people about accessibility in the entertainment industry so that disabled individuals like myself have equal opportunities. Thankfully, entertainment industry members are becoming more aware of the importance of removing architectural and physical barriers that prevent people with disabilities from being able to access artistic and employment opportunities.

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.
After picking my friend up from LAX, we’d swing by Tu Madre for dinner. They have some of the best, unique burritos in town, in my opinion. The spice-to-rice ratio is on point, and the ingredients mingle traditional favors with an eclectic twist. We’d probably stay in for the night and watch a movie before heading to bed early to rise before it gets too hot outside and hike Runyon Canyon. Runyon is one of my favorite hiking spots in Los Angeles because the view of the city is breathtaking, and the paved path is wheelchair accessible. My dog also loves hiking there since he sees many of his dog friends! After that, we’d get breakfast at Swingers Diner. This restaurant’s unique, vibrant 1960s diner-style interior has a groovy vibe. They have a delicious breakfast menu featuring the best French toast in the city and a tasty peanut butter banana milkshake. We’d probably spend the rest of the day meandering through Melrose’s fantastic second-hand and boutique stores before grabbing some sushi for dinner.

At some point during my friend’s trip, we would also have to hike in Griffith Park near the abandoned zoo ruins. Eating pizza at Price Street Pizzeria for lunch is also a must since they have the best Detroit-style pizza in Los Angeles. I also love to eat at Open Sesame for dinner since their Mediterranean food is delicious. We would also have to explore the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures in its entirety. Then, we would head across the street to the Petersen Automotive Museum to check out the Cars of Film and Television exhibit. We would also grab tickets to a show at the historic Troubadour since the venue showcases phenomenal artists and it has a cozy, sociable, nostalgic atmosphere. We would also visit Santa Monica, rent a motorized sand wheelchair from Perry’s Cafe and Beach Rentals, and spend a day there. We’d also check out the paved path along Venice Beach and the shops and artist booths. The list of places to explore in Los Angeles is endless!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I want to thank the many mentors I have had over the years including my University of Michigan professors Laura Thomas and Jim Burnstein and my Boston University professors Garland Waller, Michael Loman, and Kam Miller. I also want to thank the directors that have mentored me over the years for their advice and support.  Also, without the support of my family, friends, community, and clients, there is a good chance I would have never taken on an artistic career path, and I wouldn’t be where I am today.

Website: natalielomske.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/natlomske14/

Youtube: www.youtube.com/@natalielomske

Image Credits
Cameron J. Romero and jr foto