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

Hi Nikki, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?

I’ve always loved creating stories. Ever since I was able to speak, I was crafting stories – from creating dramatic scenarios with Barbies and The Sims, to writing and performing in comedy sketches with my sister and friends – it’s 100% been in my blood since the beginning.

In the early years of my acting/writing career, I had been accustomed to waiting around for others to let me tell their stories (aka auditioning). We all know what the competitions like in this business – especially in areas like LA/NYC – needless to say it was a win-some/lose-a-lot situation. I had began writing my own material during dead times in order to feed the creative beast. When the world stood still in 2019/2020, I began writing my first feature length screenplay “Baggage Claim” – a story about estranged siblings that have to go on a body identification road trip, while facing their mental/emotional baggage – and a beautifully wacky cast of characters. When auditions slowly started back up in early 2021, I met screenwriter Rick Hansberry. I auditioned for a project he’d written and shared some feedback on the character I was reading for, and he then asked me to actually look at another script of his and work on it together. We clicked on nearly every level. Thus started our writing partnership! I decided to bring forth my baby – Baggage Claim – to see if we could develop her from something good into something great – what we ended up with was beyond fantastic.

Getting this movie made became the upmost priority and the obvious next step. Rather than stick to the old methods of waiting, I jumped right on it and decided to produce the film myself. With my background in production/acting/business/marketing/being a human Swiss army knife, it kind of seemed like a no-brainer. After getting gassed up with confidence from the best people/support system I could surround myself with, I grabbed every resource I could to understand what I was getting into and soaked up all of the advice I could from Rick and other incredible individuals whom have helped along the way. If I was going to do this, I wanted to do it right and I wanted to do it well. Thus, in February 2022, Little Pinwheel Productions was born.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.

My art is my soul. I put a piece of myself in every bit of art I produce, whether it be a written work, painting, photo, film, character, etc. I think that’s why I am able to dabble in so many different mediums of art and areas of the industry – the passion to create is always there. That’s why I’m really excited to share my first feature film “Baggage Claim” with everyone – it’s my blood, sweat, and tears (figuratively and literally) – from top to bottom it is my beautiful baby.

I got to be where I am today because I never gave up on myself. I kept going. I used the adversities I’ve faced in life to better myself, to tell my story. I’d almost say I even embraced the struggles. Was it easy? Hell no. Coping with trauma in itself is not easy, let alone turning it into art. But rarely is something interesting easily attained.

I overcame my personal struggles through continuing to create my art through the tears, if you will. And also surrounding myself with people who actually get me – you know what I mean? Those are the best lessons I’ve learned thus far. Never stop creating, value your art and have an inner circle. Hell, even an inner plane is fine, as long as you have someone that you can connect with on that level. We need people who truly get us and can validate our feelings and experiences – because outsiders most of the time just don’t get it!

What do I want the world to know about me and my story? That I plan to stay a while and have a lot of stories to tell. I want the world to know that I’m here – and they better get used to it.

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.
For the best time in LA, here are my recommendations: Norms, a classic spot for great coffee (either straight black or a mocha with oat milk for me) to start you off. Next, take a lovely trek at Trebek Open space for some killer views if its a lovely day OR you can head to Universal Studios (I am a certified adrenaline junkie) and check out the new Nintendo World! Maybe for a more lax afternoon, head to down to Venice beach of course for grade-A people watching (and you can be like “Hey! I recognize that building from GTA!”, which is always fun). I am also a museum buff, and let me tell you, The Natural Museum of Los Angeles County is a must IMO. The nature gardens there are really beautiful, too! More food places to go to which I love are Sushi Dan (also fun for me because my cat’s name is Dan), great Italian at Little Trattoria 25, and my favorite cuisine, bar food (lol), can be found at none other than 33 Taps Silver Lake – also an excellent place to grab a beer and have a good night.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?

Oh man – my eyes are welling up with tears just thinking about them all. Sorry, I have to give each a shout! First, I have to thank my mum. My strength, grit, and strive to never quit are all due to her. She has never once stopped believing in or loving me unconditionally. I am who I am because of her. Next – my husband. My incredible partner who brings light into my life. This man has seen me on my brightest and darkest days, and has completely supported my dreams since day one. There’s also my incredible friends – my chosen family. I am forever indebted to them. I have, truly, the best of the best friends. Their support and love is worth its weight in gold, two fold. Then of course, Mr. Rick Hansberry – without him, I never would have advanced to be where I am today. Lastly, I have to give it up for everyone whom helped bring “Baggage Claim” to life – the cast, the crew, my family, and of course everyone above already mentioned.

God, I just love you all. Thank you. Forever, thank you and know I have endless love for you.

Website: https://nikkineurohr.com/

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

Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/nikki-lyn-neurohr

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC4XPMc8C8dVwWv4lwtzhszQ

Other: IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm8578221/ ACTORS ACCESS: https://resumes.actorsaccess.com/NikkiNeurohr COMPANY SITE: http://littlepinwheelproductions.com/

Image Credits
SPENCER DANIEL

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