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

Hi Rebecca, what inspires you?
In short: people. It’s nothing new and it might even be a little cliched, but hearing people’s stories, whether it be anecdotes, life events, or gossip, is what gets my creative juice flowing. With the access to stories across different cultures we have today, information is constantly being thrown at us, and sometimes it’s easy to forget that life is still as important when we aren’t participating in something that feels big.

I’m a strong believer that inspiration is something you train. Spending time each day reflecting and taking in what we’re going through is a good way of keeping that muscle active. Travels, lunch with friends, calls with family, reading, writing… it’s all food for the soul, but even struggling to get out of bed or getting overwhelmed because you can’t find your wallet for the third time today has the potential to be source of inspiration. I realized in the past couple years that I was trying to collect moments that seemed like a big deal as my core memories and as my “inspiration,” but smaller, seemingly insignificant moments often end up being full of meaning.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Like for many other artists, getting anywhere isn’t easy. You have to prove to yourself that this is what you should be doing every step of the way, and you have a career that has no direct path to follow. That being said, I enjoyed the ride to get to where I am today. Coming from an acting background, I thought I would have a career in front of the camera, but as soon as I started directing, I recognized the feeling I’d been looking for in all creative endeavors. There’s something so wonderful about planning everything with such depth and then having someone on your team (an actor, a cinematographer, a designer, you name it) say something that changes everything. It’s both challenging and rewarding in all the best ways.

As of very recently, I hold a masters degree from the American Film Institute Conservatory with a focus on producing. Once I felt comfortable directing, I thought I should learn how movies actually get made. Despite having to hold off on directing as much as I would have otherwise for those two years, I got to embrace a field that fits my personality and my curiosity quite well. I came out with a clearer understanding of what I need to do in order to get a film made, and with a stronger sense of collaboration with my fellow filmmakers.

As I mentioned when discussing inspiration, I’m someone who loves the little things. Not in a scented candle and fuzzy socks sense, but more in seeing how a passing conversation or gesture can entirely shift a relationship, for better or for worse. My writing certainly focuses on that, and my directing does, too. It seems to be what people who read my scripts notice the most: I love and forgive all my characters because they do small things that had consequences they could have prevented but didn’t anticipate.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
A few friends and family have come to visit me in LA over the past couple years, and it’s always been such a treat! Time permitting, we go to all my favorite outdoor spots: the alcove beaches above Malibu (El Matador Beach, Point Dume, and hike at Escondido Falls), Joshua Tree (and especially the oasis near the South entrance), and drive around the Angeles National Forest.

Food is a big part of my love language, so we’d go to one of the many LA farmers markets to grab plenty of produce and transform them into a feast. I’d probably also take them to Playita Mariscos for lunch, and Kombu Sushi in Silver Lake for a nice dinner. We’d definitely meet up with my friends at the bars we tend to frequent: 4100 or Bar Flores. I’d try to end the trip by popping by Gjusta to have a picnic and watch the sun set in Santa Monica. What makes a better trip than great sights and good food?

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?
I have been so incredibly lucky to have strong support throughout my journey, and especially my creative one. My mother is an incredible artist (@fanny_lechevalier_l) who showed me that things that catch our eye often do because they have deeper meaning than we expect. I would also mention my partner, who kept me sane during my graduate studies. I was surrounded by dear friends who were as engaged in their creative endeavors as I was and showed me that finding a community that truly matches your energy is possible, but Ben reminded me that it’s okay to close your laptop and escape to Joshua Tree or a National Forest every once in a while. I needed that reminder and never regretted taking a trip!

Website: rebeccalafon.com

Instagram: rebecca_l_lafon

Image Credits
Leo Behrens Ilayda Cetinkaya Hannah Getz Emma Hampsten Peter “Mack” McCollough

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.