Photo by Alex Cameron
ABOUT
Lauren MIDWINTER is a freelance director working in film and commercials.
Originally from the Midlands (yes, she has that Chatty Cathy Midlander nature), she splits her time between London (where no one talks to each other) and Cornwall (where everyone does). Her work often explores bold subject matters with a sensitive and curious approach. She is drawn to stories that look at social norms through a fresh lens and playful, tongue-in-cheek storytelling.
Lauren trained as a director at Drama Centre London (Central St. Martins) by the formidable theatre director Di Trevis, which is reflected in her performer-centric approach; she encourages talent to feel comfortable and give honest, open performances.
Whilst performance is at the heart of her work, Lauren is very much a visual storyteller. Her use of colour, composition and camera movement thoughtfully invites an audience into the story. It's naturalism with an unexpected, subtle visual twist.
Despite being dyslexic, writing has always accompanied her career (so dyslexic that her own Mum suggested a recount of her GCSE results when she couldn't believe Lauren got an A*). Lauren has worked in writers' rooms and is now developing two features; a dynamic drama about the present-day ripple effects of a past sexual assault and a rom-com set against the housing crisis.
Lauren's films have been screened in worldwide festivals and major online platforms, and her commercial clients include brands like Samsung, NHS and Google. You could also say award-winning film director because what director with a short film isn't? But Lauren would rather not be a cliché, despite being a millennial who works in media with a terrible tattoo and drinks decaf oat flat whites.
This coming year is peppered with scripted projects (including her latest short, 'Tailing'; a woman's rebellion against street harassment), moving towards long-form narrative. She is part of BAFTA Connects (her Mum suggested a recount of this too).
You'll usually find her drinking tea/(oat)flat whites. Or vodka.