Seed and Spark - Living with Models
Lauren was supposed to be the star of a reality show based on her life. However, when her roommates are replaced by models, she soon realizes that it's really her life that is based on a reality show.
Interview with Writer/Producer Lauren Reeder
Main image: Justin Ray, Katie Savoy, Lauren Reeder
Congratulations! Why did you make your film?
Thanks! Well, We (co-writer Jeff Newman and I) started writing the show because I was sick and tired of waiting to get cast in things, so I basically cast myself. I didn't know at the time, that we would have 36 episodes of this thing.
Imagine I’m a member of the audience. Why should I watch this film?
It's a heavy world out there right now. Doesn't everyone want to escape and just watch funny models for a bit?
How do personal and universal themes work in your film?
I think my character starts off as a really self-conscious person, but by the end she really finds her strength. I started off the same way when we began this project and I like to think I've changed for the better.
How have the script and film evolved over the course of their development?
Season 1 was very much improv based and sort of thrown together in a lot of ways. Whereas, Season 3 was very planned out. Not to mention our production value has skyrocketed every season.
What type of feedback have you received so far?
We started on YouTube, sort of just pushing our own product and got a decent amount of views for having no publicity. But, when we landed on Zooey Deschanel's site HelloGiggles, that was our first time really being promoted by a larger site and it was really exciting. People got really excited about the idea of a Season 3, which prompted us to write it and shoot it. And now all three seasons have landed on Seed and Spark, which is so great. I'm excited to find a new audience.
Has the feedback surprised or challenged your point of view?
It has surprised me in a good way. When we set out to make it, we didn't know what was going to happen. We were just having fun and doing what made us laugh. So, it's nice to know that other people can enjoy it too.
What are you looking to achieve by having your film more visible on www.wearemovingstories.com?
Well, I love that you guys are promoting female-driven work. It's so important. I'm honored to be included in that category.
Who do you need to come on board (producers, sales agents, buyers, distributors, film festival directors, journalists) to amplify this film’s message?
I'd say, for now, we are looking to find a new audience through Seed and Spark. But I've always thought it would make a great television show. Hint hint. Nudge nudge.
What type of impact and/or reception would you like this film to have?
Hopefully laughter. And the possibility of getting to work with my friends again in any capacity.
What’s a key question that will help spark a debate or begin a conversation about this film?
What are the positives and negatives of producing your own work?
Would you like to add anything else?
I think we've just about covered everything.
What other projects are the key creatives developing or working on now?
Jeff and I are working together and editing a pilot that I wrote.
Interview: February 2018
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We Are Moving Stories embraces new voices in drama, documentary, animation, TV, web series, music video, women's films, LGBTIAQ+, scifi, horror, world cinema. If you have just made a film - we'd love to hear from you. Or if you know a filmmaker - can you recommend us? More info: Carmela
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Living with Models
Lauren was supposed to be the star of a reality show based on her life. However, when her roommates are replaced by models, she soon realizes that it's really her life that is based on a reality show.
Length: 36 Episodes (a little under 3 hrs total)
Director: Jeff Newman
Producer: Lauren Reeder
Writer: Lauren Reeder and Jeff Newman
About the writer, director and producer:
Co-Writers: Lauren Reeder and Jeff Newman met in the Drama Department at the University of California, Irvine. After graduating, Lauren pitched the idea of Living with Models to Jeff based on her life in Los Angeles, and it was all history from there.
Director: Jeff Newman currently works as a video editor in animation at ABC Mouse.
Executive Producer: Lauren Reeder is an actress and writer working on numerous comedy sketches and pilots. She is about to shoot a horror feature that she wrote.
Key cast:
Lauren Reeder, Katie Savoy, Justin Ray, Jordan James Smith, Peter Porte, Tim Chiou, Devin Fearn, Victoria Park, Teri Polo, Tracie Thoms
Looking for (producers, sales agents, buyers, distributors, film festival directors, journalists): Journalists
Social media handles:
Lauren Reeder - Twitter: @laurenmreeder Instagram: @reederlauren
Katie Savoy - Instagram: @katie_savoy
Justin Ray - Twitter: @jus2nray Instagram: @jus2nray
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/livingwithmodels
Twitter: @LivingwModels
Instagram: @livingwithmodels
Other: website: www.livingwithmodels.com
Funders: Kickstarter
Where can I watch it next and in the coming month?
Living With Models | Seed&Spark
https://www.seedandspark.com/watch/living-with-models