Laura Hunter Drago On The Five Things You Need To Shine In The Entertainment Industry

Your success has nothing to do with your self-worth as a human being. Many arbitrary things impact how your work is received that have nothing to do with who you are. You can’t fully grasp that when you’re 20, but it’s important.

I had the pleasure of talking with Laura Hunter Drago. Laura, a multifaceted creative from Northern Virginia, has established herself as a notable figure in the entertainment industry through her diverse roles as an actress, producer, writer, and director. Drago, who grew up in a small town, describes her childhood as marked by shyness, a trait that initially seemed at odds with her eventual career in the performing arts. Despite this, she was drawn to acting, which led her to pursue a degree at NYU before moving to Los Angeles to embark on a decade-long career of auditions and minor acting roles.

Feeling creatively unfulfilled by the limited scope of her acting roles, Drago transitioned into producing and writing, seeking more control over the creative process. This shift was highlighted by her first major project as a producer, “To the New Girl,” a feature film that boasted an all-female cast and crew. The project not only allowed Drago full creative oversight but also aligned with her commitment to providing opportunities for emerging talents within the industry.

Drago’s recent work includes creating, writing, directing, and voice acting in “The Crime at Camp Ashwood,” a mystery podcast series. The series, which won the 2023 Austin Film Festival Audio Fiction Award, explores themes of friendship, first loves, and the long-lasting impact of secrets through a narrative that oscillates between the past and present. The podcast’s structure and thematic exploration draw comparisons to the series “Yellow Jackets,” effectively engaging audiences with its intricate storytelling.

Outside her creative endeavors, Drago has experienced both the highs and lows of the film industry, sharing anecdotes such as a memorable audition mishap involving a permanent marker which taught her the importance of resilience and letting go of mistakes — a vital lesson in the often unforgiving entertainment world.

Looking ahead, Drago is poised to direct a short film she wrote, scheduled for production in August, marking her first foray into live-action directing. Additionally, she is developing an indie Christmas mystery feature set in her home state of Virginia, further demonstrating her dedication to diversifying her professional portfolio and challenging herself with new genres and formats.

Beyond her professional achievements, Drago is deeply committed to elevating women’s stories and rights. She is particularly focused on providing support and opportunities for young women in the industry, reflecting her belief in the power of storytelling to shape narratives and influence societal perceptions. Drago’s work often centers on themes of self-discovery and personal narrative, which she considers vital for individuals, particularly women, in navigating the complexities of modern life.

Laura Hunter Drago’s journey from a shy child in a small town to a dynamic force in the entertainment industry highlights her evolution as a creative and an advocate for women, making her a distinguished figure in her field and a catalyst for change in the broader narrative landscape.

Laura, it’s a delight and an honor to meet you. Before we dive in deep, our readers would love to learn about your personal origin story. Can you share the story of your childhood and how you grew up?

Sure. I grew up in a little town in Northern Virginia, very small town vibes. I was really shy, had to be encouraged to answer questions in class. Teachers used to give me candy if I could answer a question. I was painfully shy as a child.

Somehow, I decided I wanted to be an actress, which surprised people. I went to NYU for acting and lived in New York for a while, then moved to LA and auditioned for a decade. I realized I had spent my life saying other people’s words and auditioning for bit parts like a barista with two lines. So I wasn’t really creatively fulfilled, which is why I got into producing and writing to have more control. I’m finding I really enjoy doing those things.

Amazing. You probably have some fascinating stories from your filmmaking and acting careers. Can you share one or two that personify your career or life?

Sure. Probably the biggest turning point was the first feature film I produced, “To the New Girl.” It had an all-female cast and crew. It was the first time I had full creative control over a project. For many, it was their first feature too — the cinematographer, some directors and actors.

It was a big realization that I enjoyed giving opportunities to others. Because I had been auditioning as an actor for so long, being frustrated, it was so rewarding to cast people and have them excited about it, to give opportunities to others.

Okay, amazing answer. It’s been said our mistakes can be our greatest teachers. Do you have a humorous mistake story when starting as an actor or filmmaker, and the lesson you learned?

Oh, there are a lot from acting. Being an actor, you’re so vulnerable. One of my first LA auditions, I was nervous about the area, driving, parking — it was all stressful.

Part of the audition involved writing on a whiteboard while acting. Somehow I picked out a Sharpie from the marker cup. I did my audition in front of the other actors, which is unusual. At the end, I tried to erase what I wrote and realized it was in Sharpie. I apologized, joking maybe they had to cast me now since it was permanent! Obviously, I didn’t book it.

The lesson was I had to move on from mistakes and let them go, which you need to do constantly in this industry when you’re putting yourself out there all the time. It wasn’t my fault they had Sharpies in the marker cup. You have to learn to let things go.

That’s a great story. So what exciting projects are you working on now or in the near future?

The latest is an audio fiction podcast called “The Crime at Camp Ashwood.” That script won the Austin Film Festival last fall. It’s my first thing I wrote myself that I’ve put out there, so it’s exciting to get feedback after the series finale aired recently.

Next, I have a short film I wrote that I’m hoping to direct in August — my first live-action directing gig. I just got a producer on board.

I also have a low-budget Christmas mystery feature I wrote that I’m hoping to get funding for in the next year to shoot in my home state of Virginia. That script is up for awards at the Northern Virginia Film Festival next week.

I’m trying to get momentum and keep going to the next thing while learning on my feet, since I’ve never directed live action before.

It’s impressive. We love stories where someone further ahead opens a door, creating an opportunity that changes a career or life. Do you have a story like that?

I can’t pinpoint a specific person, but when I started writing with the women who ran the website “Ms. In The Biz,” that community was so welcoming. Many had similar journeys, starting as actors then becoming producers, writers, etc. Some had made 10 films or huge projects.

They inspired me to realize I could do those things too. It wasn’t a celebrity holding the door, but women a step or two ahead encouraging me and showing “you can do this.” That community was probably the biggest one for me.

Thank you. This is our signature question: Looking back to when you started, do you have five things you wish somebody told you then that you know now?

1. Don’t wait for permission to make things, especially now with phones and podcasting having a lower barrier to entry. Just start putting your work out there if you want to create. Don’t wait for someone to allow you, or you may wait forever.

2. When networking, don’t chase stars and ask famous people for things. Instead, make genuine connections with people at your level or one step above, like actual friends also creating work. Famous people often can’t actually help, especially in acting where they don’t control casting.

3. Find ways to take care of yourself — self-care and financial stability. Longevity is key, so have something sustaining you while making time for creative work and general happiness.

4. Schedule time weekly completely separate from your career — lunch with a friend, Zooming family, etc.

5. Your success has nothing to do with your self-worth as a human being. Many arbitrary things impact how your work is received that have nothing to do with who you are. You can’t fully grasp that when you’re 20, but it’s important.

Amazing. You mentioned self-care — can you share your routines to help your body, mind and heart thrive?

I really try to walk for at least an hour daily, sometimes calling someone or listening to music, because the sun and physical activity help my overall happiness. That’s non-negotiable for me — getting outside every day.

Spending time with friends at least weekly, like brunch or a movie, is also super important.

And I read a lot, which is hard as a writer. I’m trying to take one day weekly where I don’t write, but read someone else’s work instead. It’s good to experience other writing, rest your brain, and avoid screens by reading physical books.

Great answers. This is our aspirational question: If you could spread an idea or inspire a movement that would bring the most good to the most people, what would that be?

Much of my work focuses on women’s stories and rights, so that’s a big area for me. I try to elevate women, especially young women starting out who may need that first opportunity.

I also write a lot about finding your own voice and owning your narrative. I try to have that essence in every story. Knowing who you are and that it’s valuable is important, because we often get lost, especially with so many influences now. That’s something that would have helped me when I was younger, which is probably why I write about it frequently.

Amazing answer. How can readers follow your work, watch your films, purchase material, or support you?

My website is laurahunterdrago.com and you can get to other things from there. Instagram is where I’m most active — @laurahunterdrago.

You can listen to my podcasts “The Crime at Camp Ashwood” and “St. Mary’s School for Children with the Stigmata.” The feature film I produced, “To the New Girl,” is available free on platforms like Tubi.

Laura, it’s been an honor and delight meeting you. I hope we can do this again next year.

Yeah, awesome. Thank you. This was fun.

It’s been a joy meeting you. Thanks, have a great day.