What was the process by which Laurel Parmet went from Staff Picks to feature films

"I know everyone says, 'Just do it. Just go make your film. It's not real," she adds. "Self-doubt is a huge issue and simply an energy suck. The time that you spend thinking, 'Ah, I can't do this it, I'll never succeed. There's a chance that you're doing that and utilize it for creating." We got a an opportunity to speak with Laurel to hear more about her creative process as well as her development as a creative. Check out the complete interview.

 What's the most helpful advice you've ever gotten?

Laura The best advice I've ever gotten is that when in doubt, always return to what's thrilling and important for me as a storyteller. You can easily be a bit caught up in industry stuff and ultimately, at the end of the day, I'm doing this because I love to tell stories, and that's kind of my North Star.

 Where do you get the source of inspiration?

Lauren The truth is I draw inspiration for my work by observing locations. When I write something I find it very helpful to actually be at the place, no matter where a story is being written. The next one I'm working on, I'm going to place it on the Oregon coast, since I've been on vacation and was in love and thought, "I need to write the story of this place in a film."

 What did it feel like to step on set for your first feature?

Lauren: It was quite a long journey to reach this point. Making the story and getting it into the right place, getting funds, and forming your team. It should take a long time because the best things require a lot of time and good scripts take a long time to create, I think.

The first day I was on set for "The Starling Girl" I thought I was going to be jittery and thought I was unsure of the right thing to do however, it actually was a blast that I felt completely at ease and felt like this was exactly what I'm supposed to do. The experience was similar to riding a bike. It was like I could get back to my job with ease and was enthralled.

 What is it that keeps you motivated?

Laurel: First and foremost that's work. I love being on set as it's my favourite place to be. It's a good thing to have that picture in my mind of "Oh, I'll get there." It is what keeps me focused. It's a joy to be part of working with others, I like to think I'm creating an item with my fellow friends I find it so enjoyable.

 Can you describe your Staff Pick experience?

Laura  Staff Picks that was very much everyone's ambition when I began making shorts and playing at festivals. It feels you're being recognized by the people who appreciate your work. You're getting into this world which is full of filmmakers who belong to, which I am awestruck by.

 What do you make use of within your job?

Laura  is what I've used it to do everything. Recently, we were using as we made "The Starling Girl," uploading edits to share with everyone. It's the highest quality video sharing platform that I've come across, and this is what I use.