“Start making work now! You can do it on your phone, you can make it happen with your friends, family, or close circle. You learn the most by just getting out there and making things, so start doing it!”
— Maren Lavelle
The Interview Q&A
Where are you primarily based out of?
NYC
What role do you typically play on set?
Director / Producer
How long have you been working in the film industry? Where did you get your start?
I've been working in the film industry since 2019! I started producing my own films with my production company, One-Eyed Rabbit, that I founded with my now-husband Matt Steiner!
What are some of the biggest challenges you've encountered and how have you overcome them?
I've experienced several budgetary and completion deadline challenges as a filmmaker, but I think the largest challenge is the stream of "rejections" you have to make it through when putting a film through the film festival circuit. You have to stay strong in your belief of your film and know that there's an audience out there for it. I keep a positive mindset and remind myself why I was passionate about making the film in the first place.
Who is your biggest inspiration? What have they taught you?
My Mom is my biggest inspiration. She has taught me strength, resilience, the ability to listen, and a sense of humor.
What does it mean to you to be an inspiration/mentor to someone else?
I love inspiring others! For my most recent film, "Wendy", I went to my old high school 10 years after graduating to make a film staring their rising 9th grade theatre majors. I wanted to give those students the opportunity to learn about indie filmmaking and see that they can take their work into their own hands, rather than putting all of their worth as an artist in the casting choices of their theatre teachers and directors. I loved that experience and became a mentor to a few students from that film.
Where do you draw your inspiration from?
I draw inspiration from all around me! I love to travel because it gives me perspective both literally when exploring a new place, but also in the sense that I get a new perspective on a different culture or people or place. I'm inspired by the women in my life and the people in my circle who continue to lift me up.
If you had one message to share with the world, what would it be?
You're not alone.
What’s are some of the biggest things you’ve accomplished in your career so far?
I'm very proud to have completed and directed three films with my production company, One-Eyed Rabbit. We've received multiple awards for those films and gained an audience and community with those films. In November of 2022, I was honored to be selected as a director for Shoot Magazine's 2022 New Director's Showcase.
Where do you see yourself in 5 years from now? (No dream is too big!)
5 years from now I see myself building my family with my husband and consistently directing films and episodic television that make people feel seen.
If you had one piece of advice for a woman who wants to get started in the film industry what it would be?
Start making work now! You can do it on your phone, you can make it happen with your friends, family, or close circle. You learn the most by just getting out there and making things, so start doing it!
What does being a part of The Women in Film Project mean to you?
I absolutely love supporting other women and non-men in the film industry. It's still a very male-dominated industry and 50 years from now I want those stats to be drastically different. Women and GNC / NB folks have so much to offer the film and television industry and I want to contribute to the efforts to life those voices up!