An interview with Laura Hardman

Name: Laura Hardman

Age: 33

Location:
Cornwall (Lostwithiel)

Profession:
Freelance Producer/Director

What did you want to be at school?
A writer or actor or a pilot like Amelia Earhart

How did you start out?
I went to college to study drama, and did tv/film too. I was making a documentary about a play that I was also in, and I realised that I enjoyed it more being behind the camera. I felt more in control!

What professional training or education did you receive?
I did a degree in Aberystwyth, then a few practical film and video courses in Cardiff before doing an MA in radio, film and television in Canterbury

What or who were your main inspirations?
In terms of film - always Stanely Kubrick. with tv - Oliver Postgate the genius (made The Clangers and Bagpuss)

What achievement are you most proud of?
Just right now, doing the Cornwall Film Festival. With the things I've directed, probably a four year documentary I made about a building, it sounds dull but it was a real journey for us all.

What was your most embarrassing moment?
It was mishearing a comany's name when I first temped as a receptionist for a hip ad agency but it's too rude to go into further details! I felt like a real country bumpkin.

What are your main ambitions for the future?
Just keep making the films I want to make without worrying about if they will sell, and to keep helping other people do the same thing.

One piece of advice for young people?
The o­nly thing people can give you that comes free is advice and if you find someone who offers to help or talk to you - use it. they won't be just saying that for the sake of it. Call them.

Professional credits...
I have worked for:

MTV Europe
Cartoon network
companies inc. CSA, BP, Defra, passport agency, Del Monte, Galderma, Morgan Stanley, Think road safety campaign.