Behind the Lens: A Candid Conversation with Hannah on ‘Lacuna’ and Navigating the Film Industry
By Natalie McCarty
I find endless inspiration in the vibrant communities of filmmakers, young entrepreneurs, and emerging artists that thrive around me. Growing up in Los Angeles and later living in New York exposed me to a rich tapestry of talent and ambition. I’ve been privileged to witness countless individuals passionately pursuing their craft, defying challenges with creativity and unwavering determination.
From the hidden voices tucked away in the alleys of Long Beach to the aspiring talents dwelling on the thirteenth floor of a dilapidated Brooklyn apartment, and even the extraordinary vocalists discovered in thrift stores, exciting bands who hang out at a skatepark in Vermont, or the visionary filmmakers safeguarding scripts under their pillows — I am deeply moved by their stories. Each encounter, each testimony of artistic endeavor, fuels my own creative spirit.
Photo Given by Hannah Colburn
Among these inspiring artists stands out Hannah Colburn, a remarkable talent whose career I’ve followed for quite some time now. At just 24 years old, Hannah is a multifaceted director, filmmaker, and photographer based in Los Angeles. I stumbled upon her insightful content, offering a glimpse behind the curtains of the industry and shedding light on navigating the world of film without conventional film school education, over a year ago and have been a true fan of hers ever since.
Hannah’s documentation of her experiences, from the bustling Warner Brothers lot to the manifestation of her own film, “Lacuna,” resonated deeply with me. Her unwavering dedication to her craft, evident even through the screen, is nothing short of inspiring.
Over time, through shooting legal depositions, capturing the magic of weddings, and contributing to various TV shows and feature films, she has honed her craft and expanded her repertoire. Her portfolio boasts an impressive array of projects, including collaborations with industry titans like Bruce Willis in “Wrong Place,” NBCUniversal’s “America’s Got Talent,” and Warner Bros Discovery’s “The Jennifer Hudson Show.”
Photo Given by Hannah Colburn
I feel so lucky to have had the opportunity to interview Hannah and delve deeper into her journey, as well as her cinematic influences beyond “Lacuna,” which will be premiering in just two weeks at the Beverly Hills Film Festival. The link to purchase tickets to her block is here:
2024 Official Selection Sat | Beverly Hills Film Festival | Official Site
Photo Given by Hannah Colburn
Hey Hannah! Congratulations on your upcoming debut at the Beverly Hills Film Festival with “Lacuna”! Can you tell us a bit about the inspiration behind the film and what audiences can expect?
Thank you so much! ‘Lacuna’ is a film that I wrote and directed with the idea in mind that I wanted to tell a story that felt like it was truly my own. I like to call it a “flawed fairytale”, and I was aiming to highlight the idea of how girls are still allowed to want to find love in this world, even if we are capable of being independant. We love love!
2. You gained fame on TikTok by giving viewers a glimpse into working on the Warner Brothers lot. What motivated you to share your experiences, and how do you think it has impacted your career?
One of my favorite parts of filmmaking has always been the behind-the-scenes look into movies. I wanted my audience to feel like they were transported onto the studio with me and see what it’s like to walk around such an iconic piece of history. It feels like a scene straight out of La La Land, and I think it can often seem a little gate kept from the world. I’m determined to encourage people with my content who are like me, and don’t have the resources or the connections to work in the film industry. I pretty much did everything on my own, and I think people deserve to know that it’s possible for them to do it too!
Photo Given by Hannah Colburn
3) Working in the industry can be challenging. What drives you to keep pursuing your passion despite the obstacles you may encounter?
I keep going for probably the same reason as everyone else does, because I love filmmaking! Some days are great, some days are challenging, but at the end of it all I will always be so excited to step foot on a set and feel like I’m a (small) but exciting part of movie magic.
4) As someone who has worked on the Warner Brothers lot, what’s one memorable or surreal moment you’ve experienced there?
My favorite memory so far happened on a random morning right outside a soundstage I was working at. I had just grabbed a cup of coffee, and was walking towards the set when I heard a voice speak to me asking me a question. I looked up, and saw that the voice came from none other than Harrison Ford himself. It was incredible seeing a true Hollywood legend standing right in front of me, talking with me! I’ll never forget it.
Photo Given by Hannah Colburn
5) “Lacuna” marks a significant milestone in your career. What do you hope audiences take away from the film?
I hope people just enjoy the film for what it is! I also want it to be a great example of how it is totally possible to create a movie without an entire crew. I filmed it, I had 2 friends act in it, along with another who helped edit, and that was it. It’s really motivating to me that we were able to just make something that we are proud of.
6) Looking ahead, what are some of your aspirations or goals within the film industry?
Hopefully one day I can be a director for feature films. That is my goal. I want to make the stories I’ve always dreamed about telling, and make people feel things. That’s honestly the best part about going to watch a good movie, is when it really makes you feel something.
7) In addition to “Lacuna,” what other projects are you currently working on or have in mind for the future?
I’m in the process of writing my next short film, one that I’d like to spend a little more time on to work out the little details. It’ll be a homage to old Hollywood horror. I have so many ideas for stories and projects I’ve started, but I’m taking baby steps!
Photo Given by Hannah Colburn
8) You’ve garnered quite a following on TikTok. How do you balance engaging with your audience on social media while also focusing on your career in film?
I think social media is an amazing way to share your journey, and it’s part of what inspires me to keep going. I have a really awesome group of followers who really believe in not only me, but themselves! I want to be a motivator for others to go after their dreams.
9) Can you share with us your top four favorite movies on Letterboxd and what you love most about them?
As of right now, my top 4 on Letterboxd are: Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, Pride & Prejudice (2005), The Goonies, and The Secret Life of Walter Mitty. I think one thing all of these films have in common is they feel like one big adventure. Once Upon a Time in Hollywood is brilliant storytelling set in an era of old Hollywood that I absolutely love. It’s probably the closest I’ll ever get to knowing what that point of history was truly like.
Pride & Prejudice is one of those movies that you gain a deep appreciation for the more times you watch it. There are a lot of neatly crafted scenes, with some beautiful long takes and cinematography. This is for sure my comfort movie.
The Goonies, this was my childhood! I remember wanting to be friends with that group of kids SO badly when I was young. I still do! Nothing beats a good treasure hunt story for me, and the characters are so oddly unique you can’t describe it as anything other than camp!
The Secret Life of Walter Mitty is the first movie I think that made me want to pursue filmmaking. It’s one that I’ll always hold close to my heart, and I think the sentiment is important. You get one life, follow your dreams! Take that trip! Learn that hobby!
10) Lastly, what advice would you give to aspiring filmmakers or those looking to break into the industry based on your own experiences?
Based on my own experiences, my main piece of advice is to invest in a camera, find friends who have the same goals as you, and create something! Share it online. Learn as you go. You don’t have to be great the first few times, in fact, let yourself be bad. Allow yourself the opportunity to say you are doing it! That will set you apart from anyone else who doesn’t bother to even try. You have to try. Be proud of it, and share your dreams with others. You never know who is listening.
