Lauren Cochrane, originally from Calgary, AB, now calls Winnipeg, MB home. Her journey in the entertainment industry began in improv and sketch comedy, and she honed her skills at Humber College in Toronto, graduating with honors from the Comedy: Writing and Performance program.
She has performed and studied across the continent, including a stint at iO Chicago (Improv Olympic) and The Acting Corp in Los Angeles . As a founding member of Calgary’s improv theater company The Kinkonauts, she has left a mark on the comedy scene.
Transitioning seamlessly from stage to screen, Lauren has accumulated over 40 film and television credits to her name, earning her recognition as a four-time ACTRA Manitoba Best Actress nominee. Among her notable performances are in the IFC horror film “Hunter Hunter” and the Netflix thriller “Fractured.” and she is very excited for the upcoming release of the feature Deaner 89′, in theatres September 2024.
Collaboration seems to be a theme in Lauren’s career, as she forms one half of the comedy duo Bucko, alongside her husband and creative partner Aaron Merke. Their dynamic partnership has led them to the National Screen Institute Series Incubator Program, where they’re currently developing an original comedy series.
When and how did you start in the media production industry?
I have been studying improv and acting for film and television for over 20 years, but one of my first jobs in the industry was as a PA on an allergy medicine commercial shot in Canmore, AB, when I was 18 years old. It was three separate commercials shot together in a block for the same company. It took about a week, and I loved it.
I was a sponge. I just watched everyone and tried to sort out what everybody in the different departments did and why. I learned so much about set etiquette and production needs. I also learned how NOT to behave. Simple kindness, a please and thank you, go a long way (talking to you, “Hiking Woman #1”). Since then, I have worked on over 45 film and TV productions across Canada.
What area of the film industry do you work in now and why?
I am an actor and a full ACTRA member. I love acting because I get to live in different worlds for a little bit. I get to work with multiple departments with talented and creative minds all wanting to tell a story. I love collaboration. I love hearing people’s stories and being a small part of telling new ones. I really like auditioning and the prep involved. And I also really love being on set. I learn something new every time. I hope that never changes.
What has been a substantial change in the industry since you started?
I’m not sure if it was being young and maybe having a lack of awareness about opportunities, but it feels like there are more options for people to really get into the film industry now and move along quickly. There are so many more classes and workshops for different departments. It seems more accessible now to get right into it and have some real experience under your belt.
If you could give yourself advice today to yourself in the past, what would it be?
Make that little voice on the inside that says “you got this” more important than the voices on the outside who try to say “you don’t.”
Be kind to yourself. Be kind to others. It’s easier in the long run. Always.
What is advice you would give to someone starting off in the media production industry?
Take classes, ask questions, and make your own projects. Work in different departments if you can. Be a PA, be an assistant, work hard and collaborate with others. You will learn so much about yourself, your strengths (and weaknesses) and how a set flows. Good or bad experiences still teach you something if you let them. Listen to and learn from the people you admire, smile and nod to the people you don’t. Stand out for the right reasons and show up 10 minutes early.
Why is learning and training important?
We should always be learning. If you’re not, you are not challenging yourself. The confidence of training brings you to another level professionally. Our industry is ever-changing and new standards and technology are always popping up. If you love it, you should always want to learn more. It keeps you sharp and keeps you ready for when something new is needed of you. Plus, here in Manitoba there are always new workshops or classes to try. Taking advantage of them is one of the simplest ways to up your game.
What are some of the films, TV series or even books that have inspired you? How about anything new you’ve been into?
Films I can always watch anytime forever, and always (in no particular order):
Away We Go, The Princess Bride, A League of Their Own, Wayne’s World, Good Fellas, Death Becomes Her, Empire Records, Back to the Future trilogy, Midnight in Paris, Private Benjamin, The Wizard, What’s Love Got to Do with It, My Girl, Love and Basketball – to name a few.
This question is tricky and took the longest to answer because I will always remember another favourite later… OH Sense and Sensibility – Emma Thompson version.
Books: It’s Always Something by Gilda Radner (her biography). I usually read it once every year or two.
“While we have the gift of life, it seems to me the only tragedy is to allow part of us to die. Whether it is our spirit, our creativity or our glorious uniqueness.”- Gilda Radner
Is there someone within the film industry you would like to work with and why?
Maya Rudolph, Margo Martindale, Alison Janney, Ann Dowd, Octavia Spencer, Amy Landecker, and Merrit Weaver – to name a few. All enduring, iconically talented people in everything but have somewhat private lives. Talented, versatile, interesting actors, writers and directors.
A 20-minute conversation with any of them would be incredible – let alone working with them? A dream.
Where do you see yourself in ten years from now?
Still acting, of course, but I’d love to be well into directing by then. Both with my own projects and others.
Pssst, oh hi local producers, call me 🙂
FTM is a non-for-profit charity and member of the Province of Manitoba’s Sector Council program funded through the Economic Development, Investment, Trade and Natural Resources. FTM builds a highly skilled and adaptable film industry workforce to support the activities of Manitoba production companies. FTM collaborates and partners with members of the film industry to identify training needs to support workforce development.