Today we’d like to introduce you to Lauren Ferrara.
Lauren, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I’m a journalist turned family filmmaker. For 13 years, I was a news anchor and reporter in Nashville, Las Vegas, West Texas, and most recently, Colorado Springs. It was a job I truly loved, but for me, it was never about being on TV. What I loved the most was telling stories, sitting down on someone’s couch finding out who they are, what makes them tick, and the legacy they hope to leave behind.
When my dad died of cancer, I did something you might consider a little strange. I hired a videographer to set up shop in a corner of the Irish bar where we were honoring my dad’s life. Everyone who loved him was in one place at one time and dozens of people sat down and told story after story, some hilarious, others touching, and more than a few that were wildly inappropriate always the best ones! Now, every year his birthday, I watch the film, so grateful to hear the stories that could have too easily left this world with him. After that loss, I realized that my purpose had changed. I wanted to help families capture their own stories and I wanted to do it before it was too late. Enter Why Wait Stories.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
It’s now been just over a year since I turned down a new contract at the news station. I know a lot of people thought I was nuts at the time, but my heart was leading me in another direction. I’ll be the first to admit it’s hard to go from being an indoor cat (getting paid every two weeks, having a 401k, and an IT guy to help me do all the things I can’t do) to being an outdoor cat. I literally googled how to create an email signature! So, it’s been harder than I thought it would be, but also vastly more fulfilling than I thought it would be. Trust your heart!
Please tell us about Why Wait Stories.
I produce documentaries for families to treasure now, later, and for generations. I’ve produced films with women in their 80’s and 90’s who want to leave behind their legacy for their loved ones. I’ve produced a film at a celebration of life so that the departed’s wife and kids can watch it and know the impact their husband and dad made in this world and how much he loved them.
I also offer themed mini-films…”The Story of You” about the arrival of a child, “The Story of Us” about how couples met, fell in love, and decided to take a leap, “The Senior Portrait” with graduating high school and college seniors and their families, and “The Highlight Reel” where individuals reflect on the most defining memories and moments in their lives (which would make for an awesome Mother’s Day or Father’s Day gift if I do say so myself!)
I dedicate a portion of my profits to producing films for terminal cancer patients so that their stories can bring joy and comfort to their families in the years to come. I partner with award-winning broadcast journalists across the country, so we can literally do this anywhere!
Do you recommend any apps, books or podcasts that have been helpful to you?
I’m part of an amazing group of female business owners and entrepreneurs called The Success Collective. It started here in Colorado Springs and is now opening chapters nationwide. They are women with hearts of gold who show up for each other and want nothing more than to see each other thrive. I’m beyond grateful for them. The Biz Chix podcast is also amazing. I also love the book Built to Sell.
Pricing:
- The Mini Session (a 30 min interview & 10-15 film) costs $850
- The Legacy Film starts at $3000
- Life Well Lived Film to $2500
Contact Info:
- Website: www.whywaitstories.com
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/whywaitstories/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WhyWaitStories/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/laurenferraratv
Image Credit:
Becky Kyle, Norman McCloskey, and Teresa Lee
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