The Aspirations of Laura Hopper: Building a Female Creative Network in Filmmaking

In the world of showbiz, the adage ‘one to watch’ is often bandied about carelessly. Yet, every so often, a talent emerges that unquestionably embodies this epithet. Enter Laura Hopper, a British actress and filmmaker whose bold ambitions are paving the way for a seismic shift in the industry.

Glancing at her impressive IMDb profile, you are instantly struck by her grit and tenacity. Trained at London’s Arts Educational School and the Lee Strasberg Institute in Los Angeles, Laura has blazed a trail on both sides of the camera. Her credentials boast an array of characters in acclaimed shows like Bulletproof (2020), Hollyoaks (2017), and Black Sails (2015). 

The sheer breadth of her work led to her recognition by Netflix for Emmy consideration as as outstanding guest actress in a drama series for her role as Rachel Herschberger in Umbrella Academy. Most recently, Laura played the supporting lead in Love in the Villa, a sensation that smashed figures for Netflix by sitting at number 1 worldwide for weeks after it was released.

However, Laura isn’t just an actress; she’s also an intrepid filmmaker and an executive producer for Pine Tree Productions. With every role she takes on and every project she drives forward, she is redefining what it means to be a woman in the film industry.

Behind the scenes, however, Laura’s fight is a lot more personal and profound. Juggling her demanding career while embracing motherhood, she experienced firsthand the industry’s inherent gender bias and the unique challenges that working mothers face. Yet, rather than shrink away, she’s embraced these obstacles and transformed them into catalysts for change.

Her Instagram account showcases a ‘badass’ woman who won’t be deterred. From on-set photos to glimpses of her life as a mother, her narrative underlines a clear message: it’s possible to strike a balance without compromising on your dreams or ambitions.

Laura’s ambitions extend beyond her personal career. She’s committed to nurturing a robust network of female creatives and fostering an environment where women’s voices resonate loudly, both on and off-camera. This aspiration isn’t merely a fanciful daydream; it’s a strategic initiative aimed at bridging the gender gap in the film industry.

Her approach is a testament to her philosophy: “Enjoy the journey. As long as you are actioning and moving forward, then enjoy the journey and celebrate wins, no matter what size.” This ethos fuels her endeavors, pushing her to leverage her influence to combat the stigmas against women, particularly mothers, in the industry.

Ultimately, Laura’s goal isn’t just about equal representation; it’s about creating an environment that nurtures creativity and innovation, regardless of gender. As she continues to work tirelessly, her dream is to create a lasting legacy that transcends her own achievements: a thriving, empowered network of women creatives that will persist long into the future.

Through her unwavering determination and commitment to change, Laura Hopper embodies the essence of a true trailblazer, one who empowers others as she paves her path. It is her dynamic drive that makes her ‘one to watch’ not merely for what she will do next but for what she will inspire others to achieve. With Laura at the helm, the future of the film industry looks bright. Indeed, this is a journey to be enjoyed, and every victory along the way is a win worth celebrating.