Meet Lawrence “LAW” Watford

We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Lawrence “LAW” Watford a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Lawrence “LAW”, thank you so much for making time for us today. Let’s jump right into a question so many in our community are looking for answers to – how to overcome creativity blocks, writer’s block, etc. We’d love to hear your thoughts or any advice you might have.
Absolutely! As a screenwriter, writer’s block and creative blocks are inevitable, but because writing and directing is what I feel I was born to do, the need to do it will eventually eclipse any block or anything standing in my way. I can’t say that there’s a particular technique or practice, however desire itself is an intense motivator. Whether it is a desire to escape to a different life through a character, or the desire to self actualize through writing and directing; there’s always a deeper longing that’s at work, pushing and pulling me past any blocks.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

So, I’m a filmmaker, the founder of Divine Write Pictures and one-third of Tyler Street Films. For me, filmmaking means that I typically wear multiple hats as a screenwriter, producer and director in order to move an idea from the script to the screen. Such is the case for my new film Shadow Acting.

For me it’s not just a career choice, but a calling; something I feel I absolutely have to do. The funny thing about a calling is that sometimes you think that it’s something discover, only to realize that it’s been chasing you all of your life in both subtle and obvious ways.

For example, I’ve always been an avid TV watcher and a movie lover, but it never seemed like anything out of the ordinary. I’ve always had a very vivid imagination, but so did the rest of my friends. I was also a sensitive kid with an activist streak. These are all traits that are foundational to my storytelling today, but none of them, back then, gave me any sense that making movies was an option for a life. For me, Spike Lee was an anomaly to be celebrated, not a door that was opened to, but here I am.

As a filmmaker I want to be able to communicate my feelings about life, love and humanity in a way that can only be accomplished on screen. Movies weave so many elements -writing, acting, directing wardrobe, music, lighting, etc – into a single work that affects us ways that no other medium can. Films invite people to reconsider they way they see life, by allowing them to connect to the “reality” of a fictional character and see life through that character’s eyes, and empathize with the decisions that character makes based on that character’s truth. There’s enormous power in that, but we know that “with great power comes great responsibility.”

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
As I look back I think the three qualities that have been the most impactful for my journey have been a free and vivid imagination, as well as an acute fascination with and curiosity about our humanity. After that, I have an innate desire to engage with people in an effort to satisfy that curiosity and elevate that fascination. I love to look at what something is and then draw others into that discussion about all the reasons why it’s that way… The wondering and questioning is like rocket fuel for me.

But for anyone beginning a journey, be it in film or any other pursuit, I’d suggest being rooted in your passion. Find the thing that makes you light up and let that steer you toward the necessary skills and areas of knowledge to help you grow.

One of our goals is to help like-minded folks with similar goals connect and so before we go we want to ask if you are looking to partner or collab with others – and if so, what would make the ideal collaborator or partner?
Film, by it’s nature is a highly collaborative medium, so I’m always looking for people to partner with to bring the next project to life. I think that, right now, it’s particularly important to find a manager or agent to partner with. My specialization is writing and directing; but building relationships in Hollywood is a different specialty, so I can be reached through my website www.divinewritepictures.com or via info@divinewritepictures.com.

Contact Info:

Image Credits
Chris Fox-Kelly/CFK Media Christopher Gleaton

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