We were lucky to catch up with Lori Webster Fore recently and have shared our conversation below.
Lori, thank you so much for joining us today. Let’s jump right into something we’re really interested in hearing about from you – being the only one in the room. So many of us find ourselves as the only woman in the room, the only immigrant or the only artist in the room, etc. Can you talk to us about how you have learned to be effective and successful in situations where you are the only one in the room like you?
I became accustomed to being the only one in the room at an early age. It started when I tested into the exceptional classes in middle school and continued into high school. Initially, I felt like the odd one out and missed being in classes with my friends. Over time I began to expand my circle of friends and became adaptable in any environment. By high school a guidance counselor tried to talk me out of continuing with the Advanced Placement classes, assuming that the pressure would be too great. Her doubt was all the fuel I needed to prove her wrong. I went on to graduate in the top 10 of my high school class and complete my undergraduate degree with Honors.
Inclusion is very much a work in progress in our society and especially in my career fields. Both the entertainment industry and academia are boys’ clubs, so it’s not lost on me the gravity of my presence as a black woman in those spaces. That said, I gladly rise to the occasion and am not intimidated when I’m the only one in the room. The target practice I had in my formative years has instilled me with the confidence I need to overcome imposter syndrome. I know I’m in those rooms for a reason, and I have everything I need within me to succeed. At the end of the day, there can only be one “me” in the room anyway, regardless of who else is in it. That said, I’ve come to truly embrace my unique identity as my greatest asset. Whether in similar company or the only one, being authentically me is what matters most!
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
From humble beginnings in rural Eastern North Carolina to a career that has spanned five continents, I have created high impact content for television, leading tech companies, universities, and nonprofits for well over a decade. I earned my B.A. from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and M.F.A. from the University of Southern California. Currently, I am Executive Creative Director at Hush Harbor Media and Adjunct Associate Professor at USC School of Cinematic Arts. Some of my highlights include the Gotham TV Series Lab, SFFILM Kenneth Rainin Grant, and SeriesFest Storytellers Initiative, which includes a development partnership with Janelle Monáe’s Wondaland Pictures. My passion for filmmaking centers on hidden gem stories at the intersection of the black experience and womanhood. A believer in the power of media for social change, I am committed to sharing impactful stories that promote deeper appreciation for unique perspectives.
An activist at heart, I will forever champion marginalized people both on-screen and behind-the-scenes. Specifically as a Director & Writer, my journey has been shaped by an unwavering commitment to nuanced yet relatable stories about everyday people, who often are prejudged or overlooked. Where I’m from, there’s no such thing as strangers because we are either kin or friends or likely to get acquainted after a warm hello. In keeping with those values, I cherish being in community and leading in a way that makes people feel part of something special.
As a Professor, my greatest inspiration is paying it forward to the next generation of filmmakers. It’s such a joy to pour into my students and see them blossom in their craft. Given how few and far between it is for professors that look like me, I knew I had to be part of the change. Representation matters and can make a world of difference in fostering a sense of belonging.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
The three qualities that have been most impactful in my journey are courage, consistency and community.
It’s been said that “if your dream doesn’t scare you, it isn’t big enough”. As a visionary my dreams excite me and give me a sense of purpose. Truth be told, my dreams also scare me, and that’s ok. That’s where courage kicks in. It took courage for me to move across the country from a small town to LA and make all the calculated risks that have gotten me where I am today. As I continue on my journey, having the courage to take on dreams that scare me has been worth its weight in gold. My greatest milestones have occurred on the strength of just going for it, taking things one step at a time, and trusting the process.
That requires consistency. The hardest part is starting, so a great way to offset the hard starts for me is to keep going. I keep going because I’ve come too far to give up and I know I have what it takes to go the distance. Does it get hard? Yes. Do I get weary at times? Sure. But failure is not an option. Failure for me is giving up, or worse, not trying at all. I refuse to live with regret, so I strive to be a good steward over the talent, time and opportunities that come my way. This mindset has led to many wins in my life and career. Do I always knock it out of the park? No. But even when I lose, I win because I gain invaluable wisdom that empowers me in new chapters of my journey.
Taking the road less traveled comes with great sacrifice. That’s why community is a must for going the distance. The love and support of my community has meant the world to me. It truly takes a village to thrive in this industry, and I’m grateful for my tribe. Being in community has connected me with friends that have become family, colleagues that have opened doors I never thought possible, and a broader network of people that dream big just like me. I’m grateful to be in good company with filmmakers and educators that dedicate their lives to making the world better than they found it through cinematic art. I also take pride in paying it forward as an educator and mentor to the next generation of filmmakers.
My advice to anyone that dares to pursue their dream is to have a marathon mentality. Courage, consistency and community naturally flow out of this. Showing up is half the battle. Following through takes care of the rest.
To close, maybe we can chat about your parents and what they did that was particularly impactful for you?
The most impactful thing my mom has done for me is instill me with the courage to try. From the outset she has nurtured my naturally curious nature, provided as many opportunities as she could in my formative years, and made me feel my dreams were in reach no matter how big they were. She’s coached me out of the fear of failure by always believing in me and reminding me that the biggest failure lies in not having tried. She did this not only through words but also by example. In turn, I’ve inherited her maverick spirit and glean inspiration from the sacrifices she’s made, as I carry my family’s legacy and blaze new trails of my own.
Contact Info:
- Website: hiddengemstories.com
- Instagram: @hiddengemstories
- Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/lori-webster-fore-a53a524/
- Youtube: @hiddengemstories618
Image Credits
Natalie Ruiz (@nataliemarie__photography) Cezamee Fore (@cezamee) SeriesFest (@seriesfest)
