Lori Kay Allred

 

Q: What is your field of focus?
A: I’m a Director/Writer/Producer. But, over the years I have a done little bit of
everything, and I mean everything!

Q: Tell us about your journey thus far in your career? Did you study? If so, where or
are you still in school?
A: I got my Bachelor’s Degree in Mass Communications from a small, private
Catholic university in Bismarck, ND. I was solely responsible for paying for that
education, so I worked my way through college at the local radio station and
the television station. (Market 140)
I started out as a chyron operator for the evening newscasts, then camera
operator, floor director, master control operator, and technical director. I was
also the commercial & promotions producer, which included shooting, writing
and editing local spots.
I made a huge market jump to Phoenix, AZ (Market 18 at the time) as a news
editor, and later Chief Editor. I stayed at KPHO TV-5 for 11 years, which in
television news, means you’ve probably seen it all, and I did.
Or, so I thought.
Finally, I moved to Denver and took a job as Chief Editor at
KMGH TV-7. (Market 17) This was just weeks after Columbine. I later managed
both the photographers and the editors.
Remember when I said I thought I had seen it all? Well, 9/11 happened. I found
myself void of emotion, and that needed to change. So, after 20 years in TV
news, I left and worked as a firefighter/medic.
However, I missed being a storyteller. I went back to what I knew best, this time
in programming, where I could craft stories without the life-and-death drama.
I’ve directed network hosts and “Regular Joes” for a long list of shows and
networks, including HGTV, Discovery, Travel Channel and Food Network, where I
won my first National Emmy.
I’ve also produced many corporate and B2B films, including directing SAG
narrative projects for clients.

Q: What was your inspiration to get into this industry? Do you have any mentors you
want to mention?
A: I grew up in a small town, (and when I say small, I mean 50 people). Fifty. Fiveoh.
We only had two TV stations (CBS and NBC), and I never got to go to the
movies. So, I wasn’t exposed to career fields in television or cinema. The reason
I got into this field is because, in college, I refused to dissect a cat. Which
resulted in me having to change my major to something that didn’t require
being in the lab. While sitting with an advisor, he presented a list of alternate
majors. The first one was Communications, and I thought, “OK”. So, here I am.
(Yeah, I know; not what you were expecting.)
I did not, and do not have a mentor. As you can imagine, most of the time I’m
on set, I’m the only female on the project. This has been a bit of a sore spot for
me. Just a couple weeks ago, I worked on a studio film, and you guessed it, I
was the only female. That may be why my films all have female leads.

Q: Tell us about your favorite project you've worked on? Any take-aways?
A: Even though I work with almost all men, I’ve been fortunate that those men
have been professional, respectful and collaborative (for the most part).
I was encouraged by two men to write and direct my first narrative film, If Not
Now, which might be my favorite to date. I pulled from my own experiences,
and wrote a family drama about two sisters dealing with their mom’s dementia.
(Note the three female leads.) It’s special for me because it has touched so
many people. It’s a conversation starter. The film was used at a symposium to
help doctors and healthcare specialists discuss elderly care.
Calling back to my TV news days, this is called a win. I can tell you, in news,
there are very few wins.

Q: Any projects coming up?
A: I produced a film called The Outsider, which premiered at the Denver Film
Festival this month. DFF was kind enough to give us two screenings, which sold
out right away, so they’ve added a third.
I also have two scripts: a feature, Secrets, and a short, Conversations at 35,000
Feet. Both are in festivals right now and earning nominations for Best Screenplay.
My manager is pitching my feature script, and securing letters-of-intent from
actors who want to be attached.
I’m working on another short that we hope to start shooting after the first of the
year. Additionally, I’m doing my usual programming work.
So, just as my career started, I continue doing a bit of everything.

Q: What are your hopes for the film, television and media scene in Colorado?
A: I’m thrilled to know I’m surrounded by so much talent here. As a member of WIF,
my hope is we learn each other’s skill sets and provide more opportunities for
one another.

Q: Any advice/wisdom to fellow actors, filmmakers, writers etc. etc.?
A: It’s the same advice I hear at every film festival panel: Don’t be an asshole.
The thing you’ll hear me say on set is, it all has to get done, and none of us are
above doing any of it.

May I add, it’s important we encourage each other, but not at the cost of false
praise. I think we need to be more critical of our own and each other’s work.
Constructive criticism is how we all start mastering our skills. Back in my TV news
days, I managed an editor who would seek regular critiques. He always said,
“Don’t sugar-coat it. Just tell me what’s wrong with it, that’s the only way I’ll
improve.” It’s that attitude that will get us to the next level.
 
Thank you, Lori,! We wish you all the best on your projects and are very glad to have you as a member of WIFMCO!