Artistic Beginnings Creators & Guests

Laura Hunter Drago is an award-winning film producer, screenwriter, and occasional actress/model living in Los Angeles, California. Originally from a small town in Virginia, Laura grew up performing in theatre both in school and professionally. She trained as an actress at New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts with the Atlantic Theatre Company conservatory program, and holds a certificate from NYU’s Film & Television program.She was the Assistant Editor-in-Chief of Ms. in the Biz, an online resource community for women in entertainment. She has also written for a variety of outlets including Backstage and NonSociety, which have helped bolster a strong social media presence. Laura is a frequent podcast guest, often talking about building community and supporting women in the arts. She has also been featured in print publications including Film Daily, Talkhouse, Bombshell Magazine, and Edith Magazine. After many years of auditioning as an actress, Laura wanted to take her passion for creating opportunities for women in the arts and put action to it rather than waiting for the phone to ring. She co-founded New Girl Pictures with one of her best friends from her high school theatre days, Samantha Macher. Their production company focuses on getting women into positions both in front of and behind the camera early in their careers. In addition to the company’s released projects outlined below, Laura is currently developing a feature screenplay and television pilot. Laura is a proud member of SAG-AFTRA, Women in Media, and Women in Film Los Angeles.