Working narrative writer with over 5 years of experience in film and advertising teaching English and creative writing.

As a longtime colleague, I’ve watched Lael work as a writer, director, commercial creative director, and professor, and I have only glowing reviews to share on her behalf. In addition to being a tremendously talented writer and filmmaker herself, she’s also a wonderful teacher. She understands the strengths and challenges unique to each student, and creates effective strategies to help folks hone their creative voice. Lael’s own film and commercial success point to her deep understanding of story and character development, production, and bringing narratives from the page to the screen.

She’s smart, talented, endlessly curious, and a mentor to many in her community. It’s been an absolute delight to work with and learn from her over the years. I can’t recommend Lael highly enough.

Please accept this letter as an enthusiastic recommendation for Lael. I have worked with Lael in numerous capacities over the last decade; starting in 2013 when she was a Programming Intern at the Seattle International Film Festival while studying at Seattle University, then as an Assistant Director and Assistant Cameraperson on short film productions, and now as a well-rounded Writer/Director.

During the last ten years, Lael's incredible passion for film, curiosity, and distinctive taste has strengthened her relationships with other filmmakers and creatives, building a strong community around her based on the purity of her artistic collaborative spirit. Lael is capable of stepping into any role—a true swiss army knife—and is continually eager to support her community wherever there may be a void. Camera and lighting tech, sitting in the editing chair, scheduling and logistics—she can jump in anywhere with grace, incredible presence and joy.

As a Writer/Director, I have watched Lael hone her voice and form her directorial style. For Lael, each production is an opportunity to explore and experiment with different elements of craft. It’s easy to see the influence of Lael’s DIY sci-fi and horror projects of her youth emanating from her work today. Finding an element of play at every stage, she carefully vets and selects collaborators to elevate her work, and infects them with her vision, enthusiasm and ingenuity. Never one to get flustered by a hiccup, Lael deftly finds outside-the-box solutions to whatever constraints are thrown her way.

On a personal note, Lael is one of the most kindhearted and thoughtful people I’ve had the pleasure to know. She always carefully considers the people around her, and endlessly demonstrates her gratitude for each individual’s contribution. Anyone that comes to know Lael is lucky to be energized by her contagious love for writing and directing.

Lael is an incredible teacher and artist. Her experience as both an independent filmmaker and film professor allows her to communicate her firsthand knowledge in a way that's easy to understand, actionable and immensely valuable.

I've worked with Lael on a number of sets and seen how she leads a project through every phase of production. I've learned so much from her about crafting a story and bringing it to life in front of the camera. Any aspiring filmmaker would be lucky to get this kind of knowledge early in their career.