Meet Lashanda (L.A.) Anderson | Writer, Film Director & Editor

We had the good fortune of connecting with Lashanda (L.A.) Anderson and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Lashanda (L.A.), have you ever found yourself in a spot where you had to decide whether to give up or keep going? How did you make the choice?
That is a really tricky question. Because failing on the first try doesn’t mean that you’re not supposed to do it, even failing on the tenth time doesn’t mean that you’re not supposed to do it. I believe that it’s something deep within you that tells you that this is for you, it tells you that this is what you’re supposed to be doing. So it’s a discernment and intuition thing you have to tap into.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I first got my start in the film industry as a makeup artist. I did that for about 8 years until the pandemic. I wasn’t in the union or anything like that so my job was definitely on the line. I had to think about other talents that I had other things that I could do as a career. Writing and storytelling has also always been a passion of mine so I decided to go back to school to get my degree in Film and graphic design. It was not easy putting myself back into a student role but I knew that this was something that I needed in order to be successful in what I was trying to do. I did go back-and-forth between tuition cost and all of the other things that you have to worry about when you are returning to college. But God surrounded me with people who believed in my dreams and I ended up getting a full ride . And in that instant I knew this was something that I had to do, I knew that it was something God wanted me to do. So I rolled up my sleeves and did what needed to be done. But during those times it seemed like there was situations after situations, it was always something coming in trying to distract me to get me off focus. There was so many times I wanted to quit wanted , there was so many times where I thought I couldn’t do it and every time I thought I couldn’t do it I would always receive good feedback and Confirmation that pushed me to keep going. And I did. And I walked across that stage at stage this past May. And soon the world will see my work in a different aspect. Not just with makeup but a visual storytelling side of me, as a director and writer. I would like to create films that speak to this generation. I would like to create films that go deeper than the eye can see, I want my work to make you think and improve yourself or help improve people round you. I don’t want to be just another filmmaker and writer just creating anything but I want something that will make a lasting impression.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I love spoken word so I would definitely take them to Apache Café. It’s a good atmosphere and they have really good food as well. It really is a vibe. I haven’t been out lately because of the pandemic but I’m definitely going to try some new spots. And the type of spots that I look for are places that are more grown and sexy. I’m a mellow person that likes good food and listening to good music. Artsy environments are always the best to me.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My parents Elizabeth and Earl Parks, who support my dreams and goals. My friend, sister and confidant Angela Pope. Harold Greaves, my photographer and friend that always captures and encourages the best parts of me. All of the staff at Chattahoochee Technical College for believing in my talent and my vision. Wendy Mathis for always being a counselor when I needed one. And last but not least Brenda and Gregory Jemison who made it possible for me to start this journey. And everyone else who I encountered that always share inspiring stories with me to encourage me to keep going.

Image Credits
Harold Greaves