Interview with filmmaker Lauren Connolly

Welcome Lauren, we are very excited to have you today with us to discuss about your work.

First off, Who is Lauren Connolly, and how did your passion for filmmaking begin?

I'm Lauren Connolly, and my journey into filmmaking has been a humble yet deeply passionate one. As a wife, mother, photographer, painter, and drone pilot, my world has always been filled with various forms of visual expression. My love for storytelling through film emerged from this diverse background. I didn't start as an expert; instead, I began by blending my skills in photography and painting, coupled with my knack for flying drones. It was a natural progression for me to venture into filmmaking, recognizing the immense potential of cinematic storytelling to touch hearts and inspire change. My focus on conservation stems from a deep-rooted desire to make a positive impact. I use my films to shine a light on environmental issues, hoping to connect people emotionally with nature and encourage action towards preservation. I'm learning daily, discovering storytelling's incredible power through visuals. My films might be humble beginnings in this vast world of filmmaking, but they carry within them a genuine passion to evoke empathy and drive change.

It's a journey of growth and exploration, using my lens to convey the beauty of our world and the urgency to protect it. Even as a beginner, every image I capture, and every story I tell has the potential to spark something meaningful in others. And through this humble journey, I aspire to contribute to a more sustainable and empathetic world.

Can you tell us about your previous work ?
This is my first official film. I have some other small videos on YouTube, but nothing to the extent of "Finding Frogman." I scheduled interviews, wrote scripts, scouted locations, and researched- it was a HUGE undertaking!

CONVERSATION ABOUT: FINDING FROGMAN

What drew you to the legend of the Loveland Frogman, and how did you decide to make it the centerpiece of your project?

The legend of the Loveland Frogman captivated me due to my enduring fascination with the unknown and cryptid creatures. Shows like Expedition X, hosted by Josh Gates, have been my absolute favorites. Watching these episodes with my family, we always found ourselves mesmerized by the drone footage they used. That's when it hit us—why not create our own Expedition X-style video centered around the Loveland Frogman? Moving to the area added an extra layer of intrigue; having our very own local cryptid sparked our imagination. The mystery surrounding the Frogman felt like an incredible opportunity to delve into the world of cryptids while exploring our new surroundings. It was a chance to channel our passion for storytelling through film into unraveling this local legend, capturing drone footage, and weaving a narrative akin to the shows we admired. The Loveland Frogman became the focal point of our project, a thrilling journey merging our interest in cryptids with our newfound locale.

How did you engage with the local community to gather information and insights about the Loveland Frogman legend?

Engaging with the local community to uncover insights about the Loveland Frogman legend was an exciting journey. Initially, I connected with Love Our Land, drawn by their Frogman merchandise, and their insights sparked our investigation. Inspired by a frogman-themed logo at Mile 42 Coffee, I spoke with Jackie, who directed me to Meredith from the Little Miami River Chamber Alliance and Mark from Loveland Paddlesports. This phase felt like a thrilling puzzle, piecing together clues to craft a comprehensive narrative. Each conversation felt akin to being an investigative reporter, collating various perspectives to paint a more detailed picture. While all eyewitnesses and some other businesses declined participation or didn't respond, I'm immensely grateful to those who generously shared their time and experiences. Speaking with community members was illuminating. Their willingness to discuss this mythical creature highlighted a fascinating aspect—the Loveland Frogman acts as a unifying force, bonding the community through shared folklore and stories. Witnessing how this legend transcended mere myth was heartening, serving as a cultural tie that brings people closer together, fostering a sense of camaraderie among residents. This collaborative effort underscored this cryptid’s profound connection within the local fabric, uniting us in a shared curiosity and sense of community.

What role did aerial views play in your documentary, and how did they contribute to the storytelling?

The aerial views captured by the drone were integral to the storytelling of our documentary. Hovering at 400 feet, the drone provided a unique perspective, allowing us to pinpoint the locations of the three famous sightings precisely in one frame. This vantage point offered a tangible sense of proximity, showcasing the proximity of these crucial spots and enhancing the narrative by visually connecting the dots between these significant areas.

Moreover, the drone footage added depth to our storytelling by highlighting the context of each interviewee's business location, providing a visual backdrop that enriched their narratives. This visual context served to ground their stories in the physical environment, creating a more immersive experience for our audience. Additionally, the drone's thermal capabilities were instrumental during our field investigations. It aided us in our quest to locate the Frogman, providing an innovative and technologically advanced approach to our exploration heightening the suspense and intrigue within the narrative. The aerial perspective and thermal imaging contributed significantly to the documentary's immersive storytelling, offering a compelling visual journey for our audience.

In what ways do you hope "Finding Frogman" will contribute to the preservation or evolution of the Loveland Frogman legend within the community?

"Finding Frogman" aims to bring a different dimension to the Loveland Frogman legend within our community. While many narratives emphasize mystery and horror elements, our documentary seeks to humanize this legend. By showcasing the community's involvement, interactions, and shared experiences, we hope to portray the Frogman as more than just a spooky tale. Instead, we aim to highlight how this legend has brought our community together uniquely and enjoyably. By shedding light on the human connections, stories, and shared fascination surrounding the Frogman, our documentary intends to offer a fresh perspective.

We aspire to evolve the narrative from mere fright to a tale that unites us, fostering a sense of camaraderie and shared enthusiasm within our community. Through this portrayal, we hope "Finding Frogman" will preserve the essence of the legend while emphasizing its role in bonding us in an intriguing way.

Have you received any feedback or reactions from locals since the project's inception?

Absolutely! The feedback has been overwhelmingly positive. The locals, including those I interviewed, have expressed enthusiasm, viewing the project as a fun and engaging way to unite the community. Their reactions have been encouraging, affirming that "Finding Frogman" is not just a documentary but a means to foster a sense of togetherness and enjoyment within our community.

As you reflect on the completion of "Finding Frogman," what do you hope audiences will take away from the documentary?

I hope viewers feel curious and want to visit our little town’s charm and beauty. I hope the film sparks an adventurous spirit, encouraging them to seek their own Frogman sighting and engage with the local lore.

Moreover, I aim for the documentary to inspire a deeper connection with nature. Much of our documentary focused on the native fauna in our area. Ultimately, I wish for "Finding Frogman" to catalyze exploration, community engagement, and a deeper connection with the natural world surrounding us.

Do you have any plans for follow-up projects or additional investigations related to local legends or folklore?

The incredible feedback and winning the Best Drone Video Award at the New York International Film Awards have motivated me to continue exploring local legends and folklore. I'm excited about the momentum and eager to delve into other cryptid sightings in Ohio and nearby states. I aim to investigate how these creatures connect communities and delve into the unique ways these legends are celebrated.

I envision further documentaries that uncover the stories behind different cryptids, shedding light on how these tales bring people together and influence local cultures. This positive response has ignited a passion to continue unraveling the mysteries and folklore of our region, aiming to spotlight these stories in engaging and captivating ways that resonate with audiences.

That was the interview with our beloved creator Lauren Connolly. Our community is rising everyday, new talented filmakers and screenwriters get onboard. Be sure to check the rest of our interviews and why not schedule one for yourself to promote your work.

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