Lanett Tachel is a producer, writer, and actress from Prince George’s County Maryland. She received her BFA from Howard University and moved to Los Angeles where she met legendary writer/producer, Ed Weinberger (Taxi, The Cosby Show) who asked her to serve as a consultant for the 6 episode series, BELLE’s, starring Keith David and Ella Joyce. After consulting on the pilot where she later earned a title role, Lanett quickly learned that the best way to keep working was to create the work herself.
Following the series, Lanett produced an award winning short, SISTER SISTER SISTER followed by a series of narrative driven music videos for a Universal Recording Artist. She then went on to Write and Produce Feature Films such as the Suspense/Thriller -ILLICIT (Amazon/BET 2017), I GOT THE HOOK UP 2 (2019 theatrical release) and most recently she has produced and cowritten the brand new scripted series, PUMP, where she also stars alongside Ray J, Jennifer Freeman, Michael Jai White and more. The series released to a streaming platform to rave reviews and is currently in the process of re-releasing to a new, larger platform later this year.
Lanett’s love of creating, producing and performing television and film that feature layered and multi-faceted African American characters continues to drive her on and off camera. She lives by the motto, “Don’t Wait, Create” and is constantly challenging herself as she switches between genres and characters both in front of and behind the camera. Her newest feature films are a Sci- Fi thriller entitled, ATHENA as well as a Psychological Thriller entitled, Angie’s Cure, both looking to release in 2022. Lanett served as both Producer and Writer for both projects as well as in the title role in Angie’s Cure, and she can’t wait for the world to see what she’s setting up next.
FWM: What led you to the Arts?
From a young age, I watched and learned as my mother told stories to me and my siblings. We’d gather around for Anansi the Spider Tales or tales she’d make up off the top of her head like, “Greedy Gary”, A funny story meant to teach us all all about sharing and the consequences of greed. As I got older, I joined in on the fun, making up my own stories. And as the oldest of four, I stepped into the role of curator of household events or as Hollywood would say, “The Showrunner.” I was always organizing a talent show between my siblings or choreographing a routine for us to put on by the time my parents made it home. I’d take rooms in the house and transform them to whatever I needed them to be at the moment. But when elementary school auditions came around for the Wizard of Oz, in my mind, I knew that would be my “Big Break”. After landing the role of Dorothy and experiencing the give and take of performing in front of a live audience, I knew that I’d never felt anything so magical and transformative in my life. From then on, I was in every production I could get my hands on and set my sights on someday attending Howard University, when I realized how many legends came from the Film and Theater Dept. I wanted to attend a University that would prepare me for where I knew I wanted to spend the next chapter of my life: Los Angeles, CA. Howard definitely stressed, Business-Show and helped to give me the early tools I would need when navigating as an artist on my own.
FWM: Tell us about your award-winning short, SISTER SISTER SISTER.
SISTER SISTER SISTER was such a special project for me for many reasons. The short was about a well intended, albeit “rolling stone” father who’s three daughters discover each others existence at his funeral. As the daughters learn of the space that the father filled in each of their lives while they had him, they were also able to better understand themselves and make room for one another and ultimately forgive. This project was so special to me because I’d been in Los Angeles for a few years working as an actor, expanding my career to writing, as well as producing. I was determined to know how to create and produce my own content so that I could change not only my life, but the lives of the artists around me. To be able to produce a short film written by my mother, the quintessential storyteller, who so heavily shaped my desire to be an artist was a full circle moment. The joy she got from seeing her vision through from inception to completion was all the reward I needed. But winning several awards for the short film was the icing on the cake. My late manager, who played the role of the father was thrilled to bring that character to life, especially since his love of acting always took a backseat to his job as a manager. So when he passed away, shortly after filming, we were so honored to have played a part in creating something that his family and friends would cherish for many years to come.
FWM: Your love of creating, producing and performing television and film features layered and multi-faceted African American characters drive you on and off the camera. Tell us more.
I would often hear stories of a one at a time mentality in Hollywood, especially concerning black actor/storytellers. To me, I always felt that the simple way to combat that mentality is by creating more content that displays people of color as three dimensional, well rounded, well layered characters. More roles of substance for everyone. Since I refuse to be boxed in as an actress, why should the characters we play be put into any boxes? When I first began to write, the best advice I was given is write what you know. With that mentality, I have been able to shape and craft so many interesting characters and then ask the question, “What If they were placed in this scenario?” I quickly realized that my “What If’s” weren’t genre specific. These characters, if well written could be in any sci fi, horror, thriller, comedy, procedural, etc. This is why the scripts I’ve written and co written have covered a multitude of genres, but are all set in grounded realism. Some of the characters look like me and some don’t which is how the world really is. People of color should be the heroes, but also the villains. The straight man, but also the comic relief. Because where I come from, this is what is true. And the truth is not limited to a genre or a “type.” And with each production receiving distribution theatrically, streaming, or broadcast, I’ve been blessed to see how these characters connect with the audience across genres and color lines. That is plenty of motivation to keep going. I will say, that in the past 3-4 years, I have seen a much more concerted effort to diversify content. But to be clear, it’s not just about checking boxes or making quotas. It’s about every role being a valuable, contributing, necessary part of the story. And it starts with what’s on the page.
FWM: Can you share a favorite project?
My favorite project to date is one that will be releasing soon entitled, “ANGIE’S CURE” produced by me and my production partner, Corey Grant’s, company, NEW BREED ENTERTAINMENT. While I’ve been known to juggle several hats on any given production, this is the first time where I stepped into the title role of ANGIE, while also serving as a writer and producer. This project required me to use all of my tools as an actress, as the role sees me in a light no one has ever seen me in. This piece deals with a woman who survives rape and tries her hardest to push forward with her life but develops a paralyzing fear of men. But just when she thinks she’s “healed herself,” a man breaks into the hair salon where she works. It’s her safe space and once that’s violated, something in her snaps and this is where her rollercoaster begins. This piece explores and deals with themes such as mental health, police policy, and how family must learn to stand in the gap. I am incredibly proud to play alongside phenomenal talent including Essence Atkins, Vanessa Williams, Sean Nelson, Denise Boutte, and more. The cast and crew put their everything into this production and amazing performances were brought to screen. I’m also excited for the world to see and hear the music, the score, the color palate. The post team on this production was just as amazing as the cast and crew on set.
FWM: What is your mantra?
My mantra is “Don’t Wait, Create.” “As artists, we often give our power away by waiting and hoping that we are the peg that fits the hole. The missing piece to someone else’s puzzle. The truth is we are the missing piece, but the puzzle is ours to create. By aligning and collaborating with like minded artists, it is incredible when you realize that all of the tools that you need lie in not just you, but quite often, the people around you. In Hollywood, there’s always a bit of quid pro quo and that is okay. Sometimes, you are the person assembling the crew that’s needed to bring your vision to life. Other times, you need to make yourself available to help bring someone else’s vision to life. So many people will say yes to you if you have something to offer in return. This is why, sharpening the skills that you currently possess, and not being afraid to learn new ones, will up your value as an artist, a writer, and a producer. As mentioned, sometimes I have to wear all three hats at once. It’s not always ideal. Lol, but it is definitely helpful when you are in a bind and know that you can rely on yourself and your village to get you to the finish line. For this reason I am a proud member of SAG, the Writers Guild, and the Producers Guild.
FWM: Your newest feature film is a Sci- Fi thriller entitled, ATHENA. How has this film pushed your creative process?
Athena has pushed the creative process through the roof! The film was written by myself and writer, Brian Kelsey right at the beginning of Covid and directed by Corey Grant. We wrapped production the day before the first set of lockdowns in Los Angeles. We knew we had a small window to write something, compelling yet contained, and boy did we do just that. This film was the first time I had to rely heavily on VFX (visual effects) as the lead of the film is an A.I. named Athena who hosts the dinner party from hell in the year 2035. The sequences created as a result of us pushing our creativity to the maximum are mind blowing . Athena is a sci-fi thriller with elements of dark humor and social commentary sprinkled throughout. The ensemble cast is full of fresh, young talent and the end result has more than exceeded our expectations. The journey has been a long one on this production, as we are waiting exclusively on the effects to be completed before we can officially give a release date but from what I’ve seen so far in terms of effects, it’s gonna be a special movie.
FWM: What is next?
I’m really excited about what’s next for me. I am in the beginning stages of prep for a project that I should be able to announce shortly. And I’m super excited about the roll out for Angie’s Cure. Feel free to check out the website for updates and for the trailer launching very soon. It’s www.angiescure.com I’m definitely looking forward to releasing the details to both of these things soon. Other than that, my production partner and I are tightening up scripts and lining up our slate of projects that range from series to feature films. Basically, I’m staying ready so I don’t have to get ready 🙂
FWM: Please share your social media.
Thank you so much for sharing your time with me! You can find me on Instagram as Lanett_Tachel and on Facebook as Lanett Tachel (Proctor)
