Lauren Jackson

Aged 15, Lauren Jackson swapped high school and amateur theatre to star in movie Alex, inspired by the Tessa Duder bestseller about a teenage swimmer who competes in the Olympic Games. Time in Germany fuelled the writing of both Jackson's first play (the award-winning Exchange), and university studies on the German and Kiwi film industries. Since graduating from acting school Toi Whakaari in 2001, she has appeared on stage and screen, and directed two short films: family tale I'm Going to Mum's — which won four awards, and was invited to the 2013 Berlin Film Festival  — and 2017 drama Tree.  

Whether you're an actor, writer or director you are in the business of telling stories. I've worked as all three and am really grateful to have an appreciation of what those jobs involve. Hopefully it makes me a better team player. I can see my work environment through the eyes of a few different people now. Lauren Jackson, in an interview for website The Big Idea, 24 June 2010