Shining a Light on Diverse Voices: An Interview with Western Star Entertainment Group
Shining a Light on Diverse Voices: An Interview with Western Star Entertainment Group
In an industry often dominated by big-name studios, Western Star Entertainment Group is breaking boundaries by creating an inclusive, women-owned production company focused on elevating underrepresented voices. I had the pleasure of speaking with the talented founders, Mia and Joelle, about their journey, challenges, and creative vision for their company.
Meet the Founders
Mia Lastrella, whose family hails from Colorado and the Philippines and once lived in Hawaii! Joelle Westwood, originally from Ohio, with family in Florida. Its a small world when they both met Grant Miller - partner of Ingenuity Studios LLC - during Cannes Film Festival — ironically a mutual of us both!
Their journey began in 2023 with a shared passion for producing and directing. Determined to maintain creative control over their work, they launched Western Star Entertainment Group to avoid outsourcing their writing and ideas. Their mission? To collaborate with creators and filmmakers, provide mentorship opportunities through internships, and build a brand dedicated to authentic storytelling.
"We wanted to build a space where every project could work in tandem with a non-profit related to its themes," Mia explains. "Whether it's socially or politically relevant, we want our work to have a lasting impact."
Creating an Inclusive Space
With a female-forward cast and crew—including producers, DPs, sound mixers, and more — Western Star Entertainment Group emphasizes the importance of fostering an environment that feels empowering and collaborative. "There's an energy shift when you have a female crew," Joelle says. "Less egos. More collaboration."
Their approach isn't just about representation on screen but ensuring that those behind the camera reflect a diverse and inclusive reality. As Mia points out, "What you see on screen should be a true reflection of who's working behind the scenes."
Meaningful Storytelling
Western Star Entertainment Group is committed to pushing the industry forward with projects that address socially relevant themes. From shorts to features, each project is carefully crafted to resonate with audiences and spark meaningful conversations. One of their latest films, Inclusive Space, is just one example of how they’re prioritizing impactful storytelling.
Overcoming Challenges
Building a women-owned production company hasn’t come without its difficulties. From navigating the complexities of funding during the strikes to assembling dedicated crews despite budget limitations, Mia and Joelle have faced their share of obstacles. "We had extras pulling out, but we kept pushing forward," Joelle recalls. "SAG understood our vision and supported us as a low-budget film." Which is so often the case for women-produced films and production companies.
They also discussed the double standards women face — like being expected to build a massive social following to be taken seriously, while still being dismissed as "girls" in professional meetings.
The biggest challenge Mia and Joelle are grappling with is the changing landscape of cinema. With the rise of streaming, the future of theatrical releases remains uncertain. "Who, how, and what can we do to make sure diverse and inclusive films are being made, created, and seen?" Joelle wonders.
The Future of Western Star Entertainment Group
Looking ahead, Mia and Joelle are excited about upcoming projects, including Safe Space, a dramedy Mia is particularly passionate about. They also hint at a big musical project currently in negotiation.
As technology continues to evolve, they’re embracing tools like AI to enhance scenes, while also recognizing the concerns it raises. "AI is not going away," Mia says. "But it's all about adapting and finding ways to use it ethically."
Their goal is to continue creating a space that empowers young women to break boundaries in filmmaking, both in style and voice. And with their commitment to meaningful storytelling, Western Star Entertainment Group is set to make a lasting impact.
"We’re not just creating films," Joelle says. "We’re creating art through collaboration, and it’s not just about the credits — it’s about the work itself."
Want to learn more about their projects? Check out their latest releases and follow along as they continue to champion diverse voices in the industry.
Stay tuned for more interviews highlighting innovative creators making a difference in the world of film. Find out more and stay up to date here and on their socials!
