Lara Clear’s career defies both geographic and artistic borders. With roots in London’s classical training and years spent in the United States’ bold indie scene, she has crafted an approach that balances discipline and determination.
“I trained in London, where everything was very technique-driven: text work, classical structure, all the proper foundations,” she said. “Then, moving to LA by way of New York, I was thrown into a completely different energy… I’ve become freer, bolder and more connected thanks to [my coach Allen Savage]. Now, it feels less like I’m performing and more like I’m living in each moment of time within each character.”
Her dual background has also informed her work as a producer. “Working on both U.S. and international productions has definitely shaped how I move through this industry not just as an actor, but as a producer too,” she explained. “Different cultures bring different strengths to the process… I think working across both continents, in two major industry hubs, has made me more open, more curious, and more able to jump into a variety of roles and environments with a confidence to execute.”
That perspective proved especially relevant during the global festival run of I Live Here Now. Clear experienced firsthand how varied audiences respond to bold, independent cinema. “Fantasia is bold and genre-celebratory… Locarno felt like a dream come true… Edinburgh International Film Festival is a legendary festival that not only is historic but marked a special occasion for me, being that it was the UK premiere.”
For Clear, these festivals were not only milestones but also moments of connection—with audiences, programmers, and fellow artists. The experience reinforced her belief in storytelling as a universal language. “Hopefully the film resonated with people in a positive way,” she said.
Her ability to straddle multiple film cultures has given her a rare versatility. She has performed in comedy, drama, and psychological horror, but still keeps herself open to surprise. “The most exciting roles are the ones that scare me a little. They push me into unfamiliar territory and let me tap into something unexpected, maybe even a little freaky.”
That ethos extends beyond acting. Clear has learned that in an industry dominated by visibility and true staying power, one must stay perceptive in their work. “I’ve never been one to focus on the external and social media side of things, maybe to my detriment, but I’ve always let the work lead,” she reflected. “I stay grounded by keeping my focus on the craft… Spending time with my family, being out in nature, skiing, or walking my dogs are the things that remind me who I am and keep me grounded.”
Looking ahead, she’s eager to continue collaborating with visionary directors. “I’d love to collaborate with Julie again, we have some great ideas already taking shape,” she said. “Ultimately, in whatever genre I work in next, the dream is to continue working with visionary directors, like Julie, who bring a strong, original voice to storytelling.”
Clear’s story is one of constant expansion and fearless expression. From London to Los Angeles, from indie sets to international festivals, she has built a career on openness to new cultures, new roles, and new challenges. She brought that vision to audiences worldwide with I Live Here Now, proving that for her, storytelling is not just performance but a way of living.
