Liverpool-born producer of A Star Is Born to hold Q&A with LIPA students

Los Angeles based producer and graduate of the Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts (LIPA) Lynette Howell Taylor is heading back to the institute that set her on the path to success.

A Star is Born, co-produced by Lynette and starring Lady Gaga and Bradley Cooper, has been nominated for seven BAFTAS and eight Oscars. Lynette studied the Management degree at LIPA and graduated in 2000. She says her time at LIPA was invaluable.

“I developed the foundation for producing during my time there. The Management degree was an invaluable tool to me. I genuinely didn’t think there was anything else out there like it. And I still don’t. It is so entrepreneurial, and the ability to also be in classes with students from other degrees was a mirror to the real world.

“I had the most incredible experience at LIPA. I made lifelong friends, and learnt so much about myself, my values, passions and what I wanted to do.

“LIPA changed my life and solidified the direction I knew I wanted my career to take.”

Lynette has over 30 credits to her name including Half Nelson, Blue Valentine and Captain Fantastic. In 2017 she launched production company 51 Entertainment, which aims to promote equality, diversity and inclusion in hiring practices across all areas of film and TV.

During an hour-long Q&A with students Lynette will be discussing her career and hopes to “dispel the myth of how to truly pursue your dreams and passions.

“I was not born to a Hollywood family, far from it, or anyone who had any connection to the entertainment industry. I have worked since I was 12 years old. I had 3 jobs while I was at LIPA, all at once, including ushering at the Liverpool Empire, to make money. Each and every one of the students has the power to make themselves into anything they want to be. As long as they are willing to put in the time and work hard.”

Lynette is back in the UK for Sunday night’s BAFTA Awards in London and couldn’t resist the opportunity of returning to Liverpool. “It’s my hometown. I was born there and grew up in Liverpool and on the Wirral.

“My Mum and my close family all still live there. So, for me, it’s always beautifully nostalgic and gives me a true sense of coming home.”