ABOUT US
ABOUT US
Western Star is a female-owned production company based in the Tri-State area. We are focused on creating and producing compelling narratives for domestic and international markets. Our stories emphasize socially-relevant motifs that advocate topics such as gender inclusion, environmental sustainability, political education for younger generations, and more.
the founders
Joelle Westwood is a Cleveland and New York-based producer, screenwriter, and actress. Graduate of Fordham University (B.S. Psychology, Film/T.V. Minor), she has also trained in film production and acting techniques at New York University's Tisch School of the Arts and Stella Adler Studio. Additionally, Joelle is a published playwright, commercial model, and Broadway cabaret performer.
Joelle is a passionate environmental activist, striving to make a global impact through the power of film.
Mia Lastrella is a producer, screenwriter, director, and actor based in New York City. She has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Film and Screen Studies with a minor in Arts and Entertainment Management from Pace University.
She has written and directed numerous short films including the Just One Thing Campaign, starring Alysia Reiner, as well as the music videos for the award winning singing group, Frequency A Cappella, on their EP’s Neu State of Mind and Thaw. As an actor, she has trained professionally under acting coach Shelly Cole. She found success at the International Model and Talent Association (IMTA), winning awards for 1st Runner-Up Young Adult Female Actor of The Year, Best Cold Read, Best Improv, and Best T.V. Beauty.
In her spare time, Mia works as a freelance writer and editor as well as a film studies teaching assistant at Pace University.
Joelle and Mia are proud members of New York Women in Film & Television (NYWIFT), Film Independent, and Gotham.