Discover how filmmaker Rae transformed a personal script into a groundbreaking film through sheer determination, creative resourcefulness, and unwavering commitment to authentic storytelling against all odds.
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After being told "no" by her partner about her book/film dream, she later used that rejection as fuel to publish her novel and produce a successful film.
Rae Lashea · In Her Own Words
Her Story
About Rae
Rae Lashea is an accomplished author, screenwriter, producer, and editor based in Las Vegas, Nevada. With a background in education, she began her career as a teacher and later served as an assistant principal, gaining valuable experience in leadership and mentorship. Driven by a passion for storytelling and creativity, Rae made the bold decision to leave her administrative role and pursue her dreams, traveling the world and immersing herself in the creative arts. As the founder of Rae Lashea Inc., she has built a thriving media company that produces feature films, web series, and literary works. Rae recently produced the feature film We’re Not Married?, currently streaming on Tubi, and has authored numerous books, including Hot Tea and Mercy her mindfulness-focused Fifty-Two Weeks of M.I.R.A.C.L.E.S. Her work emphasizes mindfulness, meditation, and visioning, guiding others to shift their mindset toward abundance and possibility. Rae’s dedication to creative storytelling and empowerment extends beyond her own projects. She actively collaborates with writers, illustrators, animators, producers, and directors, mentoring and supporting fellow creatives in bringing their visions to life. With a successful media company and a growing body of work, Rae continues to expand her influence in literature, film, and personal development, aspiring to offer broader distribution opportunities for films and further inspire audiences worldwide.
Her Content Hub
Articles by Rae
Against All Odds: The Odyssey of “We’re Not Married?”
From struggle to screen: How one filmmaker's unwavering determination brought "We're Not Married?" to life against all odds.
Rooted in Purpose
Rae began as a creative navigating the unpredictable landscape of independent filmmaking through a group called Women of Color Filmmakers. What started as conversations about short films, representation, and cultural expectations grew into a bold decision: to co-write a feature film. We’re Not Married? is an honest, humorous, and sometimes raw exploration of what happens when a couple realizes their relationship may not be what they thought. Rae’s commitment to authentic storytelling allowed her to build something bigger than herself—a relatable, unfiltered, deeply human narrative.
Funding the Dream—From Her Own Pockets
Once the script was complete, Rae faced a barrier familiar to thousands of independent filmmakers: funding. Rather than wait for a miracle, she became one. Drawing on her own credit, business lines, and strategic partnerships—including a financial collaboration with her director and pitching to the founder of Evolution Travel—she poured every spare dollar into transforming We’re Not Married? from words on a page into a living, breathing film. Every location, prop, costume, and camera hour represented both sacrifice and unwavering commitment. The set ran not on budget, but on passion, precision, and intuition.
Running Out of Funds—But Not Out of Fight
As production neared its end, financial strain threatened to halt progress. Rae responded with ingenuity: leveraging favors, streamlining editing, and trading services to make impossible deadlines possible. The film was finished—but distribution presented the next mountain to climb.
The Tubi Triumph
After numerous discussions with independent distributors, Rae signed with Glass Slipper Pictures. Though not all collaborators agreed with the choice, Rae’s resilience prevailed. On July 29, 2025, We’re Not Married? premiered on Tubi, reaching a broad, diverse audience and proving that the late nights, sacrifices, and uncertainties were worth every effort.
A Testament to Perseverance
The journey of We’re Not Married? is a case study in artistic courage. Rae refused to wait for permission, perfect conditions, or external validation. She trusted her voice, defied the odds, and employed sixty-five cast and crew members in Los Angeles during the SAG-AFTRA strike.
We’re Not Married? is more than a film—it is a declaration that stories matter, that collaboration is powerful, and that extraordinary achievements often come from ordinary people who refuse to give up.
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