Early Life and Law Enforcement Career
Laura “LA” Barbato’s journey from a New York City police sergeant to an independent film executive represents a distinctive path marked by resilience and creativity. Born on December 1, 1983, Barbato grew up as the youngest of three siblings in a family led by her mother, Joanne Barbato, a registered nurse. Before entering law enforcement or filmmaking, Barbato was deeply involved in music, creating beats and managing her own label, Twelve 83 Records. This early interest in creative expression laid the groundwork for her future endeavors in entertainment.
In 2007, Barbato began her career with the New York City Police Department (NYPD), serving in demanding roles including undercover work in the Bronx Narcotics Division. Rising to sergeant in the 46th Precinct, she led anti-crime teams focused on reducing violent offenses and illegal firearm use. Her work earned her numerous commendations, demonstrating her commitment to public safety. Barbato’s law enforcement career was cut short by a severe injury sustained during a pursuit of an armed suspect, leading to her medical retirement in 2019.
Transition to Filmmaking and Creative Leadership
Following her retirement, Barbato redirected her focus toward filmmaking, a return to her creative roots. She enrolled at the New York Film Academy and completed a degree in screenwriting. Around this time, she transformed Twelve 83 Records into Twelve 83 Entertainment, a multimedia company dedicated to producing compelling narratives. This pivot from law enforcement to cinema illustrates Barbato’s ability to adapt and redefine her career while maintaining her authentic voice.
Barbato’s debut short film, The Man Who Sold the World, gained attention with more than 20 festival awards, including “Best Thriller” at the Florence Film Awards. Her work continued to explore varied formats and genres, exemplified by The Unorthodox Series, a surreal anthology acclaimed for its boundary-pushing storytelling. During the COVID-19 pandemic, she created The States of Emergency: New York & New Jersey, a documentary capturing the impact of the crisis on the region, which received recognition for its poignant depiction of the human experience during an unprecedented time.
Expanding Creative Horizons
Barbato’s versatility is reflected in her diverse body of work, ranging from animated comedy to international co-productions. In 2020, she developed Half Pints, an animated comedy web series that further demonstrated her narrative range. By 2022, she had broadened her international footprint with productions such as Prelude, a Swedish feature that earned commendations at the Swedish International Film Festival, and Jujuman, a Nigerian dark comedy she executive produced.
Her more recent projects include Waking Up and Last Meal, American drama shorts available on Amazon Prime Video. In 2024, Barbato executive produced Bloodline Killer, a horror-thriller for Tubi that featured notable actors including Shawnee Smith and Bruce Dern. The film’s reception on streaming platforms underscored her growing influence in the digital entertainment space. She also produced El Hombre Sin Rostro, a Mexican horror film, further highlighting her commitment to cross-cultural collaborations.
Professional Insights and Storytelling Philosophy
Laura “LA” Barbato leverages her law enforcement experience to bring authenticity and depth to her storytelling. Her creation of the comic book series Charlie X, inspired by her years undercover and as a sergeant, exemplifies her dedication to narratives grounded in real-life experiences. Illustrated by DC Comics artist Bachan Carrillo, Charlie X presents a raw, police-drama crime story that resonates with audiences seeking genuine perspectives.
As a member of the Writers Guild of America, Barbato emphasizes fearless and innovative storytelling through Twelve 83 Entertainment. Her career shift demonstrates how lived experiences can enrich creative projects, offering perspectives rarely found in mainstream media. Barbato’s work reflects a blend of authenticity and artistic vision, underscoring her position as a film executive with a unique approach to independent cinema.
Looking Ahead
Laura “LA” Barbato’s evolution from NYPD sergeant to independent film executive illustrates the potential for reinvention and impact across different fields. Through Twelve 83 Entertainment, she continues to develop projects that challenge conventions and explore diverse narratives. Her contributions offer valuable insights into the intersections of law enforcement, culture, and storytelling.
Contact Twelve 83 Entertainment:
Website: www.twelve83entertainment.com
Email: info@twelve83entertainment.com
Social Media: @Twelve83Ent
Published by Joseph T.