Laurent studied theater at the University of Southern California, and also with Sanford Meisner, before working in cable television as a segment/field producer, segment director and cinematographer. It was after joining the Los Angeles based film collectives Group 101 Films and Filmmaker's Alliance that he began making scripted short films and short form documentaries. These films have screened at US and various international film festivals including: The Tiburon International Film Festival; Vision Fest Los Angeles; Group 101 Film Festival, Los Angeles; Off-Courts Trouville, France; Cannes Film Festival Short Film Corner; and The Festival International Du Film D'Afrique.