How Laura “LA” Barbato Combines Law Enforcement Experience with Filmmaking

Women's Journal Contributor

Early Years and Police Service

Laura “LA” Barbato’s career has taken a remarkable turn from policing New York City’s streets to producing films that reach global audiences. Born in 1983 and raised by her mother, a registered nurse, Barbato developed an early interest in creative arts, especially music. She started as a teenage DJ and founded Twelve 83 Records, laying a foundation for her later work in entertainment.

In 2007, Barbato joined the New York City Police Department. During her years of service, she worked undercover in the Bronx Narcotics Division and later became sergeant of the 46th Precinct. Her responsibilities included leading anti-crime teams focused on reducing violent offenses and illegal firearms. Her law enforcement career earned her respect and several commendations. However, a severe injury sustained during an arrest led to her medical retirement in 2019.

A Shift Toward Storytelling

After leaving the NYPD, Barbato returned to her passion for storytelling by enrolling at the New York Film Academy, where she earned a degree in screenwriting. She rebranded her music label into Twelve 83 Entertainment, expanding its focus to film and multimedia production.

Barbato’s first short film, The Man Who Sold the World, was recognized at multiple film festivals, winning awards for its thriller elements. She then created The Unorthodox Series, an anthology known for blending genres and narrative styles. Her documentary The States of Emergency: New York & New Jersey captured the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and received acclaim for its sensitive portrayal of a difficult time.

Diverse Film Projects and International Reach

Barbato’s work spans many genres and formats, including animation with her web series Half Pints. She extended her reach internationally by producing Prelude, a Swedish feature film honored at the Swedish International Film Festival, and executive producing Jujuman, a Nigerian dark comedy.

Her recent productions include American drama shorts Waking Up and Last Meal, available on Amazon Prime Video. In 2024, she served as executive producer for Bloodline Killer, a horror-thriller film distributed by Tubi that featured well-known actors. That same year, Barbato produced El Hombre Sin Rostro, a Mexican horror film, demonstrating her interest in cross-cultural projects.

Insights from Experience

Barbato’s background in law enforcement deeply informs her storytelling. She created Charlie X, a comic book series inspired by her years as an undercover officer and sergeant. Illustrated by DC Comics artist Bachan Carrillo, the series presents a gritty police drama grounded in real-world experience.

As a member of the Writers Guild of America, Barbato continues to push for authentic and innovative stories through Twelve 83 Entertainment. Her unique blend of street-level insight and cinematic creativity offers audiences a perspective shaped by both lived experience and artistic vision.

Continuing the Journey

Laura “LA” Barbato’s career reflects a distinctive combination of service and creativity. Through Twelve 83 Entertainment, she develops films and media projects that explore diverse narratives and challenge conventional storytelling. Her work remains informed by her time in law enforcement, creating content that resonates with authenticity.