Embracing a new role

There’s something about Smith Mountain Lake that tends to transform those who spend time along its shores. For those seeking refuge, it can provide serenity. Others find a sense of peaceful reflection not unlike the lake itself. Sara Elizabeth Timmins, a 33-year-old Hollywood actress and film producer, found a visit to her parents’ home in December 2007 changed her life.

            "I had been working on a project for two months and was living out of a suitcase," said Timmins. "I felt that something was missing in my life, but I couldn’t figure out what. I came out to the lake to clear my head and went on a walk. It was almost instantaneous; everything became clear. I suddenly felt that I wasn’t searching anymore."

            Timmins’ experience at Smith Mountain Lake proved to be a turning point in her life and career. Until that visit, the 1999 graduate of Xavier University in Ohio had spent 10 years living the hectic lifestyle of an actress and film producer.

            "I always knew that performing was my passion. I started off as a dancer and it went into theater," she said. "I was president of my high school and was very involved in a lot of leadership activities in college. I realized a strong point of mine was leadership. My dad told me I should produce. I took my passion for acting and my strengths for organizing and it led me to my passion today, producing films."

            Timmins’ career has included acting in various theater and film roles as well as production work in independent films, movies and television shows such as Cold Case and The West Wing. She’s worked alongside a number of famous actors, including Tom Cruise, Jamie Foxx, Lynda Carter and Anne Hathaway.

            In addition to acting and producing in California, Timmins travels to schools as a motivational speaker.

            "I love to inspire and motivate people. I help students understand the importance of their choices today and how it affects their future," she said.

            Despite years of performing, producing and speaking, Timmins had a lingering longing. During that walk at Smith Mountain Lake two years ago, she discovered what was missing.

            "I’ve always been go, go, go, not living in the moment, never appreciating what was around me," she said. "There is a magic to the lake. For me, it was about getting away from the city, the cellphone, the go, go, go. What was missing was what I would speak about: making an impact."

            Timmins returned to Los Angeles with a renewed perspective. The soul-searching journey inspired her to create a film company, Life Out Loud Films.

            "My mantra in life has been, ‘Dare to live life out loud.’ Dream. Act. Risk. Embrace," she said. "I was putting 800 percent into other people’s projects and I thought maybe it’s time to do my own."

             A new and radical risk was the next step for Timmins – creating and producing a film from start to finish. The main character? Smith Mountain Lake.

            "I see the lake representing family, nature, recreation ... it’s a film about searching. So many people are searching for something but in the wrong place. The lake offers a reflection of themselves, where they can find the answers," she said.

            True to her commitment to make an impact, Timmins plans to use the production of the film, titled Lake Effects, to influence the SML community in a positive way.

            "We want to give back to economic development and tourism," she said. "We aren’t changing the name of the lake – we want people to know where it is. It’s not my film anymore, it’s the community’s film."

            Timmins relocated to Smith Mountain Lake last fall to continue overseeing film production and wrap up financing. She considers herself among the many Lakers who haven’t grown up here, but have been drawn to it like she was.

            "There are a lot of transplants at SML," she said. "People have chosen to be here, which is very powerful. Everybody here has found it just like I found it. It’s very easy to be here and not appreciate it. I try to remind myself every morning to appreciate the beauty of the lake."