The Spirited Actor - Wendy McKenzie
Wendy began her career in the entertainment industry as a fashion model and dancer. At a booked video shoot, the casting director realized that she needed additional models to complete the job. Wendy offered her services to assist the casting director with coordinating a last minute casting. Realizing that she had a knack for recognizing talent, she began to freelance on numerous casting projects. Early in her career she worked with prominent casting director, Tracy Moore, to cast for “New Jersey Drive”. Wendy was part of the team that welcomed newcomer, Christopher Wallace, aka “Notorious B.I.G.” to the project. She partnered with mentor, Tracy “Twinkie” Byrd to cast memorable music videos for artists, Jennifer Lopez, Mariah Carey, Britney Spears, Lauryn Hill, Wyclef Jean, and numerous others. Branching off on her own, Wendy became a regular casting facilitator for MTV On Air Promos such as “Yo Mama”, “Sucker Free Sunday”; and product launches and ad campaigns for G- Unit Clothing, 7th on 6th Fashion week, “Fusha Designs”, most recent “OOVOO” video and print ad campaign and numerous others projects. The pivotal point in Wendy’s career occurred when she was hired to serve as lead New York Casting Director for Fox Searchlight Pictures, “Notorious”, the biopic story of rapper, Christopher Wallace. The 10 month long casting project lauded Wendy with the coo of finding and introducing, Jamal “Gravy” Woolard, who convincingly played the role of “Notorious B.I.G.”. While working on the Notorious project, Fox Searchlight asked Wendy to provide limited casting services for “Secret Life of Bees” and the 2010 Academy Award Nominated, “The Blindside”. For the second time, Wendy successfully introduced a new talent, Quinton Aaron, to a major motion picture project. Quinton Aaron was cast in the role of Michael Oher. Wendy Mckenzie, Acting Coach: Wendy has taught and or guided many successful talents including... Victor Cruz, Michael K Williams, Naturi Naughton, Donshea Hopkins, Nafessa Williams, Diggy Simmons , Rylee Gabriel King, Chinua Baraka Payne, Marquise Neal, Juju, Safaree, Tahiry Jose, Jessie Woo, and Fatboy Sse.
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