Weekly Reporter: Wendy McKenzie

Wendy “Wink” McKenzie has been in the entertainment industry for over 20 years, as an actress herself early in her career and now, casting everything from music video and TV commercials to editorials. Wendy also runs a popular acting workshop that aids fresh talent who are familiarizing themselves with the industry for the first time.

What is the “it” factor that models and talent must have when meeting with agents and casting directors?

It's just that special something... It's personality. It’s the one thing that separates one person from the next. I’m a freelance casting director and I never know exactly what I’m looking for. So personality really sets one person apart from another.

What is good about new models and new talent?
Meeting the models and talent who are just getting started is helpful. There are so many times that people aren’t signed to an agency yet, and I’m the person that gets to give someone their first job. I love that experience.

What are your thoughts on Nijah / New Faces Development?

What I've seen so far, is a lot of talent. Everyone has been very courteous, but the talent also possess the spark I'm looking for, so I’m excited about that.

What are you looking for when you’re scouting new talent?

I’m always looking for that “diamond in the rough,” recently I worked on the film NOTORIOUS. It was a project where the actors were people who never acted before. Doing that may be a risk to some, but I love to give people their big break. I also like when people show what they're capable of, like when I cast Quinton Aaron in The Blind Side. I’m always looking for that unique, special person. I don’t know how to describe it, but when I see it, I know it.

Do you feel like development is essential for those looking to break into the industry?

I praise development centers like Nijah / New Faces Development, because I know how hard it can be. I teach an acting workshop, and I have to explain headshots, resumes and all of the techniques. Sometimes, I send the actors to companies to develop them for me.

As a casting director, I don’t have the time to groom and coach. It's not possible for us to make sure every person is ready for the industry. I’m so glad to know that Nijah / New Faces Development exists.