Life and Work with Kendra L McDonald

Today we’d like to introduce you to Kendra L McDonald.

Kendra, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I first got started in film, in my mid to late 20s. I was at home watching a commercial and to me, it was not great so I started dissecting it. It was then that my mom said, why are you studying to enter law school, why not go into Film and TV. I always loved doing camera work at my church and as a hobby on the side. Fast forward, to the fall of 2015 when I enrolled in the Master’s program for Film Directing starting in NYC and my final year, I finished in Los Angeles, CA. During my final semester in film school, I filmed a short film called: Letters.

My short film Letters is about a young girl named, Briana Taylor who writes an angry letter to God after the death of her father. The story came to me when I thought about my own dad and when he passed away, I was eight years old and my younger cousin lost her dad (my uncle) when she was about the same age. So, I took how we felt at that age and put that into the character. I have won multiple awards for my short film, in Directing, and the Narrative.

Today, I am still writing and creating stories that inspire me. I am currently working freelance as a Director and Producer and I have a couple of projects that I am jumping on as a Director and Producer and some just doing Producing work which I am excited about. I also work as a Production Coordinator for multiple production companies on multiple films and shows between my freelance work.

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
It definitely has not been a smooth road because I always have to prove myself to others as a woman, especially a black woman. I have to work ten times harder, than my male professionals and even harder than those who have parents in the industry helping them get in.

My advice for other women is to stay focused and study your craft so you know your stuff. So, when someone asks you something you automatically know it. Always be 2-5 steps ahead.

Please tell us about your work.
I am a Director and Producer and I write and create content with the primary focus being on faith. I am known for being organized haha which is funny to say. A lot of my producer and writer friends all see and know me as the person who gets things done and always stays on top of things making sure the production runs smoothly.

What sets me apart is that I treat everyone like family on my productions. I get to know my PAs, Camera Team and more. I help load and unload equipment and I check in to make sure everyone is good.

Are there any apps, books, podcasts or other resources that you’ve benefited from using?
I have about eight new books I just purchased, about film funding and on writing to improve myself. You can never stop learning especially as society is changing with the way we watch and create TV shows and movies.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.kendralmcdonald.com
• Email: contact@kendralmcdonald.com
• Instagram: Instagram.com/kendra.l.mcdonald

Image Credit:
Briana Cooksey, Mark Joseph

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