Today we’d like to introduce you to Kiyawna McKenzie (K. Kenzie).
Kiyawna, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
Growing up in Greenville, SC, I always had a passion for films. My mother had a massive movie collection from plays, classics 70s film, classic hood films, and even gospel films. I used to watch the same movies repetitively as a little girl. I would even remember the lines and act out the scenes to my family. Although, I always had a passion for films, it never crossed my mind to want to obtain a career in the entertainment industry. I’m the youngest of three. My older sister who I always admired went to college and received both her BA and MBA. My older brother went to an HBCU and received his BS. Although, I never had any interest in college, I knew I was obligated to go, especially since my dad is really big on education. After graduating high school, I attended a technical college called Greenville Technical College which is in my hometown Greenville, SC. There, I took my general classes to obtain my Associates in Arts. I was so unhappy taking courses that never interest me.
One day, at my job at Cherrydale Cinemas, Kevin Hart came and bought out the entire theater and concessions for his new movie. After seeing how people reacted to him and seeing him do something his loves, I was immediately inspired. That’s when I knew that was my calling to be an entertainer. I always had the bubbly personality, I always made people laugh, and I have always been creative. I knew I was born to do this. That day, I researched acting classes, acting gigs, and even casting calls, in Atlanta, GA. After hours of researching, I finally found an open casting call in Atlanta for the new movie Barbershop 3. I submitted for it, I have gotten my headshots taken by my good friend Jada, and me and my dad drove to Atlanta the following day for the audition. Which I later booked as the sorority girl in the chair. That was my first feature role as an extra, and since then it took off. I started to get bookings for many roles in major films such as: All Eyez on Me, Almost Christmas, Sleepless with Jaime Foxx, The Have and the Have Nots, Love Thy Neighbor, and many more. I was tired of commuting back and forth from Greenville to Atlanta, so I decided to apply for Clark Atlanta University, which I immediately got accepted into, and I finally got my chance to move to Atlanta for my career while pursuing an education. Although Clark was never my dream school, it gave me the tools to network and build my acting career. Because of Clark, I met the lady who forever changed my life, Mrs. Jada Pinkett Smith. I met Jada at an event at Morehouse College that I was working. I was fortunate enough to have a long conversation with her about obtaining a career in the entertainment industry. In that conversation, Jada gave me her team’s contact information and told me to reach out to them. After reaching out to her team, they informed me to apply for an internship. I did apply, however, I thought I wasn’t going to hear back. Months later, they contacted me and told me that I advanced to the next round.
After completing the second part of the requirements, I was picked to intern for the American Film Institute sponsored by WJSFF (Will and Jada Smith Family Foundation). This internship was located in Los Angeles, and it was a requirement to have your own housing and transportation for three months. I knew I did not have any housing, so I got a job as a server to earn money for my internship. I still didn’t have enough money, I only had money for the plane ticket and about $200 in my account. My parents were so against me going, however, I knew in my heart that this is what I wanted to do. I still remember the day, I drove to Atlanta, got on the plane to go to LA. I remember choosing a window seat with my hoodie and shades on because I was crying. I was crying because I was mentally preparing myself that I was going to have to check into a homeless shelter when I landed. A beautiful family sat beside me, and we started to make small conversation. The wife, asked me was this my first time going to LA, and I responded: “Yes, I’m going for a 3-month internship, but I have nowhere to stay”. She looked confused and I explain my situation. She then told me to stay with her and her family when we landed.
For three days, I stayed with that family and they welcomed me with open arms on their vacation. Although I was having fun with them until my internship started, their vacation came to an end. They checked me into a hotel for a couple of days and gave me some money. But I still had to figure out my housing situation. The next day, I contacted Jada’s assistant and we met so I could explain my situation. He was so touched and shocked that I traveled so many miles for an internship knowing that I would be homeless. He called me his hero and told me not to worry about anything else. He said, “Give me about an hour, and I’ll make something happen”. So, I and another girl in my internship program went to the Hollywood Sign. An hour later, I received a call from him stating that Will and Jada paid for my housing for the entire summer, and I’ll be staying in Hollywood. I was so grateful and blessed and till this day, I’m still shocked that they did that. That was the most humbling experience I ever had. I’m forever grateful for the family on the plane, which I call my God-Parents and still talk to till this day, and I’m grateful for the Smiths. They changed my life. I completed the internship, I made great connections and friends in LA, then I moved back to Atlanta to finish my senior year in college. Which I completed, and graduated in May of 2019 with my BA in Mass Media Arts, with a concentration in Film and Television.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
The road has not been easy at all. Considering that I never had a passion for school, it was hard for me to have 100% focus on my studies, while also trying to exceed in my career.
Please tell us about Freestyle Filmworks.
Freestyle Filmworks is the production company that I just started. My films are about modern-day obstacles that African Americans tend to face. Furthermore, my films are cultured and relatable to the viewers. I specialize in acting, screenwriting, and producing my own content. I’m proud of the hard work both me and my crew has put into my films. What sets me apart from others, is that when I create my films, it’s inspired by real life. If not mine, then my friends or family. I feel that authenticity in films will attract more viewers who are going through or experienced similar situations.
If you had to go back in time and start over, would you have done anything differently?
I wouldn’t change anything. I feel that everything is a learning experience both good and bad. I’m grateful for the lessons because it made me the woman that I am today and has elevated my career.
Contact Info:
- Email: kaykenziefilms@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kiyawnamckenzie/
- Other: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCYxUrnxPG7Wpob9wcshz0mA?view_as=subscriber
Image Credit:
Photographer: @TreHazelwood
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