Today we’d like to introduce you to Kadesha “Kay” McCastle
Hi Kadesha “Kay” , we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Just a girl born and raised right here in Atlanta, GA at Crawford Long Hospital, now known as Emory. My story started the day I was born, but the journey started in the year of 2005 , at the age of fifteen surrounded by the arts of the Entertainment Industry I knew I wanted to add myself into the mix somehow. Seeing the various music videos being filmed in my community from Ciara and Field Mob to Ludacris and many others, it inspired me to figure out how I could add to that creative outlet from behind the scenes. Stepping in the School of Technology at the New Schools of Carver High School as a freshman, navigating my way by acting as my school’s news anchor and anchoring highlights for APS News Online site, learning how to create and film with the tools provided to us, and producing my very own short film. Shortly after, I transitioned into the real world as they called it and attended the University of Florida where I obtained my Bachelor’s Degree in Telecommunications. Fast forward 20 years, I’m now a freelance Location Manager and Scout for TV/Film, Commercials and Special Events here in Atlanta. I’ve worked on productions for networks such as Warner Brothers, Prime Video, NBC, and many others.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Is the journey really a journey if there aren’t any hiccups along the way? As my “career” direction was not as conventional or direct as society may paint it to be, I’m grateful for the support my parents and family/friends shared during my journey and continuous journey. A decade in this industry as a young minority woman, I’ve been underestimated, unappreciated and underpaid. I’ve overcome industry strikes, stalls from covid, and personal struggles . I recently lost my father in December 2022 and honestly that has been a great struggle for me. Losing him at the peak of my career was challenging and still is. There’s no guide to surviving this thing called life, we are writing our stories everyday.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I’m a freelance Location Manager and Scout for TV/Film, Commercials and Special Events here in Atlanta. I’d like to think, I’m not your typical Locations Manager, I’m most often mistaken to be the Wardrobe Stylist or a part of the HMU crew on set. Although I bring my love for fashion into my work space, people must know that when working in Locations, looks will only get you so far. You have to be built “Ford Tough” because any and all obstacles that can happen, will happen, but as long as you prepare yourself and your team to stay 10 steps ahead of the game, you will never be caught slipping. Not many people know the real role of a Location Manager nor understand our purpose in relation to a successful production. Location Management is way beyond the creative eye, yes we take the words from a piece of paper to help bring the vision to life, however we are also the peacemakers. We’re the glue that keeps the community, business/home owners, City Reps, together when production decides to take the action to the real live streets. The streets where your favorite restaurant may be located, or down to your Grandmother’s Church where you used to have Sunday school, or right on the same block you grew up and reside today. Your Location Manager and their team are the first one’s on site and the last to leave. Before any piece of equipment can land on anyone’s property, there’s a checklist that we must follow to ensure a successful shoot. From the initial contact, to permitting, to figuring out the logistics, shaking hands with neighbors…honestly the list never ends, and we’re doing all of those things while simultaneously making sure Production’s requests are fulfilled. But with all of the tasks we are faced with, I do it with a smile, I do it with intention, and I do it with care. I believe that’s what sets me apart from others. Born and raised here in Atlanta, I not only take to heart the craft that’s being created here, but it’s very important to me on how the people are treated as a whole.
What’s next?
Future plans…Well if you must know, my forever plans have always been to retire and move to a private island, ha ha. My deadline has come and gone a number of times, but those plans are still in the works. But for now, I’m still directing my energy towards freelance Location Management, but I’m also working on a few things that will help guide those wanting to take a leap into the industry. There’s so many “Here’s How” and “How To’s” on how to get into this industry, but it’s more than getting into the industry, it’s how to STAY in the industry once you’re in it. With my passions for the arts, fashion, educating the future generations, travel and more, I hope to inspire others to pursue their dreams and aspirations by showcasing the chapters of my story and my process through my eyes via my creative content.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kinetic.blends/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@kinetic.blends
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@kinetic.blends
