Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Kendra McFadden. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Kendra, appreciate you joining us today. Can you walk us through some of the key steps that allowed you move beyond an idea and actually launch?

One thing about me: I will introduce myself to anybody. I had an idea for a film and decided I no longer wanted to pay for film school. So I started deep diving into Instagram hashtags looking to network with other filmmakers and independent talent until I found the Creative Mornings event. I tapped the sound guy on his shoulder and asked him what kind of mic he was using. Next thing I know, he introduces me to who would become my filmmaking fairy godmother, Pauline Scully from NoEnds Media. I told her I had a script and she told me she wanted to direct. And that’s how we started making my first film.

Kendra, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I’m an independent filmmaker. A screenwriter and reluctant director lol. I did NOT intend to direct, as I was originally just looking to write and let someone else do that heavy lifting. But after my director stepped down, I had to do what I needed to do for the story. And while I was reluctant, I was heavily supported by everyone around me. Friends, family, and cast mates. I think of myself as more of a collaborator than a director. I am just a part of the story.

I’m here to help tell stories. However, my focus is less on the characters I write and more on the story of the actors and crew putting it together. The story is about the work we put in. It’s about the way we elevate each other and allow our respective talents to come together on screen. I’m very proud of every single person I’ve worked with.

How’d you meet your business partner?

By far, my most significant co-creator is my filmmaking partner Zavier Gordon. I write, he shoots, and we usually direct together.

It’s been so much easier having someone equally invested in the work and vision as I am. He’s incredibly talented, passionate, and pushes me to keep going and try new things.

Funny enough, Zavier wasn’t even in the room when I connected with him. I was just looking for a new videographer for another project I was working on and started handing out flyers all over town. Coffee shops, parties, your mama’s house- it did not matter. I was searching high and low. I walked into the Black Student Union building at San Diego State University and asked if anybody was open to working on a local film. They told me about Zavier and the rest was written.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

I have had to learn to adapt and change my approach to my work as life has changed. During production of my first film, ALL FUN & GAMES, I moved back to Baltimore with my family. I had no money and was deeply grieving the loss of my grandmother, but I could not let myself stop working. I pushed myself and my crew to keep going, keep rehearsing, and keep filming even from across the country. I flew back and forth to shoot for about 7 months. Every time I could make enough money to buy a plane ticket, I was back on set. Eventually, I was exhausted and even though I didn’t say it out loud, I had given up. I stopped pushing as hard and decided to focus on anything else that felt easier. Another job, another hobby, another life altogether.

I was fully expecting everything to fall apart, but to my surprise, everyone just kept supporting me. And I tried HARD to quit! But the crew kept showing up, my family kept showing up, and so did my friends. Even the ones who originally weren’t as supportive or understanding told me flat out that I could not give up. So I sucked it up and tried again.

I do not like change or feeling out of control, but I’ve experienced so much burn out from trying to take care of everything on my own. It’s impossible to balance a full time job and a creative career AND my health and relationships. I’ve decided to let other people help me make things work. I am tired lol.

But above all, I am grateful. I am so grateful to the God that created me and gave me enough faith to keep going. And I am grateful to have been raised by such a powerful, faithful village back home that I was able to recognize and build another one when I arrived here. Thank y’all!

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @kscreens_
• Other: That’s me everywhere!