We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Makenna Perkal. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Makenna below.

Hi Makenna , thanks for joining us today. Can you talk to us about a project that’s meant a lot to you?

The “Anamorphosis” series is one of the most meaningful projects that I’ve been a part of. Each episode in this anthology series examines a new individual struggling with a different mental health disorder. What makes this production stand out is the fact that it is researched-based and given a stamp of approval by NAMI, the National Alliance on Mental Illness. The audience first watches a scripted narrative about a person living with and working through their mental health struggles in a way that helps them better understand their experience, and therefore empathize with them. My goal of creating “Anamorphosis” is to craft a bridge of recognition between those afflicted by mental illness and those who yearn to understand their plight.

The work environment on an Anamorphosis production is like no other. Everyone who works on the project is passionate about sharing this narrative and brings a sense of empathy on set with them. The project is especially meaningful to me because I think we can all relate to it in someway or another. We all have our own journey with mental health and it makes me proud to work on something that can help others have a higher quality of life.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

My journey into the entertainment industry started at 11 years old when I stepped onto the stage for the first time and quickly fell in love with the craft of theatre. Fast forward to age 23, I fell in love all over again with film when I learned how similar the two mediums are to each other.

Working as a director, writer, actor, and producer, I understand all aspects of storytelling through film from beginning to end. I can give guidance and share previous experiences with co-workers, further implementing an environment of acceptance and learning. My specialty is telling stories of people experiencing hardship or trauma through an empathetic lens, helping viewers have more of an awareness of the struggle. When we allow ourselves to empathize with others, we can truly see one another and our world more clearly. I am inspired by and dedicated to creating films that exemplify this belief.

This mindset led me to build “Anamorphosis Productions LLC,” a production company that fights for all voices to be heard. Our business mission statement is “The path to change is through empathy.” Each project, no matter the genre, centers around a protagonist going through something difficult and coming out on the other side with a new sense of comprehension. My goal is to lead the company with compassion and love, and ensure all artists who join share the same values.

Another project I’m really proud of is “The Tip of the Iceberg”; a social advocacy campaign for Movember that I co-wrote with Luke Adams. It follows Luke as he overcomes his fears and free dives under an iceberg. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xNW61wrBwGo

Some of my acting can be found in “Interface” on AppleTV and “Love and Love Not” on Amazon Prime.

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

A few years ago, I did not have a supportive or accepting artistic community surrounding me—I have never been so discouraged by a group of people before. This made me question every aspect of my innate sense of self. What is the point? Am I good enough? Why do I even create art? Eventually, I learned that only I had the power to change my circumstances. This is when Anamorphosis Productions came to existence, I wanted to give back to my community in ways that I feel I myself needed. Now that I’ve regained the power of my voice, I will fight for the rest of my life to help others find theirs.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

Hearing that someone related to or felt seen from work is the most rewarding aspect of being an artist. To truly affect someone is the greatest gift we can give.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.makennaperkal.com, www.anamorphosisproductions.com
• Instagram: @girlcantgoogle, @anamorphosisproductions
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/makenna-perkal-497898190/ , https://www.linkedin.com/company/69552860/admin/feed/posts/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCN6Dm6vDJSXxWC4C24yCXjQ , https://www.youtube.com/@anamorphosisproductions

Image Credits
1, 7 + 8 – Justin Knodel