We recently connected with Kristin McKenzie Rice and have shared our conversation below.
Kristin, thank you so much for joining us today. Let’s jump right into something we’re really interested in hearing about from you – being the only one in the room. So many of us find ourselves as the only woman in the room, the only immigrant or the only artist in the room, etc. Can you talk to us about how you have learned to be effective and successful in situations where you are the only one in the room like you?
From an early age I have always been deeply rooted in my faith, regardless of what I was surrounded by. I innately just knew I was loved and supported even though my family was new to the concept of Church and religion. I found my own morals and set of standards to challenge myself to live by. I wanted to always be the “big sister” and example to those around me to the point of asking myself during situations in life, “Would I want my little sister doing this?” Depending on the answer is what would drive me to decision making that I found to be healthy and offer safety. This mindset has allowed me to love people through my actions and set me apart from others in the room especially within my career (which can be a very me first industry), whereas I care more about the people involved in a project. I enjoy meeting people, shaking hands (a lost artform in itself), talking about how someone is doing (not on a surface level), and genuinely making connections.
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
I have worked in the Film Industry since about 2012 first working on Faith Based Films, dabbling in Stunt Work occasionally or sports related material, and moving to primarily working within the Commercial world and content creation. Before kids I did Fitness Modeling and also produced a Devotional I published just before getting married. My husband has acted alongside me in many commercials and sports related endeavors, and now post kids, my children have both started working around 6 months old with me in multiple commercials and online platforms. I am currently working on my first Children’s Book with my kids guiding my inspiration! Improvisational acting has also always been a passion of mine which has lead to Theatre work throughout many States, traveling theatre troupes, corporate team building gigs, children’s theatre shows, directing/ writing/ choreographing for community theatres and schools, as well as teaching and coaching.
I love getting to work with my family, there is no better feeling than when I am on set with my kids doing what I love and watching them fall in love with it as well! My daughter calls it “Kenzie work” and loves getting to be in front of the camera. My mom recently retired from teaching and was able to come on set with us for a project and it was 3 generations of women doing what I am passionate about, such a cool feeling.
I love making people happy, reaching people through their television, and inspiring young minds!
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
I learned quickly in this industry, it is every man for himself… I was told many times to remove my wedding ring, lose weight, not to mention my morals, etc. It affirmed in me that I want to be a leader and example to those around me that you do not have to alter your beliefs or desires to fit the mold around you, but rather work hard to be different than what is around you and create what you want to do! I mentor those around me because I so often had no one to turn to. I answer questions because I so often had no one to ask anything of. I keep my children very very close because I worked so many times on projects where I watched children influenced by what they saw and parents not nearby. I never succumbed to what was asked of me and unfortunately had many missed opportunities due to it, but I have a husband and children that I am extremely blessed by and wouldn’t trade any fame or project for that. My legacy in these children are what will impact generations and any opportunity I get on top of that to work in the industry is a God given blessing I will happily continue to take as they come!
How would you describe your ideal client?
I have two genres I have always loved… Faith based and Horror… I know that may sound insane, but anything of a spiritual nature for some reason has always been SO intriguing to me. I have worked in both type of films in the independent side. Another favorite of mine are Sports Films, I LOVE working on inspirational projects and getting to play or coach a sport while also performing an inspiring story. Working with the Kendrick Brothers, Candy Rock Entertainment, Affirm Films, Blumhouse, or Twisted Pictures would definitely be a career highlight/ goal!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.kristinmckenzierice.com
- Instagram: @kristinmckenzierice
- Facebook: @kristinmckenzierice
- Twitter: @k.mckenzierice
- Youtube:@kristinmckenzierice
- Yelp: https://linktr.ee/kristinrice
- Other: https://linktr.ee/kristinrice
TikTok @teamricefam
Image Credits
Both the blue dresses are by designer Faith McGary (dog photo by Dream Orchid) One family photo is at my recent Katy Triathlon I finished The other family photo is a Photo Shoot at Brandt 1910 Red carpet photos are at a SAG Awards Party 2 behind the scenes photos with my daughter on set for a national commercial my husband dog and I were on set for a print job (Photo Iovate Health Sciences) the group photo is behind the scenes on Unusual Suspects a TV show I was in
