We were lucky to catch up with Tracy “twinkie” Byrd recently and have shared our conversation below.
Tracy “Twinkie” , we’re thrilled to have you on our platform and we think there is so much folks can learn from you and your story. Something that matters deeply to us is living a life and leading a career filled with purpose and so let’s start by chatting about how you found your purpose.
My purpose is Storytelling. Storytelling has always been in me due to my love of reading. When I read books, my imagination creates films in my head. I would cast and produce the book/films with actors from Movies and Television shows. My passion was in me from my love of reading and my love of reading came from the encouragement from my big sister Terry. Reading showed me my purpose.
Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
I have always been and inquisitive person, some say nosey however I say Inquisitive, so did my mother to my 3rd grade teacher Mrs. Carter who told her I was nosey and talked too much in class. Whew! I love listening to stories and asking probing questions.
Growing up in Brooklyn NY was an experience and I carry those experiences with me everyday. My love of Music, Movies and Shows at Radio City Music Hall seem to make it into all of the projects I create. My time casting Music Videos in the 90’s to the early 2000’s have also informed my art.
As an Executive Producer/Casting Director I have two jobs, one is to select, pitch, sell then co-create projects I truly believe in and the other is to Cast The HELL out of them. I also cast other Producers and Directors films as well.
What excites me makes the process special is two fold. One, I am either found by/for each project or I get this feeling like an epiphany. For other projects I am drawn to the story. If it builds a bridge between past and present generations, if it speaks to overcoming obstacles or uncovering Black History or has a musical component, I am inspired to work on it or create it.
When I cast films like Fruitvale Station, Southside with You, The Clark Sisters, BEATS, SPARKLE, I became known as The Diamond Finder.” That title came from my mentor, Amazing Producer/CD, Reuben Canon. I find talent that most have never heard of or give a specific talent the Break Out role of their Dreams i.e. Michael B. Jordan, Stephan James, Naturi Naughton, Gina Rodriguez and Laz Alonso to name a few.
For Can You Feel The Beat: the Lisa Lisa Story I was inspired by my Father who was Lisa’s teacher at Julia Richmond High School and I was a fan of hers. Then and after watching the Netflix film “Roxanne Roxanne” I was inspired to find Lisa and tell her that her story needs to be told.
I contacted Lisa via Direct Message and she told me “No” several times. I pushed prodded and finally got the YES!! Five years of convincing led me to this Amazing Film that is premieres Feb. 1 2025 on Lifetime Television. Making films that encourage us all to Dream BIG, focus on our divine gifts and listen to the inner voice is my joy. Lisa has that type of story and I am bringing it to the world along with my Director Tailiah Breon.
Recently I have launched an amazing course that I created via ZOOM called Stop Dreaming and Start DOing. I’ve also penned several e-books to help actors unlock the secrets of How to get started in Hollywood all of which can be found on my website TwinkieByrd.com
I’ve always dreamt of being a teacher just like my father. Looks like I live a life of a Teacher, just like my Dad. I am proud to be his daughter, I hope I’m making him Proud.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
Hmmm…Looking back I think the three most impactful qualities in my journey have been curiosity, research and passion. My advice for people who are early in their journey would be identify what you are truly passionate about, quiet the noise all around you and listen to the inner voice. Most people won’t or are scared to do this but it’s necessary. Once identified do everything in your power to educate yourself, find mentors and most importantly READ.
Okay, so before we go, is there anyone you’d like to shoutout for the role they’ve played in helping you develop the essential skills or overcome challenges along the way?
The most helpful people in my journey who helped me to overcome challenges and develop essential skills have been my parents and my mentors.
I remember my mother teaching me how to write my first Bio or the time when I told her I wanted to inquire about a job as a Production Assistant in the Village Voice. My Mom told me what to say then my dad quizzed me on it until I sounded ready. I was scared out of my mind but I got the job, ask Tracey Moore. Let’s take it back even further to the time when I was a kid and my parents volunteered me to give the Easter speech or be the MC of the Children’s Holiday Program. That was practice for public speaking, looking people in the eye and how to command an audience.
Mentors have also been essential in my life whether it’s teaching me about work life balance, how to navigate interesting personalities and racism in Hollywood. They are very knowledgable and open with their advice. Im so thankful to my mentors. You know who you are. wink
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.TwinkieByrd.com
- Instagram: @IamTwinkieByrd
- Twitter: BlueSky @IamTwinkieByrd
Image Credits
Rowena Husbands – Blink of an Eye Photography
Tailiah Breon Photography
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
