What’s not to love about actress and author Makenzie Lee-Foster! This preteen is taking the world by storm. She is the author of the “Kickin’ It With Kenzie” book series as well as an actress who has been in such shows as “Abbott Elementary” and “This is Us” all while balancing the demands of school and red carpet events. I was thrilled when Makenzie took time from her busy schedule for this one on one interview.
You are an actress and an author. Why do you think social media is important for young actors?
Social media is important for young actors because it allows us to share our talents and interests with a bigger audience. Many actors have been discovered through their social media platforms and now, many casting directors ask for your social media tags when auditioning for roles. They are an easy way for them to get a feel for who you are as a person since many auditions are submitted via self-tape now. So, they usually don’t get to meet you in person for the first round of auditions anymore.
Do you have any advice for your followers on how to handle negative comments on their social media?
I would have to say that just know that everyone is going to have an opinion. You can’t possibly make everyone happy. Delete, delete, delete and move forward. Make sure to talk about it with your parents/an adult so that they can help you work through any feelings that you might have as a result of negative comments. Keep remembering that you’re amazing and nobody can take that away from you.
How do you come up with ideas for your social media content?
I’m not sure how I come up with my social media content because I usually post random stuff as it comes to me. I like posting things that I do daily or things that I feel other kids can relate to or would find cool like trips to new places or events that I go to. I also post things that I think others will find funny because I like making people laugh.
What made you decide to start writing books?
I decided to start writing a book because I noticed, around 6 years old, that there weren’t very many books with kids that looked like me doing regular kid things and dealing with regular kid issues. I also wanted to create a book that had an inspiring message for other kids.
You go to a lot of red-carpet events. What has been your favorite event so far?
I think that all of the events that I have been to have been very special for different reasons. It’s hard to just pick one. They are either events for a really good cause, have cool themes or give out amazing prizes. I think that my book launches for my books are also pretty special events to me because I got to spend a monumental day with friends and I made many new friends.
How important do you think networking is to a budding career?
I think networking is very important for a person’s budding career. Creating the right connections can help you open doors that will grow your success in the future. Also, you never know but networking can also help inspire others. You never know who knows who and who can guide you and lead you to the next level.
Are there any upcoming projects you can share with our readers?
I will be on a well-known show that will air its 3rd season in the next few months. I can’t really say more than that just but project castings for new projects are also picking up so if it’s meant to be, I may have some things to share in the near future. Stay tuned!
