Amelie McKendry
MA Media Producing Class of 2027
Hometown: Buffalo, New York
Hailing from her favorite place, Buffalo, New York, and proud of the Buffalo wing and the Bills, Amelie McKendry is an accomplished actress, producer, and stand-in for numerous stars. Based in New York, she travels frequently for work and loves to journey between New England and her hometown of Buffalo, although she primarily works out of New York. Amelie is open to traveling anywhere for roles or on the business side of the industry. Her diverse background and deep appreciation for various cultures and work environments enrich her artistry. With a family steeped in creativity, her grandmother was a local artist, her father’s side consists of successful entrepreneurs, and her mother, a retired flight attendant, introduced her to traveling at a young age. Amelie’s passion for performance is a family legacy.
A proud member of SAG-AFTRA, Amelie has made significant strides in the entertainment industry. Her television credits include notable appearances in “Orange Is the New Black” and several Hallmark Christmas movies. She has also starred in the Emmy-winning HBO mini-series “The Jinx: The Life and Deaths of Robert Durst” and the critically acclaimed “A Wilderness of Error.”
Most recently, Amelie took on a starring role in the thriller “Double Vision.” She is also excited about her work on a new Amblin project with Steven Spielberg, where she served as one of the only female stunt actor agents among a predominantly male cast of stunt actors. Additionally, she is proud of her stand-in work on “The Gilded Age,” and she is thrilled that the show is continuing into Season 4.
Currently pursuing a Master’s in Media Producing at NYU's Tisch School of the Arts, Amelie is committed to advocating for women's rights and gender equality within the film industry. With her relentless work ethic and vibrant personality, she continues to make her mark across the big and small screens.
Why are you pursuing the MA Media Producing?
I'm pursuing an MA in Media Producing at NYU to deepen and refine the extensive experience I've gained working both in front of and behind the camera. After college, I had the opportunity to work on various shows at CBS TV in LA as a page, in the mailroom, and as a PA, and in talent, marketing, and advertising/PR with CBS and Hearst. These roles allowed me to understand the complexities of the industry from multiple perspectives.
Having acted in several films, I realized how much I enjoyed the collaborative process of filmmaking, especially when it came to creativity and marketing. My background in marketing has equipped me with insights into how to effectively promote and distribute films, which I believe is crucial for any successful production. This inspired me to take the next step and learn how to produce my own films, allowing me to bring my creative visions to life.
I've discovered that perseverance is a true testament to my love for this business. My career has spanned various roles in marketing, sales, advertising, and acting. Earning my SAG card in 2015 while working a flexible job motivated me to relentlessly pursue my passions. By pursuing a Master's in Media Producing, I aim to build on that foundation by acquiring more knowledge and skills needed to either start my own production company or work for a studio, particularly in production or distribution. I’m excited to produce my own film and can’t wait to bring it to life after this program and see it on the big screen. A dream of mine is to see one of my films on screen, especially in a movie theater, as I love the cinematic experience.
I am passionate about helping to continue showcasing art in film and recognizing its importance in our world. I love the genre of dramatic light-hearted films and believe in building awareness about significant issues through storytelling. Additionally, I am committed to advocating for more female producers to lead the way in this industry. Many people say I have a talent in this business, and by bringing both my acting and marketing skills together, I hope to one day bring a film to the box office. With all the changes happening in the industry, I'm determined to make my mark because, as they say, when you love what you do, you never work a day in your life.