In this profile series, Revry is highlighting authentic contributors to the LGBTQ media and entertainment community. We ask questions to find out who they are and where they are going in the future. The questions remain the same but the answers tell their unique story. It’s time to explore and celebrate true representation beyond the limits of Hollywood.  

James Mackenzie, an alumnus of Loyola Marymount University’s School of Film and Television, lets us in on how his MFA thesis AUDREY MAKES A MIXTAPE was the start of his journey as a director. From being recognized on the US BAFTA Student Awards shortlist to premiering an international co-production shot in Lithuania at Atlanta Film Festival, James continues to, in his own words, “write his way through the pandemic”.

What are you best known for?

I directed TOUGH LOVE, a web series about bisexual dating that premiered at Outfest, went to the Tribeca N.O.W. Creators Market, and now is streaming here on Revry!

What is the first thing you directed?

I directed a bunch of horrible shorts in film school, but the best one was my thesis film, AUDREY MAKES A MIXTAPE. It's an 80's romcom about a shy high schooler who tries to save her crush from losing his virginity to the queen bee. It's dreamy and innocent and full of great music...it opened so many doors for me as a director.

What are you working on that no one knows about yet?

My co-creator and I completed the edit of another series called RENEE AND THE SEVEN CARDS on Revry. We've been writing our way through the pandemic, too, and cooked up a great natural disaster rom-com script.