Meet Rena MacMonegle

Today we’d like to introduce you to Rena MacMonegle.

Hi Rena, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today.
When I first moved to Nashville, with a fresh film degree, I was having an identity crisis as a creative. Carving out a space for myself as a female filmmaker seemed impossibly daunting and I was ready to give up before I had even started. But I promised myself I would at least try to get involved in the Nashville Film Community.

I submitted to the first casting call that I found, which happened to be a zombie apocalypse drama slated for Amazon Prime filming in Southern Kentucky, and after a few rounds of auditions, I booked the role. But I still told myself that this would be my one gig, one crazy zombie movie story, and I would move on from film and acting and focus on something more practical.

The Middle Tennessee/Southern Kentucky film communities welcomed me with open arms. I got to watch dozens of filmmakers, each with a specific role, bring their unique voices together to tell one story. My first day on set changed my life. Since then I have had the privilege of being a part of over 60 productions, working every position from actress to production assistant to editor, and last month I directed my 15th short film.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Imposter syndrome. It’s the worst.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
Filmmaking is the most collaborative art form. It’s impossible to make a film alone. Every position, every detail, every voice matters. I’m most proud of my team. We’ve been making films together for the last 7 years and I’m so incredibly lucky to work with such a talented and dedicated team. It has been such a privilege to grow with them as an artist.

While first and foremost, I am a filmmaker, but I also dabble in other visual art forms. During the spring of 2020, after all of my film projects were postponed or unfortunately canceled, I found myself with a lot of free time on my hands. Something that I had always wanted to master was makeup, so I took to TikTok and Instagram with elaborate editorial makeup looks and accrued a little bit of a following.

It’s incredible to look back on my work 4 years ago and see how far I’ve come. When I started I could hardly do my own eyeliner. Now I can do full glam, full face paint, and elaborate cosplays. This year, I’ve even been invited to attend Nashville ComiCon as a special guest.

What makes you happy?
My cat. Because she’s perfect.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/renamacmonegle/?hl=en
• Youtube: https://www.indiespark.tv/watch/shorts/the-hunt/
• TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@renamac?lang=en

Image Credits
Vivian Gornik and Peter MacMonegle