I am Tracy “Twinkie” Byrd.
I am a Businesswoman. I love this term because it is an alliance of power and purpose.
I’m a Hollywood Casting Director, Producer and Owner of In The Twink Of an Eye Productions. I find talent, and guide it, finding the Best Global Story Tellers to create visual art. But my purpose is more than this. I also influence perception around the world with a passion to empower, encourage and uplift others.
I have collaborated with major studios including Fox Searchlight, Sony/Screen Gems, Lifetime TV, BET, CodeBlack/LionsGate and I.M. Global. Directors and Producers such as Ryan Coogler (Creed), Mara Brock Akil (Being Mary Jane) and Debra Martin Chase (Sparkle).
I am proud to have helped discover new talents like Michael B Jordan, Parker Sawyers, Tika Sumpter, Omari Hardwick and Gina Rodriguez and collaborated on fine films and TV series like Being Mary Jane, Southside with You, Fruitvale Station, Notorious and Stomp The Yard.
In my purpose, I have created and shifted perception and awareness on specific topics in our country and around the world. From the Black Lives Matter movement of films like Fruitvale Station & the upcoming short, The Counter: 1960, which I wrote and directed, the teen sex trafficking film Fig and the historic first date of Michelle Robinson & Barack Obama in Southside With You, I have helped raise consciousness in a troubled world which desperately needs it.
As a woman, I use my natural abilities to assist others and share my journey with those who can benefit from it. I have helped students, women's organizations, teachers and administrators who do the important work of guiding tomorrows leaders. I've mentored Teen Girls in Foster care and counseled mentees through the difficulties of our nation’s educational process.
Hollywood is a male-dominated business but that is a numerical perception. True domination is getting the job done with style and authority. In this regard, I lead by using all of my skills, inspiration and personality to complete the task before me. Whether that is working on a high-profile film or helping a lost youth to find herself, the marriage of purpose and power helps me succeed each day.
