Today we’d like to introduce you to Elizabeth Noisette.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I am Kiani Kennedy, Florida Native, Army Veteran, former Satellite Engineer, IT Project Manager. Currently an Actress, Model, Casting Director, Production Assistant, Location Manager and Wardrobe Consultant for Films, while attending Tampa Bay Community Network for Video Production and Full Sail University for a Bachelors in Digital Cinematography.
I first became introduced to the film industry/audition world, when I took my daughter Zay to ARE YOU SMARTER THAN A FIFTH GRADER. She didn’t get her callback, but again that was my first intro to this type of industry. Years later my younger daughter Yhanni became interested in modeling and acting. I was introduced to Carolyn Timmons, who i s known for helping talent get started. She started Yhanni off in modeling shows, music videos etc. however when she saw me, she stated “I cast moms and send them on castings as well, I may need to use you one day”. I said OK.
I made my professional acting debut in 2020, as Beth Noisette (my legal name) a background actress appearing in “LOVE & HIP HOP MIAMI, DAVID MAKES MAN & LIFE’S REWARD. Although COVID came about, I still continued learning, and auditioning, which got me featured on online shows such as Steve Harveys “HEY STEVE”.
I also changed my name (not legally, however it is what I use for my business, which is ME) Kiani Kennedy is a combination of my oldest child Keyshore’s first name and my last child Yhanni’s first name. It also happens to be the name of my chiropractor, which in Persian means ROYAL, I figured it was a sign 🙂
I have made appearances in a number of film and television productions, working with some incredible names in the industry. I’ve auditioned for Jeff Probst for Survivor Season 41/42 unfortunately I did not get cast, but that hasn’t stopped me, life goes on. I have appeared in my first Model Runway Show “The Hands Of Hope” Fashion Couture III” March 2022. I also was featured on “A&E Original Docu-Series, Digital Addiction” June 2022 and Music Video “Grandma’s House” by Big Baby Scumbag.
My goal is to grab a recurring series on a major network (in front of the camera), start my own film company and produce great films, that will live on to be played on repeat for ages (behind the camera)
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It has not, but it has been worth it. I invest in myself. For the most part all productions don’t provide wardrobe, hair and makeup. Most of the time I spent my own money, driving from state to state, fuel, lodging all of that adds up. Membership to casting websites, headshots, advertising etc.
The biggest struggle, are the overnight shoots or the 18 hour shoots, hoping that your scene doesn’t get cut. I would have to say in the beginning that was the biggest disappointment for me, that I had to come to grips with. Because I still got paid for my time and credit added to IMDB, its just sad that it wont be seen or at least sent to me for a demo reel.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Aside from being a working actress, I am a computer nerd, which somehow landed me on a documentary for digital addictions. I am most proud of being able to take something away from that production which was mental health awareness.
My actual first line was a supporting role on a production, the short film “CODE RED”, written by a student JADA POON at RINGLING COLLEGE OF ART AND DESIGN my only line was “IM SORRY I DONT HAVE ANY, COME HERE” ‘which has gone on to win several Laurels awards at several film festivals in the US and INTERNATIONAL.
From there about a week later I received MORE lines, came from an Independent film called “WHAT THA HELL”, written and produced by Jay Thomas and his team from GOTCHA FILMS PRODUCTIONS.
Ive done background work for TYLER PERRY STUDIOS on the set for SISTAS, ALL THE QUEENS MEN and currently The New Production, I am most proud to be a part of 6888″ which will be airing on NETFLIX, it is a story of 850 black women in the US ARMY, an all female battalion working in England and France to clear the backlog of wartime mail in 1945.
Im not sure what sets me apart from others, as I can only do me and I am only aware and focused on what I am doing, which is applying to castings while im laying in bed. on my phone, on a car ride. I invest in myself, production doesn’t always need to provide hair and makeup, because im coming ready. If I need to use my last on gas to get to a production that I know will benefit me, IM DOING IT. I am always learning in front of the camera and behind the scenes. I am currently taking a class to receive my Bachelors in DIGITAL CINEMATOGRAPHY at FULL SAIL UNIVERSITY and a VIDEO PRODUCTION CLASS at Tampa Bay Community Network. I will never stop learning and reaching for MORE.
Ive also taken on jobs as far as User Generated Content and Skin Care Promos, in the end its all about learning, applying yourself, promoting yourself and being proactive. It also doesn’t hurt to help others when you see castings that you think would apply to them, I promise you, it will circle back to you in return. #teamletsallwin
Who else deserves credit in your story?
Who are my biggest supporters? First off my children, NUMERO UNO, who are now my grown adults KEYSHORE WILLIAMS, ZE’JANIQUE DOZIER, YHANNI BATTS, & my daughter in law BRYONNA WILLIAMS my sisters & brother in law, ERNESTINE CLARK & PATRICIA & WILLIE WHITE, my nieces and nephews BERNARD, DESTINY, LX and DIAMOND are my biggest supporters and fans. Sorry not sorry, but its true. They have always supported me in whatever I choose to do whether they agree with it or not. Whether it takes me away from them or not, they want me to be successful an happy. Which in turns makes them ALL successful and happy.
I must also give credit to Mrs Carolyn Timmons, (MENTOR) if not for her taking on my daughter as a client we would have never met and I would’ve never ventured on to LOVE & HIP HOP Miami’s Production Set. When I need advice in the industry, its Mrs Carolyn that I call. If I feel like a posting or casting is shady, its Mrs Caroyln that I call and she clears up if its legit or not. She has been there for me in the beginning and is still her for me now.
My cheerleaders are my Besties, Alice Williams & Annetra Robinson who ive known close to 30 to 40 years and Quin Campbell whom ive met 2 years ago and has turned into my acting sister. She has been a constant source of good energy and spiritual support for me.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://linktr.ee/kianikennedy
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kianikennedy/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kianikennedy1/
Image Credits
THE LOWDOWN WITH JAMES YON, AFROTAINMENT NETWORK
