From Raleigh To Hollywood: Jenny Austin’S Dynamic Entertainment Journey

Finding Her Path: From Elon to La La Land

Jenny Austin ’12 is living proof that passion and versatility are key ingredients to a thriving entertainment career. With a resume that reads like a Hollywood dream – from interviewing A-listers like Will Ferrell to facilitating casting on 'The Summer I Turned Pretty' – Austin’s path is anything but ordinary.

Coming from Raleigh, North Carolina, Jenny's initial love for acting evolved into a broader vision. As she puts it, “I intentionally explored different paths to discover where my skills could have the greatest impact.” From talent management to casting, and even radio, her journey was about finding where she fit best in the entertainment puzzle.

“During the program, I interned with a talent management company representing film and television actors. Through that experience, I visited production sets, attended industry meetings and got a firsthand look at how Hollywood operates.” – Jenny Austin

Elon University: The Launchpad

Elon University, a cozy campus that offered both community and opportunity, became Jenny’s academic sanctuary. Thanks to the influence of her family, particularly Elon alumnus Royall Spence ’42, Austin found a place that felt like home. She majored in media arts and entertainment, delving into broadcast journalism, while also minoring in theatre arts.

Her involvement at Elon wasn’t confined to the classroom. Jenny was a voice on WSOE 89.3, hosted two TV shows, and engaged in Elon's vibrant LA program. These experiences collectively fueled her passion and prepared her for the entertainment industry's demands.

Hollywood Dreams Meet Reality

Post-graduation, Jenny wasted no time heading to Los Angeles, diving headfirst into the city's iconic entertainment scene. Her early work involved orchestrating press junkets for blockbuster films, where she transitioned from behind-the-scenes to becoming an entertainment journalist in her own right.

A particularly memorable moment was her press junket with Will Ferrell and Mark Wahlberg. “During the introduction, the production assistant announced me as ‘Jenny Austin from CBS Sacramento,’ and Will Ferrell immediately joked, ‘Jenny Sacramento from Austin.’ It instantly broke the ice and put my nerves at ease,” Austin recalls.

In 2020, Jenny returned to the Southeast, joining Fincannon & Associates Casting, where she contributed to high-profile projects like 'Outer Banks' and 'The Walking Dead.' Her career remains rooted in the relationships she built along the way.

The Next Chapter: The Peach Tea

Never one to shy from new ventures, Jenny recently embarked on an exciting project called The Peach Tea, an interview platform highlighting entertainment professionals in the Southeast. Partnering with Kimberly Wistedt, a former colleague, Jenny is carving out a niche spotlighting regional talent.

Reflecting on her career, Jenny emphasizes that the journey is about connecting the dots in hindsight. “The challenge was realizing that I didn’t have to fit into one neat box. Once I stopped trying to force myself into a single lane, my career started making a lot more sense.”

Jenny Austin’s advice to budding entertainment professionals? Find your happiness and pursue it with vigor, while cherishing the relationships that encourage your glow. Her path, illuminated by both serendipity and strategy, is a testament to the power of passion-driven exploration.