Hello Beautiful

Hello my name is Wendy Salinas Johnson and I am a new filmmaker. I just produced, directed, and wrote my first short film titled, "Hello Beautiful." My parents are from Mexico and San Antonio, Texas. I am the eldest of four children and was born in Beloit, Wisconsin in 1977. I started acting in the third grade where I received a lead role in my school play. It was then that I was introduced to Theatre. In 1995, in my Junior year of High School; I played the role of Anita in the famous musical West Side Story. Rita Morena had now become my Idol. Playing the role of Anita was an amazing learning experience, one I will never forget. The show was directed under our amazing Theatre teacher Loren Sass. He had faith in me and inspired me so much. I graduated from Beloit Memorial High School in 1995. Following High School, I studied Theatre for three years at the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire. Later completed my BA in Theatre from the University of Utah in 2004.
While in Utah I also, had the opportunity to take acting workshops with Catrine McGregor, SLC Casting Director aka CEO of Blue Banner Films LLC. While in Utah I was able to do background work on some of her shows which include Firestarter 2 (2002) &Poolhall Junkies (2003).
The highlight of my time in SLC, UT was when my agent, Aaron Yun called me and told me I was auditioning for Salma Hayek's film, The Maldonado Miracle (2003). Salma Hayek had always been my role model and inspiration. At the age of 20, I was always stopped by people and they would tell me I look like her. This is when I learned of her and began studying her work because she was doing what I had always dreamt about, becoming a Hollywood actress. Although I didn't get the role, I was honored to have been able to audition. Also, while I was in SLC, UT I did background work on the TV show," Touched by an Angel." Being on set in the presence of Roma Downey, Della Reese, John Dye, and Valerie Bertinelli was also a highlight in my career. Surrounded by amazing talent encouraged me to work hareder on my craft.
In 2005, I moved to Minneapolis, MN and studied Education at Hamline University. While in MN I was invited to write children's plays for Pillsbury House Theatre's Chicago Avenue Project. Volunteering and writing children's plays became my passion. Took a break from it all after being married in 2010 and having children. As one knows once having kids mother's seem to forget about themselves. One day I was encourage by my cousin Jesse Torres, who told me to not give up on my, "Directing," dream. He told me to speak my dream into existence. I listened to his advise, and decided to not give up and to make this short film. In doing this I have collaborated with many film artist and friends and started my film company Salinas-johnson productions. I currently work for the Boys & Girls Club and work with at-risk teens. I look forward to making a film about at-risk youth because I have 20 years experience working with youth. Although I am a full-time mother, and have a full time job I made time to produce and direct my first short titled,"Hello Beautiful." I am excited to let everyone see my first short, and look forward to developing my talent as a Latina Director. I also look forward to giving people of color the opportunity to be in my future films, opportunities that I wasn't able to have due to the color of my skin. Times are different now and there are more opportunities for minorities. I would like to share many stories through my film career, and pray to be a well known Latina Director someday. Thank you.