About
Her scripted television credits range from co-executive producer on the culture-defining first season of Fox's Empire, to writer-producer on the debut seasons of The Rookie: Feds, Prodigal Son, Station 19, Revenge, Nashville, and Justified, honored on the WGA's 101 Best Written TV Series of the last century and recognized with a Peabody Award.
Calhoun has developed new projects for Netflix, NBC, Fox, FX, Starz, CBS Studios, Heyday/Universal UK, and Warner Bros. Television. Her career spans one-hour dramas, unscripted series, VR, gaming, and, most recently, mobile-first microdramas. After developing over a dozen new series, she always has a fresh story heading to market, from features to television to microdramas. She produced and directed CandyJar's first all-Black vertical soap, and taught workshops on the format in Italy and Slovenia for Film Independent.
Today, she is executive producing and directing a microdrama for aTwist and developing branded, mobile-first shows with advertisers, a new pipeline for pilots built on hooks and cliffhangers, sized to fit in purses and pockets.
An honored NYU Tisch alumna.
Born in Dallas, Texas.
Based in Los Angeles, California.
As brands build entertainment studios, creators ask for more creative control
Advertising Week New York · Creativity Stage, The Penn District, New York, NY
"Last century, brands invented the soap opera for radio and TV. This century, they're telling their stories through shows on our phones."
Microseries are bringing that model into a new era — at a price point that lets advertisers and creators experiment.
eMarketer recapped the panel, including Wendy's story about the day Lincoln, Empire's exclusive automotive sponsor for multiple seasons, came into the writers' room. On stage with Tim McArdle, Adam Wescott, Gray Fagan, and Chloe Forero of Lyrical Lemonade TV, brought together by Dana Block.
Read the recap
Teaching and Speaking
Vertical · Mobile-FirstPublic speaking.
On stage this fall.
- Austin Film FestivalOctober 28–30, 2026Austin, TexasPanels, Workshop, and Judging
- “Be in The Biz”November 14th, 2026Houston, TXSymposium, Panel, Networking
Film Independent Forum
Sept. 26, 2026 · Directors Guild of America, Los Angeles
Moderating "Reframing the Narrative: Vertical Storytelling"
Press coverage coming soon
NAACP Inside the Industry
Empire writer and co-executive producer Wendy Calhoun breaks down what's fueling the rise of vertical content, how audience behaviors are evolving, and how to succeed in this space.
Watch on YouTubeTeaching the new cinematic language.
From masterclasses in Europe to keynotes and panels in North America, Wendy teaches creators and executives how to write, produce, and direct for vertical screens.
Beyond TV — Executive Producing & Directing Vertical Mobile-First Entertainment
Secrets of Vixen
In 2025, Wendy directed Secrets of Vixen, the CandyJar app's first all-Black cast vertical soap, assembling an Atlanta crew of women and people of color in key roles.
Missions — Beyond the Writers' Room
Wendy serves on the board of the Geena Davis Institute, mentors through Film Independent's Global Media Makers program, and has spoken at the Clinton Global Initiative, Harvard Medical School, Sundance, and the Austin Film Festival.
- SeriesFest Pitch-a-Thon
- Austin Film Festival — Scripted Digital Series
- Final Draft Big Break Screenplay Competition
Contact
Let's tell a new story.
For representation, press, speaking, and teaching inquiries, reach out below.