Today we’d like to introduce you to Keila J. Brown.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I knew I was an entertainer absurdly early in life. I was such an empathetic kid with deep emotions and sensitivity. I was constantly lost in the clouds with a huge imaginary life. Performing became a natural outlet and I liked affecting people around me. I couldn’t articulate it then, but I often felt misunderstood or downright invisible because of my retreat, so it was my way of bringing others into my world. I was connecting through art and I’ve been hooked ever since.
That said, while it was super obvious to me the career path I’d choose, it wasn’t so obvious to everyone else since I often kept my aspirations to myself. I don’t really know why.
With the help of a leadership scholarship I earned from the POSSE Foundation, I was able to study Film Production and Theater at Bard College. There, I started creating content which included the development of a web series I wrote, directed and played the leading role. From there, I moved back to Georgia and freelanced as a production assistant and script editor for money while studying acting and collaborating with others on independent projects.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Absolutely not [laughs]. And it’s just the beginning! I remember after signing with my first agent, the very first audition I taped was for a show on Cinemax. I booked it straight from the tape. No callback, no nothing. I was so excited, but scared out of my mind because that meant I had to go on a cable network set and perform for the first time!
I told my mom and it put her at ease like, “oh, this is going to be easy. My daughter’s not going to starve.” But I knew better. I soon found out that the role was scrapped and I wouldn’t book another role for quite some time. I remember thinking, “yep. This is what I signed up for. Let’s go.”
There’s been a lot of self-doubt and following every piece of advice about what I should be doing. It’s taken me a long time to trust that what works for me may not look the same as what works for everyone else. I’ve turned down representation with big management in New York and actually just left one of the top agencies here in Atlanta – all based on my intuition. There’s a lot I have yet to learn, but it’s never been a mistake to trust my gut.
A personal hero of mine, Gloria Reuben, describes it as being on a roller coaster full of highs and lows, twists and turns. I’ve been acting professionally for four years now and that’s exactly what it is! She says, “just hold on.” So, that’s what I’m doing… for now. The ultimate goal, however, is to design a whole new theme park.
Wild Imagination – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
Speaking of theme parks… when I’m not acting, I’m writing. Always. I’m also a fantastic reader and provide script coverage services. My team at Wild Imagination is a collective of artists who create create create! It seems like a pretty basic concept for creators to do that, but it really takes a lot to manifest creativity. Life can get in the way.
What’s great about us is that we combine each other’s strengths while building our weaknesses. Photography, video, editing, writing, acting… anything you need, we can provide. Storylines that tackle family drama to a comedic portrayal of a demon’s first possession. Nothing is too big to imagine here. Everyone’s so passionate about putting out quality work while contributing to a fun and positive environment. What more can you ask for?
What is “success” or “successful” for you?
That’s such a great question. The pursuit of excellence was instilled in me from a very young age by my parents. Because of that, I was always active and determined to achieve. That said, I became obsessed with the end result – attributing my self-worth to how many A’s I got or how many points I scored in a basketball game, etc. That’s all great, but it’s missing the point. Success is in the striving. It’s in the becoming.
I’ve been blessed with many gifts, so to let them go to waste is a horrible feeling. One way or the other, you have to give them away. How it’s received isn’t up to you. That’s what I learned. All that to say, success for me is simply giving all of me away. I feel most gratified and accomplished when I share my soul with the world. That’s a beautiful lesson I’m grateful to have learned because I know success can be attained in the every day instead of this endpoint you’re killing yourself to reach, you know? I wish more people thought like that. I think they’d feel a lot more whole.
Pricing:
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If anyone requires script coverage services, I charge $75 up to 90 pages and $2 per page over 90.
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If anyone requires video, photography, editing services etc., they can contact me and my team @Wild_Imagination_ on Instagram.
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Also, be sure to check out our free ‘Photo Mondays’ where we shoot and feature fresh faces in conceptual themes.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/keilajbrown/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/IntroducingKeilaJBrown/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/Keilajbrown
- Other: https://www.instagram.com/wild_imagination__/
Image Credit:
Wild Imagination
Tyler Anderson
Cory Marcus Williams | Wild Imagination (for my main photo)
Getting in touch: VoyageATL is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
