Today we’d like to introduce you to Brandon Keeton
Hi Brandon, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I had a scholarship to college for Acting but did not take it. I joined the Marine Corps instead and found that I had a talent for jumping out of helicopters, blowing stuff up, and killing bad guys, so I stayed for 21 years. When I got out, I opened a small business in the Martial Arts industry, became a self made millionaire after five years and then around year 9, I found myself doing my own commercials and PSA’s and thought I’d give acting another shot. Two months later I was the Scotts Lawn Care guy and four months after that, I was Executive Producing “Turbo Cola”, my first feature film as an Actor and Producer. Turbo Cola would eventually go on to win at 14 of the 16 film festivals we got in to and would win Indie Film of the Year for 2023.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Nope! The entertainment industry is one of the most cutthroat industries out there. EVERY project comes with it’s own set of hurdles and challenges
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
While I did start off as an Actor and Producer, I have since tried my hand at Writing and Directing as well. My current short film “Calls” is currently on the festival circuit.
I think what sets me apart from most people who are beginners at this stuff, is that I do have business experience. So when I write, I write for what I KNOW I can get made. A lot of beginning writers/directors will “write their dream” script. And there’s nothing wrong with this but be advised that your dream script will probably be just that, a dream. If you want to do this, write something that can actually get made with a minimal budget while you build your skills.
How can people work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
I’m still getting used to people sending me unsolicited stuff in messages and email and let me tell you, this is NOT the way to work with someone.
This is a people business. And in business, people only want to work with someone they know, like, and trust. Have you ever noticed how all of Adam Sandler’s movies have basically the same people in them? This is because he has found his tribe. The people he knows, likes, and trusts are always in his movies.
So, to work with me, go to a film festival, follow me on social media, GET ON A SET for the experience and maybe we’ll get together on a project someday. This is all a networking business. Network. Don’t call me up and say “here’s my idea, I don’t have a script or a pitch deck yet but give me some money.” Yes, that’s happened.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @brandonscottkeeton
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/brandon.keeton.37/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCytWsfrlguzumofq3_-Kw_g
