Podcast: Play in new window | Download | Embed
We often hear from Disney Imagineers about developing the concepts that ultimately become attractions and lands at the parks. But what about the artists that bring those visions to life on the ground? The best ideas still need talented people to put everything in place on site. A perfect example of this type of doer is Brandon Kleyla, who has acquired props and decorated sets on many great attractions for both Universal Creative and Walt Disney Imagineering. He’s also written books and created a collection of cool pieces under his brand as Trader Brandon.
Brandon is my guest on this episode of The Tomorrow Society Podcast to talk about his career. He began as a child actor and appeared in films like Gods and Monsters and Now and Then. His surprising road led him to Disneyland as a Jungle Cruise Skipper during the park’s 50th Anniversary. On this episode, we talk about Brandon’s experience on that iconic attraction and how he started working for Walt Disney Imagineering. He joined full-time as a Set Decorator in 2011, and one of his first projects was Trader Sam’s Enchanted Tiki Bar in California. We chat about his experience filling an empty room with props that had to feel lived in and natural.
More recently, Brandon worked closely on Pandora: The World of Avatar at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. We talk about how that ambitious project turned out better than anyone expected. Brandon joined Universal Creative in 2016 and received the dream project managing props for Waterworld at Universal Beijing. He describes some of his favorite details from that cool land, which includes the long-running stunt show from Hollywood. I really enjoyed the chance to talk with Brandon, and I can’t wait to see his work as an Art Director for Epic Universe.
Show Notes: Brandon Kleyla
Learn more about Brandon Kleyla on his official website at brandonkleyla.com.
Follow Brandon Kleyla on Twitter and Instagram.
Check out Brandon’s books, Tiki collection, and more at traderbrandon.com.
Support The Tomorrow Society Podcast and buy me a Dole Whip!
Note: Photos in this post were used with the permission of Brandon Kleyla.
Leave a Reply