We were lucky to catch up with Brian Kaleh recently and have shared our conversation below.

Brian, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Can you talk to us about how you learned to do what you do?

I’ve been a self-taught learner throughout my journey, mastering each step on my own. While a mentor would have been a welcomed presence, life often charts unexpected courses, and we must either embrace these shifts or risk being carried away by the currents. My innate desire for creativity sprouted in childhood, with my love for movies. Through that passion I found myself venturing into the realm of editing. I started with Pinnacle, followed by learning Final Cut, and later, Adobe during my college years. This period really is what kicked off my career. After Effects and Premiere emerged as my trusted companions, tools that I continue to wield today, albeit to a certain extent. With the surge of AI and the metamorphosis of creative processes, my editing endeavors have migrated to Davinci Resolve, though After Effects still holds its place for intricate compositing and animation.

In truth, there isn’t a shortcut to learning, but a rather simple directive: CREATE. Seize every available moment to produce, and don’t shy away from FAILURE—embrace it. In this process, wisdom accumulates and growth accelerates, setting you apart from those who avoid the crucible of failure. The ultimate hindrance is invariably oneself. Pretexts to abstain from creation are plentiful—bad days, inadequate rest, time constraints, hunger. Yet, at the day’s end, the responsibility falls on you to mKW time for creation. Doesn’t have to be a big thing, just make something.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

Film connoisseur and content creator/gamer-by-night, I hold a bachelor’s degree in Radio-Television-Film from The University of Texas at Austin.

I’ve spent more than ten years working in videography, video editing, animation, photography, social media content creation, and motion graphics, I bring brand stories to life. In addition to founding Kaleh PR + Video with my wife, I work in higher education. Previously I served 7 years in full-service advertising agencies, where some of my clients included Twin Liquors, Iron Cactus, Just for Fun, and Austin’s Park and Pizza. I aslo created pro-bono commercials and videos for YMCA of Williamson County, Boys and Girls Club Georgetown, and United Way of Williamson County.

Thats a fast cliff notes of my experience, I’ve lived in NY, worked in film, TV, Advertising, and now education, I love what I do more than I can possibly describe. I am most proud of where I am at today. Working at UT, kickstarting a youtube channel in April that has been growing way faster than I imagined, and really starting to get Kaleh Media going on the side, has been so challenging and incredbily rewarding.

All that on top of being a dad to two incredible girls and spending time with my immensly talented wife has made 2023 quite the year.

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

I am fueled by an unceasing state of curiosity and an earnest desire to invest myself in aiding those whose core values resonate with my own. Among the most gratifying aspects of entrepreneurship is the autonomy to select one’s collaborators. This freedom of choice perfectly intertwines with my personal alignment, guiding the process of partnership selection at Kaleh Media.

The contemporary landscape has shifted from solely transactional pursuits to the realm of identity. Today’s world places emphasis not only on what you’re selling, but more importantly, on who you are. This is precisely the ethos I strive to cultivate. My aspiration is to curate a platform that serves as a tribute to individuals’ authentic selves. It is an exploration into the intricacies of their motivations, unveiling the essence of why they engage in their chosen paths, and underscoring the significance of their endeavors.

Can you tell us about what’s worked well for you in terms of growing your clientele?

Authenticity is the lifeblood of my growth, not only for Kaleh Media but also for my YouTube journey. Today’s world revolves around who you are and what you represent. Being unapologetically true to myself has aided my growth and led to meaningful relationships that extend beyond the project’s completion date. However, it doesn’t always unfold seamlessly. Personally, I would rather work for individuals or brands that align with my values and authentic self than compromise those principles solely for a substantial paycheck. Ultimately, this loyalty is what fosters growth through word of mouth—a highly influential tool for creatives. If clients are advocating for you, self-promotion becomes unnecessary.

Contact Info:

• Website: kalehmedia.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hitmanbk_/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brian-kaleh-a452237
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/hitmanbk
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@hitmanbk_

Image Credits
Brian Kaleh, Stacey Kaleh, Summer Kaleh (older kid), Siena Kaleh (baby)