Kalen Brest's Blog

High School

2009-10-04T21:57:00.001-06:00

So I know a lot of people who hated high school and wanted to get out as fast as possible, but if you ask me I loved it. Cortez High in Phoenix, Arizona was actually the last place on Earth I wanted to go to school. Most of my friends from junior high went to other schools that were outside of the district and I heard about Cortez being ghetto and too small to breath. My parents dragged me to the Freshman Open House and I acted like I hated it. Meanwhile, as I saw the students from each extracurricular activity seemingly enjoy it I began to as well...so I gave it a chance and let me tell you I wouldn't take it back for the world.

Because its a smaller school students are given the chance to actually learn in an environment that was increasingly giving us the ability to grow, not only as students, but as adults. We were given the tools to exceed in life from dedicated faculty who really made an effort to provide us with these tools.

I feel like there was so much school spirit bursting from the graduating class of 06' that you couldn't really contain it. I loved everything about this school and my only regret is letting it slip away so quickly. When you're younger you always hear time slips away at the blink of an eye and you never believe it and just take it for granted.

Life isn't the same--I don't have a place I enjoy going to daily and I won't ever be a part of strong unit again. All I know is that I will try to tell my children how fast it all goes by, and I'm sure they won't listen.

Try to cherish the present because before you know it, it will become the past.

Los Angeles

2009-09-18T14:18:00.008-06:00

The term "LA will eat you alive" is usually not exaggerated. Literally, it will eat you alive...I've seen poor girls that are skin and bones! Oh wait, they think they need to be that way to get the roles...that's right. Oops..did I just say that?

Anyway, being here for about ten months now I've experienced a tremendous amount of hardship. I will never sugar coat or forget that, and a lot of the times I tend, like most people, to focus on the negative. By doing so, I forget the accomplishments I have made and the wonderful people I have met while being here.

Yes most people here tend to talk about how important they are (specifically in the industry) without actually being important, this is true. However, we get that everywhere don't we? Its not just LA. The positive thing is at least in LA (vs., for example, AZ) there are actually people in the industry that are successful and can help! Other places seem to only have people who talk the talk but certainly do not walk the walk. I've met extras who claim they are successful actors/managers/directors/producers/whateverthehell and "know" the business in and out. When this happens I nod politely and bite my tongue while thinking to myself "okay so you're making NU wages as an extra, in the same position I'm in, yet you're a successful actor? You can tell me what I need to do to "make it"? OKAY buddy"...

I've learned, even in AZ, that people who actually are successful in this industry tend not to brag and tell everyone how wonderful they are. I mean yeah there are arrogant people who happen to be successful, but in general how are you supposed to work with people and have a successful business (whatever it might be--independent contractor or otherwise) if people don't like being around you because you're always talking about yourself and your successes?

Either way, I am soooo very lucky to have met LEGIT professionals (not just in the entertainment business (i.e. Dr. Evan Berk). There are truly people who will help just to help. Genuinely nice people, who can open doors. Just be genuine yourself and these people will come.

Self-Fulfilling Prophecy/The Universal Laws ('The Secret' puts these theories into a condensed and clear-cut version), but know that its NOT magic. Imagining that you will succeed is an important part of the battle, but understand that if you sit at home all day staring at the wall just imagining you will succeed will not do anything for you. You have to work EVERYDAY.

Thanks for reading and good luck out there.

Is Kanye West a genius?

2009-09-15T19:41:00.004-06:00

So I figured I'd blog about my theory recent events (re: Kanye West). I'm others have thought, said, and written similar theories--I just wanted to share my take on it.

I kept trying to figure out what the hell Kanye West was thinking, and this leads me to my theory...

In January of this year I took part in a short film entitled "See You in My Nightmares" Kanye West was the lead and Spike Jonze directed. Here's the link to the summary. If you don't feel like reading or seeing Amber Rose's amazing out-fit here's a tid-bit of information pertinent to this blog:

"In the film, Kanye plays himself drunk at a club acting belligerent and boastful, telling starstruck club-goers that the song playing in the club is his...The short, written and directed by Spike Jonze, walks the fine line between self aggrandizement and self mockery that runs through all of Kanye’s endeavors." [Hip Hollywood]

Now, let's see here...there's a short film coming out about Kanye West that is in need of promotion (it was also pushed back and was supposed to be released on the 8th...coincidence...) and West plays himself as a "belligerent and boastful" drunk and no one likes him. I've heard that the film embodies his real life and how f-ed up it is. Point is he is not wanted. Period.

What happened at the VMAs? West shows up with a bottle of Hennessy on the red carpet, jumps on stage and makes a complete ass of himself and guess what? He is not wanted. So he goes straight home and writes a condescending apology in all caps and then removes it the next day so we can all understand just how wasted he was...oh, then he cries on Jay Leno revealing that he is a sad man with a f-ed up life

The issue with my theory is this: the only place you can view this video is on iTunes...and obviously we have to purchase it. Well who in the hell is going to purchase anything that will financially benefit Kanye West? Let's see where the publicity leads us...if its done well people will become curious...its in our nature as humans and I mean wanting to see anything relating to Spike Jonze is also an in our nature:)

So that is my theory. If true I think Kanye West (or his publicist) is smart as all hell. On the same note, I will never, ever, ever endorse him again, and this stunt has definitely caused him to lose fans...which in turn will cause him to lose money...not very smart in that scenario is it? Who knows? I could be wrong....and I probably am...these are just the thoughts that float around.

Either way Kanye West is still an asshole.

Let's Be Friends

2009-06-19T23:41:00.005-06:00

I had to post these photos....to find more go to the link:)

My Last Name

2009-06-19T01:22:00.002-06:00

Hello:)

So earlier this evening the front desk clerk at the gym inquired about the pronunciation of my last name (Brĕst), and earlier today at an audition the casting director asked as well. This has been the story of my life. I am unsure if people in all honestly do not know how to prounouce or are simply embarassed to do so. For instance, my Sophomore year in college the first day my professor called roll. At the beginning of the list she said both first and last names until she stopped at mine. At that point she began to only use first names.

I mean, I completely get it...I used to be embarrassed to say it myself and would go as far as convincing my peers and instructors my last name was spelled 'Brēst' (breest). After approximately Freshman year in High School I came clean. Anyway, I am writing this blog in order to share the variations of 'Brest' with you. I hope you learn something!

Brest has two different origins. One of which is French and one is German....and surpirse, surprise my father is German.
There are several locations named Brest in:
France, Belarus, Bulgaria, Croatia, Slovenia, Germany, Czech Republic, and Serbia
Martin Brest is a director and producer and while Googling I stumbling upon Paul Brest, a Law Processor at Stanford Law School (go Paul)

If you find out any more information on Brest let me know!

Cheers!

-Kalen

Its been awhile...

2009-06-17T23:23:00.003-06:00

So I am deeply disappointed in myself...I created this blog in order to track my progress and haven't updated since January? Tsk, tsk....

Now, onto an overview of what's new in my life in regards to my career...

Confidence is Key

Today I met with The Independent Group and I felt it went well although I was a bit scatter-brained. I was so nervous that I FORGOT my head shot and resume (and my wallet). This is a huge problem and to be honest isn't the first time I've done it. I think I need to supply my car with a stack from now on and as for the wallet....well who cares if I have identification or money anyway right?!

This has been an issue of mine for quite awhile now. I tend to forget, or make mistakes due to the lack of self-confidence that I have. The interesting aspect about this is when I am in public I am completely confident, outgoing, etc. However, it seems that when I'm being judged I freeze up. In school this was the case with test-taking and now it pertains to auditions.

In high school I was in sports and didn't really mind what individuals thought of me until my boyfriend at the time would watch me. I would freeze up....it was bad.

Anyway, moral of the story is...I make mistakes that shouldn't be made. Especially in such a competitive industry. Wait, let me backtrack...I used to make mistakes due to nervousness. I'm done. Not only does this take away from my presence, but also my talent. I am a great actress--I know this, but how is any one supposed to take a chance and believe I am talented if I screw up auditions? I spoke to my friend Mark Measures today who told me what I need to do is just invision the people interviewing me as no different than myself. I mean who gets nervous amongst peers?

Work

So I'm going to be honest here. I haven't been working much at all whether it be in modeling or acting or in a "normal" occupation. I am consistently applying for work, but still no luck. I've basically been doing promotional modeling work, private parties (bartending or serving here and there), and extra work (Non-Union). Now don't get me wrong, I am grateful and although extra work is minimum wage it is a great opportunity to learn, but I can't live off of minimum wage, I just can't. I do adore the individuals who book me at Central Casting though...great company! Anyway, I am constantly trying to improve upon myself (without classes...no job = no classes). Here are the things I've done since being here:

Role in short film directed by Spike Jonze (see previous blog)
Featured extra on Entourage
Photo shoot for Dr. Weil-Baby
Shoot for Ultimate Bet Commercial (Phil Hellmuth)

That's about it so far...I have a couple auditions this week so I'm crossing my fingers. Please do the same:)

So as of now I'll be waiting for the management firm to contact me and keep on truckin'...thanks for reading!

Spike Jonze and Kanye West

2009-01-16T11:15:00.000-07:00

So I auditioned for a "music video" on Tuesday for Kanye West. It was being directed by Spike Jonze and Kanye West is a bit more classy than most of the R&B or Rap artist music videos you see out there so I figured it would be a good opportunity to build my reel and my resume.

I got chosen to do the video and we filmed yesterday. I thought I was going to be background and was actually featured!!!! This was an amazing experience. I worked with the best and most intelligent individuals and was extremely grateful. Not only was I flattered that I was picked to do the video (which in all reality was a short-film), but I was humbled by the quality of the individuals.

Kayne West is an extremely talented actor and also an honest to God nice person. He stayed in character for about 5 minutes straight without breaking. It was amazing. I have heard some negativity about Mr. West and his intelligence as well as his personality. All I have to say is that those rumors are FALSE. He is not egotistical or unintelligent. PERIOD.

Futhermore, Spike Jonze was great to work with. He is very talented and when he sees what he wants he does it. He was kind and gave direction in a way that I could follow...and not in a difficult "you need to know what I mean without me saying it" kind of way either. I was afraid of whether or not he would like me or my take on the character--and he did. All in all, it was a great day...I worked 11 hours in heels and have blisters that take up my entire foot....but I would not take that day back for the world.

Sigh---I love living here...its surreal.

Marquez Promotions

2009-01-16T10:35:00.000-07:00

Now before I continue must state that none of the following information is personal. However, it is a warning of unethical business practices. You see, I have never been the type to "bash" individuals who take my money or attempt to mislead me in any way, shape, or form. However, the most recent case of this has truly hurt me due to my current financial state.

As you may or may not be aware of I am a model, and when times get difficult models who never do promotional work (handing out fliers at events, promoting companies, etc.) and when I was living in Arizona I began to do this type of work often. It does not pay as well as say a photo shoot or a company who may hire me would, but hey its money right?

Well, I responded to a casting for a promotional company called Marquez Promotions based in Arizona and I ended up working an event in Downtown Phoenix. Although the event itself went well, and I had all the faith in the world that I would be paid for my time the aftermath has been brutal.

I was told that I would be mailed the check about a month ago, and when I contacted Karla Marquez (I'm guessing the only person behind the company) about my concern with my check she told me she already sent it and it was cashed! This worried me, and I began to hate LA as well as all of the individuals who live here. What deceitful bastard would steal and cash my check?

After I calmed down I thought about it.

Then I thought more....

And more...

The following questions and responses are going to be an overview of what happened between Ms. Marquez and I that has convinced me she never sent the check.

I asked her to send me proof that the check was cashed, and although she agreed she was unable to e-mail me a scanned check.
She continuously stated that it was stolen from my *locked* mailbox and that some evil person went and made fake id with my name and signature in order to cash the check at a check cashing place located on Whittier Ave. Does this seem odd? Hmmm....would someone go THAT far out of their way to cash a $100 check? Furthermore, I asked what check cashing place it was at in order to call them and guess what? She did not respond.
I called her bank (Wells Fargo) and they stated that the only thing she would have to do in order to get a reimbursement is create a claim. I explained this to her and she CONTINUED not to respond to it or take action. For a person who truly lost money this seems a bit odd to me.

Anyway, in closing I am out of money and did not sign a legal contract with the company (in reality only her). Thus, I am unable to take any legal action. However, I am able to notify the public of her ill practices. Do not work with this person or anything associate with Marquez Promotions.

Here are the links to Karla Marquez: www.myspace.com/karlaemarquez, www.karlamarquez.com, http://www.modelmayhem.com/karlamarquez