Brandon Kleyla is an art director for Universal Creative, currently working on the new Epic Universe project.
Kleyla started acting at a young age and did frequent work at Nickelodeon Studios, making appearances on shows including All That, Nick News, and the Gullah Gullah Island pilot episode. His debut movie role came in the 1995 blockbuster Now and Then, starring Demi Moore. He also appeared in Children of the Corn: The Gathering in 1996, the Academy Award-winning film Gods and Monsters in 1998, and William Shatner’s comedy Free Enterprise in 1998. He also started directing and editing in addition to acting, working on the documentaries MXPX: How to Build a Secret Weapon, Indyfans and the Quest for Fortune and Glory, and MXPX: Triple Threat.
Kleyla then moved into the themed entertainment world. He counts the establishment of the “Trader Sam’s” brand, which has two US locations, as one of his finest accomplishments during his time at Walt Disney Imagineering. Although his official title was “Set Decorator,” he was frequently seen stepping in to help with show writing, field art direction, graphics, and other tasks at the last minute. In addition to winning six THEA awards for his work on Star Tours: The Adventures Continue, The Walt Disney Family Museum, Shanghai Disneyland, Universal Studios Beijing, and two for Pandora: The World of Avatar, he was a nominee for “The Spirit of Walt Disney” award.
One nominator says: “Brandon has an incredible passion for the work he does. His vision is unparalleled in this industry. His innovation and keen eye for aesthetics are an unbeatable combo when it comes to bringing his worlds to life. Brandon has been working tirelessly to create some of the best, in-universe park experiences currently on the planet. His work contains depths and multitudes that draw the visitors back for more every time. I have never seen someone with as much passion, dedication and vision as he brings to the table every day.”