Today we’d like to introduce you to E’Ian West.
It’s an honor to speak with you today. Why don’t you give us some details about you and your story. How did you get to where you are today?
Thank you for taking the time to interview me. My name is E’Ian West, owner of Montage Media Production Company and The Brella Streaming Network. I have been an entrepreneur for many years in the entertainment industry as a talent manager and producer. The journey in Hollywood has been unreal and super rewarding from working with so many different types of creatives such as talent, executives, and the above the line and below the line workers. I started my career managing actresses and actors looking for their big break in Los Angeles. I was able to connect people with their first paid experience on a real set because of my relationships with casting directors. That’s when I decided to start my management company.
I’m sure your success has not come easily. What challenges have you had to overcome along the way?
Success absolutely doesn’t come easy. There’s a ton of work and focus needed, and of course we have to include determination. You have to be willing and ready to make changes, learn more than you know, and be open to constructive criticism. Sometimes the criticism word scares people, but you can be ignoring the key point; there’s simply a message trying to be given to you. As an entrepreneur, the word No is frequent; you can’t take it personally, you have to always weather the storm and continue toward your goal to succeed.
Let’s talk about the work you do. What do you specialize in and why should someone work with you over the competition?
Well, right now is an extremely important and exciting time for me professionally. I am launching a streaming platform; The Brella Streaming Network or Brella for short. It is a paid platform that is 100% dedicated to unscripted reality at the moment. I watch way more reality tv than anything else and love to watch all of these interesting personalities live a life very different from mine. With Brella, I created a network where viewers would want to come, relax, and join the journey. I invite everyone to come and Binge on Brella. The production of our content is done by my production company, Montage Media Production Company. We have just wrapped filming on a series titled Love in LA, which features Chrissy Bonilla, a young Los Angeles transplant. It’s really a story of a woman looking for love while pursuing her dream career. Another series that we recently completed is All About Jaden, which focuses on Jaden Newman. She has been a star on the basketball court her entire life and will now show her viewers a new side to herself off the court as she figures out being a young adult. Why would someone want to work with me? I’d say collectively my team has the experience that is very hard to find all in one company. My team is a true Hollywood collective. We have experience with reality tv, film, documentaries, events, and red carpets. I can really say we can do it all.
What’s your best piece of advice for readers who desire to find success in their life?
My best advice would be to keep that desire but to do the work as well. Yes, there can be luck, great circumstance, and a network of people helping but I never met a person that has been successful every minute of every day. Business does take time, energy, and focus. The desire will help you during the tough times, and the knowledge you gain while working will bridge the gaps when needed. I say keep working, keep building, and then you will begin to succeed.
Speaking of success, what does the word mean to you?
Success to me is freedom to do what I want on my terms, every day. I am 39 years old and understand time is easily the most valuable asset. When I was deciding to build my new company, The Brella Streaming Network; it wasn’t a job. It was about spending time with a talented team I love to work with on my terms and building something great, that’s success for me.
What’s next for you?
More production, more shows, more pitches to networks, and more growth. As Montage Media Production Company and Brella grow, I look forward to meeting and collaborating with more people from different walks of life.
Finally, how can people connect with you if they want to learn more?
To connect, I’d say you can visit our website www.montagemediausa.com, follow us on Instagram @montagemediaproductioncompany and @montagemediaphotography, @thebrellanetwork and join our email list Feel free to DM us because we do monitor the messages and we have made some great connections there.