Meet Kaylee Hayes of Los Angeles

Today we’d like to introduce you to Kaylee Hayes

Hi Kaylee, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
My storytelling journey started in Arlington, Texas at the age of seven. Armed with nothing but a camcorder and a single actor (a reluctant younger brother), I embarked on my cinematic adventures. As I grew older, my passions intensified. I delved into the intricacies of editing, penned countless scripts and short stories, entered several film competitions, and learned as much as I could about filmmaking. I received my bachelor’s degree in Film-TV-Digital Media Studies at Texas Christian University where I enjoyed getting my education, but struggled due to the culture shock of entering a predominantly white institution. This is what led me to discovering a second passion just as great as my love for filmmaking. Starting my freshman year, I became an integral part in shaping the Comparative Race and Ethnic Studies program and immersed myself in the rich tapestry of black history and culture. It soon became my personal mission to educate my single mother and grandmother on African American history, bridging the gap between their Bahamian upbringing and what I had learned. After receiving my masters in Film and TV Production from the University of Southern California in May 2025, I am determined to make my mark on the film industry as a writer and director. I dream of creating stories that center around Blackness, and of normalizing the black protagonist. In addition to filmmaking and black history, I enjoy musical theater, studying astrology, and playing Dungeons and Dragons.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I am a product of my single mother and grandmother, as well as, the oldest sibling between myself and my brother. I attribute all of her successes to my family as they are the people that I finds the most support, inspiration, and comfort in. I am extremely proud of my heritage, and take pride in where I came from. Professionally, I have always dreamt of having a career as a film director. As I grew older, those professional goals shifted into becoming a director with the specific purpose of sharing stories of underrepresented groups. These professional goals are intertwined with my academic ones as I strive to one day create my own scholarship in support of students of color attempting to enter creative fields. I did not grow up seeing a lot of representation through racial diversity in those types of industries. I hope that one day my film career inspires minority groups to join me, while also providing a scholarship that will alleviate any hesitations to do so. I believe that film and television can be used for more than just simply entertainment purposes, and this is my goal as a filmmaker. I will use my stories to uplift traditionally overlooked communities, and emphasize diversity and inclusion. One of my life-goals is to create this scholarship to help others, as I know that I would not have been able to attend the school of my dreams (USC) without the aid of donors.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
My family and close friends consider me to be a very open-minded person, which explains my ability to empathize with so many different types of people. I love getting to meet new individuals and listen to their own narratives. As a Film-TV-Digital Media major, these stories often times evoke inspiration and motivates me to craft a new short film around their journey. I make an effort every single day to be inclusive and to create a space of acceptance for all individuals. I believe what sets me apart are these characteristics in combination with my learn of black history, talents for filmmaking, and the ways in which I combine them. I am known for creating stories that center black people, specially black women, around poignant and complex issues. I have often grown up feeling truly underrepresented by all facets of media, and I’m most proud of the fact that my work can stand as a way to mend those gaps.

Risk taking is a topic that people have widely differing views on – we’d love to hear your thoughts.
Despite not considering myself a risk taker, upon reflection, I recognize that my successes are largely attributed to the significant risks I have taken. Raised as a sheltered, homeschooled child with an anxious attachment style, I nonetheless relocated to Los Angeles independently, without the support of friends or family nearby. Furthermore, I have embraced further risks by networking within the film industry, directing and working with several Emmy-nominated and award-winning actors, and addressing controversial issues through my storytelling. My perspective on risk-taking is that it is an inherently challenging, daunting, and often uncomfortable necessity. Over time, I have not learned to be comfortable with taking risks, but rather to be comfortable with the discomfort that accompanies it. Avoiding risks equates to missing potential opportunities due to self-doubt. Therefore, the most valuable lesson I have learned about risk-taking is the importance of betting on myself. I’ve grew up always knowing that storytelling, specifically filmmaking, was something that I was meant to do. And so, I’ll continue to take those risks and make these big changes, because I have trust that this is what I’m meant to be doing.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kayleealexa_productions?igsh=MTIxNW93ZzF6Mmxreg%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@kayleealexa5734