Today we’d like to introduce you to Kelley Allen.
Hi Kelley , it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I’m an African American woman that was born and raised in East Los Angeles, interesting to say the least. Sketchy neighborhoods, gang violence and attended too many funerals to count. The hood has a special way of giving you thick skin and street-smart instincts that money just can’t buy. I grew up in a large, super fun family and in a house filled with love, music, good food and even better energy! Truly blessed with it all, I didn’t go the “normal” route of college but instead was in the entertainment industry starting at age nine. I was a featured extra in big movies and TV shows like; Toys with Robin Williams, The Steve Harvey Show, Jamie Foxx Show, Moesha, Devil in a Blue Dress with Denzel Washington and the fan favorite movie Friday with Ice Cube! (I was one of the kids that ran to the ice cream truck!) Good times. After my stint on camera as a child, I also was featured in some R&B music videos later in life but decided that I wanted more out of the entertainment experience than auditioning with a bathing suit, so that’s when I started casting.
I ended up meeting someone that was casting reality shows and once I interviewed, I got the job and I’ve never stopped working in that realm. I’ll tell you more about that later in the interview.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The biggest challenge was growing up in a school and neighborhood where the odds were stacked against success. For many, jail seemed more likely than college. But I never saw that as a disadvantage, I believe what’s meant for you will always find you. With focus and determination, every challenge became an opportunity for growth.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I’ve been a Reality TV Casting Director for over 17 years! I’ve worked on everything from development to mainstream. Casting projects like Netflix’s “Rhythm & Flow,” E! Network’s hit show “Botched,” Gordon Ramsay’s: “24 Hours to Hell & Back,” OWN’s “Ready to Love,” Bravo’s “Married to Medicine,” and TLC’s “Extreme Sisters”, HBO Max’ “Sweet Life” and Netflix’ #1 hit, “The Ultimatum,” just to give you a slight range of my casting experience. I love to tell the story about the actual vampire that I interviewed! (He lives in Brooklyn, sleeps in a coffin & drinks blood!) Ha! Can’t make this stuff up.
My recent endeavor is a more hands on creative approach to the industry; writing, producing, directing and starring in my first feature film named “Choke On It” (yeah I know-crazy title). My cousin Rachel and I decided it was time to fulfill a childhood dream of creating our own “scary” film. The entire cast is ALL FAMILY with the exception of the KILLER!! Even the extras are all family. Pretty cool right? The film is set to air on TUBI Sept. 26th 2025, just in time for spooky season. Being able to create and see your own project on TV is a wonderful feeling and we are already writing the next movie since we have more cousins to kill! Haha! Follow @ILLABLACKPRODUCTIONS for updates.
ILLA BLACK Productions carries a story rooted in legacy. The name honors our great-grandmother, Priscilla Blackmon, who at just 13 was purchased for $500 by our great-grandfather. Her life was tragically cut short at the age of 21, but her memory lives on through us. We feel a deep responsibility to create in her honor and every project is part of her redemption. This is our tribute to Priscilla- We love you! We wouldn’t be here without her.
What has been the most important lesson you’ve learned along your journey?
Most important lesson I’ve learned is to NOT limit yourself or your dreams/goals. Just go for it! Also when things seem like they aren’t going your way; losing a job, failed relationship, etc. That is just realignment for your journey, see those mishaps as opportunities to step into something new. “Don’t cry over spilled milk” as my grandma would say!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://girlgangcastingcollective.com/about-the-gang
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/girlgangcasting/?hl=en
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kelleyallen1/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@ILLABLACKPRODS
- Other: https://illablack.godaddysites.com/
