Meet Brandon Lee Anderson | CEO/Executive Producer /Creator

We had the good fortune of connecting with Brandon Lee Anderson and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Brandon Lee, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
I decided to pursue an artistic and creative career because it was a calling that I couldn’t ignore. From a very young age, I possessed a unique visual memory that allowed me to remember and appreciate art in a profound way. I vividly recall being captivated by Janet Jackson’s “What Have You Done For Me” video when it premiered in 1986, even though I was just a four-year-old child at the time. That experience sparked something within me.

Watching the mesmerizing dance moves of the performers behind Janet Jackson in that video ignited a fire of inspiration in me. I remember wrapping a pillowcase around my head, pretending to be Janet herself, and attempting to replicate her dance moves. Only to be found jazz dancing my heart out by my older brother who of course teased me and told me to dance like a boy, so I started to watch the men in the video. As I continued to watch the video, I started picking up the choreography, surprising my older sister who recognized my natural talent for dance. She encouraged me to demonstrate what I had learned, and I effortlessly reproduced the dance routine from memory.

The excitement and pride my family felt in witnessing my dance abilities motivated me to explore my creative potential further. I began writing music, melodies, and lyrics, channeling my emotions and experiences into original compositions. In the third grade, I joined the Glee Club, further nurturing my passion for music and performance.

It was in high school, during my ninth grade, that I decided to pursue dance professionally and started studying ballet. The technical training and discipline I received in ballet opened up a new world of artistic expression for me. Through dance, I found a medium to communicate my deepest emotions and connect with audiences on a profound level.

Overall, my journey into the artistic and creative realm was driven by a combination of natural talent, early inspirations, and unwavering support from my loved ones. It has been a lifelong pursuit of self-expression, a way to share my voice with the world and touch hearts through the power of art.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I embarked on my professional journey in the industry back in 1998, thanks to the incredible support of my God Mother and dance teacher, Sylvia Henderson. She took me to an audition that changed my life forever—a chance to join the WNBA Detroit Shock dance team. Little did I know that this would be just the beginning of an extraordinary path.

At the age of 16, under the guidance of the talented director Shay Scott, I found myself choreographing halftime shows for the NBA Detroit Pistons dance team. It was a remarkable opportunity that ignited my passion even further. From there, my story unfolded in ways I couldn’t have imagined.

I delved into the world of dance, winning scholarships at renowned institutions like Broadway Dance Center and Dance Theater of Harlem in NYC. Soon enough, I had the privilege of dancing alongside icons such as Beyoncé, Mary J Blige, John Legend, and Mariah Carey. The stage became my canvas, and my moves captivated audiences on TV shows like American Idol and networks like FOX and NBC. I even had the chance to leave my mark on the silver screen, appearing in films like “8 Mile” and “Bruno.”

But my journey wasn’t just about dancing. It was about resilience and determination, pushing myself to the limits to achieve success. I recall a pivotal moment at a dance convention called “Monsters Of Hip Hop” where circumstances left me without a place to stay. With unwavering passion, I slept on the streets for a night, washing up in a hotel bathroom sink. These experiences, humbling and challenging as they were, fueled my hunger and kept me focused on my dreams.

In 2016, I faced a life-altering event—a devastating car crash that left me with broken ribs, a bruised lung, and a fractured collarbone, among other injuries. For six months, I grappled with the inability to walk. Seeking solace and new beginnings, I sought refuge with my supportive siblings in Las Vegas. It was there that I discovered a newfound passion for film and television. I immersed myself in studying these art forms and began developing projects with friends. The industry took notice, providing me with invaluable feedback and attention that ultimately led me to create my own endeavors—an adult animation project, a drama-comedy series, and even a horror film.

June 2020 brought a remarkable twist of fate when I stumbled upon a webinar featuring Steve Harvey’s COO, Brandon R. Williams. Inspired by his words, I reached out to him, never imagining the doors that would open as a result. A development deal with Steve Harvey himself materialized, along with opportunities to collaborate with industry giants like WME, HBO, Amazon, FOX, and more.

And now, in the present day, I’m bursting with excitement for my first major feature film, “BAD GRANDMAS.” With the support of Oscar award-winning Carl Reed, Steve Harvey, and Brandon R. Williams, I’ve ventured into the world of 2D animated adult-comedy. The movie tells the story of a group of vibrant older ladies determined to stay young at heart, a celebration of the idea that age is no barrier to having fun. Comedians join forces to create a cast that brings this unique blend of “The Boondocks” and “The Golden Girls” to life. I’m proud to be represented by Joseph Adeife of Adeife & Rabii APC.

In addition, I’m thrilled about my collaboration with Confluential Films, where we’re crafting a compelling Drama/Comedy series with the talented creator Aaron Lamont Curry.

However, what truly drives me is the anticipation of my production company, “THANK YOU MR ANDERSON” aka TYMA. Joined by the extraordinary talents of Adeife & Rabii APC and

Reno Logan, we’ve embarked on a slate of projects that are poised to revolutionize the industry. Our synergy is unparalleled, spanning from highbrow projects to comedy, drama, horror, unscripted content, and even science fiction. As we continue our journey, we’re actively seeking interns who share our passion and vision.

What sets me apart from others? It’s a culmination of experiences—every version of “NO” I’ve heard along the way has only strengthened my resolve. I possess an unwavering work ethic that drives me to go above and beyond. As I sit here, exhausted and physically drained, I push myself to the limit, knowing that true satisfaction comes from knowing I’ve given my all. The discipline from my dance training days remains a driving force in my life. I am determined to outwork anyone who stands in my way.

My journey has been riddled with challenges. I’ve experienced homelessness more than once, endured nights without food, and subsisted on humble meals like beans and rice, pretending it was a lavish feast. Yet, through it all, I’ve refused to succumb to despair. I carry on for the sake of my beloved mother. Will I achieve wealth? Absolutely. I believe I deserve boundless prosperity, and I’m committed to bringing my mother along on this incredible journey. That’s why I work tirelessly.

But beyond my personal pursuits, I am a good-hearted individual who finds immense joy in helping others. It’s both a gift and a curse. Some people will take advantage and drain your energy, but I’m learning the liberating power of saying “NOOOOO” and prioritizing myself. It feels empowering to put myself first.

As I look to the future, what keeps me awake at night is the sheer anticipation of my production company, “THANK YOU MR ANDERSON” or TYMA. In collaboration with Adeife & Rabii APC and Reno Logan, we’re spearheading an array of groundbreaking projects. From gripping dramas to uproarious comedies, spine-chilling horror to unscripted gems, and even ventures into the realms of science fiction, our slate promises to redefine the game. If you’re as passionate as we are, we’d love to hear from you—our doors are open to interns ready to make a mark.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If I had a friend visiting me here in Los Angeles for a week for the first time i would take them to Berri’s Pizza for the Lobster Pizza right off the plane or head straight Downtown to LA CAFE and get the Lobster Grill cheese or Pampas Grill at the Farmers Market, Eat and have some Drinks, Take a disco nap , get dressed maybe host a Bar B Que at my complex because I live in probably at one of the most popular places in the heart of West Hollywood and we know how to have a great time. My anxiety wont allow me to walk Hollywood Blvd, so i would give them a solo day.

I would also take them to get some authentic good Mexican food at “Salsa and Beer” , good vibes, great drinks, it’s in the cut, simple.
We would definitely attend an “Everyday People” event, that is a must!!! Great people, great music and great energy.

We would also drive up to Hermosa Beach and catch that vibe, We would do a hike or the Culver City stairs, Definitely would have to stop and get some awesome California Cannabis.

I think i would make sure that we ate some great food most of all and hung around some awesome spirited people with high vibrations

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I would like to give a special shoutout to my friend Angela Ko, an incredibly talented actress and creator. You may recognize her from John Singleton’s ‘Rebel’ or Will Packer’s TV series on BET, ‘Bigger.’ Angela is a beautiful woman of color and an Asian sister who deserves more recognition. Women of color often don’t receive the acknowledgment they deserve, which is why I dedicated my first project to celebrating them. Angela is next in line, and I eagerly await Hollywood to take notice.

I would also like to give a shoutout to a group of talented songwriters who are my best friends: Stacy Barthe, Patrice ‘Petra Duex’ Compton, and Midian. Stacy has written for artists such as Rihanna, Beyoncé, Katy Perry, and Miley Cyrus, and she is currently signed to Diddy’s ‘Love Records’ imprint. Patrice was signed to LL Cool J and was featured on the ‘Deep Blue Sea’ soundtrack with her hit song ‘Found Another Man.’ She is now producing her own show, ‘Disco Divas,’ in Las Vegas. And let’s not forget Midian, who wrote ‘Sandcastles’ on Beyoncé’s album ‘Lemonade.’ These remarkable women hold a special place in my heart.

Instagram: Iamthankyoumranderson

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brandon-lee-anderson-609492b9

Image Credits
BAD GRANDMA promo Art Work and Illustration by Ant Piper @ant_piper Carl Reed for Composition Media Animation Studio Brandon Lee Anderson promo photos Styled by @statement11 Make Up by @goldenkendoll Photographer @iironic My Hair by @cutthabsoff