ABOUT
KENDRICK TREJO
Early CHILDHOOD
Born in 1994 in Burbank, California, Kendrick Trejo faced challenges early on, he couldn’t speak until first grade and was later diagnosed with ADHD. Teachers insisted he needed medication, but Kendrick and his mother took a different path, determined to prove he could succeed without it. Together, they studied late into the night—despite her 4:00 a.m. shifts—and slowly Kendrick closed the gap, eventually earning academic awards throughout elementary and middle school.
Art quickly became his outlet and his peace. He experimented with oil pastels, played in the middle-school band, and even started his own high school dance crew, “Monster Crew.” They performed at Halloween festivals and church youth events, but when the crew shifted into party culture filled with fights and gang activity, Kendrick walked away, unwilling to follow that path.
Still, like many teens, he struggled to find his direction until a family intervention became his turning point. Surrounded by his aunts, uncles, and cousins, Kendrick realized he needed a new focus. Choosing to step away from negative influences, he redirected his energy into mentorship, beginning a journey that would eventually lead him to film.
Building Experience
After high school, Kendrick explored a wide range of careers that shaped his discipline and adaptability. He worked as a cashier, athletic sports director, and site coordinator for an after-school program at one of the toughest middle schools in the San Fernando Valley, where he balanced structure with compassion for at-risk youth. He also worked in solar power sales and free phone sales outside of social service offices.
His artistry flourished as a certified master mosaic artist, with pieces featured in monuments and local art museums, as well as in kitchens, pools, restaurants, and large-scale installations. He later expanded into custom sign designS across Los Angeles, further sharpening his creative eye for composition and detail.
Discovering Film
Kendrick’s filmmaking journey began when a childhood friend asked him to create a memorial video for his younger brother who had passed away. It was Kendrick’s first time presenting a video in front of a whole audience, and he knew he couldn’t fail. He spent long nights studying film and editing tutorials online to prepare. The project was one of the most difficult challenges of Kendrick’s life, because the boy who passed was more than just his friend’s younger brother—he was like family, someone Kendrick cherished as if he were his own little brother.
That project, born of trust and responsibility, ignited his passion for film. Soon, he was directing, editing, and producing content for small businesses, creative outlets, and Los Angeles icons such as Insider Art and Hollywood FRANCHISES Fat Sal’s.
Breaking Into the Industry
Determined to enter the entertainment world, Kendrick famously snuck into studio lots in a suit with his résumé in hand, often escorted out by security—yet praised for his relentless dedication. One day, security told him plainly: “Keep applying online or go to film school—that’s the right way in.” So that’s exactly what he did.
During the pandemic, Kendrick returned to those same lots legitimately, working as a craft-service driver for Warner Brothers, Sony Pictures, and Paramount. He didn’t need to sneak in anymore—he finally had a taste of what true Hollywood was all about.
Education & Recognition
At the same time that he was working as a driver, Kendrick attended Los Angeles Valley College’s film program, where he tried nearly every role on set before discovering his true passion for directing and first assistant directing. He was honored on the Dean’s List multiple times and went on to compete in the prestigious Student Showcase, facing off against seasoned filmmakers—including Dan Southworth, the Red Ranger from Power Rangers, an actor he admired as a child. Despite doubts, Kendrick’s short film Hello Katie earned Best Cinematography, officially cementing his title as an award-winning filmmaker.
Professional Career & Mission
Kendrick went on to make his professional debut on the morning television show Mañana Latina, showcasing a music video he directed for his Grammy-nominated friend, Roberto Hermosillo.
Today, he continues to build his career as both a Director and First Assistant Director, known for running safe, efficient sets while bringing bold creative visions to life. His mission is ongoing: to break further into the major studio system, join the union as a First Assistant Director, and continue creating meaningful work that leaves an imprint on both the industry and the people it touches.