Screen Media, a Chicken Soup for the Soul Entertainment, announced the acquisition of all ad-supported rights to Men of West Hollywood, a 10-part unscripted docuseries from Get Me Out Productions that follows the lives, drama and relationships of six men in West Hollywood. The series will premiere as a Crackle Original on January 20.
Meet six of the biggest male socialites in West Hollywood: “Mr. California” David Barta, a model and personal trainer; Justin Jedlica, a plastic surgery consultant, known around the world as the “human ken doll”; Darren Tieste, a celebrity photographer; Murray Swanby, a club promotor and top underwear model; Brennen Taylor, a YouTube star; and Landon Wetterstrom, a luxury property owner. These men, along with their boyfriends and girlfriends, give a glimpse into their lavish Los Angeles lifestyle, making their way through WeHo’s hottest parties and glamorous red carpets with drama at every turn. The series also features Nick Masc, Hannah Coehlo and Laron Seals.
It was a pleasure to sit down with cast members Darren Tieste and David Barta for this Hotspots interview. First up was Darren.
When was the first time you picked up a camera?
Oh wow, my stepfather gave me a camera when I was 13.
What was your first paid gig as a photography and when did you know photography would be your career?
For Dolly Mag in Australia, and it was a cute wet t-shirt campaign on a beach near a bus stop. It ended up on the cover and I was just turning 21. At that point, I knew I was doing the right thing. I was so ecstatic.
You have shot many celebrities; do you have a favorite or favorites?
I do. I love Scarlet Johansson, Amy Adams, Miley Cyrus, Jessica Alba, Kim Kardashian, The Hemsworth brothers, and lots more. Justin Timberlake is a standout for me. When my first book came out, he grabbed me to go on the red carpet and it helped the book get so much publicity. He is a giving soul.
You co-founded the company MizzBloom Organics, why did you create the company and tell me more about it?
In 2018 is when we started it and it went to market in 2019. I have always had beauty clients and beauty brands, and we decided to do something. We did the research and we realized there weren’t a lot of brands out there that certified with organic ingredients. Thank God, it’s been going well. USDA stamp is on several of our products, and that confirms the purity of what we are selling. That was super important for us.
How did you meet Laron, and how is the relationship going?
We met years ago, but I can’t say too much about it since I want everyone to see it on the show. He is a handful though, but he is a great guy.
How did you get cast on “Men of West Hollywood”?
The casting director sent it to me and asked if it was something I would do and I said “sure, it sounds fun.”
Was filming everything you expected? What was the best part and the worst part?
I direct, so it was everything I expected it to be. There was nothing bad about it, but it was six weeks of full-on filming. It was great, and I made lots of great friends.
Describe yourself in three words?
Driven, loyal and funny.
What do you do for fun?
I love to travel, but that has been hard the last few years. However, when there is down time, I am on a plane somewhere. I also love the water.
Why should our readers watch “Men of West Hollywood”?
The reason is it is packed with laughter, shade, tears, and just great times. Six men, gay and straight and a girl…what more can you ask for?
We then chatted with David:
When did you start modeling, and what was your first gig?
I started modeling about three years ago and it was a runway show for Sketchers.
You are a former Mr. California. How did you get into pageantry/contests, and were they everything you hoped?
I got into pageant stuff through modeling and through Instagram. My experience was limited due to the pandemic. However, I think those days are behind me now.
How did you get cast on “Men of West Hollywood”?
I was friends with Murray for a long time and I had a lot of friends in the West Hollywood area.
Was filming everything you expected? What was the best part and the worst part?
It was a lot of fun, and I thought I had a pretty good idea of what was going to go on, but I got constantly surprised. The best part was the friendships I developed. The worst part is the people I thought I was close to stabbed me in the back.
Are you dating anyone now, and if so how did you meet, and if no, what’s the perfect girl for you?
Dating is casual out here, and I am not dating one specific person. My ideal person is someone who supports who I am and what I do for a career, and knows how to kick my ass when it needs to be.
Describe yourself in three words?
“I’m big tasty.”
What do you do for fun?
I love going to the beach and the west side. I also love going out with my friends in West Hollywood. I am a social guy.
Why should our readers watch “Men of West Hollywood”?
Because there has never been anything like it before. Times are changing and certain social concepts have become acceptable. The cast of “Men of West Hollywood” all love each other and are men doing our best making it in a crazy city.
“Men of West Hollywood” premieres as a Crackle Original on January 20, 2022.
