Today we’d like to introduce you to Cassia Jones.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I am a writer/actor in Los Angeles, California, where I grew up. Acting started for me as a child in theater and I picked it up again as an adult. Currently, I have a blog: toliveanddateinla.co where I write about my experiences dating, living and working in the entertainment industry. I also wrote/starred in /produced a web series (my first production) of the same title which is also on my blog and youtube, “To live & Date in LA”. The series features three Black women on their paths through life in Los Angeles. After my blog gained traction and my web series was nominated in a few festivals, I began writing To Live & Date in LA as a television pilot. I have also written a second pilot and three screenplays. One of my screenplays became the short film “In This House” about two sisters dealing with the aftermath of their mother’s death and a decades old family secret. This short film can also be seen on my website and youtube page (youtube.com/toliveanddateinla). Featured on my Youtube page are vlogs about traveling, natural hair and apartment living in LA. I am pitching both my pilot tv scripts and one of them has just been accepted into the City of Angels Women’s Film Festival!
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
The road has been paved with many speed bumps, roadblocks and detours! The biggest struggles have been the lack of opportunities as a Black actor/writer. There is a perception that opportunities are now everywhere and opening up for everyone, but that is just not the case. With social media changing the game, gaining traction in your career based of your talent alone is a thing of the past. There are so many castings that have a “must have a large social media following” attached to them. Having a large social media following does not equate to talent.
Being able to put in the work while also working several jobs is a truth many people do not want to hear. I have been cast in commercials and theater. I have projects in film festivals, run a blog, youtube page, audition weekly and work two jobs. This life is not for everyone. You have to be willing to put in the extra work to be successful in this business, and that is where many people become frustrated with the process. We see the success of others and want that to happen for us immediately. Making consistent money will also not happen for a while working as an actor/writer or creative in Los Angeles, so you have to hone in on a few skills you have to be able to afford to be here and pursue your dreams.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am a writer/actor/producer in Los Angeles. My current projects include a short film, blog posts, and webseries which can be seen on my website: toliveanddateinla.co
As a writer, my fave genres I write are comedy, horror/thriller and sci-fi. My current scripts are what I am most proud of. They include a horror film, sci-fi thriller and a drama. My tv pilots are also what I am most proud of and they are both half-hour comedy series. I hope we all will be watching on our screens soon!
Is there something surprising that you feel even people who know you might not know about?
What I think would surprise people to know about me as an actor is that I cannot watch myself on screen! It is so uncomfortable for me! Most people think of actors as being superficial and super into themselves, but I think why it’s so easy for me to write about my awkward dates or funny moments is because I am not!
Contact Info:
- Website: http://toliveanddateinla.co
- Instagram: http://instagram.com/toliveanddateinla
- Twitter: http://twitter.com/awkwardgirlla
- Youtube: http://youtube.com/toliveanddateinla
