[Watch the video interview on YouTube here]
Film Courage: As a writer, what steps do you take to develop and build character?
Jadon Cal, Filmmaker/Actor/Screenwriter: Yeah, in terms of building character it’s…well actually I use a lot of references from people that I’ve met and no, that’s something I learned that Wes Anderson did.
When I wrote my first screenplay it was based on a true story so that was very easy. Then as I wrote Off Rip for example a lot of those characters were based on real people whether it was a previous relationship, someone’s mom that I had met somewhere, different characters, one of my old best friends in high school, a lot of those characters were inspired. I’d start with their archetype I guess or how they are as a person and I would infuse their spirit into the character and then build out from there and create from there.
That’s kind of the thing when people say write what you know, I mean if you don’t do that then you really need to build out who these people are just from scratch which is kind of hard to do straight from imagination.
A lot of the main characters of my movies are often based on myself and then I build from there because I just find it’s more natural for me to tell a story that way.
I have one female driven story where the main character is a female. I found that one was harder for me to write because I don’t relate as much.
I think starting with what is the biggest thing.
Film Courage: How has being an actor helped you write characters?
Jadon: Wow! Acting has…(Watch the video interview on YouTube here).
About:
Jadon Cal began his storytelling journey at a young age under veteran actor parents in Los Angeles, California. From training in a multitude of acting workshops and appearing in a few independent films growing up, he transitioned into the film industry right out of high-school. Having produced & directed multiple feature films, Jadon has continually molded his craft with a unique perspective and continues to study under various acting coaches around LA.
His most notable credits and achievements include starring in “Robbie Ain’t Right No More” which screened at Tribeca Film Festival and has garnered him a slew of awards at festivals around the country. He’s also recently worked on larger scale productions with actors such as Joey King, Mira Sorvino, Lee Majors, Danielle Harris, and Aleksa Palladino. His upcoming film, “Off Rip” which he wrote, directed, and starred in, will be screening in festivals in 2025.
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