Acting

This Is Why You Can’t Be Afraid To Work For Free In The Movie Business – Jadon Cal

Filmcourage

Published

January 2, 2025

[Watch the video interview on YouTube here]

Film Courage: Why did you work on your first feature film Mind Games for free?

Jadon Cal, Filmmaker/Actor/Screenwriter: Why? Well, I wasn’t getting paid to do it. I had to create my own work. If you’re getting into the film industry for money you’re getting into it for a very wrong reason. There is not much money in film, especially against TikTokers and Instagram and all the social media, the Twitch streamers, everything. Film is just not the medium to go in for money. I just loved it. I love storytelling and I found something I was passionate about and had a partner who had a story and we dove into it.

Long time co-creators Jadon Cal and Jake Jalbert

Film Courage: How has this sacrifice (if you want to call it that), working for free, paid off for you?

Jadon: Oh, it’s paid off in so many dividends. It’s an investment. The amount of time and money I’ve spent in my career has, yes it’s been a lot, and people would probably look at me and say You’re just insane. You could have spent all your time learning this skill…(Watch the video interview on YouTube here).

Jadon on set directing the Announcers and Top World Skimboarder Lucas Fink [Photo credit: Jadon Cal IMDB]

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.