Jessica A. Caesar
In Her Shoes
Empowering Boss Life
Tell us about yourself.
Jessica A. Caesar: I hail from Florida and have a deep-rooted connection to California, where I reside and absolutely cherish. My journey into the professional world started at a young age, with my first job at NASA when I was just 16. Initially, the plan was to transition into a co-op, become an engineer, and embark on a career at Kennedy Space Center. However, fate had different plans for me. A few years later, while pursuing my engineering degree, I followed my intuition and dropped out of college. I packed my bags and moved to Los Angeles, driven by a crystal-clear vision—to carve a professional path in the entertainment industry.
Despite my youth and the lack of concrete plans, I embraced this change wholeheartedly, and I've never looked back.
Empowering Boss Life
What would you do differently if you were starting in your industry now?
Jessica A. Caesar: If I were starting in my industry now, I would refrain from allowing other people's opinions to sway my decisions. The initial phases of a career in the entertainment industry are characterized by a learning process, and there is no predetermined path to success. Each individual's path is unique, and comparing oneself to others can be detrimental. It took me several years to understand and fully embrace this truth. Recognizing that there is no universally correct approach and being confident in my own journey would be my guiding principles.
Empowering Boss Life
What would you say is the #1 key to success in your business?
Jessica A. Caesar: The #1 key to success in my business is not having a Plan B. In the entertainment industry, the journey is akin to a roller coaster ride, filled with numerous highs and lows. To navigate this unpredictable terrain, persistence and unwavering dedication are essential. Every day, I focus on working diligently towards my goals. For daily affirmation and motivation, I make it a ritual to look myself in the mirror, acknowledging that I am enough and capable. This industry is not just a career choice; I believe it chose me, and I am committed to giving it my all each day.
Empowering Boss Life
What does a typical day in your week look like?
Jessica A. Caesar: My week is incredibly diverse, with no two days alike. If I'm involved in filming a TV show, commercial, or movie, I find myself on set for long hours, often 12 to 14 hours a day. During my role as a producer, my days are filled with activities such as scouting locations around Los Angeles or engaging in production meetings conducted over Zoom. When inspiration strikes, I immerse myself in the creative process, spending extensive hours writing scripts on my laptop until I'm satisfied with the outcome, often dedicating 8 to 10 hours to this endeavor. I particularly relish the moments when I get to travel for shoots, whether it's within the state or internationally. On these occasions, my time is usually occupied with airport visits and plane journeys, adding an adventurous touch to my week.
Empowering Boss Life
What keeps you going when things get tough in your business?
Jessica A. Caesar: What keeps me going when challenges arise in my business is the ability to reflect on how far I've come and to find joy in the ongoing journey.
Empowering Boss Life
What is unique about your business?
Jessica A. Caesar: What sets my business, Julius Pictures, apart is its unique focus on promoting female-driven comedy in Hollywood. Recognizing the scarcity of projects centered around funny women, I established Julius Pictures with a passion for comedy. Recently, I forged a partnership with ROKU and successfully launched my own channel on ROKU TV. The Julius Pictures Channel on ROKU TV is dedicated to showcasing the funniest female-driven comedies. Our inaugural series, "Caesar’s Special," currently available on the channel, is a sketch comedy show that I personally created, directed, produced, wrote, and starred in. This commitment to highlighting the comedic talents of women distinguishes Julius Pictures as a trailblazer in the industry, providing a platform for female comedians to shine.
Empowering Boss Life
Is there an achievement or contribution that you are most proud of?
Jessica A. Caesar: In 2018, I achieved a significant milestone by becoming one of the Top 15 finalists in truTV’s Comedy Breakout Initiative, a prestigious competition designed to identify emerging show creators with distinctive comedic talents. As a finalist, I had the daunting task of pitching my show concept to the VP of Original Programming, with the potential for a development deal with truTV hanging in the balance. The prospect was intimidating; I had never pitched a show to a TV executive, and the stakes were high. Adding to the challenge, I had to travel to New York City for the meeting, a city I had never visited, and navigate the unfamiliar subway system. Despite my nerves, I managed to ease the tension during the meeting by simply being myself. I focused on making the executive laugh and engaging in a lively, enjoyable conversation. Ultimately, I did not secure the development deal because they already had a similar show in progress. However, this experience was a proud moment in my career journey. It pushed me out of my comfort zone, teaching me valuable lessons and propelling me to my current position.
Empowering Boss Life
What advice would you give to someone trying to become an entrepreneur?
Jessica A. Caesar: If you have an idea or a dream, don't hesitate; go for it and be confident enough to know your vision will come to fruition. Trust in your abilities, stay persistent, and be willing to learn and adapt. Embrace challenges as opportunities for growth, and surround yourself with a supportive network of mentors and peers who can offer guidance and inspiration. Remember, every successful entrepreneur started with an idea and the determination to pursue it. Believe in yourself and your vision, and take that first step towards making your dreams a reality.
www.JessicaACaesar.com