Today we’d like to introduce you to Jasper Capalad.
Hi Jasper, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Hello! My name is Jasper Capalad, and I am a 21-year-old Filipino American who does filmmaking, music, and acting! I am based in San Diego but I often find myself in Los Angeles a lot! I started off watching movies when I was a kid. Godzilla is what sparked the magic of filmmaking for me, and Back to the Future is what made me attracted to storytelling. The story of how Back to the Future was made really taught me what pure dedication to your craft is. Did you know that they filmed the entire movie twice because they really wanted Michael J Fox!? That’s insane, I love it. If only I had the money to do that LOL Unfortunately, though, growing up I didn’t have any friends who weren’t as interested in filmmaking as I was. So, I made corny gaming YouTube videos and pursued becoming a music artist, as I was able to do those alone. Throughout the years, though, I was able to meet so many amazing artists and was inspired by them to the point that I’m where I am now because of them.
I grew up with an abusive stepfather, who still affects me to this day. It took years to shake his personality off me, but I can definitely say that I am way better than who I was before. I used to think of myself as a failure, but with the right people, messing up, broken relationships, lots of therapy, and self-reflection, I have grown into an entirely different person. My view on life is different. I struggle with Imposter Syndrome, as a lot of other artists do, but I’m working on it day by day, bit by bit.
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?
It has definitely not been a smooth road. I have faced loneliness to the max, especially when I moved to LA. I didn’t know anyone or LIKED most of the people there. I was back at square one again, like when I was a kid looking to make friends who had the same interests. I worked on things I enjoyed, did things that the younger me couldn’t have imagined, and achieved goals I set, but I was still miserable. I wanted more. I wasn’t satisfied with myself, and even now, I still struggle with that sometimes. I witnessed a traumatic hit-and-run with my dog, put my other dog down because of a pit bull attack, lost many friends, caused heartbreaks from previous relationships, and lost my cousin to suicide. It all came crashing down on me, making me stop making music and videos altogether. It took me a long time to get back to where I am now, but even then, I still have to pick up the little remaining pieces of myself from time to time.
As an artist, I face many rejections. I have so much to offer, and I know I can do what I believe in; it just takes time. A lot of time. I won’t act like I have it all figured out now, because truth be told, I am still figuring everything out. I can definitely say that I am better than where I was a year ago. I moved back to San Diego from LA, and although it was a massive step back in my career, it was a massive step forward for my mental health, and that is worth more than anything in the world. It’s better to chase a dream with a clear mindset and have moments to step back to take a breather. I am doing that now.
Thanks – so, what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am an actor, filmmaker, and musician. In the acting scene, although not world popular, more local than anything, I’m known for the film I starred in: “Velvet Sky” by Charles Gray. I’ve worked on many short films throughout my years of acting and did a few theater plays. I’ve won “Best-Supporting Lead Actor” in my theater play for “Adam” in “Freaky Friday,” “Best Actor” from the Screen Power Film Festival for my short film “Fight Night,” directed by Spencer Tsang, and won “Best Fan Film” at the Tarzana Film Festival for my short film, “Spider-Man: Field Day.” As traumatized as I was by the workload from “Spider-Man: Field Day,” I can definitely say that I am very proud of that project as a filmmaker. I have learned so much because of that film. As an actor, I am still proud of “Fight Night.” I worked on hundreds of movie/TV show sets as a background actor and met and worked with a handful of celebrities. It truly has been an honor.
A song that I released recently is what I’m extremely proud of, “Figures n Food.” Recently, I’ve been challenging myself as a songwriter to dig deeper and not write half-ass lyrics. I grew up teaching myself everything, so it’s been tough, but with this song, I wrote my entire life, going from baby me to teen, an adult, and sort of manifesting the conclusion to my chapter in life. I am very proud of it.
The thing I learned the hard way is that I DON’T stand out from anyone. This isn’t even to downplay my worth because I know I’m great, but I have met so many amazing people who are just as talented or even more talented than I am. With trauma, there are people who have faced worse than what I’ve been through. There are many talented Filipino musicians/filmmakers who have had a rough upbringing; I’m just glad to be just like them.
Never giving up.
Networking and finding a mentor can have such a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?
Honestly, I just attend events and make friends with everyone. And from experience, do not half-ass a conversation with a stranger trying to quickly connect, because you’ll never know that the person in front of you may be a manager of a big-time music record label (thankfully I didn’t half-ass that conversation and we became good friends). Social media is your best friend and also your worst enemy. You really have to learn how to discipline yourself with social media, because if you don’t, you’re going to get sucked into this never-ending void and the day will be over before you even notice it. It’s TOUGH. It’s really up to you to attend events and offer help to others. One thing that’s been pushing me is to be “comfortable with being uncomfortable” (to an extent). I consider myself an extrovert, but I feel like I have a “social battery”, and sometimes those networking events make me want to curl up and die. Overall, just make good and genuine friends. You’ll know who is worth keeping in your life or not, and if you have that person holding you back, you know what to do.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: instagram.com/jaspercapalad
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100010271462637
- Twitter: twitter.com/JasperCOfficial
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@jaspercapalad
- Other: dot.cards/jasperc
Image Credits
Sariah Watkins
Jasper Capalad
Artemio Hernandez
Blameitonkway
Charles Gray
Leah Lombos
