What does it really mean to stop waiting for permission and start creating your own opportunities as an actor?
In this episode of The Drama Coach Podcast, Lisa is joined by actor, producer, author and filmmaker Jade Asha for a brilliantly honest conversation about making your own work, building a sustainable acting career and staying creative when the industry feels unpredictable.
Jade shares her journey from repeated drama school rejection to creating her own projects, producing feature films and becoming a BAFTA member - alongside the mistakes, setbacks and lessons that came with it.
We talk about the realities of producing independent film - from budgets, contracts and post-production to finding people you trust - and why actors considering making their own work need to understand both the creative and business sides of filmmaking.
Jade also shares practical ideas for keeping your acting career moving even when you're not booking: commercial modelling, creating your own showreel material, developing additional skills, meeting other creatives and simply staying visible and involved.
And perhaps most importantly, we explore mindset - why comparison rarely helps, why being an actor sometimes means becoming comfortable with being uncomfortable, and why your career doesn't need to look like anybody else's.
In this episode:
Why Jade began writing roles for herself
How creating her first feature film changed her career
The realities of producing your own independent film
Why finishing a project can be harder than filming it
The importance of contracts, agreements and protecting your footage
Why your first project doesn't need a huge budget
Working with what you already have - locations, people, skills and stories
Writing characters and stories that feel authentic
Why actors should understand the producer's perspective
The value of building a trusted creative team
Why one small opportunity can lead somewhere completely unexpected
Commercial modelling as another potential income stream for actors
Creating your own showreel scenes and opportunities
Why staying busy and visible matters
Finding flexible work that can support an acting career
The value of learning through doing
Why you don't need to be booked to call yourself an actor
Vision boards, visualisation and keeping sight of the bigger picture
Jade's reminder that actors can create rather than wait for permission
One of my favourite takeaways from Jade:
“As an actor, you've got to be comfortable with being uncomfortable.”
And when I asked what actors need to stop waiting for permission to do?
“Create.”
Jade AshaSearch Jade Asha across social media to follow her acting, filmmaking and producing work.
London Independent PicturesEvents, screenings and opportunities to connect with actors and filmmakers:https://londonindependentpictures.com/events
Due DatingJade's feature film Due Dating is available to watch on Amazon Prime.
Acting with AshaFind Jade's podcast Acting with Asha wherever you listen to podcasts.
Jade is also the author of Actorpreneur - exploring practical ways actors can take greater ownership of their careers, create opportunities and build something sustainable alongside acting.
The Drama Coach PodcastHosted by Lisa Southam - actor, drama coach and podcast host.
For acting tips, industry conversations and practical advice for performers and parents of young performers, follow @thedramacoach:
Instagram • TikTok • YouTube
Intro/Outro Music: Nastelbom - Soft Music 295878 from Pixabay
