Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to JaDarrel Belser. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

JaDarrel, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Are you happier as a creative? Do you sometimes think about what it would be like to just have a regular job? Can you talk to us about how you think through these emotions?

First off, thank you guys for having me again. I’ve gotten a lot of great response from the previous work I’ve done with you and it’s greatly appreciated. I personally feel I’m happiest as an artist . I’ve always been a creative being in some form of another since childhood. I used to draw, make my own comics and do make-believe movies. I also do have a regular job as well. Bills got to be paid ,right? I work as a licensed security guard for a retail store. Ever since I’ve decided to embrace life as a creative, I know that it’s truly what I want to be. Every regular job I’ve had since I’ve made that decision has been just that: ‘a job’. Anybody who works in me knows all I talk about at work is movies, TV, cartoons and pop culture.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

Well, here’s a refresher for the readers. My name is JaDarrel Belser. I was born and raised in Montgomery Alabama. I’ve been an actor professionally for over 10 years now. I’ve appeared in several music videos including Kendrick Lamar’s ‘Humble’ and Why Don’t We’s ‘Lotus Inn’. I have been in films such as “Major Deal’ for All Def Digital, ‘Hustle Beach” on Tubi and recently ,the LeBron James remake of “House Party’ on Max. I’ve made television appearances on shows like ‘100 Humans’ on Netflix and ‘Abbott Elementary’ on ABC. I’ve also added writer and producer to my resume. I’m co-owner of a new production company called ‘GateCrashers Inc.’ along with my partner, stand-up comedian Tim Mathis. As far as services I provide, my partner and I are dedicated to creating content for passionate moviegoers like ourselves. Our projects range from comedy, action, horror and even romantic melodrama. Our projects include a ’30 for 30′ style mockumentary on frisbee golf, an 80s’ style “save the world” horror comedy, a werewolf film and a modern-day take on the private detective.

Have you ever had to pivot?

With my initial choice to become an actor full time, the first route I tried was stand-up comedy. I’ve been a lifelong fan of people like Eddie Murphy and Martin Lawrence. I figured I’d give it a shot. I went to an open mic at a bar in Irvine, California just to see what I can do. I didn’t really have much in terms of material except I had just gone through a bad breakup. The crowd there was not receptive at all. I actually felt violent and frustrated as a result. I’d been working as a bouncer at bars in San Diego at the time. My response at that time to somebody insulting me was some sort of physical altercation. I can’t do that if I wanted to find work as a stand-up. Needless to say, it was a humiliating experience and I have never gone that route since. After that failure, I looked a little more into the “SNL/Mad TV” route of improv and sketch comedy. I couldn’t find any reputable schools in San Diego. I looked further out and found the LA Connection Comedy Theater (formerly in Sherman Oaks, now in Burbank). I began taking Improv classes on a weekly basis and ,eventually, I made it to one of their companies. From there on, I was able to appear several other improv companies including a stint on the main stage of the Second City Hollywood. I was also able to become a long time cast member of a sketch company called ‘TMI Hollywood’. I found doing sketch comedy was more of my niche. I also found improv skills have helped me tremendously in my acting career.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

The most rewarding aspect of being a creative is really the creative process itself. As an actor, you’re frequently cast according to stereotypes. That is very frustrating after a while as you know in your heart that you can do it more. That’s when I began writing. I figured if Hollywood does not have the roles I want to play, I’ll make them myself.. The whole thing of brainstorming and putting your ideas down on paper and then to be able to put that on tape. It’s such a satisfiing feeling.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://gatecrashersinc.com/
• Instagram: @thebelser , @belserverse
• Facebook: JaDarrel Devondra Belser
• Twitter: @thebelser

Image Credits
Sheldon Botler, James M. Black