I swear, EVERYONE in Hollywood is a "producer"!!  The difference is that there are tons of "producers" who are not legitimate producers, or have little to no experience!!  There are even complete FRAUDS who are just trying to hurt you or scam you out of money.  You see, as I've mentioned many times, there are lots of scams that occur in the entertainment industry here in LA.  Some of them are tough to realize that you're actually being "scammed"!  Well luckily, I've been around the block with this type of stuff, and I'm here to help.  
If you are an actor and are approached by someone who says that they are a producer, (or agent/manager for that matter) ALWAYS be skeptical.  Here's what you should do:

1.  Get their name and contact info.
-Then do your research.  Find out as MUCH as you can about the producer to see what this person has actually accomplished in the industry.  IMDB is a great starting point as well as BackStage.com.  

2.   Talk to everyone that you know about this person before getting involved/signing contracts, etc.  
--There have been stories where "fake" producers have scammed, even committed crimes against actresses and actors because they tell them that they promise to make them a star..blah blah blah. 

3. NEVER meet with a "producer"  (or anyone for that matter) unless it's at a public place 
---such as an office, a restaurant, etc.  You have to assume that this person is NOT legitimate until you can see that they are.  Perfect example is a horrible crime that occurred in 2003 regarding an actress who fell victim to this type of scenario of being lured by a phony "producer" psycho.  You can read about that here, (warning: it is a graphic story. Click Here for story)  


My point is that you must ALWAYS be careful- (in Hollywood and everywhere else!)  
Hollywood is a whacked-out place and there's a lot of weirdos who are scam artists and will try and manipulate you.  Obviously the above story is not one that happens everyday.  HOWEVER there are soooo many fake wana-be producer/manager/agent people, that you can never let your guard down.  Feel free to tweet me if you ever have a question about a potential scam in the entertainment biz and I'll try and help you!  twitter.com/jessedaley

WHAT'S UP!!  How are all of you beautiful people today??  I have written about following your dreams many times, however I quickly wanted to share some more thoughts on that subject!  I want to remind all of you how awesome you are and that you can do ANYTHING.  Regardless of what industry you work in, and regardless of what you want to accomplish as a goal, you can do it.  It's going to be really hard, and trust me, from what I'm doing here in Hollywood pursuing acting, it will sometimes take everything that you have to just keep moving.  But there is only 1 of you in the 7 billion people around our world.  Only 1 of YOU!  

You're unique and amazing and beautiful and nothing can stop you from achieving your goals and fulfilling your dreams.  Set your goals and make your dreams a reality.  Just go for it!!  You never will know if you don't try.  This is true with everything in life.  So, go on!  Get out there!  Yeah, YOU!    Go apply for the job that you want.  Go ask that guy or girl that you like out on a date.  Why not!?  You've got nothin' to lose.  Have fun, be young, and always BE HAPPY xxxx  

grrrrr it literally feels like it dictates everything in life sometimes, right!?!   I mean when you have a lot of it, I'm sure it's amazing..but for most of us, it can be hard to come by.  This seems to be the case in every industry currently in America.  And as an artist, many of us are constantly battling not having money, and trying to find ways to make ends meet.  It sometimes feels as if we are being punished for pursuing something that we like and are good at doing!  

Honestly, it's kind of tough for me to be writing about this as it's a bit of a "blow to my pride" to admit that I'm..well umm kinda low on ca$h! Haha! (awkward laugh ha) ..But hey, you know.. I want to be honest with you all about what it's truly  like as an actor in this crazy industry.  I value your taking the time to read my blogs, and honesty is always best!!  When many people think of Hollywood actors, they think all of em' are making tons of money.  That's just not the case- it's tough out there man!  -At least until you get a big break!

ANYWAYS, back to what I was saying.  
You know what I've learned about not having money?  Well, a lot.  My Mom, my twin sister Shannon and I, have never really had a lot of money, so I'm kind of used to that.  But recently things have sorta errrrm gotten tougher, to put it lightly.  It will be ok though. You ALWAYS gotta look for the positives!!  Mama Daley often reminds me of that.  I've learned to appreciate things soo much more, especially food and eating out at restaurants haha.  I mean I always try to appreciate everything, don't get me wrong!  But when you're at a point financially that even eating a lot of food is a "luxury", it can be very humbling.  It makes me remember how many people do not have anything at all- no place to live, no food, etc.  As an American, I have the opportunity to pursue my dream- and you cannot put a price tag on that.  I am SO fortunate to have what I have in my life, even if things are kind of tough financially at the moment!  I have what I need.  Plus, I have a whole lot more than that- an amazing family, friends, and lots of YOU followers on my twitter (DALIENS!) who make me smile every single day!! I mean how cool is that!?  I've also learned to work harder than I ever have before in order to make my dreams come true, and to be able to give back and help others! You just can't ever give up. Try to enjoy each moment, even when you may feel kind of helpless.  Never forget that you are loved by many people. And money cannot ever buy love or happiness. <3

WHAT'S UP!!  So as an actor, you have to be a "pleasant pest".  Yep, you've got to be kind of annoying- in a good way!!  It's ESSENTIAL to make yourself known to casting directors, and get your name and face in front of them.  Actors all too often are afraid that they will "annoy" a casting director by writing them "too often", or sending them "too many postcards", etc.  You MUST get over that fear.  Obviously, you don't want to be rude or actually do something to make a casting director (or anyone for that matter) dislike you.  But being a "pleasant pest" allows you to be kind and professional, yet still show these people that you're ready to work.  You've got to force yourself to not worry about annoying people.  You're a performer who is very talented, and you deserve a chance to show your talents.  Always remember that a casting director's job is to help find actors for roles, and to work with actors.  However, a casting director will not have the final say in whether or not you book a role.  The producers, directors, network executives have the last word always.  SO, get out there and start being a pleasant, professional PEST!!  Get to know as many people as you can from casting directors to the producers!  I even went as far as writing to every single person involved in a particular production- I mean I sent a photo and letter to EVERYONE on this production.  Did that annoy those people?  Well, maybe!  But hey- you gotta do what you gotta do to find work.  I was professional, and now they know my name and face.  That means that I'm closer to reaching my goal of booking more work doing what I am good at doing!   ;)

WOW if I hear one more agent give "advice" to an actor telling them to "get new headshots", I don't know what I'm going to do!!  It is SOOO annoying!!  Whew..breathe, Jesse, breathe!   OK...... I'm good haha.  Sorry, needed to vent!  But honestly, if you're an actor, you already know what I'm talking about.  We all know that headshots are an extremely important part of your career.  They're the first thing that a casting director sees when your agent (or yourself!) submit you for a role.  So, naturally, your headshot needs to be good!  However, that doesn't mean that you need to spend hundreds and hundreds of dollars on new headshots all the time- and definitely don't get them re-done just because an agent wants you to.  

All you need to have is a good, natural headshot that represents you well.  It's your agent's job to "pitch" you - in other words, call/follow up with casting in order to help keep you in mind- for a role.  All too often, agents don't take enough time to pitch their clients, they just click the "submit" button online and hope that your headshot is enough to get you an audition.  ---Ya always need to  seek out a good agent!  (Robin- thanks for being my agent- you ROCK!)

I suggest finding a photographer who you like, and get some good, natural photos.  My great friend Maria has helped me recently and didn't need to charge me hundreds of dollars!  Just get out there, have fun, and be yourself in your photos.  Remember, being yourself is always the best way to be ;)