Dovi Jacobs

Dovi Jacobs is an aspiring actor from Los Angeles, California. He attended the LA Film school where he studied directing and cinematography. While his initial interests focused on screenwriting and filmmaking, he eventually discovered his passion for acting. After completing his post-secondary education, Dovi joined several theater groups, where he landed various leading roles in musical productions. When he is not rehearsing, he spends most of his time in Malibu with his family. Dovi is currently hoping to eventually land a role in a major motion picture or TV series.

Where did the idea for your career come from?

I was born and raised in Los Angeles, so naturally my first inclination was to pursue a career in the entertainment industry. However, my first passion was actually filmmaking. I had looked up to directors like Sofia Coppola, individuals who really knew how to tell a compelling story on screen. However, it was during my undergrad that I actually discovered my passion for acting. I ended up taking an acting class with a friend of mine who needed moral support and that changed everything for me.

What does your typical day look like and how do you make it productive?

When it comes to acting, no two days are the same. When I am not involved in a production then I am usually auditioning, whether it be for a small gig like a commercial or television show. I never say no to any opportunity to really put myself out there.

How do you bring ideas to life?

I am a really introverted person, which may come as a surprise to a lot of individuals. But normally if I am preparing for an audition, I really take the time to look deep within myself for inspiration. I draw from personal experiences and try to bring that particular character to life.

What’s one trend that excites you?

I am really enjoying the focus on escapism in the film industry. It seems that every movie coming out right now puts you in a completely different time and place, and I think with all of the hardships everyone has had to face over the last several years, it is a nice way to take yourself out of your day to day.

What is one habit of yours that makes you more productive as an entrepreneur?

While I am not an entrepreneur, I am a marketer, and I market myself whenever I have the chance. In my spare time I work at a local Los Angeles cafe, and it is an amazing opportunity to form connections with people who may be in the position to help launch my career.

What advice would you give your younger self?

I would tell my younger self to not be afraid of experimentation. Change is a good thing, and sometimes we don’t really understand our passions or talents until we step outside of our comfort zone and try different things.

Tell us something that’s true that almost nobody agrees with you on.

That filmmaking is currently the best it has ever been. A lot of people would contest me on that, as there have been countless eras that have really paved the way for filmmaking today, but I am excited for what the future holds.

As an entrepreneur, what is the one thing you do over and over and recommend everyone else do?

Never sell yourself short. There have been many instances where I turned down a role or a potential job opportunity because I thought that I didn’t possess the necessary skills to be successful. Over time I learned that even if I am scared to step out of my comfort zone, it’s usually a great learning experience either way.

What is one strategy that has helped you grow your business?

For me personally, it has been networking, and never turning down an opportunity to meet new people. The entertainment industry is highly competitive and there are a million and one people in LA trying to make it big. Never shy away from the chance to show people what you got.

What is one failure you had as an entrepreneur, and how did you overcome it?

Failure is a tough pill to swallow, but it is also a necessary stepping stone to success. I have been turned down for countless roles for countless reasons, but I can’t take it personally. All you can do is keep at it, until the right opportunity presents itself.

What is one business idea that you’re willing to give away to our readers?

I think having some sort of app that would inform people about local auditions would be really useful. Especially if they are at the point where they can’t necessarily afford an agent to direct them.

What is the best $100 you recently spent? What and why?

A hundred dollars won’t get you very far in Los Angeles, but I would have to say any funds put towards acting classes and furthering my career is always well spent.

What is one piece of software or a web service that helps you be productive?

Most recently I started using Monday to help keep track of my bookings and auditions.

What is the one book that you recommend our community should read and why?

Why Has Nobody Told Me This Before? By Dr. Julie Smith. The book provides some compelling insight into handling certain emotions while navigating through challenging times.

What is your favorite quote?

“Sometimes you can have the smallest role in the smallest production and still have a big impact.” – Neil Patrick Harris

Key Learnings:

• Never sell yourself short
• Don’t let failure keep you from trying your pursuing your goals
• Use every opportunity to network and make professional connections