Today we’d like to introduce you to Caesar Bailey.
Hi Caesar, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
“My story really begins with a childhood allure for a reality unlike my own. The power and love of cinema helped mold that. It started with a few of my favorite films such as, “Antwone Fisher, The Hurricane, Whiplash, The Breakfast Club, um, House Party…the original one of course, lol, Good Will Hunting, and more.
From a young age, I was always interested in cinema, acting, and writing my own beginner short stories and poetry, which evolved into full scripts and screenplays. My childhood was somewhat of a chaotic whirlwind of events. Traveling through a world where I did not know who my mother or father was only led me to feel a bit outcasted and alone from the start. All I had was my imagination and a yearning for the opposite of what my life was. Film and acting has always been a part of me and my escape.
I landed my first professional role as “Chief Lorenzo” in a film entitled Red Bag, where I quickly realized the importance of what it takes to act within a feature, cast it, and film it no less. It is more than just placing words on a piece of paper or pointing a camera and yelling “Action!”. It’s a complex process. This led me to develop my own shorts and features, which have earned Best Director accolades and nods within such festivals as the Independent Shorts Awards based in Los Angeles, CA.
During my time of infancy and adolescence, I saw things and heard many things growing in such a landmark city as Memphis to build stories yet tapped into. My true passion for shaping new narratives and stories has been a thrill to manifest. It’s not easy knowing only a few talented actors make it when there are so many that will never get noticed.
So, I’m a grassroots writer and producer, focusing on developing compelling visual stories and art through the media of film. With each piece of cinema I produce I want it to be substantial and full of sustenance. The culture here in the south can be highly collaborative, and I’ve thrived in environments that value diverse perspectives and stories. These stories aim to show that there is a difference in what is shown now versus what life really is.
While I’ve enjoyed recognition and success with my most recent work, M I R R O R S, I’m eager for a new challenge that allows me to delve deeper into other subjects that plague human thought and our day to day lives. The Voyager’s recent stories of other creators and entrepreneurs have been a masterful and in-depth presentation of different cities as a whole. It’s my pleasure to bring my story, cinema expertise, and passion for meaningful content to this platform. My goal is to create brand-new stories and be an inspiration for those that believe they cannot see a light at the end of their tunnel, and for those that have realized they are the light already.
I know that was a long answer, but nothing is surface level with me. Lol.”
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
“I believe the general consensus would agree that no journey worth pursuing is without challenges. The struggles or should I say obstacles are chances to test an individual’s will and character. It is to no surprise when I say that these experiences are what make the journey much more meaningful and the success much more valuable.
Problems are just that, problems. They won’t stop and they will not err on the side of sympathy most times. However, the best way to deal with them is to meet them head on and try to figure out a solution faster. The biggest challenge will always be facing yourself and the ways in-which you think. Getting beyond your own self-doubt, fears, and insecurities can be a tall task.
So, sure I have seen my fair share of hiccups, but I embrace them with open arms. It is when I am at my most uncomfortable state that the creativeness happens. It is when my back is against the wall that my endorphins kick in and I run rapid with thoughts and ideas to change trajectories, uproot Sequoias, and move mountains. Lol. No, but seriously. If I don’t do it, it won’t get done. Same for the readers of my words and this magazine.”
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
“One of my proudest achievements was producing and premiering my first nominated short film this year. Also, being a part of several other projects that are currently in pre-production as of the release of this interview. Most of these I am either producing or executive producing.
M I R R O R S, a film following the personal conflicts and confrontation between two counterparts of the opposite sex, has made waves as far as reviews and viewership. It is #1 among my platform of projects and other platforms such as thirteenthoffebruary.com. I also co-directed my first music video this year entitled “D.T.M. (Doing the Most) performed by none other than myself. It includes the help of a close choreographer friend of mine Ashley Sade’.
The accomplishments attained are the result of implementing a supreme amount of discipline, effort, dedication, and experience to the craft. Like anything else though, when the wins aren’t there then the love of something keeps you going. I just so happen to love every form of art no less. It is a way to fully free yourself of what binds you in a world that for good or bad can become monotonous and or scripted at times.
But, yes, I believe in experience. Experience and a willingness to learn sets me right where I need to be more often than not. Learning to focus more on who I am becoming rather than what I am chasing after sets lines in the sand from most others I believe also. There is always a reinforced commitment to give more than one can take away. The opportunities to bring new ideas, skills, and experiences contributes to anyone’s overall success.”
Before we let you go, we’ve got to ask if you have any advice for those who are just starting out?
“In hindsight there are a ton of things I wish I had known beforehand, but that would make the journey less dynamic. I believe the best any of us can do is to take it step by step. However, be prepared for moments when it will get hectic and it won’t be so ideal. For those that believe everything has to be a set way or perfect must know that it almost never is. Most things you want to do or try just has to have faith and courage behind it. Waiting on the right moment or trying to make everything perfect will only cause procrastination and stagnation.
It’s like a train. It takes a lot of effort to get it going, but once it picks up speed then it is very hard to stop. Build momentum and then build upon that. In the world we live in today, everything has been molded to be instant and immediate. It doesn’t necessarily have to be that way. No matter what the craft is you must put in the time to properly prepare and shape it how you need to. By all means just don’t stop.
Those just starting out in any industry should prioritize learning and building relationships also. Study the leaders in your particular field and identify what works. Vital advice is to embrace the mistakes and setbacks as opportunities to learn. Don’t burnout, but go into each goal willing to push yourself to the brink of exhaustion to get what you’re working toward. Learn from your mistakes. Ask questions. Keep learning. Be excited and curious. Don’t burn bridges, but build solid relationships personally for the support and professionally for a strong network. Treat everyone with respect whether they have it for you or not. Just don’t allow yourself to be taken advantage of or misused by anyone. Take time to focus on the long-term of things.
It is easy to say follow your passion, but you also must trust your instincts. Don’t make ill-advised decisions that could cost you more than things you can dispose of easily. Always calculate the risks involved in case you have to drop everything and walk away. By all means and this is a priority, trust God, trust yourself, and believe. You have to believe.”
Contact Info:
- Website: https://thirteenthoffebruary.com
- Instagram: http://instagram.com/latenightsearlymornings
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@latenights.earlymornings
