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hey there Mr. Taylor Sheppard
I was wondering if you could answer this question that's been in my head for a while now.
I live in the Philippines, but i really want to pursue acting in the states. If i send in my headshot and resume to an agency and like my look but once they find out im from the philippines they will totally lose their interest?
I was planning to send in a headshot and resume for the new film new moon, but im not sure yet.
Please help!
THANK YOU :)
-micah
Hi Micah,
Are you going to move to the states?
Reason I ask, is that they will not fly an unknown actor in to audition, unless it is an extremely special circumstance. You need to
have an agent and the means to pay for your own travel and lodging to pursue audition.
For films you need to have experience, even if just a lot of acting classes, and even then, it's unlikely a casting director would put you
in a film unless you work was known to them for some reason. While film is art, it is also a very costly business and they have to be
sure you have "the goods" to deliver without failure on queue.
Even actors with experience who come from other states find themselves
having to "make the rounds" for a couple years in Los Angeles to develop a reputation and become familiar to the casting people.
Hope this helps!
Taylor
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Answers by Expert:
Taylor Sheppard
Expertise
I can answer questions: on starting a career in acting, mistakes in acting, etiquette when dealing with industry contacts, finer points on how to act, and things to avoid in the field.
Experience
I have been a professional actor 21 years, with appearances in TV, Film and commercials. I have made good decisions and potentially damaging mistakes. I believe anyone who has a dream deserves to explore it, and I take their aspirations seriously. That being said, I do not pull punches. I try to be tactful, but I will not lie to someone, honesty is more effective. My last film role was in "Teeth" which was picked for Sundance in January 2007. It was sold to Lionsgate and Weinstein Co. for somewhere over 2.5 million. The role was "Mr. Griffith", a sex-ed teacher.
Organizations
Ciao Agency-Austin/Georgetown, Texas. (Formerly known as Donna Adams Agency. Matthew McConaughey was a good friend and fellow member. I also have belonged to agencies in three other Texas cities, but they have since closed.) TXMPA -Texas Motion Picture Alliance. Various other internet networking web rings as well as Actors Access. I was instrumental in advising actress Krista Allen on getting her career in acting started in Austin,Texas (we worked at the same Health Club in the early '90's).
Publications
Previously wrote on a now defunct website such as this one. I enjoyed helping new actors.
Education/Credentials
I have acted for 21 years. I studied under James Nelson Harrell as well as other talented actors at Southwest Texas State University. After college, I have taken classes with Julliard graduate Mona Lee, Bill Johnson, Van Brookes, Marco Perella and others in Austin Texas. I am constantly attending classes to maintain my edge and explore new directions. In addition to attending strictly acting classes, I have also taken business workshops with respected casting directors, such as Shari Rhodes ("Jaws","Close Encounters", "Raggedy Man".) Barbara Brinkley, Jo Edna Bolden and Donise Hardy, (Castingworks LA).
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