Careers: Acting, Performing, Directing/"Alternative Modeling" pay rate

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Expert: - 3/21/2008


Question
I was recently asked by a new 'alternative modeling' site (a little like 'Suicide Girls') to model for them.  I am not under contract, and they seem harmless.  They are paying (the photographer) for my first shoot, and then pay me by the shoot for every shoot following.  It's all web based, so I have my own section on their site with my photos and profile.  I was wondering if you knew (or could find out) what the pay rate usually is for this kind of thing.  I know they're just starting out, but I don't want to take too little.  Keep in mind, I have never done any modeling at all.  Thanks for your time!

Answer
Hi Jacquelyn,

Unfortunately, this falls outside of my expertise. Reason being, it is the web and it IS "alternative" modeling (no judgements here, I think you should, as a young woman, have photos that you can look back at later in life, to say: "Hey, I was Hot!") It doesn't fall under SAG or any standard rates, and as you said, they are starting out. They can pay what they want or can. If you get popular, you can then ask for more money. There are other sites out there, some more risque' than others, that would probably pay more. If you aren't thinking of running for office or being a "serious" actor, you should harm anything by them. Just be careful for the snakes out there!

Good luck!

Taylor

Careers: Acting, Performing, Directing

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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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