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Question
Do you enjoy acting, performing, directing, and modeling?
Hi Brittany,
OK....... I LOVE acting. Getting the chance to slip into a life or situation I might never experience...awesome!
Performing? Well I played in bands when I was younger and it's a rush too!
Directing? Maybe, if I had the chance, but the one thing that would kill the joy would be the business end of it: the pressure of trying to stay on budget, having the "suits" (producers) breathe down your neck? No Thanks! The creative side would be fun though.
Modeling? Well, those days have passed me by pretty much, but it was okay money-wise (actually, pretty good money) but it gets tedious, and the skill level isn't high. You learn the tricks fast or you don't get work!
Often, the poses look effortless, but can often be unnatural and painful.
Sometimes you have to hold yourself in awkward positions to look good.
For example, a woman laying by a pool has to slightly lift herself up with her arms so her thighs don't flatten out on the pool deck while reclining and looking relaxed!
Hope this was what you needed....
Best, 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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