AboutTaylor 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).
Expert: Taylor Sheppard Date: 7/23/2008 Subject: NY casting directors
Question QUESTION: Taylor
We currently live in Ohio and decided to go to NYC for a trip. My daughter is 12 and has been in alot of plays. She currently has a headshot and resume. I would love to find and agent or casting director when I am in NYC. I have been told its almost impossible to get seen unless I go to IMTA. Any suggestions on how to proceed. Can you claify, do I need an agent first,casting director or mangager. She currently is with Stone Model and Talent in Cleveland.
Any info would help .
Thank you So much!
Cindy
ANSWER: Hi Cindy,
I am curious what your plan is. You are taking a trip to New York, where you will stay a few days, try to shop around for an agent and...what? Move to New York? Fly there for auditions, 1st, 2nd and third callbacks? ...with a day's notice? I'm just posing the question to focus things. Less than advanced airfare is outrageous. Moving to New York? Expensive!
Instant success is a GIANT urban legend -a myth perpetuated by press agents over decades. Expecting to spend months and years getting established and working up the ladder is more in line with the reality of the acting business. I think maybe it's like the movies, where time is compressed for the sake of keeping the story moving forward, that way, the audience stays interested.
Please don't get sucked into the "showcase" and talent search thing. Casting agents don't have to resort to those to find talent. They are basically beneficial to the people who run them. I haven't heard of anyone who has hit it big that way.
How it really works: The actor takes acting classes and works hard and continually hones their craft. They get enough training behind them that they can approach an agent (by mail only) about representation and wait for a response...if none, that's your answer. Eventually, someone will represent her. From there, the agent will submit her headshot to casting people when a project "breakdown" is sent to the agent by the casting company. If chosen to be seen, the audition will be sent to the agent and you go from there. Casting agents use the channels to avoid people who don't want to waste time with working in classes or cannot get represented because they are lacking in marketability ore talent. When you are seeing hundreds or thousands for a role, that really helps out! These people usually think they (or their offspring) are "star" material and naturals who don't need to train or pay the dues to achieve success. My favorite motivational poster says it all: "Remember, You're Special! -Just Like Everyone Else!"
Remember the flying to New York thing? An agent also looks at that to determine whether it would be worth their time to sign a talent if they can't or won't show up to auditions. They don't have a shortage of actors who can do that. My agent culled 150 people a year as they were not staying up on their training and were turning down auditions...
Hope this helps!
Taylor
---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------
QUESTION: The trip is planned b/c we have never been there, and was hoping we could network as we are out there. I have a talented 12 yr old that has a passion for acting and just want to help her reach her goal. We do have the flexibiltity if something comes up to move to NY or California if necessary. Some how these kids on Disney,etc have gotten these jobs, just need to know what avenue to take and how to pursue. I know its a crap shoot but dont mind trying.She is continually in acting and singing lessons too.
Thanks for your reponse.
Answer Hi Cindy,
I'm glad for the additional info. Relocating would be the way to go about it if you are serious and have nothing stopping you. I would also pick California over New York if looking at film, TV. Plus, as Harrison Ford said after flipping a coin: "It's too cold there anyway!" (He was choosing between the two locales) If it's theatre, then New York, definitely.
As you probably know or have guessed, those Disney kids teethed on film cartridges! Many were babies when they began!
Yes, it's a crap shoot, but you never know unless you try!
