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Question
First of all, im called Nika.. And.. im 16. just turned. I really want to be an actress. I have the drive and ambition. But just about no knowledge! I really want to do it, but the only thing it seems to me that england has to offer is theatre and unobtainable tv/movies. I dont want to be a theatre acctress ..
If im being honest - I want to act for Disney as an ultimate goal. I'm going over to L.A to look for agents, im sending off resumes and headshots.. but, do i have any chance?
Is there anything i need to do?
Hi Nika,
I understand you r desire to do film over stage. I have heard it's harder in the U.K. to get an acting career in tv and film going, but I also know that the actors I know from there are trained on stage and jump to movies. As far as Disney, it would be a long shot. They cast and film in California, and you live in Britain. You'd have to find a way to be there. Also, many of the talent on Disney have been acting from an early age and taking classes to act, sing and dance.
Sometimes you have to work from what you have. Find classes in any form (theatre) and gain experience and abilities to develop your craft until opportunities reveal themself. You can't learn after the opportunity and catch up. If you don't have it ready, they will pass you over and go on to the next girl.
Start taking classes and see if its what you thought and still want to do!
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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