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About 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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You are here: Experts > Arts/Humanities > Performing Arts > Careers: Acting, Performing, Directing > I have agents interested...now i'm worried...
Expert: Taylor Sheppard - 11/7/2009
Question
I have auditioned and become an interest for two SAG approved talent agencies in the Pittsburgh area...I auditioned back to back. one one a monday the other on a tuesday. Each, suprisingly, said "yes" to me on the spot...i didn't expect this. Now I'm happy, but concerned with my decision i must make immediately, which is...which agent should i sign with. Both have their pros and cons, but i have nothing yet to go off of that makes my final decision an easy choice. One sent me a contract for me to sign before i arrive to an audition they have already set up for me. That seems great, but i'm wondering if they are trying to rush me into signing. The other was recommended to me by my past Director/Acting Professor. They have set up a business meeting with me for a date that comes after the time I will have signed with the other agency and has not given me a contract via email for me to look over and compare with the other agency's contract.
So, my real question here is...Do i have to sign a contract with one agency BEFORE I take an audition they have procured for me? If I don't, what is a good way of telling the agency that i dont want to sign quite yet without telling them about the other agency...or should i tell them of the other agency? I really don't want to say the wrong things and screw up the good thing i have going here. Any type of advisement on how to go about talking with both agencies on my needs without coming off as an asshole would be great :) Thanks for any and all help!
~CurtisC.
I've done some research, so, the only thing i don't like about the contract that I've looked over so far is that it is a 20% take off my earnings instead of a 10%...is that a big deal? Also, in the contract it said "exclusive" advisor...i remember reading that i should push for a non-exclusive advisor. Any and all feedback is greatly appreciated! thanks!
Answer
Hi Curt,
What a great "problem" to have!
This reminds me of a time when I had a commercial callback and a movie audition on the same day.
Of course I took the movie! -Turns out, the commercial callback would have been a 2 1/2 hr drive (for what reason, I don't know..) and the commercial was revealed to actually be for Denmark. By the time I drove to a second, farther city than the first to re-audition, (expenses)and as it would never be seen in the US...whatever!
What does your gut say?
I have to go by your explanation of this, but my gut says: "Red Flag!" They seem to be pushy...which CAN be good...if directed at casting...not so sure a "hard sell" is needed here..unless there's a catch, they're desperate or trying too hard to show you they are go-getters. What gets me is the 20% commission. Ouch! What happened to 15%? Also, I am not familiar with the whole "exclusive advisor" thing. I AM familiar with "exclusive representation" in market areas ...where they are entitled to a commission on anything you do (whether they caused the job or not)in certain geographical areas, but advising on what? Are they business managers or agents? A business manager would advise you and take a larger percentage...
I would be inclined to go with the recommendation on the fact that you know someone who has experience with them over someone unknown!
Best,
Taylor
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