Careers: Acting, Performing, Directing/Motion Picture Extra

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Expert: - 3/21/2009


Question
Hello:

There was a casting call for actors for a film that will be filmed in the state that I live in. I inquired to the casting director whether or not the film would require any extras. He replied that some will be needed for a party scene and a family scene. He informed me to send a head shot photograph and a resume. I did both and have not yet received a reply. I have sent two follow-up messages to him indicating my interest to be an extra for any of these scenes. He has not replied.

I can handle the rejection of not being selected for a part, but I get annoyed when I do not get a reply indicating that I will not be needed.

What do you recommend that I do? Should I just assume that I am not wanted.

I thank you for your reply.


Answer
Hi Kenneth,

Short answer: Yes.

Welcome to the world of acting. A world where they want you to be sensitive to the whole range of your emotions and be able to reach them at a moments notice BUT they don't worry over you getting your feelings hurt.

Never assume it's you personally. It may just be that the specific "look" they want for the party (hippies, hipsters, cowboys, geeks...etc.) isn't you. In that case, it's just art.

Also NEVER hound a casting person. They will remember you in a bad way. You don't want that.

Best, 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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