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Question
Hey Sheppard,
I do not have any experience in the movie industry, therefore; I have begun to look at being a movie extra as a start. Do you have any advice for becoming a extra and would you happen to know of any movie extra personnel?
Hi David,
It would be good for you to start taking acting classes to start, but doing extra work is a good way to observe the process and watch how actors work to get familiar with how it goes!
A lot of people think that they are going to walk onto a set and be seen and someone will be sent over to offer them a role because the director took an interest in them. Unfortunately, that isn't the case. It's a nice dream though.
A movie is already cast when it comes to shoot, there may be small parts to add on, but they are still done with local actors who have some experience and come from an agency.
It's kind of like the fans that walk up to an actor to chat them up. (something you NEVER do on a set, if THEY come up to you, fine, but not the other way around). What awesome joke or quip or thing is that person gonna say to make them "buddies" with the star? NOTHING! They have plenty of people to be friends with already! When they are on a set, they are WORKING and don't need distractions.
So yeah, see if you can find some extra spots and start classes!
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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