Careers: Acting, Performing, Directing/hey.
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Question
i live in huntington wv. and there's not alot here for acting or anything. but where do i need to go to, or what's the best place to go to. or is there something in huntington, i looked avrywhere, there's nothing here. what do i do?
Hi Simon,
The business is a little slow everywhere, but some communities have production and some don't. Film often goes to specific areas a lot, and then random areas, depending on what they need for scenery, etc. It also has to do with money -states and places that are "film friendly" -they give rebates to studios and have well developed programs to offer assistance in finding locations, finding strong local talent bases for actors and crews and the like.
There are still communities that film local commercials, but they are not usually very professional and do not pay well. Sometimes it's just going to a larger city in your state or another state.
You didn't mention training or an agent, so I hope that you have taken classes and wouldn't try to go it unprepared. That would be a giant waste of time, money and energy.
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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