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Expert: - 1/21/2011


Question
how to get into modelling and acting fields...
what are the basic requirements?
do i need to have a good phisique too???

Answer
Hi Rohit,

Acting and Modeling are two different fields. To pursue them, they require different things.
In modeling, you hire a photographer (a professional one) to take pictures of you in various outfits and poses (you should look at other model's poses in magazines to get inspiration) and then, when
you have the pictures, get them made into a "comp" card. and reproduced. The photographer may be able to do this for you. (again, look on the internet for examples) You would then have the cards reproduced and submit them to modeling agencies by mail along with your contact information for them to get back to you if interested. Do not call them if you do not hear back. Just as in acting, they will call you if they want you.

For acting, there is a lot more to do. You start taking classes from acting teachers to learn how to act and how to present yourself to the camera. Many people who write me don't seem to understand that you just can't assume you are a "natural" who doesn't need lessons to be an actor. They feel they are a star that just needs to be seen. Unfortunately, the stories you hear about being "discovered" are myths. They leave out facts and details because it sounds better than to say that the actor started slowly, as a child and took singing and acting and dancing classes for years before that happened.

You will want to take classes for a year or so, then you can get a professional headshot (see examples on the internet) and submit them with a resume of the classes you have taken (plus any experience in acting) to talent agencies by mail and wait for a response. No phone calls!

Hope this helps!

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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