Expert: Taylor Sheppard - 3/14/2011

Question
QUESTION: Hi, I am a twenty something woman with no film experience. I've done a lot of commercials and print work, and can also sing. I lived in SF and LA for a while and had an agent and manager. My question is: Where can I start an acting/singing career? I am mostly interested in film, but understand that theater could give me the experience I need to then jump to LA, where I still have a manager, and be more competitive. I need acting and singing training. Is there a warm state for this, like Miami? I am from the Caribbean so... ;) Thanks!

ANSWER: Hi Linda,

Sorry for the delay, been a little busy here with the South by Southwest Festival!

It's extremely handy that you have connections in LA. The way I see it, you could do a couple things: Either move back to LA and take acting classes there (many good teachers) or go to Louisiana! I am not too familiar with their acting community, but I am sure there are many good teachers there. Louisiana fits the bill of warm weather and hot market for the industry. The majority of the movie "Battle LA" which came out yesterday, was filmed there. In fact, due to the film incentives program they have there, it seems like anything that can be filmed there IS being filmed there.

Best to you!

Taylor

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thanks a lot Taylor!

Louisiana sounds like an exciting option, but I know nothing and no one from there. I'm thinking about moving back to LA since I already have a manager there and because I lived in California for a long time and I know the area pretty well. So my questions are:

-Do you think I could build a decent resume doing indy films, commercials and theater in LA  when I'm still a rookie?

-Acting classes are good in LA... that's great. What about singing?

With so much competition it seems hard to gain experience.  But having my manager help me might make moving back my best option. What do you think?


Thanks again for your help!

Answer
Hi Again Linda,

Yeah, the manager thing is good, but consider this: Where would you rather make mistakes?
If you are afraid to make mistakes, or make a fool of yourself, it's really hard to be an actor. The unfortunate thing is that you have to make mistakes to learn, but you don't want to make mistakes around important people. That's the beauty of starting in a smaller market: they are more forgiving than LA.  As to not knowing people, surely, you have been where you had to meet new people and make friends. Look at it as an opportunity! When you be3come afraid of new things is when you realize you are getting old. If you are from the Caribbean, you will likely find others there who are the same: it's a melting-pot.

The other thing is, there is stronger competition in LA. They are somewhat more forgiving in smaller, but hot markets...

Bottom line? Go with your instincts, but realize, you asked my opinion...

Best, Taylor