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Question
I am sixty six and think my physique is worth look at for senior modeling.
Can I send a photo?
Hi Vic,
The key to "Senior modeling" is to look gray in the hair, yet, youthful of face. (And Body).
Just as rather matronly women watch stick-thin women model garments at fashion week, adverts look for people for senior targeted ads who are prematurely gray and youthful looking. Why? because of how people see themselves! That's why station wagons went out of style: because wives didn't see themselves as "Station wagon moms" but mini-van, then SUV moms. It gave them a picture of THEIR mothers driving in the box. People wish to see themselves as a little aged, but ahead of the curve, not really looking...60. Who wants to be old? Where's the reward? Its ad psychology.
Do you look a young 66? Really, that's what you have to answer to yourself. I say GO FOR IT! Get some composite shots done and submit them to some modeling agencies and see. Who knows? Maybe they'll bite!
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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