Careers: Acting, Performing, Directing/Help
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Question
Hi my name is Kristina and I'm 15 I need your help because ever since I have been a little kid around 5 I have been wanting to be in a film or TV show. Every time I would see a show I would say "mom look at that kid one day that will be me" and so we would look for auditions and never found any I still look now but still same thing no results. So I was wondering if you could help me and tell me what to do to be in a film or on TV. Thanks for your help.
Hi Kristina,
Quick answer time!
Have you taken acting classes? That is how you get started!
You have to learn to crawl before walking, walk before running.
In classes you will get a foundation for your career and the sooner you get that experience, the faster you will get going. By going to classes you meet people who know people and you will eventually have experience so you can get headshots (professional pictures of your face/head shoulders) to send to an agent to see about having her or him represent you. An agent only takes a small amount from your check when you have filmed a commercial or film. If they ask for money up front, walk away, because they aren't real agents. for more on headshots and agents, please read my previous answers to other readers... :)
An agent has information on where auditions are, because they know the casting people and the casting people want to see ACTORS...not just anyone walking in off the street.
That would waste a lot of time for them.
I hope this helps you!
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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