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Question
How do we know if there the real thing or not because I did a session behind a video for people business wise and got a call back in all of the 20 kids that was there the fee was quite high but I made it but wanted to know if do it or not I really want to do it
Hi Mike,
I'm a little unsure of what you are talking about. What I get is that someone wants you to pay money to be in something.
Unlike Steve Martin's character in the movie "Bowfinger", no director charges a talent for an audition to fund the project. I have said it before, I will say it again...and again...and again: NEVER PAY AN "AGENT" OR ANYONE TO WORK AS AN ACTOR. An agent takes a commission ONLY when you do a job that they got for you! NOTHING comes flying from your pocket, it comes flying TO you! If you want to take classes to learn to act and pay a set fee to do that, that is OK.
There are many scams out there that prey on hopes and dreams...be careful!!!!!
BTW...I also never do projects that don't pay. The only exceptions I recommend are student films (good practice) and non-profit causes. A local university here has a film program that uses students and professionals to film features for about a million bucks a show. I will occasionally do work with them for free as it is a good cause. As to deferred projects: many "deferred payment" shows don't get around to giving back later. For that reason, when asked to do one, I ask to see the contract where it says I will be compensated. Most often they go away quickly. I am a professional, I spent years and dollars to train for this, therefore, I get paid. No one asks a doctor to treat them for free. 'Nuff said!
Cheers!
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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