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Question
First of all, if your reading this, thanks.
Now, I wanted to ask you if you could help me out with my acting/modeling career,or getting it started at least. Im 17, i play football so im athletic and have an ok body. I think im attractive,or so i've been told. I would love to start acting and or modeling.I live in Los Angeles. I have never taken classes or anything like that. Dont have an agent of course. I just wanted to know if you could point me to the right direction for classes or agent or anything that will help me out. Honest answer is truly appreciated.
Thanks again,
Fabian
Hey Fabian,
If you are in LA you should have no problem finding classes for acting and modeling just about everywhere. Of course New York is better for modeling, in my opinion. While modeling has transferred to acting for people like Mark Wahlberg, Rene Russo and Kevin Costner, to name a few, most people who seek to be actors tend to downplay that end to be taken seriously. NEVER take a "comp card" to an audition...not a way to get casting to take you seriously in your craft. There exists a stereotype that models only know how to stand there and look good, but have no talent.
Take classes from many different instructors, do not take them from anyone that says the can get you a job and wants to charge you a ton of money. Teachers teach, they don't guarantee. Agents take money only when you've gotten paid for a job they got you an audition for. Different teachers teach differently and you can learn more from one than another, many times.
Good luck! -read my previous answers for more info!
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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