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Question
Hi Mrs. Sheppard. Does how much talent you have, effect how successful you will be?? I wanted to know, because im 14 and until im able to get a coach, I don't think im the best that I could be. I really want to go far before I turn 18.
Thank you
Hi Lashay,
It's not how much talent you have starting out that determines how far you go, it's desire to learn, opportunity to learn (some of that is up to the actor),
and of course, the ability to learn. Some actors start out as children and grow up learning on the job, many actors
start later in life than the rest. I don't know your reasons for needing to make it by 18, but it's really hard to put expectations on acting. Whenever I have had lean times where a fat paycheck would really change my life, and I REALLY want the job, I don't get it. Why? probably a few reasons, the biggest being that I am pre-occupied with the thought of doing well in the back of my mind. Stressing about doing well, whether to get the part or to win an Academy Award can screw your performance!
Do yourself a favor and let yourself breathe a little. Believe it or not, there are still many more wonderful years after 18. Also, you can start your career by reading books on the subject until you are able to get classes. I recommend reading books about Sanford Meisner's technique, Stanislovski, and Michael Caine's book: "Michael Caine on Acting" There was a companion tape that they used to rent at Blockbuster for his book.
Good luck to you!
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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