Meet Alix Maria Taulbee

Today we’d like to introduce you to Alix Maria Taulbee.

Alix, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
If you were to tell 11 year old me that one day, everything would make sense, I wouldn’t believe you. Maybe it’s because my big brother was being admitted to rehab and I was upstairs during the intervention, somehow describing the deafening silence I felt suffocated by. My saving grace during that time was starring in a very challenging role for an indie film. As I was being an on-screen storyteller, I kept thinking about my brother, knowing one day I would be telling our story. Though I just didn’t know when or how.

For the next six years, my acting coaches told me to think of the worst-case scenario for any dramatic scene, my brother passing away. The tears would fall as the cameras would roll. Little did I know that when I was 17, that worst-case scenario became my reality. My big brother passed away to an accidental drug overdose.

Fast forward to 18 years old: I began writing the journey of my brother and me, and met someone who told me, “this needs to be a movie.”

Within a couple of years of blood, sweat, tears, I’m co-directing, writing, producing (Indie film life), and portraying myself in an independent feature film entitled, “Play James Play.” It was by far, one of the most incredible experiences of my life. Everyone who was a part of it was touched in one way or another…they all knew this film was not just my tribute to my brother. This was my chance to say everything I always wanted to say to my brother, but never got a chance to. There was one scene in particular that I wrote that was a moment I never got to experience when my brother was alive, but I know I would have. I swear, I did not see the actor playing my brother at that moment, but I saw my bro. Damien James….

I wish I could say this film went on to be a success at Sundance, SXSW, TIFF, and more. But alas, once we wrapped, I went on the journey to raise finishing funds as most independent filmmakers do. Meetings after meetings I would have with highly influential people and big names, their eyes tearing up over my story and bravery. But then a hand would go on a leg, a kiss aimed for the cheek went to my lips, and my “me too” moments kept happening (though thankfully, not as severe as some of the victims). I just wanted to finish my brother’s story, not sleep with these men who were old enough to be my father! Was that so hard?

I guess you could say, this is part of my story because, without it, I wouldn’t have discovered what I’m capable of. I wouldn’t be here, having Play James Play evolve into something far greater than I imagined. I also wrote another script that is going to inspire many people to remember Cancer is not a death sentence, and I’m up to direct a third feature film based on an inspiring true story, having written and directed the short film predecessor.

 

Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
One of my life mottos was written by Robert Frost:

“Two roads diverged in a wood and I took the one less traveled by, and that has made all the difference.”

The challenges of being a female actress (and also a filmmaker) struggling to raise finishing funds, but dealing with influential men in the industry with a different M.O. were extremely challenging. Not to mention, seeing how social media became a defining factor over someone’s worth. If I wanted to, I could have easily “fit in” and post my sexiest shot with the right hashtags to boost my following, likes, etc. I’m not saying everyone who has a presence on social media is like this. Maybe it’s just me. All I’m saying is when did likes and followers validate how “legit” someone is?

This is where I took the road less traveled: I realized that I couldn’t let what was happening personally define me. I mean, I could have, but what would be the point? I’m a firm believer that life will show you that you’re on the right path, usually when you least expect it. If that meant going off course for a while, then so be it. I even left LA for a considerable bit of time, telling myself, “whoever is meant to be in my life will know this is not failure. This is saving myself.”

It was certainly the road less traveled, but it made all the difference to where I am today and I wouldn’t change it for the world.

Do you look back particularly fondly on any memories from childhood?
I have been fortunate to be able to travel the world with my parents, starting from a young age. By the time I was 15, my passport was almost full and I even had a dentist in Germany! My favorite memory was probably when my parents and I were staying at a beautiful loft in Garmisch, Germany. We were just on the slopes in the Alps all day, where my dad pointed out three other countries to me: Austria, Italy, and Switzerland. It was the coolest thing to a little girl! We went back to relax by the fireplace and watch a holiday movie as the snow fell outside. There was this magic in the air where even thousands of miles from where we lived, that loft felt like home that night. I’ll never forget it.

To this day, we still travel frequently as a family. I have a feeling I’ll always have wanderlust. Even if and when I return to places I’ve already been to, I know I’ll discover something new. I always make it a point to act like a local, each time I travel abroad. I can’t wait for my next adventure!

Final words for our readers

Many people come to the City of Angels seeking fame and fortune, not realizing this:

Fame does not mean spotlights. It means finding your own light that’s appreciated with the right people.

Fortune does not mean wealth. It means the ability to make your dreams a reality, no matter what.

If I could tell 11-year-old me anything, I would tell her, “you’re going to have a story to tell one day, and it won’t be the end. It’ll be a new beginning.”

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm1728929/
• Email: [email protected]
• Instagram: thisisalixmaria
• Twitter: thisisalixmaria

Image Credit:
stairway and green dress shots by Eric Gea
personal photo and blazer shot by Jared Wolfe
behind the scenes with film slate in car garage by Glen David Miller
behind the scenes photo with young boy by Rose Elle

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