We’re looking forward to introducing you to Rick Shepherd. Check out our conversation below.
Good morning Rick, it’s such a great way to kick off the day – I think our readers will love hearing your stories, experiences and about how you think about life and work. Let’s jump right in? What are you most proud of building — that nobody sees?
Bringing back independent filmmaking and original ideas into the spotlight.
In the current era of film and television, we’re seeing a lot of projects come out that are based off of already established IP’s (Intellectual Property)- reboots, sequels, narrative projects inspired by books and other forms of literature. Right now, the powers that be are less incentivized to take risks on new talent, both in front of the camera and behind it.
I think there is a lot of room to grow and be creative with these new circumstances. With the entry into the this industry becoming increasingly more difficult, especially with traditional narrative films and scripts, we as creators need to think outside the box.
Over the past year and change, I’ve been cultivating a professional network wherein we are all trying to accomplish the goal of getting original stories and ideas made without having a massive budget, a brand deal or a big name attached.
A handful of legends in entertainment have recently been speaking out about independent film in the 90’s and how before that era, Hollywood seemed closed off to smaller creators. Much like the present, the 90’s was also a time wherein audiences were hungry for something new, something that wasn’t part of a studio’s formula. Then came along filmmakers like Quentin Tarantino with “Reservoir Dogs”, Kevin Smith with “Clerks”, Robert Rodriguez with “El Mariachi”, Richard Linklater with “Slacker” and Christopher Nolan with “Following”. There are quite a few impactful directors from that period, but these are the ones that inspire me.
They figured it out. They beat the system. The 90’s indy scene was upon us and just like they did in that decade, my main goal, right now, is to help lead another new age of cinema.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hi, I’m Rick Shepherd and I’m an actor, writer and filmmaker.
I started in this industry pretty early on, having had a passion for performance and writing at a very young age. I would write shorts stories, do community theater and school shows throughout my youth, in my hometown of Cleveland, OH. I went to undergrad for acting and went to grad school in London, wherein I received a master’s degree in directing.
After my time overseas, I ended up in NYC, which changed everything for me. I dived into the independent film scene, doing whatever I possibly could- student films, short films, indy TV pilots, feature films, etc… Late nights, early mornings and most of the time, little to no pay. When I wasn’t on set, I was working as night shift bartender, usually getting home at 5:30AM. These experiences gave me some serious insight about life. It gave me a supportive community. It gave me enough material to write about, for a lifetime. That city molded my creative way of thinking and showed me how hard a person has to work to make it in this industry, but most importantly, my time there let me truly experience life. All the ups, downs and in-betweens and that is what it’s all about.
After my time on the east coast, I moved out west with some friends, all of us looking to expand our network and really make a name for ourselves in entertainment.
Since landing in LA, a few years ago, the opportunities have been great. Luckily, I’ve been able to find the right people to work with, with similar mindsets and goals, which motivated me further to establish myself even more.
A route, I never saw coming for that establishment has presented itself through the narrative vertical world. With the ever-growing fandom of viewing through our phones, now is the time to lean into it. My overall goal is to open the door for traditional films, with original ideas, but for now my focus is creating an entry through our phone screens. I believe what I’ve got cooking can change the current climate so keep an eye out for what’s to come!
As I write this, I have the most important meeting of my life in five hours, so it’s been a treat to reflect before taking a massive step in the right direction for not only myself, but hopefully all small indy creators.
Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. Who saw you clearly before you could see yourself?
This is an easy answer for me. My mom.
As I mentioned, I knew pretty early on what I wanted to do and my mom was supportive of that, always.
She truly believed that I could achieve whatever I put my mind to and that my potential was unlimited. She instilled a moral, ethical, independent and loving code within me, which led me to some of the best experiences of my life.
As a child, she never let me quit. Even when times would be tough, she was a constant reminder that I was strong and resilient.
Of course, as I got older and reflection set in, I realized that these were all qualities that she possessed and they were instilled in me through her.
Love you, Ma. Wouldn’t be here without you.
If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
“I attribute my success to this: I never gave or took any excuse.”
– Florence Nightingale
I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. What are the biggest lies your industry tells itself?
That talent, alone, will bring you success. I think it’s a hard pill to swallow.
It’s super important to build your talent, to practice your craft and have the ability to compete at a high level, but the fact of the matter is, there are other variables that are just as important.
Putting yourself out there, into the world and the ether, is part of the process. No one will know your talent, unless you show them- and getting anyone’s attention isn’t always as easy as one might think. For example, acquiring representation (manager or agent). It’s not as simple as, “I’ll just send them my materials and they’ll love me; then they’ll sign me; then they’ll get me auditions for movies and tv shows; then I’ll book it” Getting a rep can be a long and tedious process of building your reel, beefing up your resume, getting quality credits and meeting the right people. Especially since most top rep. companies don’t even accept materials from people they don’t know.
That being said, the road doesn’t necessarily begin or end with having an agent or manager. There are plenty of instances of creatives singing with someone after seeing some success. However, in those cases, most still put themselves out there to be discovered or to gain an initial following.
Basic point: if you’re talented, and you know it, do something about it.
It’s a hard puzzle to solve, but the good news is, if a person is truly dedicated, they will have time to achieve these things.
Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. When have you had to bet the company?
Every time I open my mouth haha.
I truly believe in myself and what I’m building.
Whether it’s in an audition, pitching a script or starting pre-production on something I’m producing or directing.
I want people to know that I’m giving it all I’ve got, every single time. The way I see it, in my particular industry, I am the company and I am the product. So when I’m selling, I need to be willing to bet everything.
I see every opportunity as potentially the best opportunity of my life. Maybe not literally, but it could very well lead to it.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.rickshepherd.me
- Instagram: @realrickshepherd
