Loretta Shanley Brisbane Actor

Who is your agent?

Extra Edge Talent

What was your headshot session like?

Sheona is an absolute Professional. Sheona is a great communicator who was brilliant at engaging with me, getting me to relax, and pretty much have fun and enjoy the shoot. Sheona made me feel very comfortable, because she takes a genuine interest in you as a person. Sheona just doesn’t take a photograph, she is very proactive, gives clear directions, actively explores ideas she believes will engage you, to gently encourage you in showing different expressions or emotions, to achieve a variety of great headshots. Sheona has this ability to make you feel like you are the major star in your own movie.

What is your strength as an actor?

I believe my greatest strengths are following directions and listening.

Who do you most admire? Why?

My favourite Actors are Rose Byrne, Alicia Vikander, Tom Hanks, Song Joon Ki, Kim Tae-Ri and Austin Butler. The way they develop and portray their characters in different movies to bring them to life. 

Do you work in TV, film, theatre or all three?

I have worked in both TV and Film productions. 

If you chose between doing a big film or a small film, which would you choose and why?

Choosing between being in a big film or a small film, is a difficult question, as both options are great! I love being involved in small productions, student films, etc because it is up close and personal and you get to see and experience every part of the production. Just exciting! Being a small part in a big production is also awesome, two of my favourite things so far, are seeing how so many people contribute behind the scenes, and meeting/working with other like-minded Actors/Background Talent. Networking in this business is so much fun, and always a learning opportunity for me!

What is your favourite type of role to play? Why?

I love variety and challenge! Ask me to do something I haven’t done before, as that is how we grow. Give me the opportunity to play the role of a Zombie absolutely I’m in for the fun factor (and the makeup).

What’s the best bit of advice you’ve been given?

Two of the best pieces of advice that I have been given are - “just be yourself ” and when going for auditions to treat the camera as your best friend.

If you could travel back in time to meet anyone (living or dead) who would it be and why?

Elvis Presley. I would love to have seen one of his concerts live. I grew up listening to Rock n Roll, I love his music, and the variety of his music. Elvis was an amazing person, for his humanity, not forgetting his humble beginnings and his generosity to others. 

What do you like about acting the most?

What I like most about acting is that it challenges you to look at yourself and your boundaries, it gives you the opportunity to explore playing characters that are not in your comfort zone.

When did you start acting? What got you started?

I have always loved watching movies. Two years ago this became a reality for me - it was the right time in my life to pursue my interest in Acting and secondly, Queensland was the preferred location for some major movie opportunities. 

If you had a magic wand, what would you do next?

If I had a magic wand, I would love to do a TV Commercial or a minor role in a Korean Drama and film overseas. 

Kind words from Loretta:

Hi Sheona,

Firstly, thank you for the great headshot photos that you recently took of me.  I wasn’t sure what to expect, but when I received the prints, it took me hours to come to a decision as to which three I would use for my portfolio.  I found you to be very efficient in use of time, you were very professional yet warm and engaging to make me feel very comfortable to be in front of the camera. Being comfortable in front of the camera, and how you gave directions to capture the different expressions resulted in great headshot photos that is uniquely “me”.

Secondly Sheona, I was very impressed with your good communication style – from my initial enquiries to pre/during/post shoot.  You kept me informed throughout the whole process - always a two way communication, which is very valuable to any industry (personal or business). Also, I would like to add my husband’s comments, when I asked him to  look at the photos.

Loretta. 

Hi Sheona, 

A quick note to say thank you so much for the lovely photos, you took of my wife Loretta.  In Loretta’s professional career, as a Nurse, she never stands in front of a camera.  About a year ago, Loretta decided she wanted to pursue a new hobby, and become an ‘extra’ in TV shows and Movies.  It was the ‘fun’ factor that drew here to the idea.  Seeing behind the scenes, how movies are filmed, definitely for the fun.  Through this little journey, Loretta soon learned that in order to increase your chances of auditioning for, or being selected to be an extra, well you need a great profile picture.  Loretta is an avid researcher. She was on a mission.  “I need a better variety of headshots for my profile, than the one photo I currently have.  Loretta found your webpage and loved what she saw. Everything was well explained, and the price was great.  Booking made.  

However, all this didn’t change the fact Loretta (I’m not used to being in front of a camera) wasn’t still a little apprehensive.  After meeting you for the photoshoot, that apprehension disappeared straight away.  Loretta told me that are a fantastic communicator, you got her to relax and have fun, really quickly. Which then translates to the best outcome, and that is successfully taking a broad range of photos, with different looks, expressions, smiles, and just beautiful photos.  After the shoot, Loretta said she needed to select the best 3 photos, differing styles, so she can add them to her ‘Extra’s Profile’.  “Which 3 do you like the most?” Loretta asked me.  Easy response from me.  “I love them all dear”.  Through her Extra’s ‘fun’ journey, Loretta has also discovered that all the Extra’s and Actors (who also do Extra’s stuff) well they all network.  Friendship’s are made. Tips about the industry are regularly shared.  As a supportive Hubby of my lovely Extra’s wife, here is my tip for any aspiring Extra out there.  If like Loretta, you are wanting great headshot photos for your casting profile, do yourself a favour and go and see Sheona.  You will not be disappointed.  In addition to clearly being a professional and experienced photographer, I have also met Sheona, and she is just a warm, engaging, and friendly person as well.  

Paul Shanley, Brisbane.

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