Meet Rick Shepherd | Actor, Writer & Filmmaker

We had the good fortune of connecting with Rick Shepherd and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Rick, how do you think about risk?

Risk taking is part of the process. I’ve always taken big risks in my career, a lot of which pertain to location. After going to college in my home city of Cleveland, I moved to London for graduate school and didn’t know a soul. Still I felt compelled to pursue what I thought was the right move at the time. Happily, I can say that my time over there was amazing and the friendships I made were unmatched. Not to mention, the things I learned, along with the personal growth I had, have been massive contributors to the success I’ve seen over the years.

After London, I moved to NYC. At first, I only planned on living in Gotham for a few years, but quickly fell in love with the city. New York and all its people really made me who I am. It’s a different world there; filled with every type of character a person can think of. That is truly the city that never sleeps. I would have to stay up until 5 or 6AM, working a closing shift as a bartender, then  a few hours later would have to be on set at 8AM shoot. Sometimes a one-hour nap would have to suffice for sleep.

NYC doesn’t always care about how comfortable you are, but it will provide you any opportunity as long as you put the effort into looking for it. That city will always be home to me.

Moving forward, leaving the east coast for Los Angeles was the biggest risk I’ve ever taken. There was a lot that I sacrificed to be out here now. Personally, I risked the some of the most important things in my life to pursue what I think will take my life and career to the next level.

Of course, we try to assess whether or not the risk is worth taking when taking a leap of faith. Sometimes it works out, sometimes it doesn’t. The major thing I try to focus on is how I deal with the decision once it’s made; how to roll with the pain if the landing is a bit rougher than expected. It can be really tough and I always hope that things will work out in the end. My favorite thing to say is: Hey, at least hope is free.

The whole point of taking a risk is doing something we’re not comfortable with and going forward into the unknown. Personally, I’m more scared of not exploring those parts of the world and my own life than never having tried.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?

Making one’s way through life isn’t easy and pursuing a career in the entertainment industry certainly has not made it any easier. However, I’ve always tried to look at the bigger picture. Ask the questions of, why is this happening, whilst trying to avoid any anger or bitterness that can possibly show up.

In terms of my work, I’d like to think what sets me apart from others is my own personal story and how I implement my experiences into my creations and acting.

I had an interesting upbringing that was filled with many ups and downs. I feel that when I write, I don’t always have to come up with a brand new character on the spot due to the archive of people I have met throughout my time on this planet. I have a lot of sorrowful moments to write about or pull from, but contrary to those I have moments of triumph and joy to look back on. I’ve always tried to explore the world as much as possible to build my own story, but also learn about the stories of others.

That being said, one of my biggest motivations for filmmaking is trying to make an impact, in someway, big or small. I try to attach a message to each of my scripts and in turn will hopefully make some sort of a difference in our actual reality.

For instance, in 2021, I wrote a short film, Never Wake a Sleeping Man, which is about a homeless man striking up an unlikely friendship with a young boy in Central Park. I pulled from real life experiences for the basis of the script and have been working with potential investors and organizations to try and get it made. Having lived in NYC for quite some time, I know a handful of people who struggle with even the basic necessities, including finding a place to sleep at night. My hope is that this film can shine a bit of light on how a small amount of humanity can go a long way with those who are struggling. My goal is to partner with an organization fighting to end homelessness and with them donate proceeds from this film to the cause.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.

Well, I’m still learning LA since I moved here semi-recently, but I have a plan in place for when that person comes into town.

I’m starting the day off by going to Corner Cottage in Burbank for a breakfast burrito. I’m such a sucker for those and this spot has it down.

Next, we’re heading to Point Dume in Malibu for some beach time. I feel like that beach is a nice little hideaway. After that, we’re heading to Brews Brothers Brewpub in NoHo for their patented Butt Chin IPA. They have best home-brewed beer in the city hands down.

After a nice afternoon beverage, we’re going to Fisherman’s Outlet for some seafood! God, now I’m getting hungry. After dinner we’re off to Ela Park to catch a sunset with the gorgeous view.

To top off the night we’re ending up at Good Times at Davey Wayne’s, which is a 70’s themed bar. Personally, that’s my favorite decade so I live it up when I’m there. I like to throw on some retro apparel to fit the vibe too. Good Times is my favorite nightspot in the city so we’d wrap up the night after some 70’s hits and dancing.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?

I have a handful and hope that’s okay! I would be foolish to think I would be where I am without the help of others.

First, I have to thank my mom. Growing up, she carried the weight of raising my older brother and myself. I have an infinite amount of respect for single parents, especially moms. I truly have no idea where that type of strength and resilience comes from, but I am in constant awe of it. She is truly the strongest person I know and I constantly try and find ways to show her how grateful I am.

The next person, I’d like to leave nameless and I really wouldn’t be here without them. From late nights to early mornings, this person showed me what committed love feels like and that is such a rare thing to experience in life. That feeling continues to push me forward and I am unbelievably lucky to have had this person in my life. Not to sound preachy, but if you find someone like this, hold onto them. It will make all the difference.

To my partners, associates and affiliates at AWRY Productions along with Steep Productions, I thank you so much for never allowing me to walk alone in all of my career endeavors.

Lastly, to all of my friends. I have an infinite amount of love for all of you and I cannot express what your support does for me. Simply, my gratitude to all of you cannot be written in words.

Website: https://www.rickshepherd.me/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/realrickshepherd/

Image Credits
Jarred Harper Benjamin Steeper Ethan Verchot Jeffrey Mosier