Taylor John Smith
Taylor John Smith:
By Alexandra Bonnet
Everything gets a little brighter when Taylor John Smith steps into a room or onto set. His smile will shift a room’s energy and his talent wows his audience every time. Understanding that acting goes beyond simply reciting your lines, Smith brings his talent and his genuine self to the cast and crew. Being on OUTPOST has taught him a lot and left him with some beautiful and memories he will always keep. Taylor John Smith is truly a breath of fresh air in the entertainment industry as his talent and kindness merge. Remaining true to himself, the talented actor is definitely on the rise and someone to look out for!
What are some valuable lessons, as an actor, that you learned while on set of THE OUTPOST?
Probably that you are not “just an Actor” on set. You are also a confidant, a therapist, a wingman, an extra pair of helping hands. My job doesn’t end when Rod (the director) says cut. Filmmaking is a team sport so always be ready to be a team player for those around you, especially when the camera stops rolling.
Share with us a very funny moment on set of this project. Who was there? What happened?
One night after we finished filming, Jack Kalian and I went to play some pool at a billiards bar. Turns out the locals didn’t like losing, so we had to get out of there pretty fast. Jack and I ended up having to run three miles back to our hotel at an ungodly hour. Thank you Jack for covering my 6.
You have starred in other films. How do you get into a different role each time? What would you say is your technique while rehearsing your lines?
It all depends on the character I’m playing, how much time I have to prep, and my prior knowledge (if any) of the world my character lives in. I record all the other characters lines on my voice notes app on my phone, and I leave time/room for me to say my lines. I play that back over and over until I have everything memorized including the other actors lines. That way when I show up to work I can be confident, knowing I have it all down and can now focus on being present, in the moment, in the scene.
What was it like being placed him on Variety’s 10 Actors to Watch, after playing in HBO’s “Sharp Objects?”
It was unexpected and awesome. I was honored to be recognized alongside such amazing and talented actors.
Do you recall an obstacle you had to face on set? How did you overcome it?
My first film I starred in ‘WOLVES’ was a crash course of the best kind for sure. During the audition process, I lied aggressively to the director Bart Freundlich about my abilities on the court because I was so obsessed with the character and the script. But eventually, Bart caught wind of it and I had to face the music and I was rewarded with a two month grueling training camp to learn how to play basketball for the film. Thank you for taking a chance on me, Bart. I’m forever grateful.
Tell us more about your family growing up. What role have they played in helping you pursue your career as an actor?
My mom always told me I could do anything I wanted, as long as I didn’t half-ass it. So when it came to acting she told me to quit one of the jobs I was working so I could actually make it to the auditions I kept having to pass on due to my day job. Everyone needs a Momma Smith in their life.
Share with us a childhood memory that had a strong impact on who you are today.
I got beat up one time in 7th grade for sticking up for a girl who was tripped by some punk kid as she was getting onto the school bus. Sometimes doing the right thing isn’t going to feel good. But do it anyway.
What do you believe is the best way to show someone you love them?
I think when you tell someone you love that you are going to do something. do it. When you give someone your word, like “if you need help moving this weekend, I got you” or you tell someone “if you ever get stranded on the side of the road, call me I’ll be there”- you better do it. Faith without works is dead. The same goes for love.
If you could invent anything: what would it be?
It would probably be called “Subtitles for Dogs” or something. A device that lets you know what dog’s are saying when they bark.
Where do you see yourself 10 years from now?
A lot can happen in 10 years, but I hope I’ve become more of the man my future kids and wife will be proud of. I hope to still be telling great stories and impacting people in a positive way. Maybe living on a ranch somewhere in Nashville or Texas enjoying however much time I have left.
TEAM CREDITS
Photographer TIJANA VUKOVIC @_tijanavukovic_
Styling SKY JT NAVAL @sky_is_dlimit
Production @BelloMediagroup x @maisonpriveepr_la
