Meet Taylor Fredricks | Filmmaker & Actor

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

Hi Taylor, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking
I feel if you are serious about what you love to do, you’ll take all the necessary risks to make it happen. In 2017 I decided to move from Indiana to Austin, TX. I didn’t have a job waiting for me, I didn’t have a place to live, but I loaded up my van that I had at the time and drove 18.5 hours to Austin. It was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.

After a couple months of couch surfing, I ended up renting a house with a buddy of mine. As for a job, I ended up getting a serving gig at Alamo Drafthouse and eventually got my first corporate video gig with Alamo. As a college dropout, who obviously didn’t have a degree, but had an extensive portfolio of work from starting my own production company, Static Heart Productions, I wasn’t able to get any corporate video jobs when I was living in Indiana, even with my portfolio. And of course, once covid hit, I lost my serving and video gig at Alamo Drafthouse, but I didn’t let it stop me from doing what I love.

I started my first web series, “Jimmy Arcurio: Beer Connoisseur” and created goofy beer reviews in a Chicago persona that resembled Dan Aykroyd as well as the SNL “Superfan” skit. Local Austin breweries sponsored each episode and the final episode we created for the series titled “Rebel Without A Beer” became an award winning fan favorite on the festival circuit.

Nowadays I’m still taking risks and embracing the unknown. Comfortability is fine but when you become stagnant, then it’s time to reevaluate some things. Too many people are afraid of failure but I welcome it with open arms. Because even if something doesn’t work out the way you want it to, it just means there’s a better opportunity waiting for you. If I didn’t take risks, I would still be living in Indiana wondering “what if” and I ain’t going to live with regret my whole life. Embrace the unknown and embrace change.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I’ve learned that going to college for a film degree was a waste of time and money. I’ve learned so much more by actually being on set, working with others who are more experienced than me, and diving head first into the unknown.

At this point in my life, I’ve had Static Heart Productions for almost ten years now. I’ve created around 50 short films and music videos, have had a successful web series, and I continue to meet some of the most talented people in the film industry. My team and I are currently working on our new web series, Basil King, which is a mafia satire comedy series that oversteps boundaries and is bringing back the R rated comedy. The pilot screenplay has already won four times for “Best Short TV Pilot”, “Best Dark Comedy Teleplay”, and “Best Texas Screenplay”.

As for advice, my best advice that I can give to anyone who has something they’re passionate about. Just f*cking do it. I don’t believe in excuses because if I did, I wouldn’t be where I’m at right now. I’ve won awards for “Best Film”, “Best Director”, “Best Actor” and i didn’t do any of that by NOT trying and I also didn’t do any of that by myself. I’ve gone to film festivals and networking events to meet people that not only have become some of my good friends, but have been a huge part of my success. I think collaboration is a vital part of filmmaking and if you close yourself off or let your ego rule your life, you WILL NOT get anywhere.

There will always be someone that’s better than you. And instead of trying to compete with these people, you should learn from them. I am constantly striving to be better and grow not only as a filmmaker/actor, but as an individual as well. Being aware of your flaws and the areas in your life where you can improve will only add to your happiness. And when shit gets tough, don’t let it knock you out, but find another path to get to your destination.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If they’re a filmmaker buddy, I’d try to get them to come to Austin during the week of the ATX Short Film Showcase. It’s always a great time filled with fantastic films and an amazing networking opportunity. Other than that and whatever other film festivals are happening, I’m a homebody and spend most of my time at the movie theater watching movies. I do like hitting up Haymaker for food and to watch football. I also love hitting up Mueller since there’s so many restaurants and a badass park to hang out at. If there are any sick shows happening, I’ll take them to those venues. A couple of my favorites are Come And Take It Live and Mohawk. We could also check out some stand up comedy at the one of many clubs in Austin.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
A big shout out to my Indiana film fam who really became some of my best friends. Austin Sarver, Adam Nelson, Adam King, Stefon Whitaker, Bryce Fritzel, and David Shoemaker. If it wasn’t for these guys, I wouldn’t have been able to make most of my films. We were truly a family and I can’t thank them enough for having my back.

I also want to give a shout out to my homies in Black Heart Saints for always allowing me to flex my creative muscle and for being their go to director for all their music videos. And last but not least, a huge shoutout to my best friend and creative partner, Ryan Castro, for being a huge support not only creatively but for always being there when I’m going through some of my darkest moments in life.

Website: www.StaticHeartProductions.com

Instagram: www.instagram.com/TheRealTFreddy

Other: Basil King: www.BasilKingFilm.com www.instagram.com/BasilKingFilm www.youtube.com/@BasilKingFilm Jimmy Arcurio – Beer Connoisseur: www.youtube.com/@JimmyArcurio

Image Credits
Aubre Salas of Gypc Girl Photography