http://karensheperd.com http://www.martialartsplayers.com/Welcome to the Martial Arts Players Directory...the first choice for finding the best martial arts talent for all aspects of the entertainment business. Our goal is to be the most respected, professional source for world-class martial arts performers. MAPD is the fastest, definitive resource for casting personnel to find martial artists for film, television, theatre, commercials, print and special events. We are also here to inform, educate and inspire martial artists in their careers toward success in the entertainment field.
If you are a martial artist who is serious about your career as a performer in film, TV, theatre...any aspect of the entertainment business, it is necessary to spotlight yourself in the best manner possible so casting directors and coordinators know who you are and can find you quickly. Being in the right place at the right time is key to getting those jobs. Being registered here in the Martial Arts Players Directory is the place you need to be.
If you are a casting director, the Martial Arts Players Directory is the best place to find the best martial arts talent for your project. Performers registered with MAPD are carefully screened and must provide their current certificate for legitimate martial arts ranking.
Through my years of experience, I've gotten film and television jobs by every conceivable means: through agents, submitting myself, word-of-mouth, and some even came to me. Some jobs I lost because people could not find me fast enough, even a Vice President at Universal Studios, no less! He told me he had tried to find me because he had needed a female martial artist for a television show and thought I'd be perfect. I don't know why he couldn't find me... but he couldn't and so he hired someone else. Cards get lost, resumes get misplaced, phone numbers change, names forgotten... for many reasons it happened too many times to me and to other people I know. "Out of sight, out of mind"...never rings more true.
You've GOT to be in the right place at the right time. Martial Artists are a very specific talent in the world of entertainment. MAPD is THE place to be if you are one and you want to be found fast by casting directors who can instantly see your photos, resume, demo reel and contact information.
It is my sincere desire that MAPD will efficiently fill the gap between quality martial arts talent and the people needing to cast them in entertainment projects.
KAREN SHEPERD has been a martial artist for over 30 years and an actor for over 25 years. She is a member of the Black Belt Hall of Fame and the Martial Arts Hall of Fame. Karen was the first woman to be officially rated the #1 Women's Black Belt Forms Champion, has numerous leading film, television and stage acting credits and has also worked as a fight choreographer for various productions.
