Today we’d like to introduce you to Gurie Sheffield.
Hi Gurie, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself
I started doing music back in 9th grade at David W. Carter High School. Music was always the gateway to what I’m doing now, acting. After signing a modeling contract January 2016, 2 weeks into the year I knew it wasn’t for me. I said, “I want to start acting”, and that’s exactly what I decided at that moment. Without any knowledge, contacts, or resources, I began researching how prominent the filming industry is locally. Just so happens, “Queen of the South” was about to start production at the same time. Doing research, I discovered the show was originally on Telemundo. 4 months into filming, I realized it’ll be airing on USA Network. I got my feet wet in the acting life just a little, but I wanted to learn so much so fast.
So, here I am looking at film festivals happening in Dallas. That’s when I realized how massive the community was in this industry on an independent level. I would show up at red carpet events, uninvited, just to network. I had certain people I needed to connect with to make things happen. So, I would wait 2 to 3 hours until I found who I was looking for just to have a 2-minute conversation. I had my photographer with me, Presliano Sheffield, to make sure I took pictures with these selected individuals. Once I tag them on Facebook, I follow up with inbox messages. I made sure they remembered who Gurie Sheffield was. I never begged, I just let them know I was open to work in the near future. I learned everything as it came to me. Demo reels, acting resumes, headshots were all foreign to my knowledge. But I got it together and now I help other rising actors do the same.
I finally landed multiple speaking tv roles with AMS Pictures who are like second family to me. I’ve gained so much experience working with them. Season 2 of “Queen of the South” opened my eyes even more. I was the only featured extra they gave a trailer too, blew my mind for the day. It feels great to know I’m on Netflix, never would have thought it’d happen. I’ve been on Hulu, ID Channel, National Geographic, Reelz Channel, and other networks. A black kid from Oakcliff changing the narrative every day.
My biggest accomplishment is working with my daughter, Amari Sheffield, on our United Way commercial. It was her first commercial and she booked it with me. That was the first time anyone of us were ever on a billboard. They still use those images to this day; the shoot was in 2019. She really enjoys doing it and wants to pursue acting more. Her little brother, Gurie Sheffield III, is her number one supporter. He’s next on the list to launch into acting very soon. Thanks to my agents Normita Joven and Nick Callaway at ICON, I was able to create an unforgettable moment with my little girl. It’s cherished, so excited that everyone was able to see it.
I recently just landed a speaking role in the Yellowstone prequel, “1883”. Sam Elliot, Faith Hill, Bill Bob Thornton are all a part of the cast list for the show. I was able to share scenes with the legendary Tim McGraw. Taylor Sheridan, director, literally changed my life on day 2 of filming. I can now say I’m part of the Paramount+ family. December 19th can’t come fast enough; it’ll be a great birthday weekend for me. There’s a lot more goals I have on my vision board to attain. To me, this is all a new beginning to something better.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle-free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
Lack of knowledge, understanding the union and contracts. I’ve had bad luck with working with some bad producers and directors that almost ruined my career before it started. Working as a full-time actor is the goal, but it was ridiculously difficult. People don’t see the downside to this industry, you have to have thick skin. I’ve gotten way more “no” than “yes” answers in casting or collaborating.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I also film, direct, and edit filming projects. I started out doing music videos, this helped me understand the editing programs I was using. I taught myself everything, always having a student mind-frame to the business. My production company, D5t Productions, is a collaborative group of individuals who have creative business of their own. With technology advancing daily, our imagination is almost limitless in making content these days. I’m making blockbuster quality projects on an independent level. I feel like that’s what separates me from other filmmakers with the minimum budget and great team. I’m proud that I never gave up, despite being homeless, giving up was never an option to me.
What are your plans for the future?
I’ve written multiple projects that I’m in the process of filming. I’m a huge action fan, so that’s what I write. Been gaming my whole life, diving into fascinating storylines, so I decided to create a few. Over the course of my career, I’ve met some amazing people. Very honored to with them, they’re all showing me the support in diving into this. 2022 is going to be very different for me. I don’t know what exactly, but I know it’s going to be amazing. I want to change people’s lives for the better, I want to make stars!
Contact Info:
- Email: guriesheffield@hotmail.com
- Website: www.guriesheffield.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/gdot5
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/gdot5
- Twitter: www.twitter.com/got
- Youtube: www.youtube.com/gdotta06
- Other: www.imdb.me/guriesheffield
Image Credits
NaturalState Images
Ryan Robertson
