Meet the Cast & Crew: Taylor Juarez

How did you get started in producing?

I first started working with Duncan and Elena when they brought me on as an intern and boom operator for season one of their web series, ATown. We made season one with a small group of people, who are known now as TurtleDove Core Members. I have been working with TurtleDove and Duncan & Elena ever since and have played a variety of roles on their sets.

How did you first get involved in the movie?

I am a TurtleDove Core Member and have been part of the family since day one of ATown. When Duncan finished the script for ARFON, I was so excited to start a new journey with TurtleDove. After two successful seasons of a web series, and a brief hiatus, I am more excited than ever to be creating our first feature film.

When did you move to Austin, and how is it different from when you first moved here?

I moved to Austin in 2012 to go to school at St. Edward's University. In just 5 years, I can definitely notice differences. I've always lived in South Austin, and have noticed how much South Congress has changed. There used to be an empty lot where food trucks would set up and serve food and now they are all gone and a hotel has been put in their place. Beloved businesses have closed their doors, many of which couldn't afford rent or property taxes. There are more people moving here, traffic always seems to be getting worse, and the city always seems to be under construction. You almost can't go anywhere without having to deal with construction. It is nice to see some growth, but at the same time, I feel like Austin is at risk of losing it's weirdness and unique qualities.

What do you think about crowdfunding on Seed&Spark so far? Best parts? Worst parts? 

It is definitely a lot of work. Elena and I have managed several crowdfunding campaigns for other projects, so I've definitely seen all the ins and outs. You have to really commit 110% and be completely unapologetic about your art/passion. Don't be afraid to ask for what you want. The best part is creating a public presence and getting people really excited about your project. It's important to raise the money, but even more important to network and meet people. The support you can gain from Seed & Spark can really be incredible. You never know who will come across your project. I've really developed a love for Seed & Spark and seeing films succeed.

What is your favorite form of art and why?

I have an equal love of writing and music. Writing is the ultimate art form for me personally because I have always been a lover of words. I come from a family of writers and have been writing all my life. Writing is the greatest escape. It's how I process my feelings and make sense of life. It is my favorite form of expression. Music, on the other hand, has the power to make us feel things that there are no words to describe. I am a huge music junkie and can pretty much always be found listening to music. I also play instruments and have created songs of my own. Music has helped me through so many things in my life. There are albums that hold a lot of significance for me based on the phases of life they have gotten me through. I could not survive without either of these forms of art. They complement each other, and when one fails, the other shines through.

If you could make everyone but one other person disappear, who would you keep around?

My boyfriend, Justin. Life without him would suck.