(801) 573-8806 paula@paula-shepherd.com
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Film

I started in the film business, when I was 17 years old, working in the Locations Department on Stephen King’s “The Stand.”
I continued in the Locations and Production Departments for a few years and it was a great way to get to know the business.

How it all started…

I have had a passion for hair and makeup since I was a child. So, after observing the Hair and Makeup Department, and chopping my sister’s hair almost beyond repair, I decided I should go to cosmetology school.
I attended Sherman Kendall Academy of Beauty Arts and Sciences and found that doing hair came very naturally and I truly loved it.
During my time at school I had the opportunity to work with the Vidal Sassoon Artistic Team on their A.I.D.S. benefit runway show. I had a great time and was inspired by the creative work they did.

In 1997 I took a leave of absence from my schooling and worked as Assistant Hair on my first film in the Hair Department. It was a Universal Television movie called  “Not in this Town” starring Kathy Baker, Ed Begley Jr. and Adam Arkin.

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Upon graduation from cosmetology school I was hired on the CBS series “Touched by an Angel” in the hair and makeup department and was made Key Hair for the last 4 seasons. I got to work with some amazingly talented friends and had the opportunity to work with many different hair, and personality, types. This series required hair and makeup styling from all different time periods which was always a fun challenge. I acquired many new skills such as hand ventilating facial hair and wigs, basic effects makeup and various hair extension methods including the Great Lengths method that I continue to use in the salon today.
 

 

 

 

 

During Touched By an Angel’s three month hiatus I worked on a variety of other projects over the years. One of these projects was “Firestarter Rekindled” with Malcolm McDowell. I was hired as an assistant special FX makeup artist and had the privilege to work under Bari and Tom Burman. They are known for their work on Star Trek, The Tracy Ullman Show, Grey’s Anatomy and many others. They have won 5 emmy awards and been nominated for sixteen others. Needless to say, I was extremely excited to learn from them.

Assistant special FX makeup artist
After “Touched By An Angel” ended I did numerous projects for the Disney Channel, and a Showtime Pilot for a series called “Paradise” starring Barbra Hershey and David Strathairn.

My last film was “The World’s Fastest Indian.” I had the great pleasure of working with Anthony Hopkins who is a wonderful person and a master of his craft.

In 2005 I decided to leave the film business for the salon in order to have a more flexible schedule and start a family.

Some of my work, having fun and great people I have met...