Local woman is on a journey through the glitz and glamour of Hollywood’s film biz

Although barely known now, a Joburg girl is soon to become a household name and is set to follow in the footsteps of South Africa’s shining light, Charlize Theron.

Tayla Schaffner is just 21 years old and is already creating a name for herself in the hills of Hollywood. The talented local star was always fond of entertaining audiences and pursued her passion actively after receiving full colours in drama at age 17.

Soon after turning 18, she received a bursary to attend the New York Film Academy and jetted off to find a new and glamorous life on the other side of the world.

Schaffner received a diploma from the academy, after which she began to study towards a Bachelor of Fine Arts; all the while being cast in more than 17 youth productions and even penning a short-film called When it Rains, which won a number of awards.

Now Schaffner is taking her talents to a number of different productions and is meeting international actors as she navigates through the cutthroat entertainment industry.

Regarding a part she was chosen for late last month, Schaffner said, “I’ve been cast in New Musicals Inc’s new Hollywood Fringe Festival play F**ked Up Fairytales directed by none other than Mr Denis McCourt.”

Even more exciting was her encounter with a world-renowned actor who forged his place in Hollywood more than 30 years ago. “A surreal thing happened. I worked in a new movie airing called Inner City starring Denzel Washington. He took the time to come to the background holding and said to us, ‘Thank you all so much for dedicating your time to this today. I know how time in this business is valuable. You’re all survivors, remember that’. The man is a vision and an honour to watch.”

Edited by Stacey Woensdregt

Read: Local casting director celebrated

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