Daily Inspiration: Meet Sheila Steele

Today we’d like to introduce you to Sheila Steele.

Hi Sheila, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I moved to Austin, TX in 1992 for college and really didn’t know what I wanted to do at the time. I decided to go to Austin Community College to take my general studies and during that time I started working as an extra in the Film Industry. I loved behind the scenes and realized I didn’t want to be in front of the camera. I started volunteering with Third Coast Extras Casting and transferred into the RTF department at University of Texas at Austin. After I graduated I continued to work in Casting from 1997-2011. We won an Emmy for Friday Night Lights (Season 1) and I got my first main title credit for Bernie directed by Richard Linklater. It was such an honor to be a part of so many amazing projects. After being in the film industry for over 10 years, I needed more time with family and wanted to pursue something that would be a balance of both work and life.

In 2014 I started working as an office assistant for an Audiologist. At the same time a friend of mine, Phoebe Hunt, asked me to help her on a project called “Fuel Our Fire.” The first few days we were at Austin Public (local TV station) using the studio spaces and I got to know the staff. On our last day one of the stations directors encouraged me to take a producing class. To be honest, I did miss the film industry so I took the class, bought an hour time slot and the rest is history.

Ever since I moved to Austin, live music has always been a huge part of my life. I would go to shows nearly every night of the week. With my appreciation for music and my experience in the film industry I created Support Austin Music, a weekly television series that features music videos from our local musicians. Each episode features about 14 artists and we promote their upcoming shows. The purpose is to showcase their music and get our community out to support live music. We are currently on Season 20 and still growing!

Then 2020 happened, no need to say more. However, due to Covid, Austin Public upgraded their systems to go Live Remote whereas before Live was in studio only. Most musicians were already live streaming on social media outlets such as Facebook, YouTube and others in order to stay in touch with their audience. I wanted to give them a different platform to get in front of their fans and potential new viewers through television. We are reaching an audience that isn’t necessarily searching for music, they are discovering it because we are being broadcast into everyones living rooms. A platform that spans all generations and for those not on socials. We are working with local producers that are creating weekly TV series with a variety of content; Music videos, Live music, Interviews, Music News, Cooking, and more. Broadcasting local via most cable providers in ATX, global via apps on Apple TV, ROKU and Amazon Fire TV (search Austin Public) and on any device through our website.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Challenges happen with everything and I try to approach them as opportunities. After we overcome them we usually discover something new which only helps us grow. However, with that being said I still have the hardest time with marketing/promoting. Let’s just say it’s a work in progress. We have so many producers doing great things and I want everyone to know about them. I really appreciate when our fans share our posts and promo our weekly series. I only know so many people and it makes a huge difference when others get involved and tell their friends and share on socials.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
Austin Music Television is a network of musicians and creatives producing their own TV shows. Our goal is to bring our community together and spotlight local creatives and share their work with the world. Here’s our weekly TV Guide!

Networking and finding a mentor can have such a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice? Surround yourself with people who are making things happen. Don’t get caught up with people who are not up for the challenge, they could be the ones holding you back. Choose wisely!

Contact Info:

• Email: austinmusicfamily@gmail.com
• Website: https://supportaustinmusic.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/austinmusictv/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AustinMusicTV/

Image Credits
Personal Photo: Kim Yarbrough Photography https://www.facebook.com/KTYarbroughPhotography kim-yarbrough.artistwebsites.com