How the Baker Twins are making it in Hollywood

Did you miss the Google Hangout with Shannon and Shauna Baker? Here's a recap of our converstation

We recently hosted a Google Hangout with the Shannon and Shauna Baker Twins, two Indigenous models and actors who grew up on the Stellat’en First Nation in British Columbia. The twins now reside in Los Angeles and live the life of actors, jumping between auditions to talk shows to music video sets and more.

We discussed Indigenous representation in the media, entrepreneurship and staying connected while living far from their family and hometown.

The twins first started modeling and acting when they were teenagers, after finding legitimate photographers, agencies and an agent. The first role they booked was on the show Smallville. It was originally intended as a single role, but both twins charmed the producers and they both landed a part.

The twins said they’ve faced some challenges in the industry. In the beginning of their careers, they often found their skin had been lightened in post-production to make them look less Native, or photographers would photoshop them to have lighter skin.

But the two made sure they auditioned for parts outside of stereotypical “Native roles.” Since they broke into the industry, most of the roles they’ve landed haven’t been specifically written for Indigenous actors—instead, they might play characters who just happen to be Native, while also having other defining traits and qualities.

The Baker Twins strongly believe that Indigenous people should be playing all types of roles, but they acknowledge that Indigenous people seem to be the most underrepresented demographic minority in the media. That being said, they’ve noticed a lot of improvement over time in how they’re portrayed, and are becoming more accurately depicted in the media.

Entrepreneurialism is a big part of their success. While they’re still learning new things every day, one of the most important things they’ve learned in their careers is the need to be proactive and present on social media. They also still have to keep going from audition to audition and from job to job, making sure they have enough money to support themselves. As entrepreneurs in the business, they stressed that you always have to be innovative and you have to set goals for yourself so can constantly improve.

Since the twins came from such a small reserve in British Columbia, they’ve made sure to make friends within a network of Canadian and Indigenous actors in Los Angeles. On their YouTube channel, they have hung out with Adam Beach, and comedians Jesse and Kyle Nobess, who are also First Nations.

The distance from their family can be hard, so that network of friends is like a big family in Hollywood. They all support each other and lift each other up when they need it. Though it was hard for the twins when they transitioned to the big city, they’re glad they have technology to keep in touch with their family, and are thankful to have each other.

Finally, we asked them what advice they’d tell youth looking to get into acting and modeling.

And their advice?

Don’t listen to the people who are going to tell you ‘no,’ they said. Ninety per cent of the time you’re going to get rejected for a role, but you have to keep trusting yourself and keep knocking on doors to keep those opportunities coming.