Richard was born in San Antonio, Texas on June 2, 1963. He grew up in a military family and as a child lived all over the world - thus leading to his love of travel and exploring new cultures. He has lived in England, Greece, Arizona, Texas, New Mexico, Florida and Georgia and has traveled extensively throughout Europe, Asia, North Africa, the Middle East and South/Central America.
In high school and college, he was a fairly accomplished swimmer and water polo player, and had successful coaching careers in both sports as an adult.
His adult life has taken him in many different directions - he spent 20 years (combined active and reserve duty) as an officer in the US Army, has taught special education, worked as a high school counselor, psychologist, athletic coach and is now working in the entertainment industry.
He holds four degrees (Bachelors, Masters and two Doctorates) in psychology and education from various universities along with numerous professional board certifications.
Richard considers himself a bit of an adrenaline junkie with a love of anything outdoors, especially if it involves the water and/or "adventure"... scuba, sky diving, sailing, skiing, hiking/camping, canoeing and whitewater rafting are all activities he enjoys on a regular basis. He learned at a very early age that there is very little he won't try and very little he is not interested in.
Richard got his start in the entertainment industry when he took a year sabbatical to work on his book (a "how to" for parents of teenagers). After several months of working exclusively on writing this book, he began to suffer from cabin fever and needed something to break up the writers block. An actress friend (knowing that acting was something he had always expressed a curiosity with) suggested that he submit as an Extra as a way to get out of the house.
His first "speaking role" was in the critically acclaimed/award winning short film "The Tortured". Since then, Richard has been in a large variety of productions, ranging from television and feature films, music videos and voice-over. He has experienced a large number of roles during that time Principal Actor, Writer, Casting Director, Technical Advisor, Director, Videographer and Editor.
He is also the founder/owner of the Marietta International Film Festival which is held each Fall in Marietta (suburban Atlanta), Georgia.
Dr Richard Tavernaro
Executive Director/Co-Owner of Film Racing
President/CFO of Long Shot Productions
Award-winning Director
Member of the Producers Guild of America
Barbara Garvey Myers is the owner/agent of East Coast Talent Agency. Barbara has worn many hats in the industry, from acting in student and indie films at the University of Virginia to co-writing and producing a web TV series to helping with casting and more. While her official career was in public relations, marketing and fund raising, she spent her “free time” producing/directing musical theatre, summer acting camps and a performing arts troupe for over a decade. Her dedication to the arts, combined with numerous philanthropic endeavors, lead to winning the prestigious Heart of the Community Award in Northwest Georgia. She has been a Trustee for Georgia Highlands College (a division of the University system of Georgia), President of the FPC Medical Alliance, Regional VP for Medical Alliance of Georgia and served on the boards of dozens of charities, including Heart Association, Dogwood Ball, etc. She has published articles in several magazines, danced in two Dance Marathons, and trained for two years in order to serve as an Envoy at the 1996 Olympic Games. Almost a decade ago, an agency owner friend offered her the opportunity to purchase a small kids-only agency, Coastal Talent Kids. Within two years, Barbara bought out her partner and began recruiting adult talent evolving into East Coast Talent, representing clients of all ages across the entire southeast to meet the burgeoning demands of the rapidly growing TV/film industry. Her clients can be seen on all the major networks and in feature films, including The Walking Dead, Halt & Catch Fire, Mockingjay, Devious Maids, Sleepy Hollow, Anchorman 2 and hundreds more. In addition to being the Owner/Agent of ECT, Barbara continues to be involved in producing and helping with independent film projects as her time allows.
Barbara Garvey
Co-Owner of Film Racing
Owner and Agent - East Coast Talent Agency