Tisha Blood’s first involvement in the film industry was as an extra on Oliver Stone’s “Born on the Fourth of July,” which kicked off a career behind the scenes—from craft services to production coordinator to extras casting, and culminating now as casting director at Dallas-based Buffalo Casting, where she has been for 19 years. We chatted with Blood and her colleague Matthew West Taylor about what’s trending in Texas right now, casting-wise, what they look for in an audition, and what you should do before you walk through that door.
What kind of work do you specialize in?
Taylor: Buffalo Casting primarily casts for commercial and print in Texas. We also cast independent films when our schedule allows. As far as types of talent or roles, we work with both represented talent and perform real-person searches to help bring in a specific client request or authenticity to a project.
What’s hot right now in the Texas market for casting?
Blood: Comedic talent. It’s the one thing that is a consistent request for commercial and film. We are always looking for comedic actors with improv skills and experience.
Taylor: We’re seeing an increased demand for real-world situations like mixed-ethnicity families, disabled individuals, and same-sex families—finally.
Describe the ideal relationship between a casting director and an actor.
Taylor: I can’t speak to anyone else, but at Buffalo Casting, Tisha and I strive to create a friendly, relaxed atmosphere in order to create a more collaborative and creative experience. We really love what we do. We want the actors to succeed and we want to get their best performance for our clients.
What’s your advice for actors before they walk through the door to audition?
Blood: Treat the audition process like it matters to you. Read the entire breakdown and look for context. If you are auditioning for a film, find out as much information as possible about the project. Read the script, watch other films by the director. If you are auditioning for a commercial, research the director andthe client. Look at the client’s recent commercials and watch the director’s reel to understand their style. Get familiar with the brand and the tone. Understand the concept before you walk through the door. Ask to see storyboards and the script and read them.
Taylor: And be off book. If you prepare, you’ll be less nervous at auditions.
READ: “5 Mindsets to Avoid Before an Audition”
What makes the most favorable impression on you when seeing an actor for the first time?
Taylor: Professionalism. Come in the room camera-ready, hit your mark, and be ready to roll. Don’t enter fumbling with your car keys, explaining how you left your headshot at home, or having to silence your phone. [And don’t place] all your stuff on the director’s table and in their personal space. Things like this leave a bad impression on everyone in the room and detracts from your performance. Leave all that outside.
Blood: Be aware of your space in the room. Listen more than you talk. Be flexible and ready to make adjustments to everything that is being asked of you.
What’s one piece of advice you want to impress upon actors today?
Taylor: It’s really competitive, but don’t be discouraged. Everyone has their bad auditions; laugh at yourself and move on. If you follow the above, you may not get the part, but you’ll be invited back for another audition.
Blood: Oh yes! And don’t come to the audition if you aren’t available for the shoot dates!
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