NMFO: Angelique, We're so excited to have you join us today.
AM: Thanks for having me! It's a pleasure to be here.
NMFO: Your journey in the film industry is quite a story! It sounds like you stumbled into this world by chance. Can you tell us how you found your way to casting?
AM: It is a funny story! My husband always says everyone has their unique way of entering the film industry – there's no single path. And that was true for me. I never imagined I'd end up working in film! I was in my gap year from college, browsing the newspaper, and saw this ad for a young woman who could ride horses. I thought it was a job at a ranch!
It was a total surprise, but I ended up getting the part—it was for a foreign film shooting in Santa Fe. After that, I got caught up in the whole auditioning thing and even got an agent for a bit, but acting wasn't really for me.
NMFO: So, how did you go from being in front of the camera to behind the scenes as a casting director?
AM: It's all thanks to a casting director I kept seeing at auditions, Teresa Neptune. She offered me a job as an assistant, and that's how I met my fantastic mentor, Jo Edna Bolden. That experience opened my eyes to the world of casting. I realized I loved finding the right people to bring characters to life.
NMFO: Speaking of finding the right people, you have a real talent for discovering actors, especially in underrepresented communities. Can you tell us about your work on projects like "Reservation Dogs" and "Rez Ball"?
AM: Those projects were so special. For "Reservation Dogs," we found incredible actors who had never acted before, and they brought so much authenticity to their roles. It was the same with "Rez Ball" – we cast many local actors from the Navajo Nation, and their genuine connection to the story made it shine. It's incredibly rewarding to give people those opportunities and see them blossom.
NMFO: That's wonderful to hear. And it sounds like those experiences have shaped your approach to casting. You mentioned earlier that you try to put yourself in the actor's shoes. Can you elaborate on that?
AM: Absolutely. Having been on the other side of the casting table, I know how nerve-wracking auditions can be. I try to make the process as comfortable and supportive as possible. I want actors to feel confident and empowered to bring their best selves to the audition.
NMFO: That's a great perspective. And speaking of empowering actors, you've done some incredible work casting for projects that tell diverse stories and feature underrepresented communities. What are some of the unique aspects of casting for those types of projects?
AM: It's truly an honor to work on projects that showcase the diversity of New Mexico and give a voice to underrepresented communities. It's not just about finding talented actors; it's about finding authentic voices that resonate with the stories being told. It's about creating opportunities for people who might not otherwise have them.
NMFO: Absolutely. And you've been incredibly successful at that. You've cast for everything from gritty dramas to heartwarming comedies. What are some of the challenges and rewards of casting for such a wide range of genres?
AM: Every project is a new adventure! It's always exciting to dive into a new world and find the perfect actors to bring those characters to life. The challenge is to stay open-minded and find talent in unexpected places. Sometimes, the most authentic performances come from people who have never acted before.
NMFO: That's a great point. And speaking of authentic performances, congratulations on your recent Artios Award nomination for "The Curse"! Can you tell us a bit about the casting process for that series?
AM: "The Curse" was an intense but incredibly rewarding experience. The filmmakers were adamant about casting authentically, which meant finding many actors and non-actors from New Mexico. We had an amazing casting director team, and we hit the streets, going to places like Walmart and Home Depot to find people with unique personalities and stories.
NMFO: Wow, that's dedication! It sounds like you went above and beyond to find the perfect cast.
AM: We did! And it paid off. The cast brought such authenticity and depth to the series. It's a testament to our incredible talent in New Mexico.
NMFO: Speaking of incredible talent, you've also cast for "American Primeval," which just premiered on Netflix. What was that experience like?
AM: "American Primeval" was another amazing project that showcased the diversity of New Mexico's talent pool. The director, Peter Berg, wanted a raw and authentic feel, and we were able to find incredible actors who truly embodied the spirit of the characters. It was a challenging shoot, but the results are stunning.
NMFO: You have a real knack for finding the hidden gems in New Mexico's acting community. What advice would you give to aspiring actors in the state?
AM: Be yourself! Authenticity is key. Don't try to be someone you're not. Embrace your unique qualities and let your genuine self shine through. And don't be afraid to put yourself out there – attend open casting calls, take classes, and network with other filmmakers.
NMFO: That's excellent advice. And what about filmmakers considering coming to New Mexico to cast their projects? What would you tell them?
AM: Come with an open mind and be prepared to be amazed! New Mexico has so much to offer, from diverse locations to a talented and passionate film community. We can help you find the perfect cast to bring your vision to life.
NMFO: We couldn't agree more! Before we wrap up, are there any exciting projects on the horizon that you can share with us?
AM: I'm excited about "Ransom Canyon," which we filmed last year. It will be released on Netflix soon, and I can't wait for people to see it. It's a thrilling story with a fantastic cast.
NMFO: We'll be keeping an eye out for that one! Angelique, this has been a fantastic conversation. Thank you so much for sharing your insights and experiences with us. Before we let you go, is there anything else you'd like to add?
AM: I want to tell all aspiring actors: Don't give up on your dreams! Casting directors are on your side. We want to see you succeed. Every audition is an opportunity to learn and grow, so embrace the process and keep honing your craft.
NMFO: How can people get a hold of you, learn more about you, or get in touch with you for casting if they want to be considered for something?
AM: I have Facebook and Instagram pages where we do a ton of casting.
NMFO: That's such an important message. Thank you again, Angelique, for joining us today. It was a pleasure speaking with you.
AM: Thank you for having me! It was a lot of fun.