Exclusive Interview: Pop Culturalist Chats with Tina Marie McCulloch

Tina Marie McCulloch is one of the top casting directors in the biz, paving the way for the next generation of up-and-comers ready to make their mark on the industry. From starting her career off as an actor herself, Tina shares the lessons she’s learned on her journey thus far and how she made the transition into casting.

PC: How did you get started in the industry?
Tina: I started out as an actor before moving into casting.

PC: Who or what has had the biggest influence on your career?
Tina: My mom, a cancer survivor, and my older brother, who passed away from colon cancer.

PC: You’re one of the top casting directors in the industry. What’s one thing you know now that you wish you knew when you started your career?
Tina: You aren’t supposed to know everything, and to grow, you have to make mistakes.

PC: Tell us about founding Tina Marie Casting. How did that come to fruition?
Tina: I started out as an actor, and through that process, I found I didn’t like waiting for an agent to make things happen for me. I also saw a vast need for new talent to be seen. I wanted to allow the more unknown actors to break into the industry without waiting for years to get into the audition room.

PC: You built this business from the ground up without any connections. What’s been the biggest lesson you’ve learned on that journey?
Tina: Don’t compromise who you are and your self-respect. Just because you’re new and trying to build a business does not mean you should take on every project. If it doesn’t feel right, you have every right to say no.

PC: You’re also a frontline worker. Have you been able to draw any parallels between your two careers?
Tina: You have to lead with compassion when working in health care, so I also hold those ethics with my business. You never know what people are going through, so when an actor walks into my room and isn’t on their game, I make sure how I react will not have a negative impact on them.

Pop Culturalist Speed Round

PC: Guilty pleasure TV show?
Tina: Selling Sunset Season 2.

PC: Guilty pleasure movie?
Tina: Evil Dead 3.

PC: Favorite book?
Tina: A House in the Sky.

PC: Favorite play or musical?
Tina: The Merchant of Venice.

PC: A band or artist that fans would be surprised to learn is on your playlist?
Tina: Eazy-E.

PC: Who would play you in the story of your life?
Tina: Maggie Siff.

To keep up with Tina, follow her on Instagram.