Return engagement
The Coen brothers are coming back to New Mexico to film a TV western series
The rumors are true. The Coen Brothers are coming back to New Mexico. According to a casting call from Elizabeth Gabel, “The Ballad of Buster Scruggs” will hold an open casting call from 1-5 p.m. May 21, at Far Horizon Studio, 304 Washington SE in Albuquerque.
“The Ballad of Buster Scruggs,” which will shoot in the Santa Fe Area, is an anthology western following six different story lines.
Westerns aren’t foreign for the duo. They return to the Land of Enchantment, where they filmed the Oscar-nominated “True Grit” and the Oscar winner “No Country for Old Men.” This is the duo’s first time directing for TV. According to Gabel, the production is looking for New Mexico talent to play frontiersmen, prairie folk, pioneers, horse riders (especially Native American riders). It is also searching for men with beards and facial hair of all kinds, women with long hair (not obviously dyed hair, no highlights), and children of all ages. These are paid positions, Gabel said. Interested people can come any time between 1-5 p.m. to get a photo taken and meet with the extras casting director.
“We encourage those who are interested to begin growing hair and facial hair now,” the release said. The project begins shooting in July. If you cannot make the casting call, register at egcasting.com or send a recent photo with height, weight and phone number to castingabq@gmail.com.
Gabel, from such projects as “Logan,” “Lone Survivor,” “The Lone Ranger,” “Hell or High Water” and “Sicario,” will conduct the casting call.