Today we’d like to introduce you to Taylor Harris.
Hi Taylor, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I majored in marketing and logistics in college. I wasn’t sure exactly what I wanted to do, which was stressful for me, especially as graduation got closer and closer.
I have always been someone who checks things off of a list and follows a path, but no one except me could tell me what to do with my life. One night, I was venting about this to my parents, and they told me that the world changes so much that I would probably end up doing something I’ve never even thought of, which, spoiler alert, turned out to be true!
I started out processing college loans at Edfinancial Services, which was such a fun employer. I eventually moved to a position in show and inventory planning at Jewelry Television, and that was my first job in television. I worked my way up managing inventory and planning products for their shows and really honed my analytical, problem solving, and people skills. After several years at Jewelry Television, I became the casting director at Red Arrow Industries, which is where I am now. We’re a production company located here in Knoxville, TN, and we shoot content all over the US.
We produce short-form content and TV shows, and it’s my responsibility to cast locations and talent for most of our productions! It’s such a fun job that I never would have dreamt up when I was a stressed-out senior in college but one that really suits my strengths, so in the end my parents were right!
Often we shoot in people’s private homes so I get to work with our homeowners, which I love, and I get to work with so many great talent agencies and talent. Red Arrow Industries is very employee-oriented with great company culture, and I love my team. It’s a great place to be!
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle-free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
My parents have always valued education and encouraged me to pursue it. When I was starting out, they always took an interest in what I was doing and what my goals were, and they offered me a lot of professional advice and guidance when I needed it. So in those ways, I’ve been very privileged.
I graduated in the middle of a recession, which was certainly a struggle. It’s difficult to make yourself appealing to an employer much less negotiate wages in that type of environment. It was definitely a time when I had to be focused on making the most of every opportunity I was given and to sharpen all those skills that really transcend job roles and industries – professionalism, being part of a team, working with a wide range of personalities, managing multiple responsibilities and priorities, etc.
You don’t have to be in your dream job to start building the skillset you will eventually need for that role. That was what I tried to stay focused on so that eventually when my next step was ready for me, I would be ready for it.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
As I mentioned before, Red Arrow Industries is a production company located here in Knoxville, TN. We produce short-form content and TV shows, and we shoot all over the US! We shoot a lot of our content right here in Knoxville, and we feature mostly private homes in the area. A lot of our short-form projects come to us through Discovery (HGTV, Food Network, Magnolia, etc.). Many of these are sponsored and feature a product or service that the sponsor is looking to promote.
Sometimes we’re looking to do an update in a home and sometimes we’re just looking for a home to use as a backdrop for a shoot. People submit photos of their homes to us, and we reach out about any projects that might be a great fit for their spaces! As casting director, I manage this database and correspond with our homeowners about upcoming projects that might be of interest to them, and I cast talent for a wide range of projects as well! We’re always looking for homeowners who might be interested in having their homes considered for future opportunities. Anyone interested can reach out to me at casting@redarrowindustries.com!
Our team really prides itself on telling compelling stories. Whether it’s about a brand or a person, the stories are at the center of everything. Red Arrow Industries also takes its responsibility to its employees, crew, clients, talent, and everyone we work with seriously. Treating people well and doing things right is really central to the company’s philosophy.
Do you have recommendations for books, apps, blogs, etc?
My favorite podcasts are Ologies, Science vs. This American Life, and Today Explained. None of them are industry-related, but they’re all great listening!
Contact Info:
- Email: casting@redarrowindustries.com
- Website: https://redarrowindustries.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/redarrowindust/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RedArrowIndustries
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/redarrowindust
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/redarrowindustries
