The Golden Question: How does an actor get 'discovered' by a Casting Director?
As an Emmy nominated Casting Director and after three decades in the biz, the same question is asked at every event I attend.
"How do you 'discover' actors?"
Well, first off, I do not like the word 'discover'. It takes many, many people believing in an actor (you) and many years of craft study to amount to what the media may deem a 'discovery'. It's a buzz word, and it's a facade. It never truly happens overnight.
So, I'll rephrase the question.
What are the best keys to helping casting directors 'find' or 'think of' an actor for a particular role or project?
Actors, do these 2 things.
Do good work.
Be easily found.
To prove this point, here is my process of finding actors:
Brainstorming. When reading a script for the first time, the descriptions of the roles combined with their action and dialogue cause me to think of specific actor's essences and faces I already know well. When I’m walking or on an errand, actors continue to pop into my head.
Recall. I dig into what I have watched, seen, and looked at lately (and sometimes the distant past). Casting directors are visual thinkers and images stick. Maybe an actor was in a commercial that ran for years or maybe you just popped up on a show I was bingeing yesterday. Maybe you have a YouTube channel that my kid was watching and I heard your voice.
By association. Those names and faces from #1 & #2 are a springboard. "Oh that guy from that show was wearing a sweater that reminds me of an audition from s1 of Turn: Washington Spies that I really liked". And then I go find that audition and actor.
Past projects and auditions. When we've cast a similar role for another project, we look back at the lists and the auditions to see if anyone is appropriate for this new role.
Submissions. Agents and managers do soooo much good work on your behalf by submitting your headshot for every role (sometimes several) you are 'right' for. We dive into submissions and cull through all the ideas presented. NOTE: If you have already been 'thought of' by the casting director, the submission from you or your agent confirms that you are available for this role/project and makes it easier for us to invite you to audition.
Pitches. Sometimes an agent, a manager, or someone I already have a relationship with in the biz reaches out and recommends you for a role.
Being open to magic. In art, there are no accidents. Anything and everything is possible, anytime.
In conclusion...
All of the above have one common theme...an actor will be noticed, remembered, and thought of when their good work is out in the world.