Casting explained: it's just like Wordle (actors, this is for you)

I played the NYT Wordle game today.

As I was searching for the appropriate letters, their nuanced placement, and the correct sequence to create the magic of seeing them all together as the word of the day, I was struck by the fact that...

I was in the thick of my casting process.

After 30+ years as a casting director, I've been asked thousands of times: How do you select the right actors for the job among the thousands of actors submitted?

Wordle is a simplistic way to explain the intangible process of casting.

Just begin.

In wordle, you have to begin somewhere - usually by strategically trying a word.

In casting, you have to begin somewhere - usually by strategically selecting actors from your own brainstorm lists as well as from agent submissions and pitches.

The narrowing down.

In wordle, you have 26 letters to choose from, so establishing the right letter and then the right place takes discernment and a handful of tries.

In casting, there are thousands of actors for roles, so establishing the actors that fit the world of the project, then the appropriate role (if there is one) takes discernment and time.

You will receive clues.

In wordle, you receive feedback throughout the process. There are 3 filters.

• The correct letter is in the correct place

• You have the correct letter but in the wrong place

• You've selected the wrong letter for the word of the day

In casting, you receive feedback throughout the process. There are 3 main filters.

• My own CD taste and interpretation of the tone & vision of the project.

• Director and producer comments and discussion.

• Studio and network input.

The magic when all falls into place.

The journey is worth it. Every time.

In wordle, you have the satisfaction of green letters making a perfect word. Ahhhhh.

In casting, you feel the artistic joy of having assembled an ensemble of actors who breathe life into and move the project forward. Whooooooo!

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