Who Do I Submit To for a Project That’s Already Casting — Even Without a Breakdown?

By The Up-To-Date Actor, July 28, 2025

You’ve done your research.
You know a project is in production.
You’re the right type for the world.
There’s no breakdown posted... but you don’t want to sit around and wait for one.

So what do you do?

Welcome to the art of the “Specific General Submission.”

It’s one of the smartest — and most underused — tools in an actor’s marketing kit. It’s proactive, it’s professional, and when done well, it can open doors before a role even becomes available.

But the #1 question actors ask when sending one is:

“Who is the best person to submit to? The casting director? An associate? The assistant? All of them?”

Let’s break it down.

What Is a “Specific General Submission”?

Unlike a traditional general submission (which is about introducing yourself to a casting office in a broad, open-ended way), a specific general submission is targeted to one project that is actively casting.

You’re not submitting for a posted role. Instead, you’re saying:

“I know you’re casting this project. Here’s why I’m a strong match for the world, tone, and type — and I’d love to be considered for any appropriate future roles.”

This kind of submission shows awareness, confidence, and a working actor’s mindset.

For more information on a "Specific General Submission" check out our previous blogs:

Who Should You Submit To?

Here’s the insider perspective on how to approach your email.

1. Casting Associate – Your Top Target

Why?
Associates are deeply involved in the day-to-day casting of a project. They help organize sessions, review submissions, and suggest talent to the CD. They’re often the ones pulling options for roles that haven’t been publicly posted yet.

Best case scenario:
They see your materials, recognize your fit, and flag you for an upcoming role before it’s released.

Pro tip:
Keep it professional and personalized — mention the project by name, how you found out about it, and clearly articulate why you’d be a good fit.

2. Casting Assistant – The Underrated Ally

Why?
Assistants manage the casting inbox, organize materials, and are often the first line of contact. A thoughtful, well-formatted submission may get forwarded internally — especially if your materials are relevant and polished.

Consider Cc’ing them on your email to the associate, especially if the casting office is high-volume.

3. Casting Director – Strategic, But Use Sparingly

Why?
CDs oversee the entire project and make final casting decisions. However, they are usually not the first person reviewing unsolicited emails — especially during a busy casting season.

If you have a relationship or referral, you can consider including them. Otherwise, lead with the associate and assistant, where you’re more likely to make an impression.

Should You Submit to Everyone?

No. Do not blast your email to the entire office individually.

No — don’t send separate emails to every individual in the office.

In large casting offices, projects are often handled by a specific team. If there are three or more casting directors assigned to a project, it’s appropriate to address your submission collectively (e.g., “Dear Law & Order: SVU Casting Team”) and send one email to the team, with all relevant contacts included in the same message.

If there are only one or two casting directors working on the project, feel free to address them both by name (e.g., “Dear Susan and Joy”).

Blasting the same message to everyone in the office — especially in separate emails — comes across as impersonal, disorganized, and potentially desperate. Be strategic and respectful with your outreach.

What to Include in Your Specific General Submission

A strong project-specific general submission is concise, strategic, and tailored to the tone and needs of the production. You’re not just introducing yourself — you’re demonstrating why you belong in that world.

Here’s what your cover letter should include:

Your Cover Letter Should:

Start with a strong subject line that reads like a character breakdown (e.g., Matlock Casting: 50s+, Spunky, Comedian, Gossiping Grandma)
Name the project and why you're a strong fit for its world, tone, or character types
Mention a referral if you have one — keep it brief but clear
Highlight your casting type and bookability (recent work, training, special skills)
Include embedded links to your reel, headshot/resume, casting profiles, and self-tapes
Close with confidence — express excitement and interest in future consideration

Example subject lines:

Matlock Casting: 50s+, Spunky, Comedian, Gossiping Grandma
Creed III: SAG/35-45/Bilingual/Athletic/Boxer/Gritty/Sensual
Abbott Elementary: Lesson plans in hand for this 60+ Comedic Actress/Real-Life Educator

Use language that instantly paints a picture and helps the reader mentally place you in their show.

Why This Matters

In today’s fast-paced casting world, not every role goes out publicly. Many co-stars, day players, and even recurring roles get filled from existing knowledge, past auditions, and targeted actor submissions that land at the right time.

By submitting with care and intention — and directing your message to the right person — you dramatically increase the chances of being called in when that role does open up.

Final Thoughts

Your submission doesn’t need to be long — but it does need to be smart.

Do your homework.
Submit to the associate first.
Respect the assistant’s role.
Use the CD's inbox judiciously.
Make your email relevant, clear, and easy to process.

You never know who’s watching a project build and thinking, “We’ll need someone just like that in Episode 4.”

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