'Drag Race,' 'Queer Eye,' and 'Top Chef' Casting Directors on Finding Inspiring Candidates for Reality Shows

Positive and uplifting stories are popular with audiences. That's what this year's Emmy-nominated casting directors for Outstanding Casting for a Reality TV Show looked for when casting their respective shows.

To get these positive stories, honesty and authenticity were key. Combined, these series have told rich and diverse stories.

"RuPaul's Drag Race"

How does the reigning reality TV champ, 'RuPaul's Drag Race,' continue to raise the bar with each new season of the show?

"The queens themselves continue to raise the bar," says the show's casting director, Goloka Bolte.

The search for the American drag superstar is a year-round process. Bolte explains, "We've 'officially' aired the series for about eight to 10 weeks, between when we announce casting and when final tape submissions are due, but we're keeping an eye out for new talent everywhere. where we're going.Throughout the year, I score queens on TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, attend drag shows, collect recommendations, and keep a running list of those who might be willing to apply. next season."

The show's cast takes on a whole village, from RuPaul to producers to show casting directors Adam Cook and Michelle Redwine. All actively participate in the process. It's not just about celebrating diversity and inclusiveness. Bolte remarks, "We always want to choose queens that not only reflect how the world really looks, but also have a meaningful story to share."

This past season, the show broke new ground in transgender visibility with a record five queens coming out as trans during the season. Bolte says she's so proud of the queens who shared their vulnerability in the Werk Room throughout the season.

"When the queens discuss social and personal experiences such as coming out as trans, relationships with families and different upbringings while creating this beautiful sisterhood, they inspire a younger generation of fans and show the importance of self-love and being their true authentic selves."

"Excellent leader"

Similarly, the "Top Chef" casting team prides itself on seeking out chefs who have "different stories, backgrounds, and backgrounds," says casting director Samantha Hanks.

Ron Mare is Senior Vice President of Casting at Magical Elves, the company that oversees the show's casting. Mare admits finding the next Top Chef is getting harder and harder every year, saying the level of talent he sees during the casting process is high, with drive and a passion to succeed being the main drivers.

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Mare says, "Chefs on the show want to be on the show and compete. It's not necessarily about coming and winning a title. It's about them being able to prove themselves something." thing to themselves."

"Weird Eye"

The casting of Netflix's "Queer Eye" is also becoming increasingly difficult for casting director Danielle Gervais. Every season, she asks herself, “What have we already done? What are some amazing stories we've already told? And then it's "What didn't we do and where didn't we go?"

The show's last season was set in Texas, and the upcoming season will be set in New Orleans. When it comes to finding the show's next location to send the Fab Five to, Gervais says, they look for a city that "feels rich in culture and diversity and probably needs the message."

Gervais believes the success of the series is based on audiences wanting a release and also finding a familiarity in the stories. She says: 'They can turn on the TV, watch a story and at the end of the day you can laugh, cry and see from start to finish this incredible journey of a human being, who may not be like you, but who you can appreciate what they've been through. »

"Lizzo watch out for big grrrls"

Lizzo's reality show about finding dancers to join her on tour has resonated with Television Academy voters, landing six nominations. Casting director Lynne Spillman always knew the show would resonate. In addition to Lizzo being a hitmaker, Spillman says, “I loved meeting the girls, every interview I had got me emotional, but I never could have imagined how beautiful it was all going to be. together on stage with all these girls meeting and everyone being together with their stories.”

"Love on the Spectrum"

Laura Ritchie explains that the casting process for Netflix's "Love on the Spectrum" is different from the traditional casting process because it's a sensitive approach that requires time and attention. Said Ritchie, "It's very much a collaboration between the production team, everyone's contribution is valued. Director and co-creator, Cian O'Clery, and I worked closely on casting and development during more than three months."

Ritchie adds that they never look for anyone to fit into a...