Casting in the advertising and film industries is an art form that is rarely given the spotlight reflective to how it shapes society. We believe that the success of a project goes beyond simply finding faces to fill roles.
Casting in the advertising and film industries is an art form that is rarely given the spotlight reflective to how it shapes society. We believe that the success of a project goes beyond simply finding faces to fill roles. It's driven by unique personalities, voices, and real-life experiences that give depth and meaning to every story. Since 2020, we've partnered with boutique casting agency In Search Of to connect with diverse talent that reflects these values.
Our collaboration with In Search Of began with casting director Nafisa Kaptownwala for a Nike project, I Am First, a campaign that called for audacious storytelling and untapped talent. Working with Nafisa and In Search Of, co-founder Natalie Lin, we see firsthand their natural gift for street scouting, challenging industry norms, and redefining who gets seen. Working alongside In Search Of, we've been lucky to witness their vision consistently broaden the lens on who belongs in front of the camera, helping turn what once felt unexpected into the new standard. In Search Of recently were responsible for casting the groundbreaking film Didi, directed by Sean Wang largely by street scouting first-time teen actors to tell the semi-autobiographical coming-of-age story.
Sara McDowell, Founder at SEE ME, explains, "Even if it's a still photo, there is always a story we're trying to tell. We don't see these individuals as simply models, sometimes, we are working with street-scouted talent who are genuinely being themselves and not anyone we're asking them to pretend to be, allowing a deeper connection. When we work with them on set, it's more than a role because they're part of the story. This approach is at the heart of what we do with In Search Of, who operate from a place driven by humanity."
As our partnership with In Search Of has grown, so has our admiration for their craft and commitment to connecting deeply with the people they bring to each project. Together, we've collaborated on global campaigns, including an ambitious project for Bumble where In Search Of casted over 70 diverse individuals in cities like New York, Sydney, and Paris.
In Search Of's passion for championing and carving out space for undiscovered and unexpected talent perfectly aligns with SEE ME's own values, and we’re excited about the opportunities ahead. As we look to the future, we remain true to creating human-centered stories that celebrate the unique voices and experiences that only In Search Of can bring to fruition.