tech
December 24, 2025
‘That’s a rare find!’ The casting genius who plucked this year’s biggest TV star out of 600 auditions
From Peaky Blinders to Sherwood, Shaheen Baig has cast some of the best shows on screen. But she struck gold with Owen Cooper for Adolescence – and won an Emmy. How does she spot such game-changing talent?
TL;DR
- Shaheen Baig won an Emmy for best casting for the series "Adolescence."
- The casting process for "Adolescence" involved a six-month targeted search in the north of England, including street casting and reviewing 600 audition tapes.
- Owen Cooper, who was 14 at the time of filming, was discovered by Baig and delivered a revelatory performance in his first role.
- Baig emphasizes that casting is a collaborative effort requiring significant skill and is now receiving more industry recognition.
- She is involved with Open Door, an organization that helps aspiring actors from underprivileged backgrounds access opportunities in the performing arts.
- Baig advocates for a more representative industry and has been involved in casting numerous other projects, including "Black Mirror" and "Peaky Blinders."
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