In order to get the best possible cast they could, the producers held a unique audition, instead of having the potential cast read off of a script, they were asked a series of questions and were asked to answer them as their character. Originally, Steve Carell was committed to another NBC show, the show was quickly cancelled so he could commit the show completely. Four of the cast members had the opportunity to write for the show; B.J. Novak, who was discovered by Daniels while he was doing his stand-up act, Paul Lieberstein, Mindy Kaling, and Micheal Schur who guest stars as Dwight’s cousin Mose. John Kraniniski and Jenna Fischer were unknown until they debuted on The Office as Jim and Pam, Fischer prepared for the role by looking as boring
