Crucial Casting
A Design For Filmmakers to find the perfect cast
I began my research for this application by interviewing 5 independent filmmakers in Los Angeles. All those interviewed expressed a great need to be able to cast from a pool of networked talent. In my research of existing casting services, none currently showcase this solution. The need for a service that encompassed the entirety of the casting process was widely vocalized. I found that the filmmakers held about 90% of the same needs.
"I want to have a database with actors current information, reel,
photos, etc. so I can book them from that."
The persona created was in line with those interviewed. The respondents showed a deep passion for filmmaking and had an eagerness to create the best story possible by finding the best talent possible. They all deeply cared for each of their projects.
Pain Points
•Has Difficulty keeping network organized
•Difficulty finding quick and easy solution to cast talent
•Difficulty keeping talent committed on low budget projects
•Time consuming viewing inappropriate talent
Behaviors:
•Passion projects alongside survival job
•Shoots projects on the weekends
•Eagerness to converse
With the given data, I then asked,
How Might We?:
Organize a networked talent pool?
Customize the way submissions are viewed?
Cast directly from the database?
Sift potential hires based on talent?
Incentivize talent to stay committed to little to no budget productions?
I researched some of the existing casting sites to see how the industry is currently casting projects.
Concurrently, I dove into Fantasy Football Applications because building a roster is very similar to building a cast.
I then determined the most logical path for our users to take to accomplish the goal of casting their projects.
From there, I created the low fidelity wireframes.
After the initial user testing, I implemented the feedback of adding collaborators and a larger view of submissions. The final high fidelity wireframes exhibit clarity and an easily executable casting process.
Results/ Takeaways/Reflection
Collaboration
Filmmaking takes a team. The insight for this need from the application was an exciting addition.
Accessibility
Having the ability to go from web to mobile in a seamless way is key for casting on the go. Viewing talent, sending sides, and booking talent are all easily done.
Accountability
This feature was well received. Knowing who you are working with is very helpful, especially on lower budget and smaller projects.