THE PROJECT
Secure mobile app and platform for managing and sending actor auditions.
Backlot Casting was created to solve a real problem in the entertainment industry. Actors needed a secure, fast way to send self-taped auditions to agents and producers without worrying about leaks, broken links, or manual follow-ups.
We were brought in by Gabriel Hogan to build the product from the ground up, from concept and UX to mobile app development and supporting infrastructure.
PROJECT OVERVIEW
Designing a secure, actor-first audition workflow
Backlot was designed as a complete product ecosystem, not just an app. The goal was to give actors and their representatives a simple, secure way to manage auditions while removing friction from a process that’s traditionally chaotic and time-sensitive.
1.
The Challenge
The audition process is highly fragmented and vulnerable. Self-tapes are often shared via unsecured links, emails, or file-sharing services, creating risks around privacy, ownership, and leaks.
Backlot needed to handle video uploads, profiles, permissions, and sharing securely while remaining fast and easy to use.
2.
Our Approach
We treated Backlot as a full product, starting with user flows and real-world casting scenarios. UX decisions focused on speed and clarity, allowing actors and agents to send complete audition packages in seconds.
Security was built into the workflow from the start, not added as an afterthought.
3.
The Solution
A native mobile app paired with a supporting web platform that allows actors to upload self-tapes, resumes, demo reels, and photos, then securely send them to agents and producers with a single action.
Recipients can securely stream, download, forward, or manage auditions without exposing files publicly. Profiles, permissions, and content are all managed within the platform.
4.
Results
A purpose-built casting tool that streamlined the audition process while addressing a long-standing industry concern around privacy and security. Backlot demonstrated how thoughtful product design and UX can simplify complex workflows without sacrificing trust.
This project reflects our approach to product strategy and UX, designing platforms around real user pain points rather than features alone.
