horizonCAST.com blog

April Pilot moves to May/June

As if scheduling a "normal" production isn't difficult enough, add an entirely new "interactive interface" to the matrix. . .decide that until the technology makes it through QA the production dates can't be locked. . .and, a few script changes are going to be inevitable to "fit" with the interactive elements (not just because the dialogue needs a punch-up). . .

Basically, "April" becomes "May" (or, to be safe: "May/June"), allowing us to keep casting open for the Pilot a bit longer.  While there are some really strong auditions, this also gives Members time to submit second-takes or replace their original audition video with another if they prefer.  So, we're waiting on the technology to come out of the lab so we can get new dates.  We'll keep Members informed and updated by email as well, but, wanted to get a quick post in here.

Alternate Screening Site for Online Auditions

http://horizoncast.com is expanding the web presence for it's Talent through the VodSpot widgets (seen on this blog and on site) as well as at:

http://horizoncast.vodspot.tv/

This will help with Search Optimization as well as general expanded presence across new networks.  While we believe in targeted, personalized casting -- there is that old "stumbled across" thing that happens too!

horizonCAST moving out of Beta

We know, we know, we keep saying we're about to move out of Beta...

Well, we've put off the date as we try out new features and consider the pluses and minuses of a split "Basic" v. "Premium" membership model.   But, we're finally about to lock off the initial trial period.  We do like seeing how Talent are submitting multiple "takes" for the same role -- it's giving us a much better idea of your range and skills.  We're looking forward to more "live" video readings in the next few weeks.

We've also considered how different this process is than the typical online search or submission of headshots.  It's much harder to separate videos than it is to create piles of headshots into "yes" "no" and "maybe."  In fact, we can see how unfair that headshot triage process can be.  Sometimes, the most fabulous slick headshot goes to the "no" pile because personality seems airbrushed out (looks like a thousand others, etc.).  The video auditions, even with flaws, exude personality.  We think it's great and look forward to adding more projects and seeing more of your work.

Online Talent Auditions - Creating Value

This is really a follow-up to the "comparison" post of a few days ago.  As we continue to refine our product and services, the question that surfaces at least 3x per hour from someone in the office is:  "Is that really a valuable feature for actors?"  Variations on the theme include, "What valuable feature can we provide that no one else does?"

We also look deeply at a range of tools and technologies we can bring to bear in this space -- particularly, as we move toward real-time communication and more personal service.  But, end of the day (which it almost is!), in order to best simulate a "real casting environment," we need to rely on people, brains, experience -- not tech tools -- the tools can help us build a more robust platform and streamline communication channels, but, they won't be the answer to "what provides value?" for the Talent Membership.  The real value we see is that we're connecting Talent with specific Roles and allowing Talent to control their performance while having direct contact with Casting Directors and Producers.

Online Casting Service - Comparisons

http://horizonCAST.com was recently relaunched in Beta to serve as an online casting audition portal for two pending Series in 2009, and if successful, we'd expand to handle more productions.   In the process of re-launching the site and getting initial feedback, we've been looking at the Talent sites and portals that already exist and considering what we think works best for actors and what may be missing in the current mix?

Most actor registries and aggregated casting notice boards appear to have been built back in the Web 1.0 world.  They provide for generic "search" but don't appear to provide direction/feedback or allow Talent to present themselves for a specific project.  We all know that during a 'live audition' the value is that the Talent can adapt and position themselves to feature unique qualities they believe the Casting Director, Director and Producers are seeking.  And, for better or for worse, they can get feedback that will help them in their overall quest. . .

As we assess expanding our efforts to build out a platform that adds value to both Talent and Productions, the main items we're looking at are (a) providing personal and direct feedback for Talent and (b) allowing Talent to uniquely present themselves for specific auditions.

What are your thoughts?  Comments are opened upon this. . .

REVISED Steps to become a Member and Submit Online Audition

Hope this helps. . .

1.  Read the Monologues provided at http://horizonCAST.com -- choose your character and role you want to audition for.

2.    Complete the MEMBERSHIP Form at http://horizonCAST.com (DON'T UPLOAD VIDEO YET!)

    -  You will receive your Unique Membership ID number

3.  Video your performance

    -    PREMIUM MEMBERS are encouraged to submit  multiple 'takes' and choose your best 'take' or show us 2x "takes" to see your range and interpretation of a character

4.  Upload your video to your own YouTube account or our http://horizonCAST.com AUDITION SCREENINGS page.

    -      INCLUDE your MEMBERSHIP ID in the Title or Description of your video

5.    Until Beta Launch ends, that's it, voila!  DO NOT PROCEED to Payment Gateway, because there's no charge for the Basic Membership.  During "Beta" we are evaluating PREMIUM MEMBERSHIP features, including "live video" readings between members at distant locations, with Producer or Casting Director attending.

New Online Auditions Site Launch - March 2009

horizonCAST.com has been revamped, relaunched and reincarnated (finally).  We are using a new video sharing/community site tool from FLIGGO for the next round of online casting.  We're hopeful that it will be a great solution (and, easier to use than our prior platform).

In "Day One" we've found Talent who submit the Registration Form without a Video; and, those who've submitted a Video without the Registration Form.  It is a two step process.  But, we'll try to make the interface more intuitive if we keep seeing this pattern.

It's been interesting to see how others have been using the online audition space -- now including 20th Century Fox.  Having been at this for nearly three years, we know it can find new and unique Talent who might never make it to an audition in a specific City at a specific time.

Online Casting for Original Internet/Interactive Television

horizonCAST.com was first launched in 2007.  But, it's gone through a lot of evolution and was stripped down to it's bones and re-launched in 2009.  Please check back soon for updates on our new online casting for internet and interactive video projects.