Networking app BeScene launches today, offering a Tinder-like experience for filmmakers and other creators, including actors, animators, cinematographers, costume designers, directors, editors, producers, production assistants, script coordinators, and writers. and help build connections within entertainment. industry.
Breaking into the film and media field has always been difficult, and many companies (Staff Me Up, Backstage, Mandy, ProductionHUB) have built specialized career sites to help streamline the process. But BeScene doesn't just want to serve users with years of experience, it also wants to cater to low-budget, student, and up-and-coming filmmakers who may find it difficult to make connections.
“Our goal is to democratize 'entering the industry' by providing access to those who don't normally have access,” founder and CEO George Armistead told TechCrunch. “In 2024, no one should be shut out of their dreams because they didn't go to a fancy film school or live in Los Angeles or New York. This app is a strategic entry point for old-school Hollywood. It’s something that can remove barriers.”
“We don't block people from joining our community just because they're not part of the 'Circle.' All talented professionals have to start somewhere. We want to help talented people get where they want to be by making the hardest part of film, growing their network, a little easier,” Armistead added.
The company also believes it stands out because it introduces a swipe right/swipe left mechanism for professional networking.
“Simplicity and familiarity allow each user to find what they need in a fast and meaningful way through real-life relationships,” says Armistead.
BeScene isn't alone in this idea. Former Tinder executives tried a similar strategy in 2018 with a networking app called Ripple. Ripple matches experts using the familiar swipe mechanism. Popular dating app Bumble also has a separate section dedicated to professional connections. His HUSSLUP, another like-minded networking app for the film industry, also has a swipe feature, but is more integrated with LinkedIn to provide job search and posting functionality.
Image credits: B-scene
BeScene offers a simplified interface with just three features: an in-app messenger, a section to discover new connections, and a separate page to track established networks. You can also see who has requested a connection and send an invitation link to friends in your contacts.
The app includes photos of members, their job titles, and the types of projects they are interested in, such as short films, feature films, student films, documentaries, plays, music videos, episodic TV, reality TV, social content, or commercials. You can filter by role, project, location, and distance preferences. It also shows interconnections, allowing you to learn about their network and how it intersects with yours. The app then asks members to choose whether to skip or connect. If both users want a link, the app will notify you of a match.
Setting up a profile is easy, and you don't need to have a career in the film industry, so there's no need to link to an IMDb page to prove your credits, and there's no option to upload your resume or actors. Reel or portfolio. While this is good news for aspiring filmmakers looking to break into the industry, it requires additional research to vet the person, which can result in a disjointed experience. .
Users can report or block other users if they feel that someone is violating BeScene's terms, and our team will review and terminate accounts if we deem it appropriate. There is a possibility.
As the company builds its product over time, it may also develop other features such as an explore page, a feed of posts, and the ability to create groups/communities. Armistead said in-app purchases and “other standard mobile app revenue streams” will be added in the future. Additionally, BeScene also plans to serve other careers in media, such as content creators, musicians, and athletes.
BeScene is available for free download on iOS and Android devices in the US and Canada. The company hopes to “expand quickly” into other markets, Armistead said. As of last week, more than 7,200 people were on the waiting list.
Armistead founded Reel Call in 2021 with fellow University of Southern California alumna Francesca Aiasa-Hernandez to address this networking issue in the film industry. This platform allowed Armistead to test the market and its user base.
“We see talented filmmakers struggling to find both crew and talent for their projects, even from top-ranked schools like USC. , it was an eye-opener for me. Compared to most other industries, that process seemed outdated and inefficient. We created a fun side project to address this issue. “We launched ReelCall (company name and web app MVP) to bring in the latest technology and methodologies to save time and effort during the pre-production staffing and casting stages of a film,” he said. I will explain. .
“We quickly realized that simply creating an updated, modern casting platform was just one part of a larger problem. We encourage all creators in the film industry to find their network, “This is a more sustainable approach to consistent work and careers than industry standard job sites,” Armistead added.
BeScene has not yet raised any outside funding, but has raised $250,000 from friends and family in 2022. We are currently considering a pre-seed round.