It's always interesting to see what other companies come up with: Take PILOTWARE: "CONTESTANT TRACKER" (which is now no longer listed on their web site). I wonder why Pilot pulled it?

With tens of thousands of applicants for a typical production, this system is a key element in the workflow process. More sophisticated versions interface with a web site to collect and store applicant information. Besides the initial contact information, this system manages the movement through the application process, from ratings to approval, along with status of releases and background checks. Use the system at the main office or on remote auditions where data and photographs can be captured then imported to the main system. This system also serves a key marketing role by collecting and maintaining a database of individuals and specific demographic information that can be repurposed for other projects and campaigns.

There are a few profitable online casting sites focusing upon ACTORS/ARTISTS in front of the camera/on stage (www.lacasting.com and www.talentmatch.com from Seattle). Some try to address the average Joes/Jane's for Reality TV (http://realityauditions.com/ and http://www.realitystars.com/index1.html). Some have a 'via your phone' twist (http://www.instantcast.com/index.asp). There are also a few sites who seek corporate/technology jobs 'behind the digital-camera' (www.mandy.com and http://www.studiolot.com/ and http://www.showbizjobs.com/dsp_jobsearch.cfm and http://www.entertainmentcareers.net). There is even a "secret/underground UTA Job list" that I review weekly (http://www.ihatemylife.us/jobs/). There are also few good CMS sites with decent rss feeds (www.orwellproject.com and www.realityblurred.com etc.) mostly focused upon entertainment industry news, however, not true stand alone businesses since these CMS sites are basically FREE and have no clue what social networking or personal profiles involve; thus not true online communities in my opinion. Others are seeking to profit with online scripts (http://www.soyouwannasellascript.com) and some educate for cash (http://www.sellatvshow.com/index.html). www.myspace.com based in Los Angeles started out as social networking, now they have a strong focus upon uniting members through an emphasis on music (uploads etc.), myspace seems to be taking a great deal of members from www.friendster.com.

The Entertainment Industry is a very close knit, Los Angeles centric group. Traditions are not easily broken; I seek to shatter them.
I've worked open some good doors (www.hrts.org and www.avid.com). So, how to connect AND ORGANIZE the dots to create a sum that is much greater than all of these parts? My theory is that people will pay for the chance to become famous or at least recognized, especially IF there is an online community that CONVENIENTLY allows them to store their APPLICATIONS, and see other APPLICANTS, (a sort of by product; who wouldn't want to date some of these type-A reality TV babe wannabes)?

Once you've applied for one TV show (and no call back) wouldn't it be nice to be able to re-use your extensive application (profile), or simply type up another application/to add to your profile, to apply/market yourself for another TV show or maybe even a better corporate job (Resume Upload -minus contact info) for God's sake? Throw in some serious rss feeds addressing news in the entertainment industry and the technology industry, a listings area, Q&A Forum, and you've got SocialBuzz, something honestly worth a membership. SocialBuzz is a great combination of services that currently does not exist for this industry.

This is the niche I've been researching and making connections where others have not. Marketing these individuals who are in the entertainment industry and those who want to be, both in front of and behind the cameras, all the while giving them a truly interactive community site that encourages everyone to communicate, learn, and hopefully advance. Everything that SocialBuzz must focus upon is usability for the non-technical crowd. Let's face it, actors-being one segment of the membership, need all the help they can get ;-)
1) Personal Profiles require multiple photos-easy uploading and updating (like www.flickr.com). Individual blogs. Private e-mail. IM.

2) A Personal Profile requires multiple (www.orkut.com) sub-profiles, choose ONE as the default. Sub-profiles addresses different needs at different times, such as acting, dating, job search, hanging out, schmoozing, etc? ALSO, another way to view this is from the TELEVISION PERSPECTIVE: For TV it is best to create profiles (text/photos) as an "APPLICATION" for each show?thus a member might wish to create multiple applications for EACH SHOW THEY DESIRE TO BE CONSIDERED?.and each of these applications will become a part of their default profile. Currently when someone is trying out for a show they are creating an individual personal site to market themselves for ONE show (the old 90's way). This guy as taken a step in the right direction by grabbing a few of "The Apprentice" INDIVIDUAL personal SITES out there and bringing them under his umbrella http://www.apprenticewannabes.com/ . The VOTING on members should be an easy feature with drupal!

To start, there will be the STANDARD easy questions that everyone MUST answer as part of the login process. Then a member will want to select the TV SHOW they want to APPLY for, and that show's SPECIFIC application-questionnaire will be provided for them to fill out ONLINE.

What is needed:
MEMBER ROLES:
1) Audience/Lurkers: Posting/Reading/Asking Questions-Delivering Solutions/Assisting
2) Members: Seeking jobs,dates,TV-Film roles, news, and see #1 above.
3) Casting Directors/Corporate Employers/Advertisers: Seeking news/information, profiles, branding opportunities & see #1 above.

1. Member's profiles will be individuals or corporations: login and create first phase (standard-simplistic) member profile. PHOTO uploads must be simplistic and intuitive. Members will add info to their profiles when they desire. Corporate Members will market their brands online within corporate member profiles: Pepsi, DreamWorks, Disney, NBC, CBS, The Rolling Stones, Creed, Coors etc.
2. Members may blog within SocialBuzz. Posting photos within blogs must be more intuitive/simple.
3. Forums are for everyone to ask questions and get solutions. Some questions are free others for a fee www.answers.google.com
4. Casting Directors/Employers need to be able to input jobs and casting calls (for a fee) I LOVE www.craigslist.org listings simple design and geographic bent.
5. Casting Directors/Employers need to be able to view and search for members based upon varied criteria (gender, age, location, most embarrassing moment etc.) . A corporate profile (paid) allows corporations to search members that allow it.
6. The ability to SCAN in applications, organize according to shows and production companies, and allow members to fully update their information online.