Comparison
Open Casting vs Google Forms, WeTransfer and spreadsheets
A form, a transfer link and a spreadsheet work for a small open casting call. Here's where the chain breaks, and what one Open Casting call does instead.
Side by side
- Self-tape uploads
- Forms, WeTransfer and spreadsheets: Uploads need a Google account
- Open Casting: Upload from any phone, no account
- Tapes
- Forms, WeTransfer and spreadsheets: WeTransfer links that expire before anyone watches, named IMG_4829
- Open Casting: Every tape with its application, named and the right way up
- Reviewing
- Forms, WeTransfer and spreadsheets: A spreadsheet, a drive and an inbox
- Open Casting: Every applicant and tape on one screen
- Keeping track
- Forms, WeTransfer and spreadsheets: A spreadsheet copied onto every assistant's laptop
- Open Casting: One list, one copy, one deletion date
- Decisions
- Forms, WeTransfer and spreadsheets: Colour cells or keep notes
- Open Casting: ‘Yes’ or ‘No’ with one press
- Sharing with production
- Forms, WeTransfer and spreadsheets: A folder with every contact detail in it
- Open Casting: A ‘Yes’ list link, with no contact details
- Under-18s
- Forms, WeTransfer and spreadsheets: Nothing built in
- Open Casting: A parent or guardian confirms before it counts
- Deleting data
- Forms, WeTransfer and spreadsheets: You delete every form, sheet, file and email
- Open Casting: Deleted automatically on the call's deletion date
- Cost
- Forms, WeTransfer and spreadsheets: Free
- Open Casting: From £350 per casting call
Where forms break
- Google Forms only takes uploads from people signed in to Google.
- Tapes end up across Drive, WeTransfer links and inboxes, and the links expire.
- Two reviewers on one sheet overwrite each other's notes.
- Every copy of the sheet on a freelancer's laptop is personal data to delete.
Data protection and spreadsheets
Every copy of an applicant spreadsheet is personal data you must delete on time. Open Casting keeps one copy.
When a form is fine
A form is fine for a few applicants, with no self-tapes, no client review and no children.
Common questions
Can I use Google Forms for a casting call?
Yes, for a small call. Self-tapes are harder, because uploads need a Google account. So are hundreds of applicants, a client reviewing your ‘Yes’ list, and deleting details on time.
Does a spreadsheet of casting applications meet UK GDPR?
It can be, but you're responsible for every copy. Tell applicants how long you'll keep their details, control who sees them, and delete every copy on time. Open Casting keeps one copy and deletes it on the promised date.
How much does Open Casting cost compared with a free form?
From £350 per casting call, for up to 150 applicants, with no subscription. Teams weigh that against days spent sorting emails and chasing tapes.
Run your next open casting call
Free to set up. From £350 per casting call, paid when you publish.