ifbydesign

Extras NI - www.extrasni.com

Extras NI is the first dedicated provider of extras to the film industry in Northern Ireland.

The challenge

Extras NI asked if by design to produce a fresh looking website that would not only appeal to potential clients but also be a useful tool for them to manage their business.

The solution

In designing a solution for Extras NI we were very conscious of the need to focus on usability.

We were aware that Extras NI would potentially be using it on a daily basis to create cast lists to meet briefs submitted by their clients. We also identified that there would be a regular need to enter large amounts of data as new batches of extras were registered following casting calls.

To help make these key tasks as efficient as possible we designed a bespoke administration tool. Where appropriate we used ajax technology to help speed up data entry and navigation around the website. We also integrated the website with a popular mailing list tool and SMS service to help Extras NI quickly and easily contact both registered and potential extras.

For clients of Extras NI we created a bespoke search tool within the front-end of the website. It allows production companies to browse through the list of registered extras and search using up 13 different filters. The results were displayed as a grid of profile shots where clients could view each extra's vital statistics and/or add them to their cast list.

Another purpose of the website was to entice members of the public to sign-up as extras. To encourage this the front-end displays the list of upcoming casting calls. This list is managed directly by Extras NI through the administration tool. The website also incorporates helpful guides on how to signup to be an extra and what is expected of then when they are working on a film set.