The intersection of creativity and technology has launched the B2B web app, Rolling!, and that is changing the film industry – From its ideation, to creating detailed processes, to refining the processes, the Rolling! App is set to revolutionize the film industry.
In this episode of SaaS That App, Bob and Ryan join host Aaron Marchbanks and Justin Edwards to talk about the ideation and creation of the Rolling! App, an all-in-one information sharing app used on film sets to help streamline communication, reducing misunderstandings and increasing efficiency. Bob and Ryan are augmenting traditional methods, one step at a time with the Rolling! app.
From Concept to Creation
The need to get it together on the movie set without some things slipping through the cracks birthed the Rolling! App. At first, Bob got dismissed by Ryan after he pitched the idea, but they end up creating a fantastic app after its potential was discovered, reducing misunderstandings on film sets.
“I knew all the steps to building a digital product” – Ryan Sands
Ryan knew that although the idea did not sound right at first breath, it had a lot of potential and they kicked it off.
Bob and Ryan merged the parallels between the creative processes in film and digital product development to find an intersection. They found a third partner, Stu, a renowned UI designer, who took the ideas and created something that looks very good and now the app is a must-have on film sets.
An AI tool that augments traditional methods on set? We’re here for it.
From Paper to Digital
“Rolling! was always built with the idea that everybody gets on so they can be on page.”
The app streamlines communication and ensures everyone has access to updated information – the executive producers, the caterers, the construction workers, the make-up artists, etc. Bob talks about the need for everyone on set to be on the same page and Ryan shares what sets Rolling! apart which is that it is designed to be used by everyone in the production chain without the burden of keeping up with much paperwork.
While rich traditions are an important part of the film industry, this digital tool brings a simplified approach, reducing the risk of human error.
Choosing The Right Dev Partner
It is essential to find partners who understand your vision and mission, the products and goals. I received an entitled and dismissive tone of voicemail from someone who expected me to call back just because they had put together a presentation – my partner Bob and I agreed that was not how to treat a prospect or client.
I had a fortunate experience working with a supportive crew, who witnessed Rolling!’s development from its early stages and gave it their all, they serve as advocates, however, it is important to gain trust from key stakeholders and build support from end-users.
Although key players have a stake in the decisions made, it is ideal to choose development partners not based on pricing but on the vision that they see for the product.
Mobile Apps Vs Custom Hardware
Although, creating a hardware device with the application seems good, Ryan shares that the potential challenges that might arise will include:
- Creating barriers to its adoption
- Increasing costs
- Adding complexities such as logistics
“The pricing model changes everything based on partnerships with data partners”, Ryan adds.
The decision between hardware and software largely depends on specific needs and goals of the production. Based on the potential challenges of hardware, the mobile app is a better advantage because it simplifies the process and reduces costs.
The mobile app is the future.
Beyond Film?
The idea that the Rolling! app can go beyond film sets to live performance keeps the curtain open – would involve many tweaks but will be interesting.
Imagine creating a schedule and the admin can check throughout the day with people looking through the checklists and ticking boxes. Ryan highlights that the only pushback might be working with some of the hardest working people in the world – stage managers. Aha! That was a joke.
“It can be looked into in the future but right now, no.” – Ryan Sands. He shares that creating a version of the Rolling! App for the live stage might be looked at in the future.
Final Thoughts
Building the “dumb” idea turned out to be the biggest tool, changing the film industry. Think critically about that idea, partner with the best minds and solve that problem.
Ryan and Bob plan to keep refining the app till it becomes better than its last version.
“My earliest testing was going up to my coworkers on set and just being like, hey, I’ve got this thing in my head that I can’t stop thinking about, then I would explain the app to them and get a lot of positive feedback in the beginning.” – Bob
“Do not shrink away from who your possible competition might be, because they may be your greatest collaborators.” – Ryan
Ryan and Bob’s Background
Ryan and Bob are the co-founders of Rolling!, an innovative information-sharing app designed specifically for the film industry. Ryan brings a unique blend of film production and tech consulting experience, having transitioned from working as an assistant production coordinator in Louisiana’s film industry to developing technology solutions. Bob serves as the company’s resident expert on film production and on-set operations, bringing invaluable firsthand experience from his ongoing work in the industry. Together, they’ve developed Rolling! to solve critical communication challenges on film sets, particularly addressing the need for real-time status updates and efficient information sharing among crew members.
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