Comparison
Open Casting vs Google Forms and email
Google Forms and email work for a small open casting call. Here's where they stop, and what Open Casting does instead.
Side by side
- Self-tape uploads
- Google Forms and email: Uploads need a Google account
- Open Casting: Upload from any phone, no account
- Reviewing
- Google Forms and email: A spreadsheet, a drive and an inbox
- Open Casting: Every applicant and tape on one screen
- Decisions
- Google Forms and email: Colour cells or keep notes
- Open Casting: Yes or No with one press
- Sharing with production
- Google Forms and email: A folder with every contact detail in it
- Open Casting: A Yes list link, with no contact details
- Under-18s
- Google Forms and email: Nothing built in
- Open Casting: A parent or guardian confirms before it counts
- Deleting data
- Google Forms and email: You delete every form, sheet, file and email
- Open Casting: Deleted automatically on the call's deletion date
- Cost
- Google Forms and email: Free
- Open Casting: From £250 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.
- Two reviewers on one sheet overwrite each other's notes.
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 £250 per casting call for up to 300 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 £250 per casting call, paid when you publish.