Indeed Rising Voices

As the Rising Voices initiative launched in partnership with Indeed, Hillman Grad, and 271 Films, the team needed a digital system that could support the scale and complexity of a nationwide talent discovery program. With the goal of identifying and elevating emerging filmmakers, the program required more than just a simple application form—it needed a smart, scalable platform that could streamline submissions, surface the most compelling candidates, and support a multi-phase review process led by a panel of industry professionals. The challenge was to create a seamless, high-performing digital experience that reflected the creative ambition of the program while handling the operational demands behind the scenes.

We were brought in to architect the digital foundation for the Rising Voices program across its first three seasons. We designed and developed a fully custom application platform that allowed emerging filmmakers to seamlessly apply and submit their work for consideration. The platform featured a dynamic user flow, including adaptive logic-based questions that tailored the application based on responses, ensuring a smooth and focused submission experience. On the backend, we built robust tools for the program’s administrators and panelists—enabling them to efficiently review, filter, and manage hundreds of submissions with clarity and speed. This end-to-end system ensured that the application process was not only user-friendly but also scalable and reliable, meeting the demands of a high-visibility initiative led by Indeed and Hillman Grad

The launch of the Rising Voices platform was instrumental in turning a visionary initiative into a repeatable, operationally sound pipeline for discovering untapped filmmaking talent. With each season, the platform handled thousands of submissions, helping to identify standout voices from underrepresented communities and funnel them into a meaningful selection process. Its performance helped Rising Voices scale quickly, earning major recognition from the industry—including praise as the “gold standard” in brand-funded entertainment. The films produced through the program have collectively earned over 170 film festival selections, several prestigious awards, and real career opportunities for their creators. Behind the scenes, Octane House’s digital infrastructure was a quiet but critical engine powering that momentum—helping ensure the experience was just as elevated for the applicants as it was for the judges, sponsors, and viewers.