HUSSLUP, a LinkedIn for the entertainment biz, launches web app in beta

HUSSLUP, currently an invite-only beta, is a job search and networking app for creative professionals in the media and entertainment industry to connect with studios and production companies looking to hire talent.

Today, the company announced a web version of its mobile app. It will roll out widely next week.

Much like LinkedIn, HUSSLUP allows users to write posts, network with others and search for gigs.

However, instead of being targeted to the general public, the app aims to be a central hub for creative professionals in the entertainment industry, above or below the line, to collaborate on a project, promote an upcoming movie/TV show, invite others to an event, find new talent and more.

Other community tools include the ability to create a group, share encrypted creative samples, chat via in-app messenger and create annotated contact lists for each project, movie or show.

In tandem with the web launch, the company also introduced new web-based features called “Pro Search,” a proprietary feature that allows for more in-depth searches, and “Serendipity Mode,” a Tinder-like section on the platform where users can quickly connect with other members.

The new ProSearch tools provide a way for staffers to look up talent based on specific criteria, such as their credit level, representation, go-to genre/project types, availability, locations where they’re willing to work, professional affiliations and more.

Users can also save potential hires to a list, where they can then add comments, note which person they hired and share with others.

Notably, the tool also allows users to sort search results to discover diverse hires. HUSSLUP claims that approximately 65% of its current membership self-identifies as diverse in at least one of the following categories: gender, race and LGBTQ+.

The industry continues to be criticized for underrepresentation, so HUSSLUP’s new feature is a significant addition to its toolbox.

Among the top 200 highest-grossing theatrical releases at the North American box office in 2022, people of color (POC) made up only 22% of lead actors, 17% of directors and 12% of writers, per UCLA’s 2023 Hollywood Diversity Report.

Web users are also getting “Serendipity Mode,” a feature that lets them “swipe” — or, in this case, click right or left with their mouse — on tiles that feature profiles of members, companies and communities. The cards are organized randomly to give users a better chance of discovering a wide range of people.

In the future, the company plans to launch more web-based features, H Schuster, founder of HUSSLUP, told TechCrunch. This includes “Project Rosters,” a feature that would enable users to take a list of their hires and generate call sheets, anonymized statistical reports for tax incentives and more.

HUSSLUP also intends to create a text, image and video search tool as well as AI-powered recommendations.