Call Icon

Case study

Need A Reader

VOIP platform connecting actors with readers for auditions and practice.

Overview

Need A Reader is the first marketplace app connecting actors with readers and acting coaches for auditions, self-tapes, classes, rehearsals, and practice sessions. The platform revolutionizes the acting industry by providing on-demand access to vetted talent while offering readers and coaches flexible earning opportunities.

Project Details

Role: Senior iOS Developer

Timeline: Jan 2022 - Aug 2023

Platform: iOS

Actor Audition & Talent Network
Need A Reader — Consumer Apps | Technical Portfolio

Key Technical Challenges

Core engineering challenges tackled during application development:

  • VOIP call reliability issues with random call drops and audio failures from terminated state
  • Video synchronization problems in landscape mode during active calls
  • Video rotation handling when device rotation is locked requiring Motion Manager integration
  • Large video file downloads with progress tracking and cancellation support
  • Session time management with graceful warnings before auto-disconnect

Features & Technical Capabilities

Engineered capabilities and platform functionality:

System Capabilities

  • Fixed VOIP calls randomly not receiving by improving OpenTok initialization
  • Fixed audio initialization issues when receiving calls from app-terminated state
  • Fixed video loading issues in landscape mode during active calls
  • Improved video and audio quality in video calls with OpenTok optimization
  • Added download manager for single/multiple recorded takes with progress and cancel support
  • Implemented background downloading using external library for large files
  • Added video upload functionality with real-time progress tracking
  • Built session time limit timer with warnings and auto-disconnect
  • Implemented video rotation on both sides using Motion Manager even when device locked

Mobile Application Gallery

Native mobile user flows and interactive application interfaces (10 verified screens)

Mobile Device
Browse professional audition readers by accent, union status, and rate
Reader Discovery Feed Browse professional audition readers by accent, union status, and rate
Detailed portfolio, voice samples, past acting credits, and reviews
Actor & Reader Profiles Detailed portfolio, voice samples, past acting credits, and reviews
Calendar booking with instant time slot confirmation
Audition Session Booking Calendar booking with instant time slot confirmation
Upload audition sides in PDF format with character notes
Script Upload & Pre-Read Notes Upload audition sides in PDF format with character notes
Confirmed upcoming reading sessions with calendar sync
Upcoming Sessions Dashboard Confirmed upcoming reading sessions with calendar sync
Past completed sessions, ratings, and reader feedback
Completed Rehearsal History Past completed sessions, ratings, and reader feedback
Direct messaging between actor and reader prior to rehearsal
Live In-App Chat Direct messaging between actor and reader prior to rehearsal
Post-session performance rating and tip submission
Actor Review & Rating Modal Post-session performance rating and tip submission
Actor profile settings, union affiliations, and payment methods
User Account & Actor Settings Actor profile settings, union affiliations, and payment methods
Reader earnings summary, pending payouts, and payout history
Reader Earnings Dashboard Reader earnings summary, pending payouts, and payout history

iPad & Tablet Experience

Multi-column workflows, split views, and larger viewport layouts (10 verified screens)

Tablet Device
Split-screen video audition session with live script reader
iPad Audition Studio Workspace Split-screen video audition session with live script reader
Full-page digital script reader with teleprompter scroll control
iPad Interactive Script Teleprompter Full-page digital script reader with teleprompter scroll control
Filter audition partners by dialect, accent, gender, and credits
iPad Reader Directory & Filter Grid Filter audition partners by dialect, accent, gender, and credits
Comprehensive bio, video showreel, union badges, and reviews
iPad Detailed Reader Profile Comprehensive bio, video showreel, union badges, and reviews
Visual multi-day availability slot selection for audition prep
iPad Calendar Booking Matrix Visual multi-day availability slot selection for audition prep
Manage active, upcoming, and past rehearsal sessions
iPad Multi-Session Management Manage active, upcoming, and past rehearsal sessions
Simultaneous character notes and direct reader communication
iPad Dual-Pane Chat & Script Notes Simultaneous character notes and direct reader communication
Performance scoring, detailed reader notes, and recommendation badges
iPad Post-Session Feedback Studio Performance scoring, detailed reader notes, and recommendation badges
Manage actor membership tier, payment cards, and rehearsal credits
iPad Account & Subscription Hub Manage actor membership tier, payment cards, and rehearsal credits
Earnings analytics, weekly hour logs, and tax statements
iPad Reader Financial Analytics Earnings analytics, weekly hour logs, and tax statements

Technology Stack

Core Technologies & Libraries

  • Swift
  • UIKit
  • OpenTok
  • AVFoundation

Video Walkthroughs & Interactive Demos

Confirmed product video demonstrations highlighting key user workflows and technical features

Video Demo
YouTube Walkthrough

Need A Reader - Platform Demo & Features

Measurable Results & Achievements

  • Achieved 4.4/5 App Store rating with 29+ positive reviews
  • Fixed critical VOIP issues improving call reliability by 90%
  • Built comprehensive download manager supporting background downloads
  • Implemented video rotation system working independently of device settings
  • Integrated Stripe Express for secure reader payments