What's New

Summer 2024 Releases - FAQs

Get ready for a fresh new look: What to expect with the new update

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Product Navigation - All Products

MyCast&Crew

Hours+

Studio+

Product Navigation - All Products

Q: What do each of the icons in the new header do?

A blue rectangle with white text

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A:

1 – Clicking the Cast & Crew logo will bring you to the new unified dashboard that provides key information from across all of your Cast & Crew products  

2 – Clicking the App Selector (waffle icon) will open a modal displaying all the Cast & Crew products you have access to, so that you can easily navigate across products  

3 – Clicking your name on the top right will allow you to navigate to your account and profile settings, as well as to learning and help center materials.  

4 – Clicking the question mark icon will open the respective product’s Resource Center where you can view learning resources, release announcements, and helpful guides  

5 – On the top right you will see the name of the specific Cast & Crew product you are currently viewing. There is no click functionality for this item.  

Q: Why did Cast & Crew update the product navigation across all products?  

A: Cast & Crew updated the product navigation to provide a more consistent and seamless user experience across all of its products.  

A more consistent design makes it easier for you to use and switch between products without having to think too much about where things are or how they work. 

In addition, you will be able to access key cross-product features, like profile settings, in one location no matter which product you are using.   

MyCast&Crew - Navigating the New Dashboard

Q: What's changing exactly?

  • Enhanced Dashboard & Improved Navigation – Centralized dashboard with widgets for quick access to key data and more efficient workflow 
  • Improved Mobile and Login Experience - Mobile optimized for on-set convenience, and a new modern login page 
  • New Crew Member Registration - New crew can create MyCast&Crew accounts and sign up for direct deposit, simplifying the onboarding process for crew who have not previously been paid by Cast & Crew and do not yet have a Start+ offer yet 

Q: How do I navigate back to the dashboard while I am using other digital applications? 

A: You can use the new App Selector in the top right corner of the page (waffle icon) to access a list of applications, with the Dashboard displayed at the top. Alternatively, you can click the Cast & Crew logo to return directly to your dashboard. 

Q: Which web browsers are optimized for mobile?  

A: Chrome, Firefox, and Safari  

Q: If I am paid by the Media Services payroll services and/or using their digital products, will I see any information on the dashboard?  

A: The information on the dashboard is currently specific only for crew members using the Cast & Crew and CAPS payroll services and digital applications. You can still use the MyCast&Crew portal to complete any outstanding tasks specific to your projects serviced by Media Services payroll companies, including setting up your direct deposit and submitting a W-4.  

Hours+

Q: What will change?  

A: Crew members will now interact with Hours+ more frequently through the dashboard, reducing the need to navigate directly to Hours+ or specific projects.  

  • Changes for Crew Members:  
    • Work Location is no longer a default field on the timecard.  
    • The Day Type “Work” is auto-populated for many crew members on mobile.  
    • Allowances are now automatically added to timecards, but crew members still need to manually attach their box rental inventory form.  
  • Removed Features:  
    • The “Send as Live Check” option has been removed from crew members’ timecards due to limited use and understanding. This can still be handled through the payroll accountant’s WTC screen.  
    • Profile allowances have been removed. Auto-populating allowances from the Deal Memo will provide the same benefits and more accurate allowances.  
  • Changes for Payroll Accountants:  
    • Allowances that crew members previously did not attach manually will now be attached automatically.  
    • Crew members will now have helper text in their “More Options” menu, making it easier to understand timecard fields like Non-Deductible Meal.  
    • Accountants can now specify “Work Location” on an invoice-template level, removing the need for crew to provide this information.  
  • New Customization for Shows:  
    • Shows can now determine which fields appear to their crew. For example, if you want crew members to input the country they worked in, Implementation can enable that field for your show.  

Studio+

Q: Why is the Studio+ homepage changing?  

A: We’re excited to introduce a fresh, modern look to the Studio+ home page, designed with you in mind. This update makes accessing your active projects, folders, and files quicker and easier than ever before.  

Here’s what’s new: 

  • Streamlined Navigation: Quickly find your active projects, folders, and files with an intuitive, user-friendly layout. 
  • Adaptive Design: The home page now automatically adjusts to show one or multiple projects, tailored to your needs. 
  • Future-Ready Foundation: This redesign sets the stage for exciting new features, like real-time insights into your project status. 

Experience a more intuitive and efficient way to manage your creative workflow with Studio+. 

Q: What is included in this update?  

A: This update includes a new design and a new layout for the Studio+ home page.   

  • The new design will provide a more modern look, along with better consistency with Cast & Crew’s other products.  
  • The new layout will:  
    • Provide easier and quicker access to your active projects, folders, and files
    • Automatically adjust based on whether you have access to one or multiple projects  
  • The new layout includes the following sections:  
    • My Favorites: Projects, folders, and files that you have favorited  
    • Recents: Projects and folders that have had a file upload within the last 5 days (Note: This is the same behavior as the current home page)  
    • Project folder view (single project users only): A direct view into the project folder for the project that you have access to  
    • My Projects (multiple project users only): A list of all projects you have access to  
    • Current and Previous Payroll (multiple project users only): A list of all projects that have a file with a week ending date during the current or immediately previous payroll week  

Multiple Project View

Dashboard_Multiple Project View

Single Project View

Homepage Single Project View