Now, spot talent in 15 seconds with MobStar app

Brendan Morrissey, founder and CEO of MobStar, discusses his revolutionary talent discovery platform and investment from Times Group India.

When did the idea of MobStar come about and why did you think it would have appeal?
Years ago, I tried to do this on the web but I was too early. I had to wait for smartphone penetration and broadband speeds to pick up. Two years ago seemed like the perfect time. Smartphone technology was starting to disrupt various platforms around the world. So we raised seed capital and started to build MobStar. It is the first global mobile talent discovery platform that enables engagement between talent, fans and mentors.

The app is free to download. It breaks down the barriers to entry where anyone with a talent can audition from their bedroom. “Auditions without Humiliation” is a feature where you don’t have to stand in front of Simon Cowell to have a career. We have received five star reviews globally so feedback from the users has been tremendous. Talents from over 30 countries have auditioned and we’re nurturing an online community of talent. MobStar creates social change by levelling the playing field.


(Brendan Morrissey)

The 15 seconds upload — this seems a short amount of time. How can talent be assessed in such a short time?
You know in a few seconds if you like a talent or not. Talent is dynamically judged, just like you would do with Tinder where you swipe right or left. Every month, the top artists receive mentoring and a shot at signing with some of the world’s biggest mentors in their category. People can also upload longer videos to their profile to showcase their talent.


(Image: play.google.com)

The mentors are heavyhitters. Was it easy or difficult to bring them on board?
I was signed to Geffen Records Los Angeles back in the 1990s so the mentors are friends from way back. I know what a tough job it is to try and get discovered. People will always upload to the void of YouTube, with the needle in a haystack hope of getting discovered. But with MobStar you can target the mentors and fans who can give you a career.


(Image: play.google.com)

We have Roger Birnbaum for our acting category, the most successful producer in Hollywood, founder of SpyGlass and Chairman of MGM Pictures. Models 1 London, the oldest and most respected fashion agency in Europe, looks after our fashion category. If you’re a budding model/designer, upload your 15-second video, share it with your friends, get them to vote for you and you’ll be seen by Karen Diamond, founder of Models 1. If Karen likes your clip, it could kickstart your career in fashion.

How broad a talent reach do you see it having?
Right now we have Music, Modelling, Dance, Sports, Acting and Comedy. We will be adding categories. We just signed a partnership deal with The Times Group India, the largest media group in south Asia. We recently completed the search for Miss India. It was a lot of fun seeing how the girls interact with the app. I love India, the energy and the people’s love for technology. We’re launching in Asia first, then in Europe-USA.

(MobStar apps are free to download on both the iOS and Google Play. Get in touch hello@mobstar.com)