Since 2019, Hindsight/Hat Trick Productions have been producing Mastermind for the BBC from their offices in Belfast, Northern Ireland, and they use Cast It Reach to manage the application process.

For anyone who might not be aware of the show, what is Mastermind and what makes it unique?

Mastermind is a TV institution, having been on British screens since the 1970s. Its format is very simple: four contenders, two rounds of questions and the famous black chair. Its simplicity is what makes it so compelling to watch.

It is a very pressured environment. The lights go down, and it’s just the quiz master, the spotlight and the contender as they answer questions for two minutes on their specialist subject and two and a half minutes on general knowledge. The iconic theme music adds to the tension, making Mastermind one of the toughest TV quiz shows in the world.

Appearing on Mastermind is all about knowledge and quick thinking, bringing out a deep-buried answer from the memory bank, and keeping your composure against the clock. And for the series champion, the Mastermind Glass Bowl and the title of Mastermind Champion is the reward – no cash prize or holiday – simply the kudos and pride of being the best of the best.

How does Cast It Reach assist in the casting of Mastermind specifically?

The program is all about testing the contenders’ knowledge under timed pressure. We want contenders who possess genuinely advanced levels of general knowledge, and who are able to expertly research specialist subjects and retain facts. With thousands of applicants each series, we need a way to automatically test each would-be contender in the application process as a first step of selection. Cast it Reach created a facility to time the multiple-choice quiz which is part of the application form, and that gives us an instant snapshot of the contenders’ skill and knowledge level.

How has Cast It Reach helped the team at Hindsight/Hat Trick more generally?

The Cast It Reach platform makes the process of casting so much easier. As Mastermind is such a well-known show, we get thousands of applications every series, so working through all those applications would be a colossal administrative challenge if it wasn’t for Cast It Reach.

On top of making the casting process so much more manageable, the platform gives us peace of mind when it comes to data. We are very conscious of Data Protection and Information Security, so having all the applications safely stored in a secure environment helps us ensure compliance with GDPR rules.

What has working with the Cast It Reach team been like?

The Cast It Reach team are an invaluable partner. They are always readily available. They’re helpful, knowledgeable and ensure we have the support we need to cast the show. The software platform is only one part of the story – the dedicated team at Cast It Reach have the production experience and technical understanding to help us with any questions or issues.

Would you recommend Cast It Reach to other production companies and studios?

Definitely. The Cast It Reach platform and team combine to help us cast one of the most challenging quiz shows on television. The time saved, the data security and the support from the team make it a crucial part of our casting process.