Filmaholik — Film Discovery Platform for Cinephiles
Project Overview
Filmaholik came to me with a vision: to create a platform where true film enthusiasts could discover, discuss, and track films beyond the mainstream algorithms of large streaming services. They wanted a community-focused platform that would highlight arthouse, international, and classic cinema alongside contemporary releases.
The challenge was building a platform that could compete with established players by offering a more curated, personalized experience for serious film lovers, while integrating with external APIs for comprehensive film data and developing a recommendation engine that prioritized artistic merit and user preferences over popularity metrics.
Client
Filmaholik Inc.
Timeline
5 Months
Role
Lead Designer & Full-Stack Developer
Year
2023
The Process
User Research & Strategy
I began with extensive research into the film enthusiast community, conducting interviews with potential users and analyzing competitor platforms. This revealed a significant gap in the market: while many platforms excelled at mainstream recommendations, none truly catered to cinephiles seeking deeper film exploration.
Key insights from the research phase:
- Users wanted discovery tools beyond algorithm-based recommendations
- Film context (directors, cinematographers, influences) was highly valued
- Community discussions needed more depth than typical review platforms
- Users wanted to track viewing habits and maintain watchlists across genres
User interview insights and competitor analysis
User Personas
Developed detailed personas representing different segments of the film enthusiast community, from casual viewers to serious cinephiles.
Journey Mapping
Created user journey maps for key interactions like film discovery, watchlist management, and community engagement.
Feature Prioritization
Used the MoSCoW method to prioritize features for the MVP and subsequent releases based on user needs.
Design & Prototyping
Wireframing and UI design process
I developed a design system that evoked the feeling of cinema while providing a modern, intuitive interface. Dark themes with accent colors inspired by film genres created an immersive environment that highlighted film content.
Key design elements included:
- Cinema-inspired color palette with dark backgrounds and vibrant accents
- Custom film card designs that showcase posters while providing context
- Innovative discovery interfaces using visual connections between films
- Typography system inspired by classic film credits and posters
Interactive prototypes were tested with potential users, leading to refinements in navigation and discovery features.
Film detail page design
Film discovery interface
Mobile experience design
Development & Launch
For the development phase, I built a full-stack solution using Vue.js for the frontend and Node.js for the backend, with a PostgreSQL database to handle complex film relationships and user data.
Technical Highlights:
- Film Data Integration: Developed a custom API that aggregated data from multiple sources (TMDB, OMDb, and custom curated sources) to provide comprehensive film information.
- Recommendation Engine: Built a sophisticated recommendation system that analyzed film connections beyond typical genre classifications, incorporating director styles, cinematographers, and thematic elements.
- Community Features: Implemented discussion forums, user reviews, and custom lists with advanced moderation tools to foster a high-quality community.
- Watchlist Management: Created a versatile system for users to organize films across custom categories, with progress tracking and integration with external services.
Development and API integration process
Launch Strategy
We implemented a phased launch approach:
- Private beta with 500 invited film enthusiasts
- Refinement based on beta feedback
- Public launch with partnerships from film festivals and independent theaters
- Continuous feature rollout based on user engagement metrics
Results & Impact
Active users within first 3 months
Average user rating in app stores
User retention after 1 month
Filmaholik has established itself as a growing presence in the film enthusiast community. The platform has been featured in several film publications and has partnered with independent theaters for exclusive content and screening information.
"Filmaholik has finally given serious film lovers the platform we've been waiting for. The attention to detail in both the curation and the user experience shows a deep understanding of what cinephiles actually want."
The client has secured additional funding based on the platform's initial success, and we are now working on expanding features including a native mobile app and integration with physical cinema loyalty programs.