IATSE 728
IATSE Local 728, the union representing motion picture set lighting technicians in Hollywood, engaged 95Visual to overhaul its digital presence and underlying technical systems. 95Visual had initially built the union’s website in 2015, and after nearly a decade of use, the platform was due for a complete modernization. With Drupal 7 approaching end-of-life and growing concerns about long-term compatibility and support, the union sought a full rebuild. The new solution would need to support necessary member-facing tools, simplify internal workflows, and integrate with FileMaker, their core system of record. 95Visual was brought in once again to lead strategy, design, development, and integration for this comprehensive transformation.
This project was driven by the urgent need to modernize the union’s digital tools and prepare for the future. IATSE 728’s Drupal 7 website was reaching the end of its support lifecycle, posing security and compatibility risks. In parallel, member expectations were rising: they needed effortless access to documents, easier payment systems, and an overall better digital experience. Office staff also needed personalized tools to reduce reliance on manual processes, improve data accuracy, and reduce administrative overhead. The project's core objectives were shaped around these pain points and long-term operational goals.
Objectives included:
- Replacing the aging Drupal 7 platform to maintain security, compatibility, and scalability.
- Improving the user experience with a modern, responsive design and simplified navigation.
- Deepening integration with FileMaker to enable seamless data syncing and reduce manual processes.
- Streamlining workflows such as dues payments, document access, and class registration.
- Refreshing the overall brand presentation to reflect a more modern and professional organization.
While the goals were clear, the project quickly revealed complex challenges on both technical and organizational fronts. A key issue was the original site's heavy reliance on community-built Drupal 7 modules—many of which had no supported version in Drupal 10. This required significant re-engineering to deliver core functionality. The FileMaker integration presented challenges due to a shift from RestFM to the official FileMaker Data API and Drupal’s deprecated Rules module could no longer be relied on for automated workflows. Beyond the technical barriers, the project also required navigating the natural complexities of a board-led structure—where leadership transitions, shared decision-making, and evolving expectations added layers of coordination throughout the process. Despite these difficulties, the 95Visual team maintained clarity through documentation, phased development, and clear communication.
Specific challenges identified:
- Unsupported Drupal 7 modules requiring rebuilds or custom replacements.
- FileMaker API changes and Drupal 10's removal of automation tools like Rules.
- Custom integration with FileMaker involved mapping complex data structures and workflows.
- Replacing deprecated Drupal 7 modules with Drupal 10 alternatives required custom development.
- Migrating and reorganizing years of documents and records was a logistical undertaking.
To navigate these challenges, 95Visual took an adaptive yet structured approach to strategy and execution. From the start, the team prioritized backend stability, tackling the FileMaker integration early and developing workflows independent of front-end approvals. This approach enabled the technical team to maintain steady progress while allowing flexibility for design and content input to develop in parallel. Internally, the team conducted regular planning sessions, tracked scope adjustments closely, and managed evolving development requirements and timelines. As the project progressed and priorities naturally shifted, maintaining clear documentation and deliverables helped ensure alignment across all stakeholders.
Key strategies included:
- Tackling integration and infrastructure tasks early to minimize future risk.
- Decoupling back-end development from front-end content and design processes.
- Clearly documenting out-of-scope requests to manage client expectations.
- Maintaining internal alignment through project planning reviews.
The final product delivered significant value to both members and administrators. The new site was immediately easier to navigate and interact with, due to a refreshed user interface and mobile-first design. Member login capabilities were greatly expanded, enabling availability updates, dues payments, directory access, and document downloads. The integration with FileMaker created a seamless flow of real-time data, reducing the time and effort required for union staff to manage information. Overall, the new platform enabled IATSE 728 to operate more efficiently, serve its members more effectively, and scale future digital efforts with confidence.
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Improved User Experience: A modern, mobile-friendly design replaced the outdated interface, improving ease of use across all devices.
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Streamlined Member Access: Members gained access to profile management, availability updates, and protected content via a secure login.
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- Simplified Online Payments: Integrated with Authorize.net and FileMaker, members can now pay dues and invoices seamlessly, with automatic status updates.
- Future-Proofed Architecture: Transitioning from Drupal 7 to 10 ensures security, scalability, and support for years to come.
Beyond core upgrades, the new website includes a suite of specialized tools tailored to the union's operational model. These features offer direct value to both members and staff, increasing transparency, reducing manual work, and improving participation in union processes. Each tool is tightly integrated with FileMaker to ensure data consistency across systems.
Key functionality includes:
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Member Skills Directory: Members can record and manage their qualifications through a categorized skill system. This supports faster crew matching for productions and helps the union maintain accurate skill inventories.
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Delinquent Members Listing: Updated every 15 minutes, this list reflects real-time member status—eliminating manual audits and ensuring members understand their standing.
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- Dues & Invoice Payments: An integrated payment portal allows members to pay dues directly. Payments are synced with FileMaker for tracking and recordkeeping.
- Content Access Control: Union admins can restrict access to specific pages or documents with a simple toggle, protecting internal materials while keeping public-facing content accessible.
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Event Calendar System: Categorized by event type or training, this calendar centralizes all union events and encourages engagement.
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PDF Document Library: Staff can upload and organize meeting minutes, forms, and contracts with role-based access—reducing email clutter and administrative overhead.
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- Class Registration & Attendance Tracking: Members can register for classes online, while admin staff generate sign-in sheets and sync attendance data to FileMaker—closing the loop on LMS engagement.
- Committee System: Dedicated committee pages allow for role listings, resource sharing, and visibility into union governance, supporting internal transparency and collaboration.
Through strategic planning, flexible execution, and deep platform expertise, 95Visual helped IATSE Local 728 transition from legacy infrastructure to a modern digital ecosystem. The project brought together complex FileMaker integrations, Drupal migration challenges, and the realities of a changing client board—all while delivering a solution that empowers members and reduces administrative burden. The result is a secure, flexible, and scalable platform built to serve union members now and into the future.
