Transforming the Creator Economy with TESTBOARD
Grammy Winner Philip Lawrence and Fashion Icon Francesca Sorrenti Join the TESTBOARD Awards—Building a Home for Self-Made Creators
As entertainment trends increasingly favor virality over substantive growth, TESTBOARD emerges as a bold alternative. It is the first structured talent development engine specifically designed for the creator economy, fundamentally redefining the industry’s approach by emphasizing growth, mentorship, and thorough professional preparedness.
Co-founded by industry veterans Michael Flutie and Michaela Goddard-Quesada, TESTBOARD draws from years of experience in nurturing talent across fashion, film, music, and broader entertainment landscapes. It aims to revitalize the timeless industry practices that have faltered in the age of uncurated social media.
Michael Flutie describes TESTBOARD as a comprehensive professional record for emerging talents – essentially an IMDB-like platform tailored for a new generation of creators. He emphasizes that, unlike traditional social media channels, TESTBOARD rewards genuine effort rather than algorithm-driven influence.
A New Era of Talent Development
A New Pipeline: Evaluate. Develop. Advance. Go Pro.
In collaboration with TINGS Studios, TESTBOARD pinpoints self-made talent via the TESTBOARD Awards. The process kicks off with a short 60-second screen test that serves as the foundation for a structured developmental journey. Creators are given space to generate new work, obtain valuable feedback, and progress through distinct stages until they are fully equipped for professional endeavors.
This initiative is further strengthened by the involvement of two prominent cultural figures:
Key Contributors
- Philip Lawrence, an accomplished eight-time Grammy-winning producer, currently leads the musical development of the platform. His latest work includes nominations for "APT" by Bruno Mars and Rosé.
- Francesca Sorrenti, a legendary photographer and leader of the Sorrenti family, guides the editorial and cinematic vision of TESTBOARD.
Proven Success in Season One
The inaugural season of the TESTBOARD Awards has already showcased impressive achievements:
- Bella Yorke is now recording in vibrant Nashville.
- Bridget Fahey has signed with WhyNot Models in Milan.
- Nils Schmolka is in the process of screentesting with esteemed directors.
The nominations for Season Two will close on December 15, 2025.
A Platform Aligned with Industry Needs
Flutie’s extensive four-decade experience—including tenures at Elite Model Management, Company Management, E!’s Scouted, and Netflix's Westside, along with strategic brand alliances—has significantly influenced the foundation of TESTBOARD.
Meanwhile, Goddard-Quesada’s innovative design of TESTBOARD’s developmental framework aims to support emerging talents authentically, focusing on nurturing rather than exploiting them.
She asserts, "TESTBOARD is constructed to market and nurture talent rather than merely identifying it, filling a critical gap in the industry’s current operations." This mindset is pivotal, as it strives to fundamentally change how talent is recognized and developed.
How to Get Involved
If you're interested in pursuing your creative aspirations, submissions are currently welcomed at thetestboard.com/register until December 15, 2025.
Lawrence encourages potential applicants, saying, "If you believe your talents lie in the arts, don’t hesitate to record a screen test." This invitation reflects the platform's commitment to discovering and developing the next wave of creative talent.
ABOUT TESTBOARD
TESTBOARD stands as the pioneering structured development engine for emerging creators. By blending evaluation, growth, mentorship, and professional readiness, TESTBOARD provides a comprehensive approach that empowers aspiring artists to thrive in their respective fields. For further details, please visit thetestboard.com.
SOURCE TESTBOARD
Frequently Asked Questions
What is TESTBOARD?
TESTBOARD is a talent development platform aimed at supporting emerging creators by providing mentorship and professional opportunities.
Who are the key figures behind TESTBOARD?
Michael Flutie and Michaela Goddard-Quesada are the co-founders, bringing extensive experience in talent development from various entertainment sectors.
How can creators apply for TESTBOARD?
Creators can submit their applications through the TESTBOARD website until December 15, 2025.
What notable successes has TESTBOARD achieved?
TESTBOARD has enabled talents like Bella Yorke and Bridget Fahey to progress significantly in their careers within its first season.
What is the significance of the TESTBOARD Awards?
The TESTBOARD Awards help identify and cultivate emerging talent through a structured evaluation process, including screen testing and personalized feedback.
