Everything you need to know about why you should be producing your own Audio Drama AKA fiction podcast. (Sorry, but the interwebs still haven’t agreed on what name to call the most fascinating audio development in years.)
Anyway, here ’tis.
by Jackie Jorgenson
A bit of Background…I’m of the belief that if I can make my own opportunities I should. As an actor and a writer, I shouldn’t be waiting on someone else’s approval to gauge my fulfillment. So, I make a lot of my own content, which has been helpful in building my body of work.
I wrote this goofy little six-page costume drama that I wanted to produce. One set, 4 actors, and not a big deal, right? Well, it’s a big deal where my available budget is concerned. From what my research showed, getting historically accurate costumes would cost hundreds of dollars, and frankly, the payoff doesn’t make up for the price. Now, I love this piece. Don’t get me wrong. If I ever find a way to produce it, I will. But this was the point that I started thinking outside of the box. What if there was a way around my budgetary restrictions?
Why an Audio Drama?
Without the visual aspects of a short film, a web series, or a sizzle reel, an audio drama offers a cheaper alternative to the conventional proof of concept. This may not be an issue if you’re producing a comedy set in modern times, but when it comes to historical and fantasy pieces, costumes, set design, CGI, and hair and makeup can be crucial budgetary factors.
It also diversifies your work and your audience. People who may not commit to sitting down and watching the shorts on your Vimeo page may tune into your audio drama while they work out. There’s a marketing concept that you have to reach people in seven different ways for them to develop an interest in you. For example, someone would need your new short film mentioned…
- On your social media pages
- In a print article
- On public broadcast television
- At a film festival
- Through word of mouth
- On a local radio station
- In an advertisement
…before they say, “Hey, I think I should check that out!” The same arguably goes for your portfolio of work. If you are able to entertain in a new format, according to this theory, you may also open up new opportunities and find a new audience….