by Bob Tinsley
Why should you as a visitor to TVWriter™ be interested in making audio fiction? Why should you be interested in making podcasts? Discoverability, that’s why.
The meaning of the word podcast is evolving to include any episodic, audio-only production whether nonfiction or fiction. Agents and major studios have started trawling through podcasts and their creators for new content and talent.
So here’s the latest news to help you and your podcast get discovered:
Music from https://filmmusic.io
“The Builder” by Kevin MacLeod (https://incompetech.com)
License: CC BY (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)
- I TOLD YOU SO, PART 1.
Podcasters Sign With William Morris.
Comedy writer Ben Mandelker and comedian Ronnie Karam, who produce and co-host Watch What Crappens, have signed with William Morris Endeavor. If William Morris is signing podcasters, why aren’t you podcasting?
- I TOLD YOU SO, PART 2.
‘The Black Tapes’ Co-creator Inks Multi-Series Deal With Spotify.
Paul Bae, co-creator of The Black Tapes, creator of The Big Loop, and director of the new Marvel Studios podcast Marvels, signed a deal with Spotify to create two new audio series. Amanda Chi and the Ghost Sessions follows a Korean-Indian girl who wanders into the role of ghostbuster. Boyland focuses on a disgraced K-Pop star who tries to make it in America.
- RESOURCES.
4 Steps to Make the Most of Any Conference.
If there is one thing LB has harped — umm — emphasized all along is that connecting with people in the biz makes a huge difference in your potential for success. Conferences provide the best opportunity for making that connection. This article by Jennifer Grimson lays out a simple and effective strategy to make getting out of our shells and meeting people easier and more productive. One thing I’ve learned from my own experience is that 96.3% of the people attending such conferences feel just as overwhelmed as you do. Some just hide it better than others. Grimson even gives you a strategy for that. Read it.
- OPPORTUNITY KNOCKS, PART 1.
Stormfire Productions Wants Stories That Matter.
Stormfire Productions, a creative production company founded by Lisette Alvarez, produces high-quality audio fiction podcasts. From the website: “We aren’t looking for scripts that are supremely clever with dazzling sound design and magnificent plot twists (though that’s a bonus, too). We aren’t looking for technical genius. We are looking for storytelling magic.”
The Spring/Summer Submission deadline has already passed, but there will be another submission window for Fall/Winter 2020 coming up in late summer. Check the website for details. This is just the thing for those of you who want to get into audio fiction but don’t yet want to plunge into production.
- OPPORTUNITY KNOCKS, PART 2.
New Jersey Web Festival Seeks Audio Fiction.
From the website: “Whether you call your show a fiction podcast, audio drama, audio fiction, #meowmeowmeow or anything in between, you’re still welcome to submit! What we call this artform doesn’t change the fact that we are all lovers and supporters of podcasting!”
This contest fits the brave souls that want to plunge headfirst into “doing it all!”
“Ideally,” they say, “you should have at least three episodes produced, but if you have one or two outstanding episodes, with future episodes in the works, feel free to submit.”
Deadline is June 12, 2020, with a submission fee of $30.
- IF YA WANNA WRITE, YA GOTTA LISTEN.
Observe and Report.
Zuri and Mira make an unauthorized trip to Earth. And crash their shuttle. The two aliens have to contend with finding and obtaining repair parts, without money, dodging a ruthless team of government alien hunters, find their shuttle again, repair it, and return to the Mother Ship before their absence is noted. Teenagers! Whadda ya gonna do? Written by Nate Fisher, this show has accomplished actors, great music, and top-notch sound design. Speaking of which, audio fiction shows are not audio books. Most are in stereo and the sound designers spend a lot of time and effort to deliver an immersive experience, so listen with headphones or earbuds. You’ll be glad you did.
https://www.observeandreportpodcast.com/
Until next week, same Pod-time, same Pod-channel, keep listening and keep creating.