In this audio and video design module
Reading and Writing
In “The Bare Bones Camera Course for Film and Audio” by Tom Schroeppel, Chapter 8 titled “Sound” provides invaluable insights on recording sound. The chapter emphasizes the importance of choosing the right microphone for your context, and for our case, podcasting. Dynamic microphones, known for their ruggedness, contrast with the lightweight electret condenser microphones, which though portable, require regular battery replacements. A pivotal aspect to consider is the microphone’s pickup pattern. While omnidirectional mikes offer a broad sound capture, cardioid and super cardioid mikes allow for a more focused audio recording. Though smartphones and tablets offer built-in microphones, for optimal sound quality, external microphones are recommended. The chapter also highlights the value of recording clean, interference-free sound and the utility of music, ambient audio, and sound effects to enhance podcast depth. These key takeaways, when applied, can enhance the audio quality, setting your podcast on a path to professional sound production.
The Podcast Host website also provides insightful articles on creating powerful podcast content. For example, “The Art of Creating an Invisible Podcast Episode Script” by Kevin Anderson and “Podcast Scripting: How Do I Write a Podcast Script?” by Colin Gray emphasize the importance of scripting and structuring your content. Both talk about a spectrum of scripting styles, ranging from a detailed, word-by-word script to a more fluid, bullet-point-based plan. The right balance ensures that the podcast host conveys information confidently and engagingly while retaining a natural, conversational tone. Anderson introduces the concept of an “invisible podcast script,” which, when executed well, feels ad-libbed and natural to the listener. This approach requires mapping out the podcast’s structure and ensuring a narrative flow that captures listeners from the start and guides them seamlessly through the episode. Gray adds that the scripting method should align with the host’s comfort level, suggesting experimentation with various scripting techniques until a personal sweet spot is found. Additionally, aspects such as compelling hooks or taglines can also play a pivotal role in drawing listeners in and setting the tone for the episode. Whether you’re a seasoned podcaster or just starting out, the art of scripting, combined with the right tools and presentation skills, can significantly elevate the quality and reception of your episodes.
Research to Inform
Before embarking on your own podcast journey, it’s important to explore existing podcasts to gain insights and inspiration. This allows you to identify elements that you resonate with and recognize areas of improvement. I delved into the following podcasts that stood out to me due to their production quality, content, and entertainment value:
- Real Gamer Hour: A gaming-centric podcast hosted by Destiny 2 content creators MTashed, True Vanguard, and KackisHD. They discuss recent gaming news, from new releases to emerging technologies. The podcast is both streamed on YouTube and available on Spotify. Their episodes maintain a conversational tone, highlighted by a visible topic list for YouTube viewers.
- PodCo Network: This podcast network houses “Wizards of Waverly Pod” and “Ned’s Declassified Podcast Survival Guide.” Both programs are video podcasts on YouTube, but they also provide audio-only versions on platforms like Spotify and Apple Podcasts.
- Wizards of Waverly Pod: Hosted by Jennifer Stone and David DeLuise, this podcast involves revisiting their beloved Disney Channel series. As they rewatch episodes, they share behind-the-scenes moments and sometimes interview cast and crew members.
- Ned’s Declassified Podcast Survival Guide: Hosted by Devon Werkheiser, Lindsey Shaw, and Daniel Curtis Lee as they rewatch their Nickelodeon show, share their stories from growing up, revisit the lessons learned, and sometimes chat with special guests.
- Steak and Eggs Podcast: A pop culture and gaming show hosted by Asmongold, Emiru, and Tectone. Their episodes are video podcasts on YouTube and are also available as audio-only versions on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and Amazon Music. Even though they typically discuss recent news and events in each episode, they often diverge from the main topic, adding a more personal touch.
I’m drawn to these podcasts because of their unique angles and content. They all share a conversational, relaxed format but also maintain a professional and organized program. While there’s an underlying structure to each episode, all tend to favor flexibility over rigidity, which adds a natural and engaging aspect to them.
Create
This week, our journey into the world of audio production and podcasts took form as we delved deep into the pre-production phase. Drawn to the world of storytelling in games, I chose to make a podcast episode on my top three adventure role-playing games (also known as an RPG) and discuss what makes them so great: their storytelling and gameplay. Overall, this process made me think about each game narrative and how I could convey their richness and complexity to someone unfamiliar with these games. A mind map became the first of this pre-production phase as it helped me brainstorm and organize my ideas. This visualization was helpful in starting out to see how to break down this topic into short, manageable segments. Following the mind map, I started the process of filling out the pre-production planning document which outlined my audio podcast idea and strategy. Beyond the benefits of clarity and organization these tools provide, they also highlight potential challenges. One might be ensuring that my passion and understanding translate into an accessible format for listeners unfamiliar with games. Another challenge is balancing gameplay mechanics with storytelling elements to provide a well-rounded perspective in a specific amount of time.
Here’s a link to my podcast pre-production plan: The Best in RPG Storytelling and Gameplay PLAN