Essentials of podcasting

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Essentials of podcasting

By The Guardian Masterclasses

Date and time

Saturday, September 20, 2014 · 10am - 4pm GMT+1

Location

The Guardian

Kings Place 90 York Way London N1 9GU United Kingdom

Refund Policy

Contact the organizer to request a refund.

Description

Everything you need to know to present, record and distribute great podcasts

All you need to produce a podcast is a laptop, a mic and a great idea. But to really do your concept justice, it helps to have skills in presenting, editing, recording and writing content. Whether you're thinking of a panel show about football or a quirky audio tour of local landmarks, this course reveals the secrets of producing professional-sounding podcasts on a limited budget.

Four podcasting experts guide you through the entire podcasting process, from fine-tuning your format and recording content, to editing and distributing the final product. Our highly qualified specialist speakers include Helen Zaltzman, co-creator of the Sony Award-winning Answer Me This!, and Chris Skinner, producer of John Oliver's hugely successful podcast The Bugle, which is downloaded over 500,000 times a month.

This comprehensive one-day course includes tips on presenting and interviewing skills, as well as advice on creating innovative formats, and basic editing techniques to give your podcast a polished sound. Along the way, you'll also learn the basics of copyright and licensing for podcasts, where to source free-to-use music and images, and how to engage with online communities to build a buzz for your handiwork.

This course is for you if...

  • You have a great idea for a podcast but have no idea how to start producing it
  • You already produce a podcast and want to improve your technical or presentational skills
  • You want to work in broadcasting and want to learn some essential skills

Course description

This large-scale seminar features a comprehensive overview of the skills and tools necessary to record and distribute a high-quality podcast. Attendees will learn the basics of presenting and interview technique, editing software and podcast distribution. Topics covered on the day include:

  • A brief history of podcasting – and which shows work
  • Styles and formats – how to avoid cliches, and being boring
  • Preparation – knowing the direction of your podcast
  • Presentation and interview skills, including how to find interesting contributors
  • Editing your podcast with Reaper
  • The low-down on copyrighted works, and how to harness the web for free material
  • How to find and engage with an audience, and build an online community
  • How to monetise your podcast

Tutor profiles

Chris Skinner is the producer of The Bugle podcast, a leading satirical comedy podcast with John Oliver and Andy Zaltzman. The Bugle, launched in 2007, now receives over 500,000 downloads per month. Chris has subsequently produced major podcasts for the Times and Absolute Radio, as well as a diverse mix of comedy, sport and entertainment shows for BBC and commercial radio.

Helen Zaltzman co-created the comedy podcast Answer Me This! in January 2007. Produced in her living room in suburban London, the show became one of the most popular independent podcasts in the UK. It has won two Radio Academy Awards, and led to a spin-off book and two hit albums. Helen appears weekly on BBC 5 Live's Saturday Edition, and also hosts the monthly Sound Women podcast. Read more about Helen here.

Drew White has 25 years experience in broadcast and audio production. He has created on-air branding and promotions for the likes of Capital, XFM and Gold, provided voiceovers for over 50 radio stations and created music for BBC and commercial radio and TV. Drew was an early adopter of digital editing technology, and is now a leading expert in Reaper editing software, playing an active part in the software's development community since 2006.

Jason Phipps is an executive producer at the Guardian. He is responsible for the Science Weekly and Tech Weekly podcasts alongside a range of related editorial projects. Jason took the Best Internet Programme Gold at the 2012 Sony Academy Radio Awards, for his Science Weekly Podcast: Sounds of the Space Shuttle, an Acoustic Tribute.

The day will be hosted by Craig Templeton Smith, a freelance BBC producer who has made a range of programmes for Radio 3, Radio 4, BBC World Service and 6 Music. As a regular producer of Radio 4's Film Programme, he's reported from Cannes, interviewed Martin Scorsese, and spent the afternoon with Woody Allen at his office in Manhattan. Craig has contributed to programmes including Front Row, Woman's Hour and Free Thinking.

Full course and returns information on the Masterclasses website

Organized by

Welcome to Guardian Masterclasses – a unique programme of learning embedded within one of the world's most forward-thinking media organisations.

We offer a broad range of short and long courses across a variety of disciplines from creative writing, journalism, photography and design, film and digital media, music and cultural appreciation.

Harnessing the expertise and specialisms within the organisation, our courses are led by first class and award winning guardian professionals whilst also drawing on the skills and expertise of other leading figures at the forefront of the creative and digital industries.

The programme is aimed at anyone interested in personal or professional development whether that be refining your skills, focusing your ambition or simply broadening your mind and gaining inspiration.

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