Welcome! I’m Derek, and for my In-Depth project, I created a fictional podcast, called Played the Podcast. My mentor is Mr. Gosselin, my English teacher at Gleneagle. You can check out my podcast on my website using the link below!
https://playedthepodcast.buzzsprout.com
Also, you can follow me on Instagram @playedthepodcast or click this link! https://www.instagram.com/playedthepodcast/
I would like to give a big thank you to Mr. Gosselin, Mr. Salisbury, Indah Del Bianco, and my family for making this podcast possible! As well, thank you to the music artists, Kevin McLeod, Esther Abrami, Joseph McDade, and Luis Sarro.
Frequently Asked Questions:
What is a podcast?
A podcast is typically an audio-only story or personal recording to entertain or inspire an audience. Podcasts can be focused on different topics, such as interviews, lessons, or stories!
What is a fictional podcast?
Tying into the story section of a podcast, a fictional podcast is similar to an audio book. However, audio books are typically professional recordings of an already made piece of writing, and fictional podcasts are episodes overarching a main theme. Played The Podcast is a serial fictional podcast where each episode ties into the next, building on one main story world.
What was the process you took to create Played the Podcast?
My first steps of creating a podcast was to research and learn key components from already existing fictional podcasts. The main part of this process was to listen and observe what worked and what didn’t. I came up with the idea of setting Played the Podcast in the Pacific Northwest, mainly from my research. I wanted the theme of my podcast to be mysterious and so I found that the Pacific Northwest environment has an uneasy unexplainable feeling to it. Before I began scriptwriting, I needed to decide whether I wanted my podcast to be serial or episodic, but due to COVID-19, I thought it would be difficult to find different voice actors for an episodic podcast. I spent a lot of time scriptwriting. Each episode had over five drafts, with significant changes between. Most of my time was spent on refining the scripts and aiming for a realistic factor. As well, I met regularly with my mentor, Mr. Gosselin to discuss my progress, and to make edits and revisions. At the beginning of May, I began recording and editing my episodes, finding sound effects, and designing my website!
What advice would you give to others wanting to make their own podcast?
If you are planning on starting your own podcast, I would recommend planning out each episode and making an exceptional outline in advance before beginning writing. Mr. Gosselin made this suggestion for me early on. For my podcast, I followed Mr. Gosselin’s advice and designed an outline in advance. By planning out my episodes, I had an overall idea of what each episode includes and the main components I need to touch on in order to advance the story further. Secondly, I would make sure you have enough time to write the podcast. Writing a podcast takes a lot of time. Mr. Gosselin pointed out that one page roughly creates one minute of dialogue. Each episode needs constant revisions and drafts before finalizing and designing a realistic script.
What inspirations did you draw on?
- The Shining
- Lost
- Lord of the Flies
- Rounders
- X-Files
- Psycho
- Parasite
- The Sixth Sense
- Twilight Zone
- Stranger Things
If you would like to post a comment, please click the title “In-Depth Night 2021” to enter the commenting area. Thank you for coming!
qmtk
Wow. I listened to parts of each episode. This is engaging. Lots of effort, time and dedication. Worth sharing with CBC radio?
What was the most challenging part of this project? Why?
Derek
Thank you Ms. Mulder for visiting my blog! I’m glad that you enjoyed my podcast so far. I hope that you will have some free time to listen to all five episodes and feel free to share the link to family and friends! The most challenging part of this In-Depth project was definitely the scriptwriting process. Each episode was written and rewritten at least 6 times each. I was very fortunate to have Mr. Gosselin as my mentor who patiently worked with me and provided notes each step of the way. The most difficult episode to write for me was the final episode, Episode Five: The Tunnel. I wanted a satisfying conclusion to my podcast that my audience would enjoy and be satisfied with. Enjoy the rest of your night!
Anonymous
A fun and interesting project. Great work on your podcasts, can I expect an ASMR compilation soon?
Nathan
So dramatic! I always thought you had a voice for podcasting (cough propaganda). The atmosphere is great and it’s all really well put together. 10/10, waiting for the next episode.
125-mbettauer
Podcasting is such a cool project idea! What compelled you to try this format instead of, say, novel-writing or scriptwriting? Really awesome project
Derek
In the past, I have done a lot of creative writing. I wanted to go out of my comfort zone and learn a new skill. My mentor, Mr. Gosselin is an excellent screenwriter with credits on IMDb. Unfortunately, due to COVID-19, it would not be possible to gather a full cast and film together, so I looked for an alternative. Podcasting caught my interest as it has gained popularity during the pandemic. I was able to recruit my family as voice actors, and found special guests who could record safely under COVID protocols. I have learned a lot and had a lot of fun during my In-Depth project.
Evan
Your podcast is simply great Derek! It is definitely something I will be listening to in full in my spare time.
Natalie Nicholson
Wow, I am sure a great deal of planning and attention to detail went into the creation of this podcast! I listened to the samples and really enjoyed how you were able to create setting and mood using overall audio, sound, voice, and music. Is this something that you would like to pursue further? What was the biggest challenge in creating this podcast?
Derek
Thank you for visiting my blog! At the beginning of my In-Depth project, I had a few ideas for how my podcast might sound and thought it would be a fun and interesting experience! After six months, I now have learned how much work into producing episodes whether they are podcasts or on film. One of the most difficult aspects was outlining my story from beginning to end and how to adjust when certain parts of the story don’t seem to work. There were many rewrites and edits and effort put into bringing the five episodes together. I might possibly do a season two, however, I now realize the enormous time commitment required. Thanks for listening!
Emma
WOW so so cool! So impressive! Just wow!!
Brianna
You’re so creative, Derek! I love the atmosphere that you created!
102-jng
Very creative idea! Loved reading it, good work.
Mel
Just listened to the first episode! I love the tension in the sotry from the way you present it! it’s incredibly engaging. I hope you keep this up!
what’s you’re favourite episode?
Derek
Thanks Mel for visiting my blog and your comments! My favourite episode is episode three!
achisholm
I didn’t have time to listen to them all but it did remind me of listening to “The Twilight Zone” when I was young. Liking what I hear so far. (From Colby’s very old mom!)
Grace
Derek, this is amazing! I love the idea of a fictional podcast and can’t wait to listen to the next episode!
cquach
Thanks Derek! I appreciate how you were up front with your desire to set your story in Cascadia as it carries with it a moodiness. Right from the trailer to your choice of music to the voice work you did, you leaned into creating this distinct mood. Beautiful characterization in the first episode…you were writing, acting, producing…bravo. I wonder how much of this is autobiogrphical?
Derek
Thanks Ms. Quach! I appreciate your support. I made the point to make Miles and his family as different from my family as possible. I like to think I put school before gaming!