There are a lot of reasons why the surge in popularity of podcasts is so exciting right now. It makes that rush hour commute to work much more enjoyable for millions of people every day. It opens up avenues for more stories to be discovered and more storytellers to create. And it’s a format that can be a lot easier and more affordable for independent artists to produce. You don’t need cameras, you don’t need a set; you just need a quiet room and a couple of microphones. And unlike visual media, podcasts provide a format where high concept, traditionally expensive genres like fantasy, action, and science fiction are just as achievable as more contained styles—if you want an alien in your podcast, for instance, you don’t need to invest in CGI; you just need an actor to say “Look! There’s an alien!” The art form of podcasts can be an equalizer in a way film and television have never been. It gives independent voices the ability to create something great and display their abilities, all without having to take out a mortgage. Plus, it gives you the ability to create IP that you control - all while helping you build a loyal following to serve as champions to help you carry your message. 

That’s not to say producing podcasts is a walk in the park. There is a whole lot that goes into it, and there is a lot you need to do as a podcast producer to ensure your project sounds good, feels professional, and holds its own against the big guns. It might be less expensive, but making the foray into audio fiction can be a daunting prospect if you’ve only worked in film and television (or have never produced before). There are some questions where you might not even know where to start: How do you find and cast voice actors? What kind of microphone should you use? How do you edit audio? What about sound effects? Do you make them yourself or can you source them from somewhere? What aspects of production should you be investing most of your money in? And once you have a finished product, where do you even put it so people can start listening?

Mike Disa is currently the director of the highly praised Netflix show Paradise PD and has been working in the industry, both in television and features, for two decades. With no film training or knowledge of the byzantine workings of the entertainment business, he eventually found success and has worked with studios such as Dreamworks, Disney, Warner Bros., Paramount, and many others. Over a fascinating career, Mike has worked with some of the greatest and most infamous people in Hollywood including Steven Spielberg, Eric Goldberg, Ralph Bakshi, Glenn Close, Steve Oedekerk, David Tennant, Amy Poehler, Adam Sandler, Jeffery Katzenberg and Roy Disney. Always an innovator, Mike recognized the interesting time right now for developing material based off of IP and took it upon himself to adapt his feature script SENTINELS: POINT OF NO RETURN into a 12-part podcast series, which is now produced. Having recently gone through the experience Mike is excited to share his approach and his lessons learned producing his adaptation exclusively with the Stage 32 community.

Mike will walk you through everything you need to know to produce your own successful podcast. He’ll begin by discussing pre-production and how to know when your script is podcast-ready. He’ll give you tips on finding and setting up your recording and delve into the audio equipment you’ll need to invest in, including how to find the right microphone that’s also affordable. Mike will also discuss the process of casting, finding the right voice actors for your parts and how to navigate read-throughs and rehearsals. Next Mike will teach you how to actually produce your podcast, including how exactly to record, recording pitfalls you should avoid, and what the directing process looks like. Then he will discuss podcast post-production and how to use your recordings to paint a full audio picture. He’ll tell you which editing software to use and how to find music and sound effects to compliment you project. He’ll also discuss where to take your project for post-effects. Finally, Mike will go over how to distribute your finished podcast. He’ll outline hosting services that are available and how to upload your episodes online. He will give you tips on how to create your own website for the podcast and how to publicize it. He’ll also explain why you don’t want to charge money for the final podcast. Throughout, Mike will illustrate the process by using anecdotes and lessons learned from his own podcast SENTINELS: POINT OF NO RETURN.

Expect to walk away with a full picture of the steps you need to take to produce, record and distribute your own successful podcast.

Praise for Mike's Stage 32 Webinar:

It was outstanding. Mike was thorough and generous with his own experiences. Very very well done.

-Rebecca R.

The webinar was well structured with clear and informative slides. Mike gave so much information in a way anyone could understand even with out any industry knowledge.

-Justine W.

I thought Mike as a great teacher. I loved the content and his ability to share his knowledge and experience in a very upbeat way.

-Rama R.

I have been curious about Podcasting so joined this Webinar. Mike was meticulously detailed about the ins and outs of it from beginning to end. I took copious notes; I was fascinated by everything he said and he said every thing that needed to be said about the entire process. He was so detailed, stressed what NOT to do as well as HOW to do it. He is a superb instructor. It could not have been presented in a more succinct manner.

-Marietta K.

• Pre-Production
  • How to determine if your script is podcast-ready
  • Finding and setting up your recording space
  • A rundown of the best equipment to invest in
    • Why a good podcast microphone is both important and affordable
    • Other tools
  • How to find a cast
  • Navigating read-throughs and rehearsals
• Production
  • The podcast directing process
  • Equipment you'll need
  • How to record
    • And how NOT to record
  • Takes and getting the most out of your actors
• Post-Production
  • How to use what you have to paint an audio picture
  • Software you should use to edit
  • Where to find music and sound effects
  • The pros and cons of sending your show to a post house
• Distribution
  • Hosting services and uploading your episodes online
  • Creating your own website
  • Tips on publicizing your podcast
  • Why you don’t want to charge money for the final podcast
• Q&A with Mike

If you'd like to learn the writing side of a podcast and how to adapt a feature screenplay into podcast format, check out Mike's webinar: Create Your Own IP: How to Adapt Your Existing Script into a Podcast as Proof of Concept

All levels of directors (advanced, intermediate and beginner) looking to learn how to produce your own successful podcast.

All levels of writers (advanced, intermediate and beginner) looking to learn how to produce your own successful podcast.

Producers looking to learn how to produce your own successful podcast.

Actors looking to learn how to produce your own successful podcast.