Once the domain of bearded hipsters with a penchant for coffee and craft brews, there’s no denying that podcasting has exploded into mainstream prominence in the past decade, becoming a million times more interesting and varied than it used to be thanks to the equally various types of people involved.
If you’ve ever thought about joining them, but don’t know how then the Australian Film Television and Radio School (AFTRS) has just the course for you. Delivered online over a six-week duration, AFTRS ‘Podcasting Fundamentals course will teach you everything that you need to know to create, edit, produce and launch your podcast, equipping you with the skills you need to become the next big thing in podcasting.
I’m listening, tell me more…
Gladly. Created by the nation’s premier screen arts and broadcast school, AFTRS Podcasting Fundamentals course will teach you all of the tricks, big and little, that you will need to stand out in a crowded podcasting pool. Under the direction of Audio Producer and Sound Design industry expert Madeline Joannou, students will take part in an accelerated syllabus that’ll see them go from ideation to publication in six weeks! We’ve waited longer for an AusPost package delivery. Combining online video chat sessions, audio recordings, readings, and exercises into one interactive curriculum covering the following essential elements.
Recording
Sound production plays a big part in the success of any podcast, with so many world-class podcasts out there, what a podcast sounds like is every bit as important as its content. Thankfully, producing quality audio can be easier than people think and in AFTRS’ capable hands you’ll learn how to achieve the best audio quality for your podcasts as well as about incorporating coaching in the use of popular software, hardware and publishing suites. Podcasting Fundamentals will also help you leap over the biggest hurdle most new podcasters face and ensure your podcast sounds like it belongs with the behemoths from episode one.
Editing
While most quality podcasts sound organic and conversational in nature, the truth is they are often as produced as any other media and editing play a huge part in that process. Quality editing can make the difference between a podcast that engages the listener and one that falls into the background. It’s no surprise then that Podcasting Fundamentals packs audio editing techniques into the curriculum, giving you industry standard insight and direction into how to utilise production elements to make sure your podcast sounds perfect for its genre. From editing interviews to incorporating music and differentiating segments and incorporating organic sounding monetization, Podcasting Fundamentals will fix you up with everything you need to know to get your podcast off the ground.
Creative structure
Chances are if you’ve read this far, you have a podcast idea inside of you waiting to bust out. Podcasting Fundamentals will help you burst through the ideation bubble by teaching you how to fully flesh out your content ideas and how to best structure your podcast to suit the creative. The best podcasts follow a simple formula, with some form of unique twist, the direction and assistance from the tutors at AFTRS will help you settle on the best structure for you, helping you connect with your audience in a way that feels natural while always being secretly under total control. If listening to thousands of hours of podcasts has taught us anything, people love a good sound segment and a good one is decided on sound structure.
Brand strategy + diversification
Publishing a podcast is a big achievement, but publishing a popular podcast, regularly, is an even bigger one. This is why Podcasting Fundamentals dedicates time in the course to teaching you how to grow your listenership, brand your podcast and even expand into a podcasting network or channel. There are thousands of successful podcasts out there, but understanding branding and leveraging its worth sits alongside sound production, editing, creativity and structure as one of the fundamental differences between those that make it and those that don’t.
That sounds awesome and all, but how do I know AFTRS know more than my YouTube deep dives?
Fair question, but one that is easily answered. AFTRS graduates work throughout the podcast industry for outlets as big as the ABC, The Guardian, The Kyle & Jackie O Show, Nova, triple j, Podcast One and beyond, so it is fair to say AFTRS know a thing or two about coaching podcasting success. Add to this the fact that course director and tutor Madeline Joannou is an industry superstar currently acting as the Managing Producer of Podcasts at Mamamia, then you can be assured that your podcasting potential is in good hands. Oh and students of other AFTRS courses have a casual 5000+ awards and selections at the world’s most prestigious festivals, while staff and alumni have won Academy Awards, Golden Globes, Emmys, BAFTAs, AACTAs and Commercial Radio Awards, so it is probably fair to say they know a thing or two about making it in the creative media industries!
That’s quite the not so humble brag, I’m sold! I’ve got six weeks, an idea and a podcasting dream. How do I sign up?
AFTRS Podcasting Fundamentals runs from Monday, June 21 until Sunday, August 1.
For more info and to enrol head here. We can’t wait to hear what you create!
