Podcasting: Creation, Types, and Key Aspects

Podcasting

• Adopted in 2004
• A combination of the terms iPod and broadcast
• RSS is a sublanguage of XML, which is a flexible metalanguage compared to HTML
• Used for distribution or syndication

Requirements for Podcasting

• Record the program
• Need hosting, space on an internet server to store the MP3 files
• A feed, which is a file containing update information for listeners
• A web service where the podcast is broadcast from

Types of Podcasts

Entertainment Podcasts

• Common, aim to entertain, tell curious stories, or mysteries

Information Podcasts

• Provide news in a specific field on a regular basis

Educational Podcasts

• Offer timeless information, illustrate a specific topic, and educate listeners on a specific subject

Persuasion Podcasts

• Instill an idea in the listeners

Key Aspects for Podcast Creation

Music Selection

• Choose music that aligns with the tone and theme of the podcast

Sound Effects

• Use sound effects to emphasize key moments, create tension, or simulate environments, enhancing the narrative

Editing and Mixing

• Adjust audio levels of all elements to ensure comfortable and pleasant listening

Differences Between Streaming and Podcasting

• Streaming video files are larger
• Streaming happens automatically and can be listened to anytime after the content is available
• Streaming has more compatibility issues across different systems compared to podcasting

Advertising Spot (Cuña Publicitaria)

• Radio ad format that engages the sense of hearing
• Prerecorded ad, independent in content from the programs it airs
• Runs for an average of 30 seconds
• Relies on repetition for impact
• Used to promote programs, projects, and ideas

Objective

• Make an impact on listeners so they remember the promoted product

Key Elements of an Advertising Spot

The Idea

• Focus on advertising, the strategy, chosen media, key messages, a campaign slogan, and the available budget

The Narration

• Must be clear, brilliant, and engaging

The Music

• Recording original music is a critical factor

The Sound Effects

• They create realistic atmospheres

MIDI

• Musical Instrument Digital Interface
• A language that allows computers, musical instruments, and hardware to communicate
• Developed in the early 80s to standardize communication between pieces of musical hardware
• Ikaturo Kakehashi, the founder of Roland, proposed creating this language
• A MIDI note is created each time a key is pressed on a MIDI instrument

MIDI Properties

• Key ON and OFF: when a key is pressed and released
• Pitches/Pulsed Notes
• Velocity: speed and force when pressing
• Aftertouch: the continual force with which the key is held
• Tempo (or BPM)
• Panning
• Modulations
• Volume
• MIDI setups commonly use a sequencer as the main element, serving as the center of a track
• Most MIDI connections use a 5-pin DIN cable

Types of MIDI Connections

• Some setups only need USB to USB cables, though most MIDI connections use MIDI cables

MIDI OUT

• Transmits MIDI data

MIDI IN

• Receives MIDI data from another source

MIDI THRU

• Duplicates data from the MIDI IN port

Basic Editing Functions

• Copy, cut, and paste
• Displace
• Modify duration
• Change velocity
• Quantizing: Corrects start times and duration of notes in a segment so they align with a set timing grid

Sound Project Planning

• Requires a very technical, laborious, costly, and lengthy process involving many people
• The following explains sound project planning phases

Preproduction Phase

Idea Conception

• Project development

Event Planning and Organization

• Calendar/Timing

Human Resources Management

• Departments, staff, work teams

Economic-Administrative Management

• Permits, services, rentals, contracts

Logistics and Company Management

• Hiring services, transport, assembly and technical equipment

Design of Spaces, Structures and Infrastructures

• Design of spaces, structures, and infrastructures occurs

Types of Spaces

Open Spaces (Outdoor)

• Surfaces without any prior structure prepared for an event
• They can have fixed service installations
• Must consider orographic conditions of the land

Enclosed Spaces (Indoor)

• Closed surfaces or venues not affected by weather conditions

Spaces Without Fixed Structures for Assembly

• Venues or locations without any structure that can be used for event organization

Spaces With Fixed Structures for Assembly

• Have one or more structures that can be used for the event

Specialized Personnel

Regidor (Stage Manager)

• Organizes and coordinates all technical teams, artists and bands with local technical teams
• Ensures on-time operations and is the top person in charge of the show

Stage Manager

• Work plan and task organization during execution and is ultimately responsible for what happens onstage

Road Manager

• Handles logistics, schedules, etc., for the artist, band, and technical operators and coordinates with the stage manager and tour manager

Tour Manager

• Oversees the needs established by contract are met on behalf of artist/band during a tour

Sound Engineer

• Designs the sound setup, including acoustics, PA systems, and monitor systems, across various settings

Sound, Lighting, and Visual Technicians

• Manages the setup of the specialized production areas

Operator Technician

• Runs technical equipment for lighting, sound mixing, monitors, or video

Backliner (Backline Technician)

• Manages musical instruments on tour or during setup and monitors equipment conditions

Backline

• Space designated for musical instruments used by artists during a concert
• Can be rented or provided by group

Stagehand

• Operates a follow spotlight

Electrician

• Handles electrical installations and hookups to supply power for assembly, disassembly, and event operations

Self-Propelled Equipment Operator

• Operates equipment like forklifts and platforms

Stagehand/Loading and Unloading Personnel

• Performs manual handling of loads and collaborates with specialized technicians

Climber

• Assists in providing materials up to riggers who are on the structure

Scaffolder/Modular Structure Assembler

• Assembles and disassembles modular structures high such as stages, towers, walls, and roofing

Steelhand/Modular Structure Assembler

• Assembles and disassembles modular structures in high elevation

Rigger

• Performs rigging tasks: installing, uninstalling, or using elevation and/or hanging accessories to elevate or support loads

Production

• Coordinating the technical and human team so the activity develops in precinct on time
• There are defined phases
• Calendarization or timing is the phase in which each department and worker knows when, how, and where to get involved in mounting chain
• Transport, loading, and unloading of materials and equipment
• Trucks and loading equipment located at the right place on time
• Assembly of structures and infrastructure
• Specialized machinery (forklifts, cranes, stairs, etc.) and electrical connections are used
• Equipment assembly is a set phase
• Assembly and decoration also occurs
• Interpretation of the Stage Plot
• Riders
• Design of scenes and scenography
• Installation checking (sound, lighting, visuals, etc.)
• General rehearsal
• Sound and staging is tested at rehearsal

Sound Department

• Department plans and organizes team assembly
• They need to carry out distribution of spaces, tasks and schedules for teams
• Design and execute PA positioning and technical area plans
• Assembly and wiring of the sound system according to technical rider general and technical rider artists
• The term PA (public address) defines general sound system

Components of a Sound System:

Main Field

• System that covers central part among the public area, usually with line arrays and sound streets

Front Field

• Covers the first rows

Down Field

• Speakers set at distant sound
• Wider horizontal coverage area

Out Field

• System that covers outside section amongst main, and pointing outward

Delay Tower

• Tower-based audio relay systems provide reinforcement where the main field loses coverage

Sidefield

• System positioned towards the stage musicians

Additional PA Components:

Monitor Control

• Including in-ear systems, microphones, and instrument DI boxes

FOH (Front of House)

• Area dedicated to technical processes control for different departments in front of the scenario

Backline

• Where artists' musical facilities and any available equipment should be left for convenience

Backstage

• Rear portion of the stage designated for technical and artists access and is strictly prohibited

Post-Production

• Upon finalization of the event, is is important to

Unmount and Collect Rider Equipment

• Collect from artists and backstage area

Additional Phases

• Dismantling
• Sound (PA, FOH, monitor control, backline)
• Lighting
• Visuals
• Structures
• Stages and spaces
• Floors, platforms, scaffolding, and ground support are cleared
• Loading of materials and transport to origin

Event's Artistic and Technical Documentation

• Requires good planning
• Includes human and technical resources
• Involves an interpretation of technical riders
• Involves an outline of performances, their order, and what is needed at each point
• Time line/show timelines are useful
• Meeting reports
• All of this can be included within a technical report or brief

Explore the world of podcasting, from its origins and requirements to the different types available. Learn about creating podcasts, selecting the right music, and other key aspects. Discover how podcasts can be used for entertainment, information, education, and persuasion.