Hi folks! This episode we decided to do something we haven’t done in a while – in addition to our regular storytelling treats, we’ve put some in-production audio dramas in the spotlight as well. Specifically, we wanted to take a look at some crowdfunding campaigns. We know that audio drama production is a labor-of-love for most groups, with folks getting paid in thanks and appreciation. But unfortunately it doesn’t always pay for recording equipment or acting talent or production costs. Online donation and crowdfunding has helped fans play a direct role in bringing their favorite stories to life.
This has already proven true for Everybodyelse Productions. Based in the UK, they do audio production for multiple projects and have recently begun to create some in-house audio dramas. Their first story was the pilot episode of their series ‘Osiris‘, which we have a trailer sample for you to hear. Their next production is “The Coming of the Martians“, based on H.G. Wells’ “War of the Worlds”. They successfully ran a Kickstarter campaign back in 2015, but still didn’t meet all production costs – so there’s still a chance for you to back this story through IndieGoGo. If you’re looking for a science fiction story with more comedy and the spirit of the classic radio play adventure, you may take a look at the “Ray Gunn and Starburst” series. They have already produced six episodes filled with mystery, intrique and a useless band of sidekicks as they shuttle across the galaxy – and now they’re looking to produce more!
Another example of ongoing crowdfunding is with Yap Audio Production. We’ve had them on MAT before with some of their short stories and the Aftermath series. You may also know them by their popular Audio Drama Production Podcast. They’re planning a new 12-episode, dark fantasy audio series called “Valenhigh” and are just under 40% funded. We also have a trailer of this, so if you listen and like what you hear, they have funding information at their webpage, valenhigh.com, as well as their podcast Patreon page.
Speaking of, Patreon brings us to our feature story for tonight – another episode of ars PARADOXICA. If you listened in last week and already love the series like we do, there’s good news – they’ve produced an entire first season and have started on a second season as well, and it’s with the help of Patreon donors. Several other audio drama groups use Patreon as well, including Atlanta Radio Theatre Company, Icebox Radio, and Twilight Audio Theatre – along with emerging groups like Bright Sessions, Red Shift, Wolf 359 and Greater Boston. For ars PARADOXICA folks, there are chances to get behind-the-scenes looks at production, mini-episodes, posters and a special members-only podcast. While you’ll have to go online to find and hear all of that, we do have the next installment of the ars PARADOXICA series for you to hear tonight: Trinity, Parts I and II.
Don’t forget to go check out these productions currently in the midst of the crowdfunding process. And search around for more campaigns – there’s new ones starting up all the time!
Don’t Forget to Check Out:
– The Coming of the Martians
– Valenhigh
– ars PARADOXICA
