Audio Drama with Producer Ella Watts

The Podcast Studies Podcast

Ella Watts is a freelance audio producer and consultant who possesses both in-depth expertise and infectious love for audio drama. Her production credits include The Orphans, Evelyn's Roots, The Unseen Hour and she has also worked for the BBC in various capacities and across different contexts including BBC Sounds and BBC Studios. In November 2018 she was commissioned by Jason Phipps and the team at BBC Sounds to research the drama podcast industry. This research covered a brief overview of the industry's recent history, its current state, and my speculation on its future. In this broad conversation, Ella talks to Dario about a range of topics related to podcasting, audio production and the audio industry including: production practices during the pandemic; BBC Sounds and the consolidation of podcasting into the broadcast landscape; podcasting as a developing industry and commercial business; the digital age as a media aristocracy; the art and theory behind audio drama; audio drama, fandom and non-normative audiences.

* In this episode Ella stated that John Dryden of The Cipher Podcast is a straight white Londoner in his 20s. In fact, John identifies as queer, Jewish, from the US and in his late 30s. Apologies from both Ella and Dario for this mistake.

Shownotes

Ella's website

Ella mentions the book - Revolution of the Echo-Chamber by Leslie McMurtry

Podcasts referenced

NB

Have you heard George’s Podcast

After

Murmurs

The Cipher

Welcome to Night Vale

The Thrilling Adventure Hour

Cabin Pressure

The Bright Sessions

Sayer

The Magnus Archives

In Strange Woods

Midst

Primordial Deep