Lab Overview & Structure

Discover the transformative power of audio storytelling with our immersive program designed to equip you with everything you need to create compelling podcasts.

Participants will get a dynamic blend of creative workshops, expert mentorship, strategic insights and guidance on story development and sound editing. Led by industry leaders, you'll gain practical experience in recording and editing, honing your skills to produce distinctive podcasts that captivate audiences.

Beyond technical skills, you'll explore the global podcasting ecosystem, gaining crucial knowledge on industry dynamics, effective pitching, strategic marketing, and optimal release strategies. Learn about funding models, audience engagement tactics, and measurement tools that define success in podcasting today.

Apply now to be part of this fantastic opportunity to learn, create, and thrive in the world of podcasts.

Dates: 24 – 31 August 2024
Hours: Daily session of 4 hours (4 to 8 PM Doha time)
Language: English
Lab Fee: 1,100 QAR
Level: Beginner to Intermediate
Group Size: 6 projects will be selected with a maximum of two attendees per project
Deadline: 3 August 2024

Lab Objectives

Participants will learn:

• Hear from podcast industry leaders and regional experts
• Learn about the general podcasting landscape as well as regional trends
• Understand the strengths and weaknesses of different platforms (Apple, YouTube, Spotify, Anghami, etc.)
• Learn to grow audience and the community of listeners
• Delve into scriptwriting, narrative mapping, storytelling techniques
• Explore sound editing and sound design best practices
• Formulate finetuned podcast pitches
• Delve into business models and monetisation strategies
• Develop their podcast branding, marketing and effective pitching

Course Overview

Day One: Introductions (Saturday 24 August)

• Introductions
  • Participants, DFI staff, and lab producers will gather to introduce themselves and their projects
  • Lab producer Alexandra Blair will run participants through an overview of the lab schedule
  • Presentation of the podcasting landscape in the MENA region + Q&A with audio producer Al Shaibani (Novel, previously at Kerning Cultures Network)
  • One on one meetings with Al Shaibani and Alexandra Blair to follow

Day Two: Defining Audience & Context (Sunday 25 August)

• The purpose and craft behind podcast focus statements
• Workshop with the producers of The Guardian’s Black Box series, Alex Atack and Joshua Kelly to talk about the storytelling techniques and building a narrative arc.
• One on one meetings with Alex Atack and Joshua Kelly to follow

Day Three: Sound designing & editing (Monday 26 August)

• Participants will learn how to create a workflow map to help guide their creation process
• Workshop on best practices of sound designing, sound editing and recording with audio engineer Monzer El Hachem
• One on one meetings with Monzer El Hachem to follow

Day Four: Business of Podcasting (Tuesday 27 August)

• Participants will learn how to create a concise thesis statement for their podcast to guide their work and pitch their show.
• Workshop from Ramsey Tesdell (CEO of Sowt) to learn about monetization and business in podcasting in the MENA region, followed by Q&A
• One on one meetings with Ramsey Tesdell to follow

BREAK: Wednesday 28 August + Thursday 29 August

Day Seven: Storytelling case study (Friday 30 August)

• Participants will learn how to define their audience and grow their listenership
• Workshop on leveraging your community to grow your show with Spotify's Rhea Chedid
• One on one meetings with Rhea Chedid to follow

Day Eight: Talking About Your Show (Saturday 31 August)

• Participants will give a brief presentation pitching their show to the group with feedback
• Then, learn best practices for pitching your show to strategic partners, funders, and collaborators.
• One on one meetings with Alexandra Blair and Al Shaibani to talk about marketing and branding your show; and to establish next steps.