The Podcast Becomes an Industry Powercast

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VERDICT: TFVN is a trailblazing podcast platform focusing on the global film industry, delivering dynamic audio content tailored for professionals, creatives, enthusiasts and students, revolutionizing the way industry insights are accessed and fostering valuable connections within the international film community.

By Matt Micucci

Podcasts have revolutionised media consumption since their emergence in 2003, steadily gaining popularity and adapting to the digital landscape. Despite their evolution, the fundamental essence of podcasts remains unchanged: accessible audio-based content for online streaming or for download onto digital devices. This adaptability seamlessly integrates podcasts into our digital routines, especially within the “on-demand” culture, where individuals dictate their own content consumption and schedule.

Recent data from Backlinko highlights the staggering growth of the global podcast audience, projected to exceed 504.9 million listeners by 2024. Additionally, the average listener devotes an impressive seven hours per week to their favourite podcast app. This is unsurprising, since podcasts accommodate modern multitasking, catering to listeners engaged in various activities such as work, household chores, commutes or exercise, enhancing accessibility for content consumption during daily routines.

Beyond entertainment and information, podcasts serve as a powerful marketing tool, fostering intimate connections between brands and listeners. The TFV Network, for instance, offers opportunities for guests to showcase their personalities through long-form conversations, impossible on traditional media channels. Plans are in place to also develop a format of reviews of films showcased at film festivals and film markets, to help generate buzz around noteworthy titles.

Regular podcast content focusing on the international film industry and global film culture can provide numerous benefits. For example, podcasts can facilitate cross-cultural exchange and collaboration, connecting industry professionals, filmmakers, critics and enthusiasts by transcending geographical barriers. The TFV Network aims to foster a dynamic community conducive to collaboration and knowledge-sharing, enriching discussions on international cinema and promoting cultural understanding.

There is a general misconception among many that producing a podcast is an effortless endeavour. However, the absence of regular podcast content from major film trade publications reflects a lack of investment in this medium within the sector, as well as a general inability to meet the standards of diligence, technical expertise and content quality assurance required to develop, establish, deliver and maintain podcast production on a consistent level.

Additionally, podcast production demands suitable audio equipment, proficiency in editing software and an understanding of distribution logistics across various platforms. Coordination in production and marketing efforts is equally crucial. These challenges partly explain why prominent publications like Variety have struggled to embrace the medium wholeheartedly, releasing podcast content sporadically and failing to grant enough exposure to a sufficient number of diverse individuals and organisations within the film industry.

To counter this underrepresentation, some organisations, including film festivals and markets, have turned to producing their own podcasts. However, they are generally unable to generate enough content to account for a regular podcast schedule and gain little new exposure. Indeed, recent research indicates that a staggering 90% of podcasts fail to surpass their third episode and only 1% of global podcasts reach the 21-episode landmark.

Leveraging on The FIlm Verdict’s access to industry leaders and resources and my own ten-year international experience in multimedia content creation, the TFV Network aims to address these gaps and challenges by providing consistent, high-quality podcast exposure for the film industry.

This network aims to highlight a diverse range of projects, individuals and organisations, helping them reach an audience of peers, as well as cinephiles and students from all over the world, through the consistent production of quality content, both recorded on-location and remotely. By doing so, it aims to enrich the discourse on global cinema and ensure a more dynamic and modern-minded representation of the industry at large.

Matt Micucci is the managing director and executive producer of TFVNetwork