Written by John Edward Betancourt Over the course of the past year, we’ve talked at length about the majesty of Realm Media and their fascinating podcasts, and rightfully so. Because they continue to put forth amazing, scripted audio content and podcasts, and well… they’re doing such a great job with this, that they are beginning to attract some incredible creative talent to partner with, to help their network grow and prosper. In fact, they even went so far recently, as to bring into the fold, one of the founding fathers of podcast fiction to properly nurture the next phase of their scripted content. For New York Times Bestselling Author Scott Sigler is now part of the Realm family, and his arrival only adds to the richness of the network. Since a bevy of his quality content will now be featured in Realm’s digital database and this is huge. For it will undoubtedly lead to some incredible content from Realm, the kind that will wow us and take podcasting to new heights. But before we ponder upon what is to come, it is best we celebrate this amazing collaboration and to properly do so, here are all the details on this magnificent union, courtesy of Realm. ‘Realm, the world’s largest scripted podcast network with over 120 shows and 3500 hours of audio entertainment, today announced the signing of author Scott Sigler, a #1 New York Times bestselling author and one of the founding figures of podcast fiction. “Realm is a perfect fit for my work,” Sigler said. “Realm has cultivated a large audience of listeners eager to consume horror and sci-fi audio fiction. I’m excited to put my stories in front of new listeners.” Sigler is bringing multiple unabridged titles to Realm, including Nocturnal, which is live on the site, and soon to be added titles Infected Trilogy, the Generations Trilogy, Ancestor, Earthcore, and the entire Galactic Football League series. Nicole Kreutter, Realm’s Head of Network said: “Scott is a pioneer in audio entertainment – he distributed his audio series as podcasts very early on and built an incredible audience base before expanding into traditional book publishing. We’re excited to partner with Scott and introduce his amazing catalog of audio fiction to the Realm audience.” Sigler, an inaugural member of the Podcast Hall of Fame, is a trailblazer in podcast fiction. In March, 2005 — three months before Apple added Podcasts to iTunes — Sigler released his novel Earthcore as a free, serialized audiobook delivered via RSS. Since then, he has released an episode of his fiction every Sunday. Over 50 million episodes of his work have been downloaded. Even when signed to Penguin Random House through its Crown and Del Rey imprints, Sigler retained the right to distribute audio editions of his novels as podcasts. “My podcast audience was part of why I landed that major hardcover deal,” Sigler said. “I wanted to make sure my existing fans weren’t locked out when I released new books. Now I can bring those stories and more to Realm’s listeners and continue to grow this community.” Most of Sigler’s works join the Realm network as completed, serialized podcasts. His weekly podcast, recently renamed Scott Sigler Slices, delivers an episode of a new story every week and has run nonstop for eighteen years. Find Sigler’s full catalog of stories on Realm at: realm.fm/scottsigler About Scott Sigler: #1 New York Times best-selling author Scott Sigler is the creator of eighteen novels, six novellas, and dozens of short stories. He is an inaugural inductee into the Podcasting Hall of Fame. Scott began his career by narrating his unabridged audiobooks and serializing them on his weekly podcast. He continues to release free episodes every Sunday. Launched in March of 2005, Scott’s podcast — now known as SCOTT SIGLER SLICES — is the longest-running fiction podcast in history. His rabid fans fervently anticipate their weekly story fix, so much so that they’ve dubbed themselves “Sigler Junkies” and have downloaded over 50 million episodes. Subscribe to the free podcast at scottsigler.com/subscribe. Scott is a co-founder of Empty Set Entertainment, which publishes his Galactic Football League series. A Michigan native, he lives in San Diego, CA with his wife and their wee little Døgs of Døøm. For more information, please visit scottsigler.com About Realm: Realm is a leading audio entertainment company with an award-winning studio and the world’s largest scripted podcast network. Realm’s slate is anchored by #1 hit fiction podcasts and fan favorites like IF I GO MISSING THE WITCHES DID IT starring Oscar nominated actress Gabourey Sidibe; ORPHAN BLACK: THE NEXT CHAPTER and POWER TRIP starring Emmy-winner Tatiana Maslany; MARIGOLD BREACH starring Jameela Jamil and Manny Jacinto; OUTLIERS narrated by Rory Culkin; and ECHO PARK starring Harry Shum Jr. Realm produces immersive stories with top-tier talent and companies from across the entertainment industry. Franchise partners include Warner Bros. and DC Comics on projects including the #1 Spotify podcast HARLEY QUINN & THE JOKER: SOUND MIND starring Christina Ricci and Billy Magnussen, and the official continuation of the hit TV series ORPHAN BLACK, starring Tatiana Maslany. Realm’s forthcoming original slate includes partnerships with horror legends John and Sandy Carpenter, multi-award-winning audio drama creator John Dryden, and TRUE BLOOD author Charlaine Harris. Realm was co-founded by former Penguin Random House executive Molly Barton and former Obama Administration Dept of Justice lawyer Julian Yap. The Realm team and advisors include talent from CAA, UTA, Blumhouse, Warner Brothers, Spotify, NPR, Gimlet, etc. Realm shows are available as podcasts everywhere and on the Realm app, awarded “Best of the Year” by Apple. Follow Realm for updates on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook. For more information, please visit realm.fm.
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Written by John Edward Betancourt Something that is genuinely amazing about the era we are currently living in, is how many people have truly created their own career path when it comes being a media personality. Simply because forging one’s own path to stardom was simply impossible a short while ago. But the internet has truly revolutionized our world and opened up new avenues for people to pursue and that’s allowed for incredible new stars to conquer the entertainment landscape, and one that continues to be of note is Brittany Broski. For she truly took the world by storm with her delightful brand of comedy and that allowed for her to rise to the top quickly and stay there and create her own massive following and enjoy her own path, and well, Brittany is showing no signs of letting up when it comes to her passion of entertaining the masses. For yesterday, Brittany returned to the digital airwaves with a brand-new podcast entitled The Broski Report. Which will offer everyone a chance to catch up on the news in the style of Brittany and well, here all the details regarding her new podcast so that you’re ready to enjoy everything The Broski Report is going to send our way. ‘Broski Nation’s fearless & tyrannical leader has officially established a nationwide broadcast network—meaning you can now get national news blasts in the comfort of your own living room! Stay up to date with what Supreme Leader Brittany Broski is currently obsessing over, learning about, crying about, etc. Also expect important updates on Broski Nation law changes & people of interest. If you’re a loyal subject or follower of @brittany_broski or her top secret second account @lostmymarblesagain, this podcast is for you. “The Broski Report” will air Tuesdays, on all platforms where podcasts are available. Brittany took the internet by storm in 2019 with her wit, charm, and of course, distaste for kombucha. Since then, Brittany made the 2022 Forbes 30 under 30 list, was named as one of Fast Company’s “Most Forward-Thinking People in the Creator Economy” and Paper Magazine’s TikToker of the Year, appeared in Super Bowl commercials, created content for Comedy Central and MTV; and has several ongoing brand deals with T-Mobile and Smashbox Cosmetics. With over 10M followers on TikTok and over 1M followers on Instagram, Brittany’s rise to fame has truly captured the new influencer frontiers of the platform. She has interviewed notable talent including Jack Harlow, Harry Styles, Chelsea Handler, Bill Nye, among others. Brittany previously hosted Tik Tok’s first official podcast titled “For You.” Brittany has been nominated for several awards including being named an “Icon” on TikTok’s Discover List and taking home the 2020 WOWIE Award for Outstanding Achievement in Comedy.’ Brittany Broski Social Platforms Instagram | TikTok | Twitter Written by John Edward Betancourt
It is definitely safe to say, that every nerd and every geek… or every nerd that geeks… can easily pinpoint what formative moments occurred that made them into the super nerdy geek they are today. Simply because, those were special and powerful moments in our lives, the kind that ignited a spark deep within us. One that would guide us to more material in that vein and potentially steered us toward a unique career choice and well… I’d like to share one of my own formative nerdy moments today, to properly celebrate the wondrous holiday that is May the Fourth, and as you’ve probably guessed by now… my memory relates to the majesty that is the Star Wars Universe. Specifically… the release of Return of the Jedi.
For you see, I’m an elder nerd. One in his forties and I was but a wee lad when ROTJ hit the big screen back in 1983, but thankfully… I was able to see it on the big screen and that was a formative moment for me. One that revolved around a momentous occasion in my family. For my baby brother was born in 1983, and shortly after he gloriously came into this world, my mother needed a little down time and quiet time with her new son and that inspired my father… to take me to see Return of the Jedi. For I’d already shown interest in science fiction as a little kid, and the commercials for this motion picture had already caught my eye. So, we loaded up and headed out to a now defunct theater to get my dad and I a giant bowl of popcorn, my favorite, and a soda… to give mom that break and to properly enjoy the majesty of Return of the Jedi, and my goodness… was it something special. Because these eyes, had never seen such sights, and I honestly do not recall if I even ate that much popcorn. For my jaw was simply agape at watching Jabba the Hutt do his vile thing, and the epic space battle and lightsaber duel that dominated the finale of this movie, and well… that was it for me. I was hooked. I was a Star Wars fan for life and that movie had a huge impact on my life. It showed me that science fiction stories were worth my while and I poured myself into as many as I could get my hands on, including the other franchise we cannot discuss here for obvious reasons. But what mattered more is that it just inspired me to explore storytelling and everything it had to offer to try and create the same feeling that I received when watching this motion picture.
One revolving around wonder and awe over the stunning visuals and epic story that played out, and that is a feeling that in all honesty, only a few films and stories have ever replicated for me. Simply because what came after ROTJ was paying tribute to its wonder and because… routine can sometimes remove that sense of majesty as well since there’s comfort that develops in going to see spectacle science fiction stories. But… the point of sharing that memory with all of you, relates to the fact that forty years after I sat in shock over seeing Luke Skywalker beat the ever-living hell out of Darth Vader… that sense of awe returned to me courtesy of the re-release of Return of the Jedi. For I recently went to check it out with my bestest biffle in the whole wide world, Shae, and I honestly just expected to have a good time.
But somehow, sitting in that theater with my bestie, who is close enough to be considered family, while this movie that I’ve seen a thousand times since played out before my eyes once again… ignited that feeling within me once again. And just like that, I was staring at the screen in awe. Not only because it unlocked the memory of that wonderful day once again, but also because it made me think of the journey that is life, and my personal journey as a nerd. And just how these stories brought me to kindred spirits throughout the years, and the stunning memories made with those kindred spirits… and it even brought me to write these very words to share with all of you, helping me to achieve a personal dream of being a journalist and a writer, and it all started with the words… ‘A long time ago, in a galaxy, far, far away….’ and I am forever thankful for that. Because it’s been forty, glorious, nerdy years for me, all thanks to my family really, and that is another reason this re-watch in theater was special. Because I saw generations of nerds sitting in the seats and there is a very good chance that some of those kids, many no older than I was on that fateful week in 1983… were seeing this for the first time and perhaps having that same formative experience and well, if that doesn’t speak to the power of nerd-dom and the incredible stories that it is built upon, I don’t know what does. But what I do know, is that this really is a special film, one that will always hold a special place in my heart and remain my sentimental favorite from the saga. For it provided one of my formative moments as a geek and I will always look fondly upon this movie, and all the wonder it brought into my life. Written by John Edward Betancourt
It is definitely safe to say that the podcast has utterly transformed the entertainment world. For not only has it allowed for new types of storytelling to hit the digital airwaves, but it also brought the radio drama into the 21st Century and it has even managed to give us… unprecedented access to topics we know nothing about and people that we admire from afar, such as celebrities. For they too understand that a podcast will help their fans get to know them and allow for them to take part in conversations they’ve always wanted to have and one particular celebrity podcast of note that that deserves more attention is Paul Giamatti’s Chinwag with Stephen Asma.
For this podcast, allows for Paul and Stephen to just let loose and have an incredible talk about whatever is on their minds and sometimes… guests will drop by to take part in that same meaningful conversation and well, this week’s episode is of note, because Paul and Stephen had quite the incredible guest stop by. For William Shatner chinwagged with the chinwaggers and offered up quite the story and well, we here at NTG were fortunate enough to be provided with a clip for this week’s show, wherein you can hear Mister Shatner himself, discuss a fascinating decision he made in Amsterdam. Simply because… how does one not share this kind of wild story? But also, because… we’re here to spread the world about a fun show, one that has caught our ears and hopefully resonates with you as well. So, without further ado, here is that amazing clip, and all the details you need regarding the show so you too can enjoy the majesty of Paul Giamatti’s Chinwag with Stephen Asma. About the Episode Stephen Asma and Paul Giamatti are giddy to speak with lifelong hero and Star Trek alum William Shatner on tequila tastings, space travel, bum drug trips, holding on to your inner child and that time he beat up an Australian Olympic swimmer on stage. Stephen Asma is a professor and author specializing in the philosophy of science, religion, and art. Paul Giamatti is an award-winning actor and producer. William Shatner is an Emmy award-winning actor, writer, recording artist and director whose new documentary You Can Call Me Bill premiered at SXSW 2023. About Paul Giamatti’s CHINWAG with Stephen Asma Chinwag is esoteric in the best way possible, as Paul and Stephen delve into anything and everything: Are we living in a simulation? What’s the most perfect sentence in literature? Is Bigfoot interdimensional? Science, the occult, philosophy, magic mushrooms… It's all fair game! Unexpected, hilarious, and maybe even profound – Chinwag is all about having a really, really good chat. Chinwag is executive produced by Treefort Media’s Kelly Garner and Lisa Ammerman along with Paul Giamatti, Stephen Asma and Dan Carey for Touchy Feely Films. Each episode of Chinwag also features animated stories to complement the chats. Produced by Treefort Media and Touchy Feely Films About Treefort Media Founded in 2018 by CEO Kelly Garner and based in Los Angeles, TREEFORT MEDIA is an independent podcast company specializing in premium fiction and unscripted audio storytelling. The company’s first original series Fatal Voyage: The Mysterious Death of Natalie Wood hit #1 on Apple Podcasts and garnered over 25 million downloads. The company’s creative partners include Wondery/Amazon Music, Audible, Disney Music, iHeartMedia, Paramount, Spotify, Universal Music Group and Village Roadshow Entertainment Group. Treefort’s scripted audio drama Moriarty, a twist on the Sherlock Holmes canon, has earned many award nominations – including Best Podcast of the Year – since its debut as an Audible Original in July 2022. Another Treefort scripted series for Audible, Killing Hollywood: The Cotton Club Murder, won the Webby for Best Scripted Fiction Podcast last year. Their popular unscripted weekly series Killer Psyche led to a daily spin-off, which launched exclusively on Amazon Music in November 2022. Treefort also partnered on the acclaimed investigative series Collapse: Disaster in Surfside, with the Pulitzer Prize winning reporters of the Miami Herald. For additional information, please visit https://www.treefort.fm/ and follow on social media @treefort.fm on Instagram and @TreefortMedia on Twitter. About Touchy Feely Films Touchy Feely Films is a New York-based production company run by producers Paul Giamatti and Dan Carey. Together, they have created an eclectic mix of television and independent film projects over the company’s fifteen-year history, including the acclaimed AMC series Lodge 49 and such films as Cold Souls, All is Bright, and John Dies at the End. William Shatner ClipPodcast Trailer
Written by John Edward BetancourtWe’re one month into the new year, and the slight break from an entertainment standpoint that accompanies the start of a new year, is quickly coming to an end. Because just like that, television shows and movies are suddenly in full swing again with their releases, and even the world of podcasting and audio entertainment is ramping up to provide us with quality entertainment. As evidenced by today’s announcement from Realm. For this particular company, one that leads the way in quality podcast entertainment, let it be known that we are weeks away from a brand-new release. For Bookburners from Hugo award-winner writer Max Gladstone will make its debut on February 14th on the network. And once again, it would appear that Realm has landed another incredible story to wow us with, and for proof… well just check out the synopsis below, that Realm was kind enough to provide us with. 'Realm, the largest scripted podcast network, released the trailer and announced the upcoming release of Bookburners, a supernatural investigative podcast created and executive produced by Hugo-, Nebula-, and Locus Award winning author Max Gladstone (Empress of Forever, The Craft Sequence series, This is How You Lose the Time War). The first episode is set to premiere Tuesday, February 14th, with episodes releasing twice-weekly. Five seasons are planned. Led by Gladstone, the writers room for Season 1 includes Margaret Dunlap (The Lizzie Bennet Diaries), Mur Lafferty (Six Wakes), and Brian Francis Slattery (Liberation). Bookburners follows a team of Vatican-backed investigators on a mission to find and capture dangerous magical books and artifacts in order to keep them from destroying the world. The Bookburners are a cohort of special investigators from wildly different walks of life—a New York City detective, a Guatemalan priest, an indestructible woman from China, a techno-occultist from Ireland, and an inquisitive scholar from the Ivory Coast. As the team faces horrors that threaten their sanity and their very lives, the scars of their own past magical traumas cause them to question their whole mission… and even their faith in one another. Gladstone said: "Our story of a dangerous knowledge, a changing world and the normal-ish folks who are trying to manage it all feels, if anything, even more timely today--and its horror, action, and wonder are as fresh as ever. Welcome, and enjoy the ride." Molly Barton, Realm co-founder and CEO, said “Bookburners is a fan favorite audio series, with listeners in nearly 150 countries. We are thrilled to bring the series out from behind the paywall for the first time. Now podcast listeners everywhere can join the ‘Bookburners’ team on their action-packed cases to contain supernatural forces and save the world.” Julian Yap, Realm co-founder and Bookburners executive producer, said "Bookburners was the first project we ever did, so it'll always have a special place in my heart. What we got was absolute magic--a supernatural monster of the week thriller, with great characters, action, and lots of feels. I couldn't be more excited about introducing it to a whole new audience who I hope will love it as much as I do." Bookburners episodes will release twice-weekly on all podcast platforms including Apple Podcasts, Spotify and Stitcher, beginning Tuesday, February 14th. Episodes will also be available early and ad-free for subscribers to Realm+ and Realm Unlimited. The entire series is also currently available in print book and e-book editions. Bookburners is created by Max Gladstone and written by Max Gladstone, Margaret Dunlap, Mur Lafferty, Amal El-Mohtar, Andrea Phillips, and Brian Francis Slattery. Produced by Marco Palmieri and executive produced by Max Gladstone, Julian Yap, and Molly Barton. Voiced by Xe Sands, with music by Hashem Assadullahi. Find more shows like Bookburners by following Realm on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or at Realm.fm. About Max Gladstone: Hugo-, Nebula-, and Locus Award winning author Max Gladstone has been thrown from a horse in Mongolia and once wrecked a bicycle in Angkor Wat. He is the author of many books, including Dead Country, Last Exit, Empress of Forever, and, with Amal El-Mohtar, the internationally bestselling This is How You Lose the Time War. About Realm: Realm is the world’s largest independent scripted podcast network. In the last year, nearly 90% of Realm shows have reached the top 100 most popular fiction podcasts in the US, with more than 25% reaching the top 10. Realm’s slate is anchored by #1 hit fiction podcasts and fan favorites like POWER TRIP executive produced and starring Tatiana Maslany; ECHO PARK starring Harry Shum Jr.; Webby winner IF I GO MISSING THE WITCHES DID IT starring Oscar-nominee Gabourey Sidibe; MARIGOLD BREACH starring Jameela Jamil and Manny Jacinto; OUTLIERS narrated by Rory Culkin; BLACK FRIDAY with Fred Armisen; and MEMORY LANE written by “Pretty Little Liars” creator and New York Times best selling author Sara Shepard. Realm produces immersive stories with top-tier talent and companies from across the entertainment industry, including franchise partners such as DC and Marvel on shows such as WONDER WOMAN: HEARTLESS and BLACK PANTHER: SINS OF THE KING starring Emmy-nominated actor William Jackson Harper. Realm is currently in the works on an all-new, original podcast from New York Times best-seller Charlaine Harris whose novels inspired the HBO mega-hit, TRUE BLOOD. Co-founded by former Penguin Random House executive Molly Barton and former Obama Administration Dept of Justice lawyer Julian Yap, Realm shows are available as podcasts everywhere and on the Realm app, awarded “Best of the Year” by Apple. Follow Realm for updates on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook. For more information, please visit realm.fm.' Realm Media Releases Trailer for Upcoming Futuristic Psychological Thriller Series ‘Spark Hunter’10/26/2022 Written by John Edward Betancourt
It wasn’t that long ago, that we took a moment to spotlight the upcoming Futuristic Psychological Thriller Series Spark Hunter, from Realm Media, and rightfully so. For not only is the plot of this particular series compelling and epic in nature, but it is host to an all-star cast. One that features some massive names for certain and well… the time has come to discuss this fascinating series once more. Mainly because, Realm Media is finally giving us a true sampling of how incredible this series is going to be.
For earlier today, Realm released a trailer for Spark Hunter, alongside some updated details on the plot. And with that in mind, it’s best we get right to it and share that trailer and those details with you, so you can let the excitement continue to build within over what is shaping up to be Realm Media’s most ambitious project to date. ‘Realm, the largest scripted podcast network that creates immersive, original fiction podcasts and audiobook series, today released the trailer for Spark Hunter, the eight-episode, conflict-filled psychological audio thriller directed and executive produced by filmmaker Trudie Styler, which will debut on Election Day, Tuesday, November 8th with the first two episodes. Set twenty-two years in the future, the project’s star-studded cast includes Academy Award winner Mark Rylance, Golden Globe nominee Rebecca Ferguson, and Emmy nominated, SAG Award winning actor Charles Dance, who all executive produce. Spark Hunter marks director and executive producer Trudie Styler’s first foray into audio. The Fighter Steel Productions title is centered around a set of TOP SECRET covert recordings from the archives of the President of the United States illegally released by the world’s greatest expert in robotics. It’s his warning to humanity. Co-written and created by podcast producer K.B. Miller and executive producer Teressa Tunney, the project was inspired both by Miller’s experience as principal investigator on an AI project for the U.S. Department of Defense and by the ethical dilemmas Tunney encountered in documenting the story of Korea’s comfort women. Spark Hunter examines the story of the world’s most advanced robot (Ferguson) who is pitted against the NSA and POTUS who believe she’s gone rogue and are determined to decommission her. Only her maker (Rylance) knows what danger she poses to the world and over a sumptuous meal, they discuss her moral dilemma and dark existential crisis, that make her technology a lethal weapon in the hands of Naval Intelligence. With sharpshooters in position to take her out, and the NSA and the President listening in, her Maker must determine if she is a threat to herself or others as he tries to protect his masterpiece, a machine with an evolving consciousness who is increasingly drawn into one of the most human of struggles– the unrelenting desire to understand her purpose in the universe. As dessert is served, tension escalates when, in an act of treason, her Maker reveals shocking information about her programming that swings the story in a startling direction. Their fateful dinner is recorded in The Spark Hunter File and released on Election Day, November 8, 2044. In addition to Ferguson (Mission Impossible, Dune 2021, Reminiscence), Rylance (Bridge of Spies, Wolf Hall, The Trial of the Chicago 7, Don’t Look Up, The Phantom of the Open, The Outfit) and Dance (Game of Thrones, Mank) the stellar voice ensemble includes Kathleen Turner (Peggy Sue Got Married) , Vanessa Redgrave (Julia, Howard’s End), Richard E. Grant (Can You Ever Forgive Me?, Gosford Park), Edward Hibbert (Frasier), Linda Powell (Morning Glory, The Report); Fisher Stevens (Succession, The Lincoln Project) De'Adre Aziza (She's Gotta Have it, Passing Strange); John Douglas Thompson (Till, The Bourne Legacy, For Life), and features guest appearances by world renowned recording artist Sting, and Eliot Sumner (The Gentlemen). Tony winner Gareth Fry (Harry Potter and the Cursed Child) is the sound designer.’ Written by John Edward Betancourt For some time now, we’ve talked at length about Realm Media and their incredible work and rightfully so. Because they continue to just release one juggernaut audio drama or podcast series after another. The kind that pushes the envelope or offer epic stories with equally as epic casts and well, they’re showing no signs of slowing down regarding this. In fact, it is safe to say they’re actually managing to up their game… as evidenced by today’s announcement. For earlier today, Realm let it be known that not only will their brand-new futuristic psychological thriller, Spark Hunter, hit the airwaves on November 8 this year… but they also informed us that this series is going to feature an incredible cast. One complete with A-Listers such as Sting and Rebecca Ferguson. Who will give life to a fascinating and dynamic plot and well… without further ado, since your curiosity is now piqued… here are all the details on this new series and the cast roster for you to get super excited about, courtesy of Realm Media. ‘Spark Hunter, Realm’s eight-episode, conflict-filled psychological audio thriller directed and executive produced by filmmaker Trudie Styler, will debut on Election Day, Tuesday, November 8th, it was announced today. Set twenty-two years in the future, the project’s star-studded cast includes Academy Award winner Mark Rylance, Golden Globe nominee Rebecca Ferguson, and Emmy nominated, SAG Award winning actor Charles Dance, who all executive produce. Spark Hunter marks director and executive producer Trudie Styler’s first foray into audio. The Fighter Steel Productions title is centered around a set of TOP SECRET covert recordings from the archives of the President of the United States illegally released by the world’s greatest expert in robotics. It’s his warning to humanity. Co-written and created by podcast producer K.B. Miller and executive producer Teressa Tunney, the project was inspired both by Miller’s experience as principal investigator on an AI project for the U.S. Department of Defense and by the ethical dilemmas Tunney encountered in documenting the story of Korea’s comfort women. Spark Hunter examines the story of the world’s most advanced robot (Ferguson) who is pitted against the NSA and POTUS who believe she’s gone rogue and are determined to decommission her. Only her maker (Rylance) knows what danger she poses to the world and over a sumptuous meal, they discuss her moral dilemma and dark existential crisis, that make her technology a lethal weapon in the hands of Naval Intelligence. With sharpshooters in position to take her out, and the NSA and the President listening in, her Maker must determine if she is a threat to herself or others as he tries to protect his masterpiece, a machine with an evolving consciousness who is increasingly drawn into one of the most human of struggles– the unrelenting desire to understand her purpose in the universe. As dessert is served, tension escalates when, in an act of treason, her Maker reveals shocking information about her programming that swings the story in a startling direction. Their fateful dinner is recorded in The Spark Hunter File and released on Election Day, November 8, 2044. In addition to Ferguson (Mission Impossible, Dune 2021, Reminiscence), Rylance (Bridge of Spies, Wolf Hall, The Trial of the Chicago 7, Don’t Look Up, The Phantom of the Open, The Outfit) and Dance (Game of Thrones, Mank) the stellar voice ensemble includes Kathleen Turner (Peggy Sue Got Married) , Vanessa Redgrave (Julia, Howard’s End), Richard E. Grant (Can You Ever Forgive Me?, Gosford Park), Edward Hibbert (Frasier), Linda Powell (Morning Glory, The Report); Fisher Stevens (Succession, The Lincoln Project) De'Adre Aziza (She's Gotta Have it, Passing Strange); John Douglas Thompson (Till, The Bourne Legacy, For Life), and features guest appearances by world renowned recording artist Sting, and Eliot Sumner (The Gentlemen). Tony winner Gareth Fry (Harry Potter and the Cursed Child) is the sound designer. Molly Barton, Realm’s CEO and co-founder said: “I was in from the moment I heard the incredible performances by Rebecca Ferguson, Mark Rylance and the many world renowned performers featured in this series. We are so pleased to partner with K.B., Teressa and Trudie on bringing Spark Hunter to the world - it is an elegy on our collective future, a Blade Runner for today, and we’re so excited for listeners everywhere to experience it." Executive producer and director Trudie Styler added: “Part thriller and part love story, what I loved most about this podcast is how it reflects humanity, showcasing our ability to spark change and make sense of our world through the stories we tell. But we must be intentional in our prose and tell stories that matter. Spark Hunter is just that kind of piece and I’m thrilled to work with Realm, KB, Teressa, Mark, Charles, Rebecca, and the rest of our extraordinary ensemble to bring this spectacular work to life and to listeners.” K.B. Miller said: “With Spark Hunter, Teressa and I created an intimate drama set in the future, but its core themes and high stakes deliberately speak to the here and now. With Trudie’s deft direction, inspired casting and incredible sound design by Gareth Fry, this podcast will take listeners to another place and time, but one oddly familiar given the current state of our world. It is an exploration of ethics and informs our collective opportunity to be masters of our own fate as we tackle the many societal and environmental challenges we face -- most painfully real. It’s our story, about that spark of consciousness. A story of hope.” Teressa Tunney added: “Creating this compelling piece of fiction with KB and partnering with Trudie has been empowering and deeply gratifying. Spark Hunter is rooted in our belief that every conversation can incent a different future and that living fully is a celebration of difference. Our AI in this story, named ‘Her’, is a being with a moral code that we can all learn from – if we can find compassion and care for every thing, then we can find compassion for our neighbors in the world, for our rivers, mountains, oceans, and forests. The simplicity of that idea isn’t revolutionary, but it does have the power to shift the narrative about AI and an intelligent human sharing their lives as the basis for the future of all complex decision making.” About Realm: With more shows in the top fiction charts than any competitor, Realm is a category-defining audio entertainment company and the industry's largest fiction podcast network. Since the network’s launch in April 2021, nearly 90% Realm shows have reached the top 100 most popular fiction podcasts in the US, with more than 25% reaching the top 10. Realm’s slate is anchored by #1 hit fiction podcasts and fan favorites like the Webby winner IF I GO MISSING THE WITCHES DID IT starring Oscar nominee Gabourey Sidibe, the #1 fiction podcast ECHO PARK with Harry Shum Jr.; Ambie-nominee ORPHAN BLACK: THE NEXT CHAPTER starring Emmy-winner Tatiana Maslany, MARIGOLD BREACH starring Jameela Jamil and Manny Jacinto; OUTLIERS narrated by Rory Culkin; BLACK FRIDAY with Fred Armisen; and MEMORY LANE, written by Sara Shepard, the New York Times bestselling creator of Pretty Little Liars. Realm produces immersive audio series with top-tier talent and companies from across the entertainment industry including franchise partners such as DC and Marvel on shows such as WONDER WOMAN: HEARTLESS and BLACK PANTHER: SINS OF THE KING starring Emmy-nominated actor William Jackson Harper. In 2023, Realm will release an all-new, original podcast from New York Times best-seller Charlaine Harris whose novels inspired the HBO mega-hit, TRUE BLOOD. Realm was co-founded by former Penguin Random House executive Molly Barton and former Obama Administration Dept of Justice lawyer Julian Yap. Realm shows are available as podcasts everywhere, and on the Realm app, awarded “Best of the Year” by Apple. Follow Realm for updates on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook. For more information, please visit https://www.realm.fm/.’ Cast PhotosWritten by John Edward Betancourt It is definitely safe to say, that it has been a very good couple of years for the Neil Gaiman story, The Sandman. For not only did the long-awaited live adaptation arrive on Netflix to critical acclaim, but the Audible and DC partnered audio drama of the series, was met with the same acclaim and joy from fans everywhere. So much in fact that Act II was quickly released following Act I’s debut… and well, it just so happens that there is now even more Sandman for us to enjoy, courtesy of today’s surprise. For earlier, Audible and DC stunned fans of this franchise everywhere, with a surprise release of The Sandman: Act III. And well… since those words undoubtedly raised some eyebrows and piqued curiosity, let’s not waste any time and provide you with all the details on this epic release, courtesy of DC and Audible. ‘Audible Inc., the leading creator and provider of premium audio storytelling, today surprise released the much-anticipated third installment of The New York Times best-selling, multi-part original audio drama franchise, The Sandman. Picking up where The Sandman: Act II left off, The Sandman: Act III, now available exclusively on Audible, continues to bring to aural life the world of The New York Times best-selling graphic novel, The Sandman, created by Neil Gaiman and published by DC. The third installment is once again adapted and directed by co-executive producer Dirk Maggs and narrated by Gaiman, who also returns as creative director and co-executive producer, with original score from BAFTA Award-winning composer James Hannigan. Returning to the Audible Sandman universe is series star, James McAvoy in the title role as well as Kat Dennings as Death, Miriam Margolyes as Despair, Justin Vivian Bond as Desire, Jeffrey Wright as Destiny, Kristen Schaal as Delirium, Andy Serkis, Riz Ahmed, Regé-Jean Page, Kevin Smith, Bebe Neuwirth, Niamh Walsh, Arthur Darvill, Ray Porter, Shruti Haasan, Billy Boyd, and a full ensemble cast. Joining the cast of Audible’s Sandman franchise for the first time are David Harewood as Destruction, Wil Wheaton as Brant Tucker, and KJ Apa as Prez. In 2020, Audible released the first installment in the audio franchise The Sandman to record-breaking Audible Original pre-orders; it still stands as the best-selling Audible Original in the company’s history. It also occupied the #1 spot on The New York Times Best Seller Audio Fiction list in July 2020 and August 2020. The Sandman: Act II, released in 2021, is the second best-selling Audible Original in the Premium catalog in the first 90 days of release, bested only by the first installment, while also holding the #2 spot on The New York Times Best Seller Audio Fiction list. “You are not dreaming! We are thrilled to surprise fans with the third volume in Audible’s Sandman franchise, today. We couldn’t wait for our listeners to drift back into this world with us, and this installment is again beautifully brought to life in audio with even more immersive soundscaping and incredible performances,” said Audible EVP and Head of US Content, Rachel Ghiazza. “We were blown away by the response to the first two installments, which broke Audible records and took our listeners to places beyond their wildest imagination, and we continue to be in awe of this beloved franchise helmed by a true visionary, Neil Gaiman, and brought to life by the incredible talents of Dirk Maggs and an ensemble of dreams.” Neil Gaiman said, “The excitement and the joy people have taken in the astonishing Audible adaptations of Sandman has been such a morale booster over the last few years. The only downside has been that everyone I know, and many thousands of people on social media that I don’t know, have wanted to know when Act III would be released. Now you all know. I think it might be the best one yet.” “I can’t wait for you to join us for The Sandman: Act III. It’s been a long time coming and it’s worth every minute of the wait,” added Dirk Maggs. “New to this installment, Regé Jean Page’s bereaved hero finally meets Destruction, played by the brilliant David Harewood. There's a modern-day road trip across the US with Dream and Delirium, and we finish up beyond space and time in The Worlds’ End Pub, where the fantastic Wil Wheaton as Brant Tucker and KJ Apa as Prez join this amazing cast.” The first installment of Audible’s The Sandman adapts volumes 1-3 of the graphic novel series of the same name (Preludes & Nocturnes, The Doll’s House, and Dream Country). The second installment adapts Season of Mists, Distant Mirrors, A Game of You and Convergence from the graphic novel series and the third installment adapts Brief Lives and Worlds’ Ends, diving deeper into the world of The Sandman. The Sandman installments join a robust slate of Audible Original audio dramas including Kerry Washington’s The Prophecy; Moriarty; KOZ, featuring Taylor Kitsch and Kate Mara; Jesse Eisenberg’s When You Finish Saving the World; Skybound’s Impact Winter; The Miranda Obsession, produced and performed by Rachel Brosnahan; Armored from The New York Times bestselling author, Mark Greaney; and James Patterson’s The Coldest Case starring Aaron Paul, among many more. Catch up on The Sandman on Audible: www.audible.com/thesandman and www.audible.com/sandman2. ABOUT AUDIBLE, INC. Audible, Inc., an Amazon.com, Inc. subsidiary (NASDAQ:AMZN), is the leading creator and provider of premium audio storytelling, offering customers a new way to enhance and enrich their lives every day. Audible content includes more than 760,000 audio programs from leading audiobook publishers, broadcasters, entertainers, magazine and newspaper publishers, and business information providers. ABOUT DC DC, part of Warner Bros. Discovery, creates iconic characters and enduring stories and is one of the world’s largest publishers of comics and graphic novels. DC’s creative work entertains audiences of every generation around the world with DC’s stories and characters integrated across Warner Bros. Discovery’s film, television, animation, consumer products, home entertainment, games, and themed experiences divisions, and on the DC Universe Infinite digital comic subscription service. Learn more at DC.com. ABOUT NEIL GAIMAN Neil Gaiman is the New York Times bestselling and award-winning author and creator of books, graphic novels, short stories, film and television for all ages, including Norse Mythology, Neverwhere, Coraline, The Graveyard Book, The Ocean at the End of the Lane, and The View from the Cheap Seats. His fiction has received Newbery, Carnegie, Hugo, Nebula, World Fantasy, and Will Eisner Awards. American Gods, based on the 2001 novel, is now a critically acclaimed, Emmy-nominated TV series, and he was the writer and showrunner for the mini-series adaptation of Good Omens, based on the book he co-authored with Sir Terry Pratchett. Gaiman was an Executive Producer and co-showrunner for Netflix’s TV adaptation of his Sandman comic book series, and the first and second volumes of the Audible Sandman full-cast audio adaptation were New York Times bestsellers, with the first volume reaching #1. He is currently developing season 2 of Good Omens and a TV adaptation of Anansi Boys. Neil Gaiman is a Goodwill Ambassador for UNHCR and Professor in the Arts at Bard College. ABOUT DIRK MAGGS Dirk Maggs writes and directs immersive, densely layered audio stories that fire the imagination. At the BBC, his groundbreaking 'audio movies' featuring DC Comics' Superman and Batman dazzled Douglas Adams, who asked Dirk to bring The Hitchhikers Guide To The Galaxy back to its original home, BBC Radio. In the last decade, Dirk has worked closely with his friend Neil Gaiman to adapt and direct prestige BBC versions of Neverwhere, Stardust and Neil and Terry Pratchett's Good Omens. For Audible, Dirk adapted and produced The X-Files, starring Gillian Anderson and David Duchovny, and four epic audio adventures set in the Alien universe. Dirk's many awards include Audies, Writers Guild, Sonys, Talkies, British Fantasy Society and two New York Festivals Gold Medals. Dirk is an Honorary fellow of the University of Winchester, and he was recently awarded an Honorary Doctorate in the Arts by Bournemouth University.’ Written by John Edward Betancourt One thing that fans of podcasts and scripted audio programming have noticed as of late, is that Audible is in the news often and understandably so. Because they are just releasing announcement after announcement regarding their programming lineup, as part of an effort to continue to bring those aforementioned fans, the best content possible and once again… they’re back in the headlines, courtesy of today’s announcement. For earlier, Audible let the world know that they are bringing forth a bevy of new comedy podcasts with their longtime collaborator Broadway Video. In fact, they have so many lined up, that we can expect these new shows to extend well into 2023 and well, with that in mind… here is more on this wondrous announcement and the lineup in question… courtesy of Audible and Broadway Video. ‘Audible Inc., the leading creator and provider of premium audio storytelling, today announced a new slate of original comedy podcasts with longtime collaborators, Broadway Video Enterprises. In addition to new originals, Audible greenlit the second season of the hit Audible Original, Hot White Heist. Featuring an all-queer cast led by Bowen Yang (Saturday Night Live), Hot White Heist, which was deemed “a playfully zany production with an all-star cast” byNPR’s ‘Fresh Air’ and “breezy summer fun” by The New Yorker, is set to return for a second season in 2023. “We’re so grateful for our fruitful ongoing collaboration with Broadway Video who time and again creates best in class comedic storytelling” said Rachel Ghiazza, Executive Vice President, Head of US Content at Audible. “From the most recent success of Hot White Heist to some of our earlier collaborations like Heads Will Roll and 64th Man, our listeners have always gravitated toward Broadway Videos’ uniquely hilarious point of view and comedic spirit, which is consistently marked by prolific creators and esteemed casts.” “Audible and Broadway Video’s long time collaboration has allowed us to expand our production and IP into different genres and formats within comedy and audio entertainment. With writers and performers from many different fan bases and backgrounds, these series will appeal to a wide variety of listeners,” said Britta von Schoeler, President of Broadway Video Enterprises. “I can’t wait to share Past My Bedtime with listeners. It’s wild, silly, surprising, and funny as hell,” said Past My Bedtime star David Harbour. “I am very excited to be part of this project in Broadway Video’s new slate with Audible,” said Excessive star Chloe Fineman. “I can’t wait for people to hear what we’ve been working on.” Find full details for the upcoming slate below: Motivated! (September 22, 2022) Created and Executive Produced by: Nia Vardalos and Rob Riggle Written by: Nia Vardalos, Rob Riggle, Achilles Stamatelaky, Rae Sanni and Shukri Abdi Produced by: Mark Valdez Directed by: Achilles Stamatelaky Cast: Nia Vardalos, Rob Riggle, Janelle James, Charlyne Yi, Utkarsh Ambudkar, Rizwan Manji, Rachel Dratch, Boris Kodjoe, Cheyenne Jackson, Matt Bomer, Tom Hanks, John Corbett, Wendi McClendon-Covey, Rob Huebel, Suzy Nakamura, Joel McHale, Ana Gasteyer, Parvesh Cheena, Alec Mapa, Jaime Camil, Charles Michaels Davis III and Michelle Collins. Length: 10 episodes (approx. 5 hours) The best motivation is… rivalry! Candace “The Warrior” Wonder is a talk radio veteran whose mutual loathing is shared by her archenemy, a newbie radio talk show host, Misty “The Hunter'’ Carlisle. The two coworkers couldn’t be more different, but their similar motivational talk shows have them both convinced they were the first to come up with the idea. When a big-time national radio station expresses interest in buying only one of their shows, they’ll do anything to best each other in the ratings, even if it means sabotaging their own lives. This darkly rich comedy, created by Nia Vardalos (My Big Fat Greek Wedding) and Rob Riggle (The Hangover), features an all-star cast, including Janelle James (Abbott Elementary), Charlyne Yi (The Mitchells vs. The Machine), Utkarsh Ambudkar (Ghosts), Boris Kodjoe (Station 19), SNL alums Ana Gasteyer and Rachel Dratch… and Tom Hanks too! Motivated! invites listeners to WCAL, a small local radio station in Rochester, NY with a motley crew of novice talk show hosts keeping their station afloat as their two biggest stars duel to prove who gets the fame – and who is the fraud. Motivated!takes us on the wild ride of the Candace vs Misty’s competition, a comedic crusade for power. Because Candace and Misty are…Motivated! Past My Bedtime: An Oral History of The Fastest Failure in Late Night History (November 3, 2022) Created & Written by: Max Silvestri and Leah Beckmann Produced by: Austin Breslow Directed by: Peter Grosz Associate Produced by: Gabriella Mezzacappa Cast: David Harbour, Zach Galifianakis, Whoopi Goldberg, Lennon Parham, D’Arcy Carden, Tim Robinson, Jenny Slate, Nick Kroll, Seth Meyers, Sam Richardson, John Early, Kate Berlant, Bob Balaban, Mae Whitman, Claudia O’Doherty, James Austin Johnson, and John Levenstein Length: 10 episodes (approx. 5 hours) Past My Bedtime: An Oral History of The Fastest Failure in Late Night History is about a forgotten (and invented) pop culture footnote: the ill-fated 2003 premiere of the first late night talk show to be hosted by a 10-year old boy, and the show’s abrupt cancellation six minutes into its live premiere. Obsessive narrator Phillip Jackal (David Harbour) lost two decades of his life chasing Donnie Dixon's true story down a rabbit hole, and now he’s ready to ask the tough questions: Where is Donnie now? Why has the government destroyed all evidence of what he did that night? And when will Phillip's ex-wife admit she's still in love with him? He doesn’t care how many lives he has to ruin to get the answers he wants. Michelle Rojas Is Not Okay (February 9, 2023) Created by: Guillermo Zouain, Wendy Muñiz, and Jaime Fernandez Written & Directed by: Ashley Soto Paniagua, Guillermo Zouain, Wendy Muñiz, and Jaime Fernandez Produced by: Dascha Polanco and Mark Valdez Cast: Dascha Polanco (In the Heights, Orange is the New Black), The Kid Mero (Desus and Mero), Darlene Demorizi (Vice, Fuse), Tracie Thoms (RENT, Station 19, 9-1-1), Ruben Blades (Fear the Walking Dead, Safehouse), Laura Benanti (Younger, Gossip Girl), Judy Reyes (Scrubs, Claws), and a full cast. Length: 9 episodes (approx. 2.5 hours) After getting fired for lashing out at co-workers and giving patients questionable advice at a renowned therapy practice in Connecticut, very burnt out therapist Michelle Rojas moves back home to New York City’s primarily Dominican neighborhood of Washington Heights to start over. Except, Michelle feels ashamed for being fired and fears being seen as a failure, so she lies and says she’s “expanding the practice.” Michelle Rojas Is Not Okay follows Michelle’s journey to start a practice with help from her cousin/neighborhood activist DORA and her childhood friend/bodega heir NIÑO, as she struggles to pierce through the fierce resistance to therapy in the community but instead find ways to support each other when they need it most. Excessive (Early 2023) Created by: Dan Robert Written & Directed by: Dan Robert and Starlee Kine Executive Produced by: Chloe Fineman Produced by: Austin Breslow, Taylor Segal, and Ari Lubet Associate Produced by: Gabriella Mezzacappa Cast: Chloe Fineman, Joshua Jackson, Kim Cattrall, Meredith Hagner, Debbie Allen, Amy Sedaris, Loni Love, Guillermo Díaz, Emily Skeggs, Heidi Gardner, Alex Moffat, Larry Owens, Connor Ratliff, Dan Robert, and Lisha Brooks Length: 10 episodes (approx. 5 hours) Excessive follows Paula O’Brien (Chloe Fineman) who has always been told she’s too much. After a humiliating turn at the wedding of her childhood best friend, Paula flees Connecticut to follow a series of signs to Las Vegas to find her twin flame. Enter Victor (Joshua Jackson): a criminally charming bachelor who Paula falls concussion-hard for. But when Victor ghosts her, he discovers the true meaning of too much when she sends thousands of unrequited texts—each message a new stop on this twisty journey through the dark side of romance and magic in Vegas. Hot White Heist - Season 2 (2023) Created by: Adam Goldman Directed and Produced by: Alan Cumming and Adam Goldman Produced by: Mark Valdez Cast: Bowen Yang and Full Cast Length: 6 episodes (approx. 2.5 hours) Judy Fink (Bowen Yang) and his all-queer heist squad are back, and it turns out pulling off the perfect crime was only the beginning of their troubles. Investigative reporter Sarah Keebler is piecing together the team's previous heist for her bombshell true crime podcast - but why? And how can they stop her? And why is a notoriously bloodthirsty gay billionaire so interested in the story? It turns out the ultimate heist will be getting themselves out of trouble, and they're going to need all the help they can get. This new slate comes as Audible is set to re-release a selection of Audible Original comedies on third-party platforms, sharing the uniquely-Audible approach to comedy with even more listeners, for free, beginning on October 3. Titles include Broadway Video comedies, Hit Job, Hot White Heist and Heads Will Roll, as well as Sorry Charlie Miller and Summer in Argyle. Find them on all major podcast providers soon. These titles will join the slate of audio-only scripted original comedy series to come from the Audible and Broadway Video collaboration, including Hit Job starring Keke Palmer and Pete Davidson, New York Times Audio Fiction Best-Seller Escape from Virtual Island starring Paul Rudd, Jack McBrayer, Amber Ruffin and Paula Pell; New York Times Audio Fiction Best-Seller Heads Will Rollcreated by and starring Kate McKinnon and Emily Lynne, featuring Tim Gunn, Meryl Streep and Peter Dinklage; 64th Man, starring John Cena and Anna Chlumsky; and Holiday Greetings from Sugar and Booze starring Ana Gasteyer and Maya Rudolph, Lem Can Helpstarring Fred Armisen and Christmas Delivery starring Gillian Jacobs and Sam Richardson. ABOUT AUDIBLE, INC. Audible, Inc., an Amazon.com, Inc. subsidiary (NASDAQ:AMZN), is the leading creator and provider of premium audio storytelling, offering customers a new way to enhance and enrich their lives every day. Audible content includes more than 700,000 audio programs from leading audiobook publishers, broadcasters, entertainers, magazine and newspaper publishers, and business information providers. ABOUT BROADWAY VIDEO Broadway Video is a global media and entertainment company focused on the creation and distribution of premier content. Founded by Lorne Michaels in 1979, Broadway Video’s legacy originated with the cultural icon Saturday Night Live. Broadway Video has since built a stable of television programs including The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, Late Night with Seth Meyers, Documentary Now!, Schmigadoon, MacGruber, The Kids in the Hall, The Other Two, Portlandia, and 30 Rock, feature films and live theater such as Mean Girls, as well as podcasts such as Heads Will Roll and Hot White Heist. Broadway Video has also created and launched the digital studios Above Average and Más Mejor, which celebrates LatinX talent and stories. Broadway Video manages worldwide licensing and distribution of the company’s IP library.’ Written by John Edward Betancourt Not that long ago, Audible, was nothing more than a place for Audio Books. Where one could easily find an audio version of a popular novel and enjoy it on the go. But audiences and listeners everywhere loved what Audible offered so much, they pondered aloud as to whether or not they could offer more, so that a listener could enjoy a one-stop shop if you will, and that allowed for Audible to grow into something revolutionary. Since it is now host to podcasts and scripted content and well, what’s amazing is that Audible isn’t done when it comes to its desire to grow and evolve into an audio-based entertainment juggernaut. For now, the company is partnering up with others to bring more content to the digital airwaves, so that it can provide its audience with a wide variety of new voices and unique stories that captivate, and for proof, look no further than today’s announcement. Since earlier Audible let it be known that At Will Media and Audible have struck a deal multi-project deal. One that will bring more top-tier entertainment to Audible’s already incredible lineup and well, here are all the details on this wonderful deal, and some information regarding the new content to come… courtesy of At Will Media and Audible. ‘Audible Inc., the leading creator and provider of premium audio storytelling, today announced a multi-project slate deal with AT WILL MEDIA, an award winning independently-owned podcast studio. Known for their scripted and non-fiction podcast originals, AT WILL MEDIA joined forces with Audible to launch their first Audible Original, Sorry Charlie Miller in 2021, starring Zachary Quinto, Jesse Tyler Ferguson, Michelle Buteau, Ashley Benson and a full cast. Since the successful debut of this collaboration, a second dynamic project has already been announced, an innovative singing competition series, Breakthrough, which is executive produced by Kick the Habit, headed by Grammy Award-winning and Billboard chart-topping artist/producer duo, The Chainsmokers which is currently in development at Audible. Breakthrough follows a group of aspiring professional singers as they work through a series of challenges, allowing listeners to connect with undiscovered artists intimately and exclusively through their music and voices, as they learn from the industry’s best along the way. At the end of the season, one artist will be crowned the winner. The third project and first from the slate deal will be KOZ, a scripted podcast that tells the unbelievable true story of Special Agent Darrin Kozlowski, who spent two decades climbing the ranks of the most ruthless biker gangs in America, all while working undercover for the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms. Set to premiere on September 15, 2022, the series uses a unique mix of interviews with the real-life Darrin “Koz” Kozlowski and dramatized reenactments featuring a full cast which includes Taylor Kitsch, Kate Mara, Xander Berkeley and Chris Diamantopoulos. This project is written by Rob Fresco (Ray Donovan), directed by Scott Ellis (The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel), and executive produced by Will Malnati of AT WILL MEDIA, along with Kitsch and Fresco. Two additional projects are in development at Audible, Untitled News Trivia Show, a fun dive into the week’s news that invites listeners to test their wits against journalists and comedians who are muddling through - just like the rest of us - the onslaught of information and screaming headlines, and Possession, a scripted thriller about a young couple, forced out of their home by a stranger claiming it as his own, who struggle against arcane, Kafkaesque adverse possession charges in a desperate bid to take back their property. Equal parts ghost-story and home-invasion thriller, Possession is a nine-part mystery, written by Matthew Derby (Phreaks) and Brianna Holt, that explores the intersection of class, race, and a housing crisis ready to explode. Will Malnati, Founder & CEO, “We are so excited to link arms with Audible on this exciting new collaboration. Their successful track record of creating ambitious content of the highest quality and their commitment to giving creators the ability to create couldn’t be more aligned with our philosophy at AT WILL MEDIA.” “At Audible we strive to create genre and format bending content; breaking the existing templates to develop truly creative projects that tell stories in new and often experimental ways. We are excited to have joined forces with AT WILL MEDIA to bring such a varied slate of new projects to our listeners,” said Pat Shah, Head of Content Acquisition & Development, Audible. “Their creativity knows no bounds and we are excited to bring such imaginative and unique audio storytelling to our listeners. From a never-been-done-before singing competition show to a unique drama series that innovatively mixes actors’ portrayals with real interviews; from comedy to drama and thriller to competition, listeners will be delighted by everything we have to come.” This deal follows Audible’s recently announced production and development deals with top creatives such as Higher Ground, President Barack Obama and Michelle Obama’s media company; George Clooney and Grant Heslov’s Smokehouse Pictures; Kerry Washington’s Simpson Street; Hillman Grad Productions founded by Lena Waithe and Rishi Rajani; Queen Latifah’s Flavor Unit; Elizabeth Banks; Laura Dern’s Jaywalker Pictures; Kenya Barris’ Khalabo Ink Society; Topic Studios; Treefort Media; Steph Curry’s Unanimous Media; Kevin Hart’s HartBeat Productions; Charlamagne tha God’s CTHAGOD World Productions; and The SpringHill Company, founded by LeBron James and Maverick Carter. Projects produced via this exclusive deal will join a series of best-in-class Audible Originals including recent releases like the #1 New York Times best-selling audio fiction The Sandman from Neil Gaiman, performed by James McAvoy, Kat Dennings, Michael Sheen and a full cast; the highly anticipated sequel The Sandman: Act II; Hot White Heist, a unique scripted comedy from Broadway Video; My Body, My Podcast, an open space for all things sex and sexuality, created and hosted by Elizabeth Banks; Who I am, from The Who’s Pete Townshed, the latest in the Words + Music franchise; Coupledom with Idris and Sabrina Elba featuring unguarded conversations from some of the world’s most interesting duos; and James Patterson’s The Coldest Case starring Aaron Paul, among many more. ABOUT AUDIBLE, INC. Audible, Inc., an Amazon.com, Inc. subsidiary (NASDAQ:AMZN), is the leading creator and provider of premium audio storytelling, offering customers a new way to enhance and enrich their lives every day. Audible content includes more than 700,000 audio programs from leading audiobook publishers, broadcasters, entertainers, magazine and newspaper publishers, and business information providers. ABOUT AT WILL MEDIA One of the fastest growing independently-owned podcast studios in the U.S., AT WILL MEDIA is an award-winning production company with offices in Manhattan and Los Angeles, founded in 2016 by CEO Will Malnati. It’s diverse slate of non-fiction and scripted originals consist of the Webby Award-winning, and recent winner of Adweek’s Podcast of the Year Award 2022 for ‘Best Pop Culture Podcast,’ Wild Things, an Apple TV+ docu-series exploring the lives of famed magicians Siegfried and Roy, and the Webby Award-nominated scripted series 14 Days with Felicity starring Jordan Klepper and Helene York. Their production services business boasts partners including The New York Times, The Los Angeles Times, Amazon Prime Video, Netflix, Apple TV+, American Express, Southwest Airlines, Marriott Bonvoy Traveler, Verizon, Ford, Entertainment Weekly, GQ, Morgan Stanley, Bleacher Report, and Viacom/CBS. UTA brokered the deal between At Will Media and Audible.’ |
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