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.
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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.’

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.
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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/.’  

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.
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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.’

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.
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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.’

Every creative person out there hopes for one thing when they start out in their careers. In that, whatever it is they are planning to create, will be seen by a massive audience. Because that is what every artist wants, to share their gifts with the world, so that people can take something away from it and what’s wild… is that even in this age of independence for art, that goal is still no easy task. For so many are jockeying for space and likes and shares in this bold new digital frontier, making this dream seem impossible at times. But the dream can come true and when it does, it is a special occasion for certain, and that particular quest and the payoff are top of mind, because of today’s announcement from Realm Media.
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For earlier today they let the world know that they signed an exclusive distribution deal with Jillian Clare for her podcast, Thanks for Coming In. A… now formerly… indie podcast that Jillian started during the pandemic to get her voice and the voices of other actors regarding the wild world of auditions out into the world, with that very hope that so many would tune in and listen and learn. And well, today her hard work has paid off since her show will now be heard by an even larger audience, and that’s saying something when one considers that this podcast is nearing 100 episodes.  But what matters most, is that this deal is proof that dreams do indeed come true and with that in mind, here are all the details on this incredible deal, courtesy of Realm Media.

‘Whimsical Entertainment, an eclectic production company for films and new media helmed by actress/producer Jillian Clare, today announced an exclusive distribution deal with Realm for the podcast Thanks For Coming In. Created during the early days of the global pandemic from her home studio, the podcast is the brainchild of Clare who also hosts the weekly interview show.  Each episode features a new guest who shares an audition story - sometimes sad, sometimes funny, and sometimes it's the one big role that got away

With nearly 100 episodes in the can and released, Clare, a veteran of more than two decades in the entertainment industry as an actor, director and producer, shared her insight on penning the deal with Realm. “I’m so excited to be joining the Realm family of content creators!  I am someone who always needs to be doing something, and this podcast really helped me through the lockdown. I love that I get to talk to old and new friends every week and I'm so happy that listeners have been having as much fun as I have!” She concluded “Realm is an incredible company and I couldn't ask for a better home for the show.”

Nicole Kreutter, Realm’s Studio Operations Manager, said: “We are so excited to welcome Thanks for Coming In and Jillian Clare to our growing roster of independent podcasts. Jillian’s thoughtful discussions with fellow actors every episode aligns perfectly with Realm’s goal to share diverse stories with our listeners. We are looking forward to introducing these stories to a new audience.”

Listen to Thanks For Coming In via the Realm network: http://thanksforcominginpodcast.com

About Whimsical Entertainment:

Whimsical Entertainment is a production company founded by veteran actress and producer Jillian Clare. The goal of Whimsical Entertainment is to turn passion into vision and bring stories to life that are refreshing, eclectic, and exciting for audiences everywhere.

About Realm:

Realm is the world’s largest independent scripted podcast network with more shows in the top charts than any competitor. 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 the Webby winner IF I GO MISSING THE WITCHES DID IT starring Oscar nominee Gabourey Sidibe, 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 “Pretty Little Liars” creator and New York Times best selling author Sara Shepard. In Summer 2022, Maslany reunites with Realm as Executive Producer and star of the forthcoming dark comedy POWER TRIP.
 
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. 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.
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/.’
 

​Guys! It’s Shark Week!? Did you know that? I knew that. I really feel like Shark Week should really be Shark Month. Wait... a whole month of Sharks!? That might be too much Shark. So instead, we’re gonna talk about what Sharks have taught me. And by Sharks, I mean Shark media. Granted, my media experience with sharks is somewhat limited, since I’m not really a big fan of things that can eat me. So, if you didn’t know this about me, I’ve lived in some tropical areas in my day. Both Florida and Hawaii have been my homes respectively for some time. My Shark experience was never made personal, thankfully. But hey, we’ve all heard of those scary instances, right!?

Jaws is likely one of the most well-known Shark movies. Actually, it’s probably safe to say that Jaws is the Shark movie. That movie has probably been responsible for so many fears of the water…I know for a fact that it scared me for a bit. Come on, a blood thirsty Shark picking off people one by one? Jaws taught me that if you hear some pretty intense music, you should get out of the water. Or something’s chasing you. Or both. Also, did anyone else notice that Jaws got larger and larger as the movie went on? I never did until I was forced to analyze it for a class on film. Jaws not only gets bigger, but hungrier and far more murder-y. Shark bites aren’t anything to laugh at, but I always loved the scene at the end where we see this massive shark eating a boat. I felt bad for the captain though…I don’t want to be eaten whole by a shark. Jaws also taught me that you should not try and kill the people-eating shark infesting your waters, because it will most likely kill you. Seriously. It’s just really bad for everyone involved. 

Jaws also taught me that sometimes, the only way to kill a human eating monster is to blow it up with giant oxygen tanks, and a massive spear. I’m pretty sure that’s some kind of animal cruelty, but it did eat people. And boats. There was no stopping this massive shark. I’m also willing to bet that Jaws was really just a metaphor for something, but it could also just be a literal monster. Jaws 2 taught me that there was a sequel to this movie. That… I never watched. I presume more people get eaten?

​Sharknado taught me that if you have a tornado near an ocean, you get a massive twister filled with sharks, and that just makes being on land ten times deadlier. Also, who knew tornadoes needed to be more terrifying. Did Syfy sit down and have a conversation? ‘Hey guys, what could make a tornado scarier? Oh! I know! Let’s add sharks!’ Well, it worked. Not only am I scared of Sharks and Tornadoes, now every time there’s a bad storm, I’m scared there’s going to be a tornado raining sharks.

Of course, I can’t sit here and ignore all the shark documentaries that have been on TV lately. It’s hard to flip through and not turn on one and watch it for hours. Not only are sharks utterly efficient killing machines, they’re also horrific, transforming, nightmares! Anyone else seen the Goblin Shark?! I have! It’s fascinating! I don’t want to like it, it scares me, but it is pretty cool. Tiger sharks are my favorite though, just because of how ruthless they are. I mean, even before they’re born, they kill their siblings. And eat them. Yes, that’s gross and I apologize, but it’s also a massive life lesson. Be nice to your siblings; especially if you’re a twin!

Above all, I’ve learned to be lucky I’m not a shark. And to stay out of the ocean. I’m just not an ocean fan period, so that’s kind of okay with me. Sharks are scary and not to be messed with. Unless they’re the ones from Finding Nemo. Which taught me that sometimes sharks have support groups and try not to eat fish. Kind of like AA meetings, but less successful. I’m pretty sure real sharks never sat down and thought ‘hey, let’s not eat fish!’. The Little Mermaid was my first introduction to sharks, and the big one that tries to eat Ariel was pretty scary. Especially when I was little. I guess that’s a good thing since I’ve never felt the need to go hug a shark, or even try to befriend it…

One would think that science fiction and crime stories, wouldn’t go together in the slightest. After all, science fiction is hopeful and forward thinking in nature and crime dramas examine the darkest parts of the human condition, meaning that neither of those genres have a single thing in common. But as the creative world has proven time and time again… with the right story anything can be accomplished. Since we’ve been treated to stories that fuse these genres together seamlessly and wow us in the process and well… the wonder of that fusion is top of mind today for one reason and one reason alone.
​
For earlier today, Realm Media announced that Harry Shum Jr. is going to Executive Produce and star in a brand-new Crime Thriller Podcast for the network, entitled, Echo Park. A story that brings together wonder of Los Angeles Detective Noir with the flair of science fiction courtesy of a unique and engaging plot that involves… well… it’s best we let Realm Media inform you of the details of what will be another fantastic fusion of sci-fi and crime-themed storytelling, courtesy of this synopsis and trailer.

‘Realm, the largest scripted podcast network that creates immersive, original fiction podcasts and audiobook series, today released the trailer and announced casting for the Realm Original, “Echo Park,” starring and executive produced by Harry Shum Jr.  (“Crazy Rich Asians,” “All My Life”) launching August 18. 
 
This pulse-pounding crime thriller takes place in a lightly futuristic world where Echoes—genetic clones of their sources— exist and live on the outskirts of society. James (Harry Shum Jr.) and Terrance share DNA, but they aren’t brothers. They aren’t even friends. As a civil advisor for the LAPD harboring a secret addiction, James relies on Terrance— his genetic clone—to help him pass mandatory drug testing. But when Terrance suddenly goes missing, and multiple clones end up murdered, a case of mistaken identity forces James to inhabit his double’s life, risking the unraveling of his carefully composed lies.
 
Shum Jr. said: “The team at Realm have created a compelling thriller that cleverly mixes detective noir, sci-fi-what-if's and daringly tackles the social implications of how our future world might look if we were faced with clones of our stranger selves. Excited to help tell this original story through an Asian-American lense and for audiences to experience "Echo Park".
 
Molly Barton, Realm’s founder and CEO, said: “It was an absolute joy partnering with Harry on this project. And his connection with this character was abundantly clear from the minute we began recording.  He's beloved by so many and we believe audiences will fall in love with Harry yet again when they engage with this incredible performance.” 
 
“Echo Park'' episodes release weekly on all podcast platforms including Apple Podcasts, Spotify and Stitcher, the podcast will also be available in full and ad-free on premiere day for subscribers to Realm+ and Realm Unlimited. 
 
Harry Shum Jr., recently cast in the upcoming 19th season of ABC’s venerable medical drama "Grey’s Anatomy," stars and executive produced “Echo Park. Written by Curtis C. Chen, Monte Lin, Millie Ho, Sloane Leong, and Jenn Reese. Produced by Rhoda Belleza, Fred Greenhalgh, Kailynn West, and Hayley Wagreich. Directed by Pun Bandhu. Executive produced by Molly Barton, Marci Wiseman, Julian Yap, and Harry Shum Jr. Associate produced by Michael Coulter. Starring Harry Shum Jr. and Nikki Tauzon. Loop group actors: David Chen, James Taku Leung, Constance Parng, and Artemis Snow. Sound design by Christa Giametti. Mixing and mastering by Rory O’Shea. Audio editing by Justin DeWald. Original score by Martin D. Fowler. Music supervision by Marcus Bagala. Production Manager: Alexis Latshaw. Production Coordinator: Angela Yih. Casting by Sunday Boling and Meg Morman. Cover art by Kyndal Thomas and Louis Dazy. Executive in Charge for Realm: Mary Assadullahi. Find more shows like Echo Park by following Realm on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or at Realm.fm.’

Please enjoy this sneak peek and synopsis from tomorrow’s finale episode of The Co-Founder on Realm!
 
‘Realm’s nine-episode workplace comedy podcast, The Co-Founder, led by the voice talents of Sunita Mani (“Scenes From a Marriage”) and Alexandra Shipp (“Tick, Tick…BOOM!”), plus guest star skateboarding legend Tony Hawk, premieres its gripping and climactic final episode Thursday, July 14. The first eight episodes are available now on all podcast platforms including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Stitcher.
 
In “The Co-Founder,” Valerie (Sunita Mani) and Juliet (Alexandra Shipp) are more than just best friends: they are business partners in the cutthroat world of Silicon Valley, where their video game startup is on the verge of failure. Between running out of capital and being treated like dirt during their fundraising meetings with big-deal finance bros, they need a win, or it’s game-over. They begin to think that maybe they need…a white guy.
 
It was only supposed to be one meeting; one meeting where neighborhood barista and Random White Dude Toby Johnson pretends to be a co-founder to clinch the investment cash. But one million dollars later, Toby shows no signs of going with grace. Instead, he plots to entrench himself further into their company. Unless Valerie and Juliet want the truth to come out—and to kiss their company goodbye—they have to play along with Toby’s games.  In this finale installment, hear how the two best friends find their way out of Toby’s trap, only to end up in the clutches of Anthony Hawk’s master plan for their company—and Silicon Valley as a whole. 
 
But Valerie and Juliet are experts of the gaming space. That’s why they started a video game company; and to save it, they are willing to break all the rules. 
 
“The Co-Founder” is a Realm production, starring Sunita Mani and Alexandra Shipp and co-written by Alexis Wilkinson, Alexa Wejko, and Mimi Mondal.’ 

Please enjoy this super-sized preview of Moriarty: The Devil’s Game, which makes its debut on Audible on July 7, 2022.