Hank Green

Now available in audio (as it should be)! THE NARRATOR'S HANDBOOK. For people new in the industry, or established narrators looking to grow their career. This collection of my Substack articles addresses things like performance, what happens in casting, reach outs, business, etiquette, and road blocks. There's a section for writers too, or narrators who are branching out into production. #audiobooks #business #narration #VO #HowTo #career https://lnkd.in/gjshuNMk

26

1 Comment

The extreme wrongness of so many "science" documentaries is a big driver of what topics we choose for our own films. How and why? That's in today's Skeptoid Podcast:

4

1 Comment

😀 🖐 🎈 Happy to be on the Editorial Advisory Board of Drew Davidson's just announced "Play Story Press" -- open community publishing consortium of/by/for the field and our community! "Publishing with Play Story Press is a friendly, supportive and constructive process focused on encouraging the growth of quality scholarship in this field. Play Story Press is committed to publishing three types of work: peer-reviewed work (research-based books, textbooks, academic journals, conference proceedings), general audience work (trade nonfiction, singles, Well Played singles), and research and white papers. The common tie for all these is a focus on issues related to stories and play as they are applied across various fields. The concepts of story and play are broad and diverse—from entertainment and narrative to media studies and social studies, games and technology to health and enjoyment, education and learning to design and development, and more. Our authors come from a range of backgrounds. Some are traditional academics. Some are practitioners. And some work in between. Their ability to write about the impact of play and story and their significance in society is what ties them all together." "The consortium comprises an exceptional group of partner organizations that will work together, shaping and supporting Play Story Press for the field and community. The following groups are committed to this endeavor (and we’re actively in discussions with more potential partners): Analog Game Studies Association for Computing Machinery Association for Research in Digital Interactive Narratives Broke the Game Connected Learning Alliance Digital Games Research Association Digital Storytelling Lab Game Genius Games for Change Games+Learning+Society Higher Education Video Game Alliance International Game Developers Association iThrive Games / History Co:Lab Joan Ganz Cooney Center Knowledge Commons Learning Games Network Meaningful Play Professors at Play Remake Learning Serious Play Conference Society for the Advancement of the Science of Digital Games Take This Thriving in Games Group (formerly Fair Play Alliance)" Link: https://lnkd.in/gQWbqSej

22

3 Comments

We’re 10 episodes into Season 3 of Reroot with Eamon and Bec! As a producer, I wear many hats. Each project requires me to adapt to the client’s needs, team, resources, and budget. Honestly, the variety of challenges is what I love most about this role. A few highlights from the Reroot journey thus far: 👩‍💻 YouTube-First Audience: Reroot has a YouTube-first audience, and the numbers speak for themselves—both video views and audio downloads show this crossover. It’s been a unique challenge to cater to this dual-platform group. 🎬 Experimenting with Formats: In a recent episode, we tried a "vlog-style" intro, which felt like a natural fit with the hosts’ background. The response from the audience was amazing, and it was a fun way to push the creative envelope. 💬 Community Management: With such an engaged YouTube following, we’re getting a lot of comments and feedback. Navigating this influx of interaction has been a real-time learning experience, and it’s incredible to see how the connection between the audience and hosts continues to grow. 🌍 International Recordings: We’re currently planning international recordings—a new and exciting challenge for me. There’s a lot to manage, but I’m loving every minute of it! #podcastproducer #YouTube #podcast #CreatorEconomy https://lnkd.in/eyyCdMid

7

1 Comment

Matt Rife and Zack D. Films both use a similar storytelling technique that just did 24 billion views It's insane. But, you're prolly wondering- "What's so good that it works well for both comedy and content creation?" Well- every piece of their work starts with using: 🌱 The ideation of a mustard seed. A mustard seed starts, and grows fully from a: 1-millimeter seed -> 40-foot tree That's a 1,219,000% change in growth. Matt and Zack ONLY focus on ideas that unfold themselves exponentially. This process creates no parameters in their storytelling. Matt Rife did not blow up from his “jokes”. Zack D. Films did not blow up for his “3D animations”. ✨ They've mastered the art of simple complexity. Like a mustard seed, their ideas are simple on the surface but have deeper layers underneath. It’s the small difference that either captures an audience of: 1 million vs. 100 million Let me break it down. 👉 “joke about running” - Matt Rife (38M+ Followers) (watch the video below) Matt's witty humor while doing crowdwork is what blew him up. However, in Matt's mind, no parameters appear when doing crowdwork. That is exactly what creates this framework: 🌱 Surface Idea Setup: Audience hears the other guy's comment that's also in the audience ⛏️ Digging Deeper: Matt gives a different insulting view on the comment, making people laugh 🟤 At the Roots: Matt goes ever deeper knowing the audience is onboard, allowing him to keep digging Any comment from the crowd is instantly viewed as a proven idea and comedy material because the audience understands the tone of the comment and anticipates the response that follows. They aren't listening to a recited joke, they are living in the creation of the joke. Why does this work? Well, it's abnormal for a crowd member to talk during a comedy show. Matt follows the seed down to its roots, and by the end, you see that a whole mustard tree has grown. 👉 “how stitches work” - Zack D. Films (24M+ Followers) (watch the video below) Zack's work consists of answering either: 1. A curious thought or, 2. A thought that you'd never expect to have Mostly the second one.. and it can get really weird. However, that's actually the exact framework that blew him up: 🌱 Surface Idea Setup: Posing a curious question ⛏️ Digging Deeper: Digs deeper to start answering the question 🟤 At the Roots: Goes even deeper to fully answer the question Zack's storytelling stays on opening and closing one simple question, not veering off to anything unnecessary. 💡 Their ideation, is the creation of their story. The idea sparks when: - Matt Rife: an abnormal environment is created when there's a comment from the crowd - Zack D. Films: an abnormal curious thought The idea is abnormal, it's what allows a story to be told the way they create it. Abnormal creativity doesn't just exist on YouTube, it's in every industry you can imagine. It's important to study these industries and learn to apply them to content creation. 🌊

1

1 Comment

FIND THE FUTURE AT SXSW 2025! Taking over downtown ATX from March 7-13, the 2025 SXSW Conference includes hundreds of compelling panels and presentation in 23 different tracks, plus dozens of information-packed Featured Speakers and Keynotes. Learn more about specific topics covered at this year's conference by browsing these regular LinkedIn posts. In today's edition of this ongoing series, we review five of the most intriguing future-focused sessions for next spring, sessions that will help you better understand what changes we will likely see in the years ahead (and how you / your business can best be prepared for what tomorrow brings). An Artist and a Scientist Contemplate the Future of Humanity: For this session, Princeton evolutionary biologist Shane Campbell-Staton, host of PBS's Human Footprint, and artist Emily Montoya, co-founder of Meow Wolf, engage in a thought-provoking conversation on the future of our planet and society. https://lnkd.in/gDYyeKSZ Designing the Future: An Interactive Workshop: In an era of accelerating change, become the change agent your company or clients need. This workshop equips you with foresight tools to anticipate change, make better decisions, and drive impact in your work. Participants will learn to cultivate a futurist mindset, analyze signals for insights, map future scenarios to present decisions and develop compelling action roadmaps. https://lnkd.in/gd7di9fs Draw the Future: Imagining Future Products & Experiences! This workshop will examine ways to sketch augmented reality, immersive experiences, and future products using just paper and pens. All drawing levels are welcome! Our focus will be on conceiving and communicating ideas, not making art. We’ll explore activities you can take back to your company or organization and draw the future with your team! Sketchbooks and pens will be provided! https://lnkd.in/grR7i7Ud Factories of the Future: This panel explores the current state of U.S. manufacturing, what technologies the next few decades will bring, and what steps companies, big and small, can take to future-proof their business. https://lnkd.in/gqP7pnyb Fast Forward to the Future of Medicine: Hear from leaders representing medicine, biology and technology as they grapple with today’s challenges and the evolution of health care for a tomorrow that will help sustain a healthier America. https://lnkd.in/gk4gJi-4 The best way to experience all that next year's edition of March Magic has to offer is to purchase a SXSW badge. You will save more than $600 on walkup prices if you buy before 11:59 pm PT on Thursday, November 14. sxsw.com/attend #sxsw, #sxsw2025, #creativity, #innovation, #future, Meow Wolf, Shane Campbell-Staton, Jod Kaftan, Laura Porto Stockwell, Matthew Carlson, Celine Gounder, MD, ScM, FIDSA, Julie Yoo, Calum MacRae, Jeff Winter, Suzy Teele, Maria Curry-Nkansah, Kathie M. Leonard, #tomorrow

72

4 Comments

Wow! The Conversation just covered my film HOW TO BUILD A TRUTH ENGINE. I will take a review from this extremely credible organization anytime. The Conversation is a network of nonprofit media outlets publishing news stories and research reports online, with accompanying expert opinion and analysis. Articles are written by academics and researchers. Its model has been described as explanatory journalism. Except in "exceptional circumstances", it only publishes articles by "academics employed by, or otherwise formally connected to, accredited institutions, including universities and accredited research bodies". #HOWTOBUILDATRUTHENGINE #films #disinformation #misinformation

11

1 Comment

In the latest episode of We Are Not Doomed, I had an inspiring conversation with Whitney Flanagan, Director of Marketing at Finite Carbon. Whitney shares how forest carbon offsets are not only protecting valuable ecosystems but also transforming communities. 🎧 Full episode: https://lnkd.in/gqjZ3eCs #ClimateAction #CarbonOffsets #ForestConservation #Sustainability #Podcast #EnvironmentalLeadership

25

So what is the problem with AI? Nothing. Well... It depends on your AI. Take ChatGPT (the older version). Was asked today if there was an AI solution that could write scripts for say, radio ads. I mean, yeah. It can. Conditionally. I explained that AI when it comes to writing is great and ChatGPT has some really great Virtual Assistant features that if exploited can really make your life much easier. So I did an experiment just to see what could happen. I asked ChatGPT to write 200 words using these talking point: Jones Pharmacy Taccoa Georgia Been in business since 1963 Specialize in compound medications have all your healthcare needs over the counter meds prescription meds convalescent supplies medical assistant appliances home supplies toys "your home town pharmacy who cares" Here is what it wrote: Jones Pharmacy in Toccoa, Georgia, has been a cornerstone of the community since 1963. For over half a century, it has provided a wide array of healthcare services and products, ensuring that locals have access to everything they need for their well-being. Specializing in compound medications, Jones Pharmacy offers customized prescriptions tailored to individual patient needs, a unique service that sets it apart from many other pharmacies. In addition to compound medications, Jones Pharmacy carries a comprehensive range of over-the-counter and prescription medications. Whether you're in need of everyday health essentials or specialized treatments, they have you covered. Beyond medications, they supply convalescent supplies and medical assistant appliances, making it a one-stop shop for all your health-related needs. (Oooops. I had to truncate. Too many words for LI) (196 words) Not bad at all. A little long, but I wanted longer than shorter. So rewrote it down to 145 words. Here: Jones Pharmacy in Toccoa, Georgia, has been a cornerstone of the community since 1963. For over half a century, it's provided a wide array of healthcare services and products specializing in compound medications and customized prescriptions tailored to individual patient needs; a unique service that sets it apart from many other pharmacies. Jones Pharmacy also carries a comprehensive range of over-the-counter and prescription medications. So whether you're in need of everyday health essentials or specialized treatments, they have you covered. Jones also caters to the practical needs of patients, stocking various home supplies to ensure convenience for our customers. They even carry toys, books and other home supplies, making it a welcoming place for families. A trusted local institution for over 60 years, Jones personalized service and commitment to the community, truly lives up to its motto: "your hometown pharmacy who cares." (145 words) There you go. Something to think about. Woody Yates http://woodygvoiceover.net [email protected] #voiceover #voiceacting #voiceactor #castingdirectors #advertisingagency #humanvoiceonly #videomarketing

1

I loved Elmo's tweet back in January, but I love even more that Sesame Workshop collaborated with The Harris Poll to dig deeper into all the replies to the tweet. They learned that "a majority of Gen Z and millennials—as well as 71% of educators surveyed—also said that they believe schools “should focus on social and emotional skills just as much as academics.” - and many more insights too. Great article. #mentalhealth #kids #schools #wholechild #childmentalhealth #mentalhealth #mentalhealthawareness #parenting #mentalhealthmatters #anxiety #childanxiety #childdevelopment #wellbeing

22

1 Comment

Trump's back. Here's what it means for production budgets in 2025 and beyond. A thread on why smart production companies are already pivoting their strategies 🧵: The headlines are focused on the election drama, but I'm looking at the numbers. And they're telling an interesting story about where our industry is headed. During Trump's last term, productions flying talent across borders saw their costs surge by up to 40% due to trade tensions. Now, with stricter policies promised, those numbers could double. Here's what successful production companies are already doing: Building strong local talent networks in key markets -82% of productions are already filmed outside LA/NY -Smart companies are connecting with vetted local crews NOW -This cuts travel/housing costs by over $6,300 per person/month Developing nimble production strategies -Multi-location shooting plans with backup options -Flexible crew arrangements that can adapt to policy shifts -Focus on markets with stable trade relationships Strengthening domestic partnerships -Building relationships with regional production hubs -Creating or partnering with talent development programs in emerging markets -Investing in local infrastructure The companies that will thrive aren't waiting to see what happens. They're: -Cutting unnecessary production costs -Building robust local networks -Creating contingency plans for international projects Bottom line: The production landscape is shifting. The winners will be those who adapt fastest. Smart studios and brands are already reaching out to secure their local production partnerships. Don't wait until policies change to start building your network. Thoughts? How is your company preparing for these changes? #production #film #strategy

47

12 Comments

I’ve been editing a lot of dialog and voiceover lately. From explainer VO on product videos to dialog captured on set for narrative projects to sung vocals on music tracks to choral and crowd recordings to vocalization captured as building blocks for sonic sculpting downstream (pictured here), I spend a lot of time thinking about the human voice in its many guises. Intelligibility, expressivity, frequency response, blend with other sonic elements, the difference between the written and spoken word, the links and chasms between meaning in one language and another– the human voice offers an endless variety of issues and impressions. Our ears are tuned to the voices of others, and our media landscape overflows with their many manifestations. #voice #singer #singing #sing #vocals #voiceover #singers #vocalist #vocal #voicerecording #text #words #writing #language #linguistic #linguistics #vocabulary #dialog #dialogue #dialogediting #dx #languages #culture #translation #words #humanvoice #choir

3

It’s here! My very first Substack post. In issue 1 of Podcast Strategy Weekly I discuss the question that keeps coming up at every publisher I’ve worked with - and why my answer is “no”. Then I share some ideas for what you can do instead: tried and tested tactics I’ve used to accelerate podcast growth. Do take a look, and sign up to receive the weekly email. Feedback welcome!

28

8 Comments

If you're a creator or a leader within a creator led organization, I would love to get on a call to hear about all your operational issues, hurdles, roadblocks, and gripes! I've helped top creators solve problems and develop solutions to scale their businesses past where they ever thought possible. So let's figure out how to solve your problems so you can have a healthier org and a happier life! Hit me up :) #creatoreconomy #youtube #business

54

2 Comments