This series is all about showcasing Libsyn podcasters. Its sole purpose is to introduce these awesome podcasts to the world as well as share their podcasting insight to empower the community!
Q & A with Billy from Bears On Film
When did you start podcasting?
We started podcasting in November of 2017.
It was almost by happy accident. We both work in the television and film industry, and my co-host had the idea to start an animated film review show for YouTube, as I am by trade an animator.
We knew that we wanted to do new releases though, and in order to keep them relevant, turn around would be tight, so we wanted to keep it short.
But once we stepped into the studio to discuss ‘Justice League’, we realized we had so much more to say.
Why did you start podcasting?
I’ve long been a listener of podcasts and audiobooks, and am a huge fan of the medium.
When we started recording and realized what we were going to end up with was closer to half an hour, we had the idea to start it as a podcast instead. We couldn’t be happier with the decision.
What’s the name of your show and what is it about?
Our show is called ‘Bears on Film’, due to the fact that we are both extremely large and hairy.
I am a professional visual effects artist, animator, and editor, and my co-host is a professional cameraman and editor. Each week we discuss one film, whether it be a brand new release, or a classic that one of us recommends to the other.
We keep it short, and we keep it light and humorous , but we try use our backgrounds as video professionals to give a different point of view than other film shows might have.
What’s your podcasting set-up? Hardware, software, CMS, etc.
Coming from film and television we were lucky to already have access to some great equipment.
Our general set up is a sony field mixer, with two shure shotgun microphones, and Zoom H2 recorder. The entire setup is portable and battery operated, which is fantastic.
The mixer has 4 channels, which means if we ever have a guest we can just plug in a third mic. We record onto SD card with the Zoom H2, and then edit the show using adobe premier and adobe audition.
Editing is the longest part, usually cutting a 45 or so minute record down to a tight, concise, and funny 20–30 minute show.
How have you promoted your podcast?
We have promoted our podcast mainly through social media, in particular twitter, facebook, and instagram.
I was surprised to find how effective instagram was in marketing our show. We post at least once in the leadup to an episode, as well as once the episode is released.
We try keep these sharp, and funny, to engage listeners and encourage them to share. We have also engaged with other podcast hosts and have swapped promos, and shout outs in each other’s shows.
What do you know now that you wish you knew when you started?
I know now how hard it is to attract listeners to a new podcast with no name behind it. Maintaining listeners isn’t a problem if the quality and content is good, but getting the name out there to begin with can be a real challenge.
Film nerds! This is your podcast! Entertaining, informative, innovative, to the point, what’s not to love? Get on it and subscribe in Apple Podcasts!
If you have an idea that just won’t go away and are feeling that doing it as a podcast is the way to go, we’d love to help you out! We have a FREE Podcasting QuickStart every first Wednesday of the month, and of course if you’re ready to rock right out of the gate, we’d love to host your media!
