Robin Blandford [ ByteSurgery.com ]

07/04/08 Trends: Here Come The Professionals

SINGAPORE - For years we have relied on large broadcast networks to hire professional entertainers to make entertainment for the masses. In a world ranked by viewer-numbers, professional entertainers have to appeal to the widest possible audience to rank the highest and be asked back for another season - sometimes making bland average entertainment.

The internet (podcasting) has put the distribution network into the hands of everyone. We no longer rely on the TV or Radio networks to entertain us. We already had the audio-recorders & video-cameras in our homes, we just didn’t have a method to broadcast it. Now not only can I watch the geek next door do their daily vlog update on their linux installation, a review of their latest trip, and a shout-out to their granny but I can also join in the conversation by posting my own media.

But there was a reason we watched the professionals. It was because they are extremely talented at entertaining. But they have hobbies too, and they also want to produce their own media, about the topics of their passion (not the networks) like the rest of us.

I thought about some of my favourite niche podcasts…

I’m a long-time listener of Jett Loe’s Letter To America - Jett made it look easy, I wanted to start recording my own episodes on the walk to work.

I saw episode 118 of Diggnation live in London - wow, I thought… I could be Alex Albrecht and have my own weekly show with a mate on a couch. They just drink beer and chat!

I’m a recent fan of Loren Feldman’s 1938 media - Loren was the mouthy ‘guy on the street’ - it was funny. I could do that. Looks simple - just him and a camera for 45 seconds a go.

Ever tried reach that entertainment quality yourself? Just you and your macbook recording. It’s not easy.

These guys are entertainment professionals…

Jett is a television director, producer, actor & artist.

After the diggnation filming, Alex told me he’d founded an improv-comedy troupe in LA, was a TV Presenter (TechTV) and past actor.

Loren is a professional video producer, stand-up comedian and a member of the Screen Actors Guild of America.

Their job is to make raw look easy.

Watch more & more of them arrive and for the first time be able to produce their own content about their own choices. Now not only does the geek next door have their own personal distribution network, but now, as the tools become easier to use… so does the professional entertainer who wants to talk about the same passions. I know who I’ll be watching.

-Robin.

(Image Credit: Divers return to our boat after 40 minute dive at Twin Peaks, Koh Tao, Thailand. By Author.)

Tags: audio, podcasting, trneds, video

Write Comment

Name (required)

Mail (will not be published) (required)

Website

Notify me of followup comments via e-mail

---

---