Netflix has taken a step further and has partnered with video podcasts by announcing a new partnership with Spotify. This agreement will allow more than a dozen Spotify shows to launch on the streaming platform, representing a significant shift in Netflix’s content strategy. Among the shows that will be available are ‘The Bill Simmons Podcast’ and ‘The Ringer Fantasy Football Show’, both recognized for their popularity and focus on pop culture and sports. Netflix’s logical step This aggressive move by Netflix is part of […]
Netflix has taken a step further and has teamed up with video podcasts by announcing a new partnership with Spotify. This agreement will allow more than a dozen Spotify shows to launch on the streaming platform, marking a significant shift in Netflix’s content strategy. Among the shows that will be available are ‘The Bill Simmons Podcast’ and ‘The Ringer Fantasy Football Show’, both recognized for their popularity and focus on pop culture and sports topics.
The logical step of Netflix
This aggressive move by Netflix is part of its effort to diversify its content offerings beyond traditional series and movies, seeking to attract an audience that increasingly consumes content in podcast format. With the growing popularity of video podcasts, Netflix is trying to position itself as a key player in this new market, which has seen a significant increase in its audience in recent years.
The collaboration between Netflix and Spotify not only offers listeners the chance to enjoy their favorite shows in a new format, but it could also be beneficial for both platforms. Spotify, known for its extensive library of music and podcasts, seeks to expand its reach, while Netflix aims to capitalize on the audiovisual content that increasingly attracts users.
The launch of these programs is expected in the near future, although specific details about dates and the overall construction of the platform have not yet been announced. This agreement is expected to not only enrich Netflix’s content offering but also strengthen Spotify’s position as a leader in the creation of audio and video content.
Keira Knightley has been announced as the voice of Professor Umbridge in a new audio edition of the Harry Potter saga, produced by Pottermore Publishing and Audible. This decision has generated notable interest among fans of the franchise, especially in the context of intense debates about the legacy of Harry Potter and the controversies surrounding it. Knightley, who has been nominated for the Oscars twice, has stayed away from the growing controversy that has affected the series in recent times. She was supposed to be the only person in the world who did not […]
Keira Knightley has been announced as the voice of Professor Umbridge in a new audio edition of the Harry Potter saga, produced by Pottermore Publishing and Audible. This decision has generated notable interest among fans of the franchise, especially in the context of intense debates about the legacy of Harry Potter and the controversies surrounding it. Knightley, who has been nominated twice for the Oscars, has stayed away from the growing controversy that has affected the series in recent times.
I must be the only person in the world who doesn’t know
Despite many of her colleagues choosing not to participate in the Harry Potter universe, Knightley has opted not to actively engage in the fiery debate that has arisen among fans. When asked about the controversy, the actress stated that she was not aware of the situation, which has led to speculation about her stance regarding the criticisms directed at the saga and its creator.
The production of complete audio versions of the Harry Potter works has sparked the interest of fans of the literary series. These new audiobooks are designed to provide an immersive and complete experience, allowing listeners to dive into the magical world created by J.K. Rowling. However, the backdrop of criticism and divisions within the fandom raises questions about the impact of these new productions on the community of followers.
While Knightley has chosen to stay out of the criticism, her participation in this production can be seen as an attempt to attract both old and new listeners. With the release of the audio editions, the future of the Harry Potter franchise continues to generate both excitement and controversy among its fans.
The action role-playing game and dungeon crawler, Dark and Darker, has been at the center of controversy in the months following its early access launch. Originally popularized during the February 2023 Steam Next Fest, the title has seen a drastic drop in its Steam ratings, with only 26% of recent reviews considered positive. Players have expressed their frustration regarding the direction of the game and the decisions made by the developer, known as SDF, arguing that these have negatively impacted the gaming experience. Terrible decisions were made Among the measures most […]
The action role-playing game and dungeon crawler, Dark and Darker, has been at the center of controversy in the months following its early access launch. Originally popularized during the February 2023 Steam Next Fest, the title has seen a drastic drop in its Steam ratings, with only 26% of recent reviews considered positive. Players have expressed their frustration regarding the direction of the game and the decisions made by the developer, known as SDF, arguing that these have negatively impacted the gaming experience.
Terrible decisions were made
Among the most criticized measures is the removal of fundamental game modes, such as options to play solo or in pairs, which fans have strongly labeled as a mistake that has hindered the gameplay of the title. Several players have expressed that these decisions seem to ignore the preferences of the community, creating a sense of distrust in the management of the project.
Disillusionment comes not only from external critics but also from former members of the Ironmace studio. In a recent podcast, these developers pointed out that SDF makes decisions based on their own performance in the game, paying little attention to the voices of the community, which has led to a management perceived as incompetent. According to one of the former members, “as long as that guy [SDF] is in charge of the company, the game will not recover,” reflecting the growing despair among the public.
With player confidence at alarmingly low levels, the future of Dark and Darker looks uncertain. While many players remain advocates for the game due to its potential, the current perception suggests it may be on a critical trajectory without significant change in its direction. Hopes for redemption for this title rest on SDF and their team’s ability to listen and respond to the concerns of their player base.
A recent discussion by former marketing leaders of Nintendo has highlighted a significant transformation that could occur in the company with the arrival of the next generation of consoles, known as Switch 2. In their podcast, Kit Ellis and Krysta Yang warned that “everything is about to change at Nintendo” and emphasized that the retirement of veterans on the development team will likely impact the company’s culture and its acclaimed franchises. The last console from the major figures of Nintendo Iconic figures like Shigeru Miyamoto, creator of legendary series like Mario and […]
A recent discussion by former marketing leaders of Nintendo has highlighted a significant transformation that could occur in the company with the arrival of the next generation of consoles, known as Switch 2. In their podcast, Kit Ellis and Krysta Yang warned that “everything is about to change at Nintendo” and emphasized that the retirement of veterans on the development team will likely impact the company’s culture and its acclaimed franchises.
The latest console from the big figures of Nintendo
Iconic figures like Shigeru Miyamoto, creator of legendary series such as Mario and Zelda, currently 72 years old, and Yoshio Sakamoto, known for his work on Metroid and 65 years old, are very close to retirement. The concern is valid: according to Ellis, “there’s a good chance that many of them won’t be with the company for the Switch 3, or whatever comes next”. This generational shift leaves uncertainty about who will take on those crucial roles in the future.
Although it is mentioned that the departure of these developers does not necessarily mean a decrease in the quality of video games, the reality is that their absence could leave an irreplaceable void. “It is natural for there to be some kind of change with the arrival of new people,” says Ellis, suggesting that the new talents, who are learning under the tutelage of these legendary creators, could bring different perspectives and styles of thinking.
However, this change also evokes a melancholy in fans who grew up with these characters and their games. “You can’t replace them as humans. It will just feel different,” concludes Yang, leaving many in the community reflecting on the inevitable departure of the pillars of the video game industry.
The former lawyer who wanted to ban GTA and claimed that video games only generate violence seems to have changed his opinion, at least somewhat.
The world of video games has always received exaggerated attacks from certain sectors of society. Even if we can easily recognize that their fascination with violence is problematic, usually the criticisms of the medium have wanted to go too far. Few have been as important representatives of this as Jack Thompson, better known for being the lawyer who wanted to ban GTA, and who today seems to have changed his mind about the medium. At least in part.
In an interview with Simon Parkin on the My Perfect Console podcast, the 72-year-old former lawyer stated that he does not believe video games are inherently bad. This is because, after seeing all the good it has done for children with disabilities or learning problems, he has learned that technology is not necessarily negative. But since this would be too normal for him, he has also decided to add that it is something he has learned by watching Openheimer, Christopher Nolan’s film, as it has helped him understand that technology is neutral and that it depends on what we do with it.
If we focus on the specifics of his statements, it is because throughout his entire career, he made a significant effort to champion all kinds of struggles. All of them doomed to fail. He was one of the pioneers in the persecution of rap when he demanded an investigation into whether 2 Live Crew’s “As Nasty As The Wanna Be” violated obscenity laws in Florida in 1990. Something he would continue to do against other musicians such as N.W.A., Ice-T, or even Madonna herself.
"Video games are arguably the greatest teaching tool ever invented" –– Jack Thompson.
— My Perfect Console Podcast (@myperfectcnsle) March 22, 2024
When it comes to video games, their criticism over the years has always been defined by blaming them for the increase in violence levels in the US. With a personal crusade against GTA, they also systematically attacked other video games, particularly from Rockstar Games, such as Bully or Manhunt. In addition to other games commonly accused of the same, like Mortal Kombat.
His constant frivolous demands and personal attacks would lead him to lose his law license in 2007, being accused of 31 charges of which he was found guilty. Now it seems that he has reached a certain peace with video games, or at least, it seems that he has learned that litigating against everyone always ends up going wrong.
‘Frozen: Forces of nature’, a podcast that will take place after the second part and in which Elsa and Anna will face an enemy greater than all of us: climate change.
That Disney isn’t doing well in terms of profits is something we all know. It’s not news that their determination to revive forgotten franchises or to desperately keep others afloat is solely due to the fact that the numbers aren’t saying what they want them to say. ‘Indiana Jones 5’ has been a failure, ‘Star Wars’ is not at its best, Marvel is starting to smell of stagnation, and only Pixar has managed to save the summer with honor. And then come the doubts, of course: What if the plan to franchise everything isn’t as positive as we thought? For now, it doesn’t seem like the course is going to change.
This year, to cushion the fall, Bob Iger, the CEO of the company, already announced that they were planning ‘Frozen 3,’ but he probably wasn’t referring to what has just been announced now: ‘Frozen: Forces of Nature,’ a podcast that will take place after the second part, in which Elsa and Anna will face a greater enemy than all of us: climate change.
No, this isn’t a joke or an unofficial product: the serialized podcast will be launched to coincide with the film’s tenth anniversary and will be narrated by the official meteorologist of ABC News, Ginger Zee. And if you’re wondering what it’s about, well: Queen Anna returns to the Enchanted Forest to reunite with Elsa after the Spirits of Nature start disrupting everything.
Then they will discover mysterious copper machines that are destroying the ecosystem, so they’ll have to stop them and uncover who is behind all of this before it’s too late. Spoiler: there’s very little chance that the ultimate villain will be capitalism, but it would be great if Disney suddenly decided that’s the path they want to take.
As for the third cinematic installment, all we know is that Jennifer Lee won’t return as director and that the idea to conclude the trilogy came from an external source. We don’t know much more beyond the usual: that it’s a fantastic idea, that it will be a spectacular movie, and so on. Essentially, the same things that were said about the second part, and then, well, it left us… frozen.
The story of the radio & ‘Star Wars’ transports us to other times… and, why not, gives us a little nostalgia. Why deny it?
A long time ago, in a galaxy far, far away… Imagine that, after seeing the famous letters printed on the screen, there follows a movie of… 6 hours! And no, we don’t mean putting all the classics together in one: ‘A New Hope’, episode IV of ‘Star Wars’, had many lives. It was made into a comic book twice (the second time with the original script as Lucas had it in mind), into a video game… And, of course, into a radio show. The story of the radio ‘Star Wars’ transports us to other times… and, why not, gives us a little nostalgia. Why deny it.
In the early 80’s it was still not so common to recover movies on VHS and watch them over and over again, so novelizations, comic book adaptations and audiodramas were still selling like hot cakes to remember that movie you enjoyed so much at the cinema. That’s why in 1981 the original ‘Star Wars’ team (well, Mark Hamill and Anthony Daniels) got together to make every Jedi’s dream come true: a 13-part radio version of the first film.
Not exactly, of course: some parts of script sketches were used, deleted scenes were added and even new ones were written. Everything was used to fill 5 hours and 56 minutes of the Rebels’ fight against the Empire and Lord Darth Vader. In fact, the first two episodes took place even before the beginning of the movie: in one we saw Luke Skywalker‘s day-to-day life at his aunt and uncle’s farm and in another we learned how Leia got hold of the Death Star plans.
The rest of the story was more or less like the original, but with added scenes and more context. From March 2 to May 25, 1981, the show aired on NPR (National Public Radio) with direction by John Madden (who would later go on to film and win the Oscar for ‘Shakespeare in Love’) and original music by John Williams. Regarding the actors, Carrie Fisher was replaced by Ann Sachs and Han Solo by Perry King, who would win the Golden Globe just two years later. The compilation edited by NPR, however, would have a flaw: it would be called ‘The New Hope’ instead of the title we know now.
The show was such a success that in 1982 the play was repeated with ‘The Empire Strikes Back’, although this time it “only” lasted 10 episodes and a total of 4 hours and 22 minutes. Once again, Mark Hamill would reprise his role and so would Billy Dee Williams as Lando Calrissian. Finally, there was a version of ‘Return of the Jedi’ of 6 episodes and 3 hours and 12 minutes in which Hamill would not repeat as Luke Skywalker: it was recorded in 1996 and was not so popular. Who calls Daisy Ridley in case she wants to do a podcast of ‘The Last Jedi’?
Surely you have asked yourself more than once… How do we set up our podcast? Don’t worry: we’ll tell you.
Every time you get together with your friends you talk about it: the old “we should start a band” has become the new “we should do a podcast“. Of course we should: if you are willing to face a crowd of professionals and amateurs working their throats out on a weekly basis with the most varied topics for a hundred or two hundred listeners, this is the thing for you. But, if you have made the decision, surely you have asked yourself more than once… How do we set up our podcast? Don’t worry: we’ll tell you.
There is a podcast already created about literally everything. Cooking, travel, manga, international politics, Roman history, Tom Cruise movies. Think carefully about what you have to contribute to the world: Is it going to be informative or chatty? Comical or serious? Scripted or improvised? Do you know something that you absolutely have to share with the rest of the world? Find that topic you want to talk about and define the tone: then create a list of titles and choose the best one. Let’s say, for example, you decided to talk about gardening with a comedic tone and called yourselves ‘What a Planter’. This was the easy part.
From here, define a structure for the podcast: Is it going to be free-form and different for each show, or are you going to have sections? If you have sections, who is going to present them, are you going to set boundaries for the length of the episodes or will ‘Qué plantón’ last as long as it has to? Once you have everything defined and you are sure that what you are going to do is unique (either because of your natural wit, the subject you deal with or the way you do it), it is time to get down to the technical stuff.
Microphone, camera, action
In the past, explaining the requirements for recording a podcast was much simpler, but the advent of Twitch, Youtube and TikTok and video podcasts has made everything a bit more complicated. At this point in the 21st century, you can’t record a podcast with a computer microphone and over Skype. Pamper it a bit, come on. If you are recording in person, get a mixing console with as many audio outputs as members of the podcast (plus at least one for computer music) and the same number of microphones (preferably all the same to avoid sound variation).
If, on the other hand, you have decided to do it online, each one from home, make sure that each one has a good microphone and records his track alone, so that the editing is cleaner. It’s more work, but it’s worth it: although Skype, Zoom and other alternatives have improved a lot since confinement, you will have more control over the audio if you have each track available separately.
You will also need at least one computer to record the audio, for which you can use a free program like Audacity, which you can then use to edit in a terribly simple way. And now comes the problem: if you also want to record the video, you will have to get at least two or three cameras and learn how to use a video editor to synchronize the audio (this is easier if you have already broadcast on Twitch) and make small clips for social networks. Don’t forget to look your best: ‘Qué plantón’ deserves nothing less.
We’ve already recorded an episode, now what?
Now comes the hardest part: you’ve already had fun recording, editing and preparing the podcast. You have to upload it to the different platforms: iVoox, Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube, prepare videos for Twitter, Instagram, TikTok and Facebook. Get ready to familiarize yourself with the concept of RSS, thumbnails, comments and regularity.
And now you just have to wait for success! And if it never comes, don’t worry: focus on having fun. After all, there are only a few people who make a living with podcasts. Come on, become a radio star!
