Roger Gregg, the multi-talented force behind Crazy Dog Audio Theater, is one of the most fascinating people you can talk to about audio theater in world today… and this week we’re graced with almost 45 minutes of his insightful anecdotes and tough critique of the current state of independent media in the world today.
[audio:https://radiodramarevival.com/podcasts/rdr-podcast056.mp3]
Radio Drama Revival! Episode 56
Hello all-
I have to agree with Roger in several points. This is not a market that can spport full time employees. It is not a market that will draw lots of commercial backing. It is also not a market that someone who seeks to be in movies or TV will work in.
However, things are not as bleak as that on the internet and in small audio theater companies. My company, STH Productions, was not established to do acheve fame or fortune. True, I do want to make a small profit, but as I point out to all involved here,”no one’s gonna make a killing on this.” It’s a very niche market, and it’s never going to be the thing old-time radio once was.
Having said this, I do think there is a group of people out there who should not be called amateurs. There are still a lot of professional writers I know who are interested in the media. Some of the short stories that I have developed wouldn’t work in movies and TV. The economics just wouldn’t work. This medium is cheap, and you can do a lot with it. If a production company can keep the costs down, it can be worthwhile. A little creativity can go a long way.
Scott,
Thanks so much for the feedback — couldn’t agree with you more. Any of us who are dreaming of becoming full-time audio dramatists will need to think out of the box a little to get there!
Just getting to the point where you’re at, being able to hire pro and semi-pro actors is quite an accomplishment. Yet the ironic thing is, to expand listeners, the medium NEEDS productions that require money to create. So it remains a labor of love for most of us.
The one thing that I think is possible, that Roger talked about, was audio being a staging ground for works that might later be adapted for film or TV. And drawing in “names” from other media will help as well (something you’re already working on) — imagine what a splendidly done Stephen King piece would do for the medium!
While we know we can’t quit our day jobs, I fully agree that we can at least produce work that is professional quality, even if the pay isn’t.
Thanks again,
Fred
Folks, Roger’s grappling with stuff we’re all thinking about but not in a position to be truly in the middle of, an NTR trailblazer in two-toned shoes. I, for one, am intruiged as heck to see what comes next.
Andrew,
Abso-fricken-lutely. The more I listen to Roger’s work, the more I’m astonished at the range he’s capable of and the contributions they’ve made to the art. I’m in with you on being giddy with anticipation on what may be next.