Opportunities

shutting down the newsletter – but staying on the socials!

Leave a comment
Hello FC! First – I want to thank you all for your many years of participation in and support of Freelance Cafe. This group was a lifeline to me when I first started freelancing more than a decade ago. Much has changed since I started this group in 2007… I had a kid, moved to upstate NY, had another kid, and, notably, took a full time job as a podcast producer. I'm now helping run Pushkin Industries with Malcolm Gladwell and Jacob Weisberg and a bunch of other talented folks. While I still feel passionately about supporting independents, I haven't been one for a few years now. The freelancecafe.org email account is coming up for renewal which is pushing me to the decision to end the newsletter. However, I will keep the twitter and facebook accounts up and running and I encourage all of you to post opportunities and resources there. This group has always been a collective effort and it will remain so for the foreseeable future. The freelancecafe.org site will also stay up – there just won't be any new posts.

Thank you again for the years of engagement and support.
Wishing you all the best,
Mia
Share Button
Awards/Fellowships

Apply to the Signal to Noise Award!

Leave a comment
Hey FC. Quickly dropping in to spread the word that the Signal to Noise Award is back! Co-presented with Gilded Audio, this grant celebrates creative work that synthesizes audio documentary and experimental sound design.
Information about the award, how to apply, and how to spread the news follows.
Best,
Mia
Due on August 31st and open to all styles of production, the award includes: $5000 for production, plus production consultation and technical support from Gilded Audio, editorial consultation from the staff at UnionDocs, promotional support to UnionDocs and Gilded Audio communities, and a celebratory event!
Past awarded projects include: Ariana Martinez’s Para Cruzar el Agua/To Cross the Water, which documents the hopes, fears, and expressions of love that Puerto Ricans share from both the island and the U.S. mainland; and Sylvia Ryerson’s Derritiendo el Hielo/Melting the ICE, a bilingual podcast and radio show dedicated to sharing testimonials from people directly impacted by ICE detention.
You can check out more details + apply here:
If you know anyone who is interested, feel free to pass this opportunity along! I have included sample promotional materials below.
Looking forward to receiving your application!
Abby Lord
Programs Assistant
UnionDocs
Facebook:
Attention all audio makers! UnionDocs and Gilded Audio are pleased to announce The Signal to Noise Award, celebrating creative work that synthesizes audio documentary and experimental sound design. The winning applicant will receive a $5000 production grant to pursue their project or series, production consultation and technical support from Gilded Audio Design, editorial consultation from the staff of UnionDocs; and a celebratory event.
Applications are due 8/31! You can find more information + apply here: https://bit.ly/3fbFMxH
Twitter:
Audio makers! @UnionDocs + Gilded Audio have announced The Signal to Noise Award to give your project the chance to come to life! Apps are due 8/31: https://bit.ly/3fbFMxH
Do you have an audio project that combines doc + experimental sound design? Apply to @UnionDocs + Gilded Audio’s Signal to Noise Award to win $5,000, production and technical support from Gilded Audio Design, editorial consultation + more! Due 8/31! https://bit.ly/3fbFMxH

—

Share Button
Workshops

THIS WED. CRAFT A STORY TO SELL TO PODCASTS w/ MOTH WINNER/PODCASTER @WRITINGPADUS

Leave a comment

Hey FC,

 

THIS Wed. 7/8 at 5:30 PST, SELL YOUR STORY to a podcast in Laura Cathcart Robbins’ Storytelling 102.

 

Deets:  https://writingpad.com/classes/online-storytelling-102-make-your-voice-heard-class-laura-cathcart-robbins

Use code followup30 for $30 off today.

 

In this workshop you’ll:
– Polish a 5 minute (or 600-800 word) personal tale to submit to a podcast or as an essay
– Practice and get performance tips
– Add detail and emotion to your story for maximum impact
– Get email feedback on your idea before class to ensure you’re exploring the right angle

 

You can watch Laura’s FREE Storytelling 101 here to learn how to craft your tale: http://ow.ly/h1gV50AdoBw


Laura’s powerful, beautifully crafted 9 essays in Huffington Post about race, recovery and divorce went viral. She’s a StorySLAM winner and host of the podcast, The Only One In The Room which Bustle magazine picked as a top show along with This American Life, Slow Burn and Reply All. Laura’s a fantastic teacher and storyteller who can help you unlock an unforgettable story inside that’ll grab listeners and viewers.

https://www.huffpost.com/entry/white-parents-talk-about-racism_n_5ee4e1fec5b6afc128317d17

https://www.bustle.com/p/17-podcasts-to-listen-to-on-long-flights-red-eyes-22162381


4 students just sold related Op-Eds from our FREE CLASS: http://ow.ly/gRUj50AdoCW On Friday, Saj Sachdev just got an excellent piece in Huff Po & Ralinda Harvey got into the LA Times! 12 students sold stories to NPR and BBC, 166 sold essays & articles, 15 in the NYT, 4 published Modern Love Essays and 17 won the Moth. Trina Robinson performed her story re: finding out her ancestors were slaves at six Moth Mainstages for pay. Podcasts are looking for personal tales now–don’t miss out! We want to get your story out there next. Check out the Op-Ed’s below:

https://www.huffingtonpost.ca/entry/jagmeet-singh-racism_ca_5efdb99cc5b6acab284c189c

https://www.latimes.com/opinion/story/2020-06-26/nextdoor-santa-monica-racism

https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2020/06/16/i-was-first-black-model-cover-vogue-fashion-industry-still-isnt-fixing-its-racism/

https://www.latimes.com/opinion/story/2020-06-12/gone-with-the-wind-hattie-mcdaniel-john-ridley

Questions? Email: hello@writingpad.com

 

Best,

Marilyn

Share Button
Workshops

NEXT THURS. ONLINE PODCASTING w/ NPR PRODUCER @WRITINGPADUS

Leave a comment

Hi FC,

 

I hope you are all doing well, are safe and healthy. Here’s a great Live Podcasting Class starting NEXT THURS 7/9 ONLINE. You can take it from anywhere. Class looks like this: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dr4kyqDkSOs

 

NEXT Thus. 7/9, craft your show with an NPR producer of prominent podcasts–Anna Scott (Samaritans, There Goes the Neighborhood). Because of our radio journalism classes, 12 of our students have sold stories to NPR and BBC—10 on Unfictional, 1 on All Things Considered, 1 on BBC. 3 got freelance podcast producer gigs after class at The RFK Tapes, Freakonomics, Pandora & NPR’s Unfictional. Kevin McDonnell got this piece on BBC Radio (3 hrs, 16 min. in): https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/p08c7c58

 

Podcasting w/ Anna Scott (Samaritans, There Goes the Neighborhood)–NEXT Thurs. 7/9, 1 SPOT!

Jul 9, Jul 23, Jul 30, Aug 13, Aug 20 (5 Thurs., 7-10 PM PST), Online

https://writingpad.com/classes/online-podcasting-class-anna-scott

 

You’ll build your podcast from scratch by turning the germ of an idea into a high-concept radio-worthy show. Topics Include: interviewing methods, use of archival audio, miking & field techniques. By the end, you’ll have a solid outline of your pilot episode & a recording of your teaser.

 

Anna’s a top teacher whose students rave about her insight! This might be the last chance to study w/ her as she’s super busy (she’s producing and hosting her own podcast, Samaritans on KCRW! In the past, she’s produced and reported on There Goes The Neighborhood: LA and produced Madeleine Brand on Press Play and Warren Olney on To The Point. She reports regularly for NPR and has written for Bloomberg Businessweek and the Los Angeles Times.

 

Use the coupon code freelance or freelanceplan for 15% off ($74 off) 5+ week classes or freelance30 for $30 off short classes. 

 

Best,

Marilyn

Share Button
Pitches

BBC Cultural Frontline – Request for Feature Ideas from Asia, Africa and Latin America

Leave a comment

The Cultural Frontline seeks international pitches. Details below!

Best,

Mia

++++++++++++++

 

The Cultural Frontline team is looking for great ideas for features from radio producers around the world.

 

Who are we?

 

The Cultural Frontline is a topical arts and culture programme, dedicated to seeing the world through the eyes of creative minds – we look at how art and culture address the biggest social, cultural, political issues we face. It’s presented by Tina Daheley on BBC World Service English.

 

What are we looking for?

 

We are looking for ideas for short radio features approximately 7’00 featuring Asian, African and Latin American artists of all types – writers, musicians, filmmakers, poets, designers, all cultural practitioners welcome.

 

We also welcome ideas from the rest of the world but our focus at present is on generating new ideas from Asia, Africa and Latin America.

 

In particular we are looking for stories of artists whose work as a bigger social, cultural or political impact or whose work is tackling a major issue faced by society today such as immigration, climate change, inequality, and discrimination.

 

Here is a link to our programme for further details: https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p0362l0f

 

If you would like to send us your pitches please email us at: theculturalfrontline@bbc.co.uk

 

Thanks

 

The Cultural Frontline team

—

Share Button
Gigs

KALW is hiring an elections coverage manager

Leave a comment
Short and sweet – KALW is hiring! This is a four-month contract position starting in August. Candidates must live in and/or have a strong understanding of the San Francisco Bay Area. The deadline to apply is Thursday, July 7. Learn more about how to apply here.

Good luck!
Best,
Mia
Share Button
Workshops

THIS SUN. ONLINE PODCASTING w/ SNAP JUDGMENT PRODUCER @WRITINGPADUS

Leave a comment

Hi FC,

I hope you are all doing well, are safe and healthy. Here’s a great Live Podcasting Class starting THIS SUNDAY ONLINE. You can take it from anywhere—it works for most time zones. Class looks like this: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dr4kyqDkSOs

Marilyn

Use the coupon code creativitycorner65 or creativitycorner65plan for $65 off. creativitycorner30 for $30 off short classes.

THIS Sun. 5/31, craft your show with a producer of prominent podcasts–John Fecile (99% Invisible, Producer, Snap Judgment). Because of our radio journalism classes, 12 of our students have sold stories to NPR and BBC–10 on Unfictional, 1 on All Things Considered, 1 on BBC. 3 got freelance podcast producer gigs after class at The RFK Tapes, Freakonomics, Pandora & NPR’s Unfictional. Kevin McDonnell just got this piece on BBC Radio (3 hrs, 16 min. in). https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/p089jy8g

Podcasting w/ John Fecile (99% Invisible, Producer, Snap Judgment)—THIS Sun. 5/31, 1 SPOT! May 31, Jun 7, Jun 14, Jun 21, Jul 12 (5 Sun., 2-5 PM PST), Online https://writingpad.com/classes/online-podcasting-class-john-fecile

In this class, learn the ins and outs of how top-tier podcasts are developed, researched, written, and produced. You’ll learn interviewing methods, use of archival audio, miking techniques. By the end of the class, you’ll have a solid outline of your pilot episode and a recording of your show teaser.

 John’s podcast stories have appeared on NPR, 99% Invisible, & Snap Judgment (where he’s currently a producer). Click the links and listen to his amazing segments! Jeff & I heard the 99pi piece about the attempted murder of a painting last year, & it’s one of the best podcasts we’ve ever heard. His story “Blink Once for Yes” had us in tears, it was so AMAZING! It was a collaboration between Snap & Love + Radio that won a bronze at Third Coast in 2017. We never dreamed that the creator of that story would be teaching at the Pad!

John also won the Gold & Bronze Third Coast International Audio Festival awards. He is also co-founder of The Trump Diaries Project (KCRW) & contributes regularly to 99% Invisible & Curious City (WBEZ). 

Here are some of John’s stories (including one about Rihanna’s tour):
https://www.wnycstudios.org/podcasts/snapjudgment/episodes/snap-814-blink-once-yes
https://99percentinvisible.org/episode/the-many-deaths-of-a-painting
https://www.wnycstudios.org/podcasts/snapjudgment/episodes/diamonds-in-sky-snap-judgment-podcast
https://www.wnycstudios.org/podcasts/snapjudgment/episodes/zoo-nebraska-snap-judgment

Best, Marilyn

Share Button
Pitches

New podcast seeks to resolve your disputes

Leave a comment
Hey FC. I know the posts have been few and far between recently (busy days!) but this is a fun one. Not a gig so much as an opportunity to be involved in a fun new project – as a guest! Details below.
Stay healthy,
Mia
++++++++++++++++
Is your roommate on your last nerve? Does your friend still owe you money for that thing they broke? Is your sibling refusing to talk to you and you have no idea why? Well, a new podcast from Endeavor Content (Hunted, Blackout) and Neon Hum (The Thing About Pam, Bag Man) is looking to help you out. Our high-profile host will listen to both sides of your dispute (yes, I’m sorry, it’s only fair), and give you the clear resolution that you and your rival have been craving. No issue is too small… as long as it’s a big frickin’ deal to you and whoever you’re disagreeing with. If interested, submit a brief description of your case to: shara@neonhum.com and mary@neonhum.com


—

Share Button
Workshops

NEXT THURS. LA PODCASTING @WRITINGPADUS

Leave a comment

;widows: auto;-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px;word-spacing:0px’>http://www.facebook.com/writingpad

http://www.twitter.com/writingpadus

http://instagram.com/writingpadus

Share Button
Workshops

SF & LA @WRITINGPADUS PODCASTING CLASSES STARTING SOON

Leave a comment

Hi FC,

 

Happy New Year! Here’s some great Podcasting Classes starting IN 2 WEEKS at Writing Pad San Francisco or LA.

 

Marilyn

 

Use the coupon code FREELANCE or FREELANCEPLAN for 15% off.

 

Craft your show with a producer or contributor to prominent podcasts–John Fecile (99% Invisible, Snap Judgment) or Anna  Scott (Press Play, There Goes the Neighborhood). Because of our radio journalism classes, 11 of our students have sold stories to NPR–10 on Unfictional, 1 on All Things Considered. 3 snagged freelance producer gigs.

 

5 WK PODCASTING CLASS NEXT TUES. 1/28 or NEXT THURS. 1/30 IN SF or LA

Podcasting 1 w/ John Fecile (99% Invisible, Snap Judgment)

Jan 28, Feb 4, Feb 11, Feb 18, Feb 25 (5 Tuesdays, 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM)

San Francisco

writingpad.com/classes/san-francisco-podcasting-1-class-john-fecile

 

OR

 

Podcasting 1 w/ Anna  Scott (Press Play, There Goes the Neighborhood)

Jan 30, Feb 6, Feb 20, Feb 27, Mar 5 (5 Thursdays, 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM)

LA – West

writingpad.com/classes/los-angeles-podcasting-1-class-anna-scott-3/

 

In this class, learn the ins and outs of how top-tier podcasts are developed, researched, written, and produced. You’ll learn interviewing methods, use of archival audio, miking techniques. By the end of the class, you’ll have a solid outline of your pilot episode and a recording of your show teaser.

 

John Fecile’s podcast stories have appeared on NPR, 99% Invisible, & Snap Judgment. He won the Gold & Bronze Third Coast International Audio Festival awards. He is also co-founder of The Trump Diaries Project (KCRW) and contributes to 99% Invisible and Curious City (WBEZ).

 

Anna Scott has worked on big NPR Shows like There Goes the Neighborhood: Los Angeles. She’s also a reporter and producer for KCRW on Press Play w/ Madeleine Brand. Before that she worked w/ Warren Olney on To The Point & Which Way LA. Anna’s a top teacher whose students rave about her insight! 

 

Best,

Marilyn

mailto:marilyn@writingpad.com

www.facebook.com/marilynfriedman1

www.facebook.com/writingpad

http://www.twitter.com/writingpadus

instagram.com/writingpadus

Share Button