Hey folks – this update from Glynn at Snap Judgments: revised (higher!) pay rates. Hooray! -mia

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

Thanks to everyone for your amazing response to Snap Judgment’s Call for Stories, and suggestions on our rate structure. As promised, we have gone “back to the drawing board” on the rate structure, as reflected in this revised Call for Stories.

As former freelancers, we very much understand the need for sustainable compensation practices, and will endeavor to treat EVERYONE in the Snap Judgment community fairly.

Thanks again,

Glynn

# **

Snap Judgment, winner of CPB’s Public Radio Talent Quest, launches April 2010, and is putting out a call for stories.

We’re looking for amazing stories. Quick. Distinctive Voice. Bobbing and weaving. Surprising ending. Raw. Urban sensibility. Intimate. Voyeuristic.

The “perfect” long form Snap Judgment story runs six to nine minutes.

Check out Episode ONE (Magic Doors) at SnapJudgment.org . . .

Typically in Snap Judgment pieces, the narrator presents a high stakes choice early on – subtly daring listeners to put themselves in place of the protagonist. Snap Judgment heroes make choices with consequence. As the story unfolds we learn more about both the teller and the environment / context they operate.

We like stories that transport listeners to different worlds. We really like international stories, but equally dig stories that navigate ethnic or social-economic communities outside the scope of traditional media. (For example, we would love a story about a Tongan prince, but would also dig one from the perspective of a sister-wife in north Utah.)

While main characters are allowed to draw lessons from their experience, we leave the “judging” of the story to the audience. We don’t mind if overlapping narratives conflict in their conclusions. (One person could conclude that arranged marriages are evil, another could conclude they are great.)

Don’t let facts get in the way of a good story! We like lies and lying liars. Lies and exaggerations are often more important than some antiseptic recall of the facts. We want character. A snapshot of the person in the moment of their Snap Judgment.

The more fantastical, the better. Snap Judgment dances on the edge of credulity. Did you see someone fly? Fantastic. Picked up by a UFO? Even better. Got a fictional piece you think would work? Try us.

The Snap Judgment theme is important, but most important is the story. Good stories have decision points. Good characters suck listeners in. The teller should want to share their story. (Or be so compelling in their reluctance, that we identify with them.) Either way, we must be compelled to listen as they illuminate a hidden piece of the world.

We’re currently working through a few basic “themes” – BUT don’t let this limit your imaginings. If you have a good idea, let us know!

1) 5150 (Stories involving people who are a danger to to themselves or and others.) 2) DROP EVERYTHING (people who have abandoned their current lives in search of a new one). 3) LIBRARY TALES (stories in or involving the most innocuous place of all – the local public library . . .) 4) SUPERHEROS (stories of people who use their powers to shake things up . . . hopefully in tights!)

Interested producers should send a pitch, and a quick synopsis of the story. We will read each and every pitch (promise) and let you know whether we would like to move to the next level.

We are interested in both fully edited stories and raw interview tape (that show staff will cut into stories for the radio show and podcast)

Turnaround Times 2 Days – Quick 3 Days – Average 6 Days – Intensive

Junior Level Day Rate – $250 2 days – $500 3 days – $875 6 days – $1500

Mid Level Day Rate – $325 2 days – $650 3 days – $1,188 6 days – $1,950

Senior Level Day Rate – $400 2 days – $800 3 days – $1,400 6 days – $2,400

Write to us: Pitches@SnapJudgment.org

Thanks a million! We can’t WAIT to hear from you . . . SnapJudgment.org