BEHIND THE SCENES: VIDEO PODCAST PRODUCTION (FUNDED BY GMCA AND GM WORK & SKILLS)

Next on our series of Skills Bootcamps, funded by GMCA and GM Work & Skills, was our debut Video Podcast Productioncourse. Our participants were led by Reform Radio and BBC Studios professionals to learn the ropes of planning, recording, producing and promoting a video podcast for a real-life creative client. These clients included Blossom Foundation, GigPig, Ghetto Fabulous and more. To draw the project to a close our group of attendees presented their work to their clients and industry professionals. It was a joy to see the incredible video podcast content they had created. Keep an eye our Instagram to check all of the podcasts out when they launch.

We caught up with a few of those who took part in the project to find out more about what they got up to and how they feel they have grown through the programme; meet Neenagh, Will, Lesley, Tomas and Chloe.

Neenagh (she/her)

What prompted you to get involved in this Skills Bootcamp project?

I originally did Reform’s Podcasting Course, funded by MAES, and I started my own podcast off the back of that. I jumped straight into making it as a video podcast for the social media content element. However, I didn’t really know how to do it so I paid for a production team to help bring it to life. This course came at the perfect time for me to build my technical visual skills. This has meant I can now create the podcast all on my own, giving me autonomy over my content.

Let’s throw it back to your first day at Reform on the Skills Bootcamp versus now, tell me a bit about your first impressions/feelings/emotions in comparison to how you feel now. What has changed?

One of the main things I will take away from Reform are the connections I have made. I’ve met such a diverse range of people and have made soul connections. They’ve made me feel understood, valued and appreciated. The staff have always been so motivational to me. I am such a self critic and suffered from really bad imposter syndrome before coming to Reform.

One of the first courses I took part in at Reform was Positive Frequencies and I wrote a piece about neurodiversity and how I’d overcome that into adulthood. Before I joined that course I was in hibernation. I had been through a really bad patch of life and, to be honest, I didn’t really see light at the end of the tunnel at one point. Reform has been a saviour. It got me back out the house. They helped me get back in touch with parts of myself that were in hiding. Reform really helped me ease back into connecting with other people, feeling safe to do so and having a safe space to be creative.

What is one thing you’d tell someone thinking of coming to join the next round of the project?

Absolutely come. There’s nothing to lose, but everything to gain. You’re in really safe hands and you’re going to surprise yourself with what you’re going to achieve.

Will (he/him)

Let’s throw it back to your first day at Reform on the Skills Bootcamp versus now, tell me a bit about your first impressions/feelings/emotions in comparison to how you feel now. What has changed?

I’m more inquisitive. Also, I have found myself appreciating all types of media. It sounds dramatic, but I truly feel like I am getting more out of life and observing things. I do feel like I have changed as a person. Even on an interpersonal level, I’ve never been to a place where you introduce yourself with your name and pronouns and that’s really special.

Chloe (she/her)

What prompted you to get involved in this Skills Bootcamp project?

I wanted to join the Video Podcast course to increase my skillset, develop my CV and get more experience in the radio sphere.

What is one thing you’d tell someone thinking of coming to join the next round of the project?

Definitely join the project, not just for the radio side but it’ll improve your confidence too. You also get to meet some amazing people and work together in a team.

What is one thing you’ve learnt on the course?

One thing I’ve definitely learnt is how to create a video podcast, with attention to scripting and structuring it.

Tomas (he/him)

What prompted you to get involved in this Skills Bootcamp project?

I got involved because I have an interest in producing media. I already had an idea for a podcast that I wanted to create which covers issues the LGBTQIA+ community face, particularly gay men. However, I felt like I lacked some skills and I was getting overwhelmed by the production elements. Also, I would love to get some form of employment and to get my foot into a career in the creative field in Manchester.

Let’s throw it back to your first day at Reform on the Skills Bootcamp versus now, tell me a bit about your first impressions/feelings/emotions in comparison to how you feel now. What has changed?

So much has changed this past month. My main role in creating the video podcast was as Director and Creative Producer. I have had to see the project through so many elements. It has helped me build so much confidence. I always knew I was capable, but seeing it actually come to life with an actual pitch and creative brief and working with professional tools has boosted my confidence. I know that my podcast idea is not unachievable. It’s shown me I can do this!

Les (they/them)

What is one thing you’ve learnt on the course?

The key thing I have learnt from the course is how much I love editing. My key take away is being able to produce a podcast from start to finish. Whatever content you manage to gather, if you’re a good editor, you can make it look like gold dust. I never would’ve been able to learn these editing skills anywhere else or on my own because I’ve had invaluable feedback from the staff.

Get involved in our next round of Skills Bootcamps in Video Production or Video Podcast production; find out more information here.