The last Rebel Yell from inside Podenstein’s laboratory seems to have helped, or was at least conveniently timed. We are hearing some female voices!

Casting:

The Orange County Podcasters list 161 members at Meetup.com, some 119 have read the original Podenstein message board post. The Podenstein story has twenty-two individual characters. We have five roles cast, probably nine within the week.

• We need a strong clear voice, with a body attached that is very reliable, for our Narrator/Announcer, that contrasts well with our Steve Webb. I am tempted by the Narrator from the classic Batman TV series, but that is probably too goofy for this;
• We need a plausible impersonation of Jimmy Olson from the classic Superman TV show, or something suitably inspired;
• We need a plausible impersonation of Mr. White from the classic Superman TV show; a good alternative would be Lou Grant from Mary Tyler Moore, or heck a Danny Devito could do it justice ;
• We need an excellent impersonation of Geraldo Rivera for a half dozen brief lines;
• We need an excellent impersonation of Barry White or someone suitably smooth for a single line ( and maybe some tags, teasers, a voicemail or two);

To keep the momentum, we have started to open casting to some neighboring podcasting groups, some fan audio groups, and some others. Jeff and I have some tricks up our sleeves, and we really want to stack the deck with as many OC Podcasters as are willing to play. Besides, making new acquaintances is a good deal too.

Upcoming:

In February, here is what to expect with Podenstein

• The Cast will be finalized (finalized, not simonized as originally suggested);
• The Cast will begin individually recording their lines, and adjusting to feedback from Jeff and William;
• Greeting Card, Chocolate, and Jewelry companies will enjoy Valentines Day (Dr Podenstein hopes for a few hearts, or even just an ear);
• The First Podenstein Cast & Crew Orientation TalkCast Event;
• Millions of Americans will celebrate Presidents Day, perhaps lamenting when Lincoln and Washington had separate Holidays (Dr Podenstein denies grafting the two together);
• The Live Full Cast Performance Event;

That last (lowest) bullet point item is a tad bit in jeopardy, pending the first (highest).

Live Event & Opportunities:

The Live Full Cast recording has a few purposes.

One is the fun social experience of reading and performing together in person. Often a podcaster is alone with their computer. The performances that you can give, as you see facial expressions, as you hear the others lines leading up to your own, as you lose then regain your place on the page, as the mics get unplugged … are priceless. When we combine studio recorded lines with live performance material, the depth and atmosphere of the product are increased.

Another purpose is for the Podcasting Expo. After the Podenstein Monster is released for download, work will continue on the documentary, the How To / Making Of package. The lessons learned should be valuable to everyone in our group, and we hope of interest to folks at the Expo in the Fall of 2007.

The great news is this event will need all kinds of help in organizing and pulling off that might just be of interest to you, or require skills or experience that you can provide. Maybe that one single character you dreamed of playing for the last few minutes is already taken, but there are plenty of crew and support shoes to fill. Even a peanut gallery could heckle, I mean, inspire us.

So give out your own whoop or yell if you are available to assist ( an email to podenstein [at] gmail.com works too). Volunteers and impressed workers all welcome, the more the merrier. Whatever you’re willing to give, we’ll take!

Alright, I am done for now, G’night

William