- Why AI
- Why a podcast
- The Strategy
- The Price
- Listen Now
- Contact
Where were you when the twin towers fell?
The modern demand
There are certain dates that hit you like a plot twist you didn’t see coming.
For me, one of those was February 15, 2023—the day I first used ChatGPT.
Since then, AI has been a revolution, weaving its way into every project I’ve tackled as a freelance Motion Designer and Director.
These tools have now evolved to a level where I can offer them as a full-fledged service. The result? Cinematic Podcasts.
Let’s face it—everyone and their grandmother wants a podcast these days.
… launching an interview podcast makes you drown in the signal.
… launching a story driven podcast is super expensive. It requires a full team of writers, moderators, voice actors, editors, marketers – unless…
The modern demand
There is a huge need for great content across all platforms.
Traditional podcast production
Managing multiple freelancers can lead to complex coordination, high costs, and inconsistent quality.
AI-powered podcast production
Using AI tools, An AI-skilled freelancer can offer work that competes with an entire Hollywood team.
Why you need a podcast
For over a decade, I’ve delivered top-tier quality for brands like Audi, Mercedes-Benz, DHL, and Lamborghini. But two years ago, AI changed everything.
Fascinated by its potential, I integrated AI into every project, and soon it became my new “Photoshop.” That’s when it hit me:
with AI, the “orchestra of one” is like a freelancer on steroids
One AI skilled freelancer can now combine AI tools like instruments in an orchestra, and curate every element of creation to guarantee high-quality content. This isn’t just efficiency—it’s a revolution.
Story-driven podcasts are now the holy grail of branded content, boasting unmatched retention rates. Once prohibitively expensive, they’re now within reach, thanks to AI tools that make high-quality, story-driven content efficient and accessible.
Why podcasts anyway?
Podcasts have rapidly become one of the most impactful mediums for brand storytelling.
With over 464 million podcast listeners worldwide, A branded podcast offers an intimate, focused environment where listeners are highly engaged, often spending up to 30 minutes or more per episode (and not only milliseconds with ads)
The strategy
Imagine this: a sustainable sneaker brand wants to launch a podcast. The first instinct? Create episodes about how they design their sneakers, their sustainable materials, or interviews with the founders.
Sure, it sounds reasonable at first glance—but here’s the problem:
1. It's all about ME, ME, ME
Imagine your date is only talking about themselves. Would you ask them out for a second date?
2. Make MY life better, not yours
Audiences don’t tune in to hear a brand talk about itself—they tune in for stories that excite or resonate with them.
3. Don't think like a brand
To succeed, you have to think like a content creator, like your life (and income) depended on it.
"You're not competing with other brands. But with content creators turning into brands."
Roland SIgmond
A new way of thinking
In our example: Instead of focusing on your sneakers, shift the lens to what your audience loves. Here’s a trick: Think more about your niche, your topic, than your brand.
In this case it’s the fascinating history of sneakers in streetwear and sports—a rich, dynamic story of design, entrepreneurism and culture spanning decades.
There are two ways. One is wrong.
OLD
The obvious approach might be to interview a sneaker celeb or influencer who can explain this history. It’s a safe bet, but is it engaging enough to hold attention? Maybe—if they’re an amazing storyteller.
NEW
But what if you thought bigger? What if you created a cinematic podcast experience? Picture this:
A narrative-driven format, unfolding dramatic stories of game-changing innovations, iconic rivalries, and cultural revolutions sparked by a single pair of shoes.
Multiple characters and voices, diving into the worlds of early basketball legends, skateboarding pioneers, and streetwear designers who defined sneaker culture.
Immersive music that underlines the vintage vibe.
The Cost vs. Retention equation
OLD
A traditional “online-interview-style” podcast might cost 500€ to produce per episode. But here’s the kicker: over 60% of listeners drop off after the first minute.
NEW
Compare that to a cinematic podcast, where an investment of $900* per episode creates a fully immersive, story-driven experience. The result? Listeners stay hooked until the very end—and the best: they come back for the next episode.
*a rough estimate, final costs depend heavily on project specific factors like length/episode for example.
The 'Why it works' Paradox
Story-driven podcasts don’t just tell listeners about your brand; they connect with their passions.
By exploring the stories that matter to your audience, you build trust, loyalty, and genuine interest in your brand.
And when they care, they remember your brand—not as a company, but as a storyteller and authority.
paradoxically this works better for your brand the less ‚brand‘ there is.
Just check RedBull’s Insta: you will hardly find an image of a RedBull can.
Our example isn’t a podcast about sneakers—it’s a love letter to sneaker culture, brought to life by a startup that truly gets it. And that’s what keeps your audience coming back for more.
And it’s not only a case study.
It’s a real Podcast you can listen to right now:
Listen to an example
The Zenanigans podcast
Zenzai is a sneaker brand that mashes up retro 80s swagger with modern sustainable technology, so you can look great while doing good for the planet. Check it out:
Are you hooked yet?
If you want to explore the possibilities for your (client’s) brand, here’s how we could make it happen:
Step 1: Free call & Briefing
We kick off with a free call to understand your brand, audience, and podcast goals. If a cinematic podcast is not a fit for you, I will tell you. No problemo.
Step 2: Concept creation & offer
I’ll develop a rough strategy for the podcast’s theme, content, marketing plan and conversion funnel and make you an offer you can’t resist .
Step 3: Delivery and launch
We launch the podcast, complete with promotion and a plan to convert listeners into leads or clients.
Ready to create a podcast for your own (client’s) brand?
Book a free 30-minute discovery call now, to see if we’re a fit.
Roland Sigmond
Kaiserstrasse 77
1070 Vienna
Austria
AI Director
Motiondesigner