A BALLARAT National Theatre-produced podcast is in line for international honours.<\/p>\n
Inspired by the Jane Austen novel, the Persuasion Podcast \u2013 directed by Liana Emmerson \u2013 has been nominated for a pair of Webby Awards in the category of podcasts \u2013 scripted (fiction).<\/p>\n
The winners will be announced at the 29th Annual Webby Awards in New York City on 12 May.<\/p>\n
The theatre’s Evelyn Zeven said members are honoured to be nominated and to represent community-driven theatre and storytelling on a global stage.<\/p>\n
“So far, the story has been downloaded over 44,000 times in 138 different countries,” she said.<\/p>\n
“BNT has been getting online fan mail from all over the world but in particular from listeners in America.”<\/p>\n
It is the second time the theatre has been in contention for a Webby Award.<\/p>\n
In 2021, their Pride and Prejudice Podcast \u2013 also directed by Emmerson \u2013 won honouree recognition, earning a place in the top 10 of the same category.<\/p>\n
The Persuasion Podcast is billed as a cinematic audiobook that transports listeners to 19th century England, immersing them in the life, loves and longings of Anne Elliot.<\/p>\n
The production features a talented ensemble of 21 volunteer actors, rich ambient soundscapes, and evocative original music composed by Sarah Barlow, Emmerson, and Helen Gibson.<\/p>\n
It also features live music performed by students and staff of Ballarat Grammar’s Academy of Sound.<\/p>\n
The Webbys are widely regarded as the internet’s highest honour, equivalent to an Academy Award for digital excellence.<\/p>\n
Attracting nearly 13,000 submissions from around the world, Persuasion Podcast has earned a place among the top 12 per cent of all entries and is one of only five nominees in its category, standing alongside industry giants such as Audible.<\/p>\n
Nominees from previous years include industry giants such as the BBC, Comedy Central, and HBO.<\/p>\n
Emmerson could not be more thrilled to have scored a second Webbys nomination.<\/p>\n
“If I had a dollar for every time I was recognised by the Webbys, I’d have two dollars \u2013 which isn’t much, but it’s very cool that it’s happened twice,” Emmerson said. “Getting recognition through the Webbys is a once-in-a-lifetime thing.<\/p>\n
“To have that opportunity twice is rare and a very justified reward for the team that volunteered enormous amounts of time to make it happen.<\/p>\n
“Now their work won’t be in the shadow of the recognition of the previous audiobook podcast.”<\/p>\n
As a nominee, Persuasion Podcast is in the running for two major awards: The Webby Award selected by the International Academy of Digital Arts and Sciences, and The Webby People’s Voice Award voted by the public.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
A BALLARAT National Theatre-produced podcast is in line for international honours. Inspired by the Jane Austen novel, the Persuasion Podcast \u2013 directed by Liana Emmerson \u2013 has been nominated for a pair of Webby Awards in the category of podcasts \u2013 scripted (fiction). The winners will be announced at the 29th Annual Webby Awards in […]<\/p>\n