The Round 4 TQ Challenge: Making the Demo

In radio, a short preview of a program idea is called a "demo." In a few minutes, a demo should capture the idea and the energy of a new program, and make the listener hungry for more.

The Talent Quest is focused on hosting, and most of the Rounds have placed a high premium on the skills necessary to host a public radio show. A good host, as the contestants have demonstrated, isn't just a voice: they have to show editorial chops, storytelling ability, the gravitas to 'own the moment' and guide guests and topics like a confident moderator; and most of all, connect with an audience.

The Round 4 TQ Challenge: Making the Demo

In round 4, each semi-finalist will write, record, host, and produce a 5 minute demo tape of their proposed program. The demo should be representative of the program each contestant hopes to develop and host as a winner of the Talent Quest. Much of the sound, style, and sensibility of this demo will carry forward to the final round of the Quest.

Any and all production and editing techniques may be used. The demo MUST be EXACTLY 5 minutes long. The content of the demo is entirely up to each contestant.

The demo must contain material original to this round. No audio from earlier rounds may be reused.

Each Round of the Quest is more complex and demanding. The show demos will be judged as a demonstration of the contestant's hostiness. Production DOES matter. But this is not a competition for producers. This is about hosting in all its range and abilities.

What happens next:

- Round 4 entries will be posted and voting will begin on Monday, September 17th.
- Round 4 voting ends on Sunday, September 23rd at 11:59p ET

The winners of the Talent Quest will be announced at a special ceremony (and here) on Wednesday evening, September 26th.

Bookmark/Search this post with:

delicious | digg