Out on the Wire The Episode 7: Dark Forest archive: The Edit with Robert Smith and Jess Jiang
Jan 19, 2022
In this discussion, Robert Smith, Editor of Planet Money, and Jess Jiang, Producer at Planet Money, unravel the chaotic yet creative world of podcast editing. They share insights into the hand logging technique, which identifies key moments that engage listeners. The duo emphasizes the importance of narrative structure and emotional clarity in storytelling. They also delve into navigating creative critiques and the emotional toll of feedback, revealing how these elements can shape a podcast into a compelling audio experience.
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Hand-Log While You Listen
- Use hand-logging: write single words as you listen to track pacing and content.
- Flag boredom, confusion, and structural moves with simple symbols to find problem spots quickly.
Editor Boredom Is Diagnostic
- An editor's drifting attention is useful feedback about the script's failure to hold listeners.
- Treat your own zoning-out as data, not a personal failing; fix the story.
Get To The Movement Fast
- Start the episode as close as possible to the moment that moves the story forward.
- Move evocative audio (like Jad's Wagner example) toward the top to hook listeners quickly.