About Inner Ear: From Revolutionary Radio to Shared Digital Experiences
Inner Ear was established in October 2000. We launched Radio Magnetic in March 2001. We went on to specialise in live programme making and podcast production and have worked on hundreds of projects all over Scotland, across the UK and around the world. Yes, we are technically adept at live streaming and podcast publication, which is a means to an end. For us, it’s all about creating compelling content that speaks to people. We value integrity, liveness and provenance in our productions.
We use specific digital platforms to reach niche audiences. Our live streamed programmes and podcasts have reached millions of people. Our work has helped clients engage audiences and earn extra revenue. We can help you energise your audience and realise its value too.
Inner Ear helps clients get extra value from their audience.
When your audience is properly engaged, it increases in value.
Your events and activities need to reach an audience. Festivals, concerts, gigs, performances, shows, ceremonies, lectures, discussions, debates, exhibitions and launches all need to attract the eyes and ears of people. While there’s a limited number of people who can attend in person, there’s a potentially unlimited online audience.
Engage your audience by telling entertaining and educational stories with digital experiences that energise and entice.
We produce programmes that we distribute digitally to bring your audience closer and stimulate remote participation in your creative project.
Live programme making (which is essentially creating live television for the web, live streamed from the location of your event or activity to audiences around the world).
Documentary and feature production (one-off videos and audio programmes, serialised shows and podcasts).
Interactive storytelling (digital experiences in the form of live audience participation events, audio walking tours, treasure hunts and game shows).
We are a flexible bunch. Some projects just need one or two of us, others may require between five-to-ten or more. Here are the leaders:
Dougal Perman
Director & Executive Producer
Anny Deery
Development Producer
Findlay Jamieson
Live Programme Producer
Benny Robb
Cultural Engagement Producer
FAQs
How fast can you launch a pilot episode?
Depending on the nature of the project, we can go from first call to on-air (or online) in as little as two weeks.
Do you handle post-production?
Absolutely! We edit, grade, mix and master then deliver final files, ready for upload.
In fact, I just need someone to take this off my hands. Can you take care of everything?
Certainly. We can take this project off your plate and look after everything from concept to planning, preparation and permissions through to production, post-production, publication and review. Our friendly, helpful team are meticulous, dedicated, tireless and won’t stop until they are satisfied that job is done to our exceptionally high standards.
What equipment do I need to start live streaming?
Starting with basic live streaming requires a computer, a webcam, and a stable internet connection. For higher quality streams, consider using a dedicated microphone, an HD camera, and lighting equipment. The next level up involves multi-camera vision mixing using a hardware vision mixer or live stream production software (like OBS). We can help you choose the right setup based on your specific needs and budget.
How do I ensure reliable streaming without interruptions?
To ensure a smooth live streaming experience, prioritise a strong and stable internet connection, use wired connections instead of wireless whenever possible, and stream at appropriate bitrates that your bandwidth can handle. We recommend an upload bandwidth of at least 5 Mbps for streaming in 720p resolution. For higher quality streams, such as 1080p, we suggest having more than 10 Mbps of upload bandwidth. This ensures your stream remains smooth and free from buffering interruptions. Our services include technical checks and rehearsals to minimise issues during actual streams.
What are the key steps in producing a professional podcast?
Professional podcast production involves planning content, recording high-quality audio, editing episodes for clarity and flow, and distributing the podcast on various platforms. We offer comprehensive services including planning, research, setup, recording, editing, and publishing to help you create podcasts that stand out.
How can I grow my podcast audience?
Growing your podcast audience involves consistent content creation, engaging podcast titles and descriptions, SEO optimisation, and promoting episodes through social media and other marketing channels. We also recommend guest appearances and collaborations with other podcasts to reach wider audiences.
What is interactive storytelling and how can it benefit my brand?
Interactive storytelling involves using narrative techniques with interactive elements to engage users more deeply. This approach can significantly enhance user engagement, make your content more memorable, and encourage active participation, which can strengthen your brand’s presence and impact. Here are three examples.
Example 1: Choose-Your-Own-Adventure Story
Title: “The Quest for the Golden Orchid”
Description: In this interactive multimedia adventure, users navigate through a richly illustrated jungle setting with the task of finding the mythical Golden Orchid. At each juncture, the audience makes decisions that influence the direction of the story, the challenges they face, and the characters they meet along the way. This format not only entertains but also involves viewers actively in the narrative, resulting in a personalised experience.
Features:
Multiple story outcomes based on user choices
Integrated puzzles and mini-games to enhance interaction
Dynamic sound effects and music that change with the story arcs
Example 2: Interactive Documentary
Title: “Voices from the Frontline”
Description: This interactive documentary allows viewers to explore personal stories from healthcare workers around the world. The platform uses video, audio, and text elements that users can interact with to uncover different perspectives and insights about the challenges faced during global health crises. Viewers choose different paths through the content, emphasising the aspects of the story that interest them most.
Features:
User-driven narrative paths allowing exploration of various healthcare topics
Interactive interviews and real-time data visualisations
Options to participate in live Q&A sessions with featured healthcare professionals
Example 3: Audio Walking Tour Treasure Hunt
Title: “City Secrets: Discover Hidden Treasures”
Description: “City Secrets” is an interactive audio walking tour that transforms a simple city walk into a thrilling treasure hunt. Participants are guided through historical and cultural landmarks via narrated audio, with clues embedded within stories that lead them to discover hidden treasures around the city. This adventure combines the joy of exploration with the excitement of solving puzzles, offering participants a unique way to engage with the city’s history and hidden gems.
Features:
GPS-enabled audio cues that unlock content based on the participant’s location
Engaging narrative interwoven with historical facts and local lore
Interactive clues that require participants to solve riddles and puzzles to proceed to the next location
Rewards and digital collectibles unlocked at key milestones in the tour
Social sharing capabilities to encourage interaction among participants and across networks
These are just some of the projects we can help you make.
How can I monetise my content?
Monetising your digital content can be achieved through a variety of strategies, depending on your audience size, engagement level, and content format. Here are some effective methods:
Sponsorships and Partnerships: Collaborate with brands that align with your content’s theme or your audience’s interests. Brands can sponsor entire episodes, specific segments, or offer branded content within your interactive stories.
Subscriptions and Memberships: Offer premium content, such as exclusive episodes, additional story paths, or ad-free experiences, to subscribers or members. Platforms like Patreon, Memberful, or development of your own website can facilitate these services.
Advertising: Include pre-roll, mid-roll, or post-roll ads in your podcasts or during live streams. For interactive stories, incorporate display ads or sponsored content that complements the user experience without being intrusive.
Merchandising: Sell merchandise related to your content, such as themed apparel, posters, or other related products. This can be particularly effective if your content has a strong brand or a dedicated fan base.
Crowdfunding: Use platforms like Crowdfunder, Kickstarter or Indiegogo for specific projects, especially to fund the development of extensive interactive storytelling experiences or special podcast series. This allows your audience to support your work directly.
Pay-Per-View/Pay-Per-Access: Charge a one-time fee for exclusive access to a particular event or content piece, such as a special live stream event or an interactive storytelling adventure that can only be accessed through purchase.
By implementing one or more of these strategies, you can begin to generate revenue from your digital content effectively. Each method comes with its own set of advantages and challenges, so consider your specific audience and content type when choosing the best monetization strategies.
From Underground Radio…
Dougal Perman and Tom Lousada established Inner Ear in October 2000. The company’s first project was the underground electronic music internet radio station Radio Magnetic, which began broadcasting online on 19 March 2001. Because Inner Ear was born in the wake of the dot com crash, Dougal and Tom learned to be resourceful, adaptable and flexible. Moreover, they built a strong brand with a great reputation and reached a highly engaged audience of hundreds of thousands of loyal listeners.
We developed deep knowledge about production and distribution, especially live streaming and podcasting. Enterprise agencies, cultural organisations and brands approached us to deliver bespoke training and consultancy projects. We also ran background music services and created content for brands, businesses and broadcasters. We have always had an affinity with cultural projects, especially music, arts and heritage.
Our collaborative project Walking Heads put its best foot forward in 2009 to create streetwise audio tours. And in 2015, TRADtv launched to serve the large global niche audience for Scottish traditional folk music.
