#100 (LIVE EVENT) A look back on the Middle Earth Podcast's 100 episodes and China's cultural industry
Middle Earth - China’s cultural industry podcast
Deep Dive
Why did Aladin Farré start the Middle Earth Podcast?
Aladin started the podcast to build a network in China's film and TV industry, as he found that offering interviews was a more effective way to connect with industry professionals than simply asking for job opportunities.
What challenges did Aladin face when starting the podcast?
Initially, Aladin struggled to get people to agree to interviews, with only a 5% success rate for coffee meetings. However, when he offered to interview them, the success rate jumped to 50%.
How does Aladin select topics and guests for the Middle Earth Podcast?
Aladin selects topics based on interesting individuals he meets. He pairs guests with similar expertise to create engaging panels, focusing on how people in China consume content and how they make a living from it.
What is the most downloaded episode of the Middle Earth Podcast?
The most downloaded episode is about patriotic influencers in China, exploring how they gain millions of fans and the business model behind their success.
How has the Chinese cultural landscape changed over the past nine years according to Aladin?
Aladin observes that while there is less money in the industry, there is more professionalism. Chinese audiences have also become more discerning about the content they consume.
What role does AI play in the production of the Middle Earth Podcast?
Aladin uses AI for research and editing assistance, but not for the actual interviews. AI helps with transcription and translation, making the editing process more efficient.
What is the business model of the Middle Earth Podcast?
The podcast is part of the World of Chinese magazine network, and Aladin also earns income through freelance work, such as documentary production, subtitling, and consulting for international companies entering the Chinese market.
What are some challenges in interviewing Chinese women for the podcast?
Aladin finds it challenging to convince Chinese women who have not studied abroad or worked with international companies to participate in interviews, as they often lack confidence in their legitimacy for the role.
What is Aladin's long-term goal for his creative projects?
Aladin's long-term goal is to become a showrunner, producing and writing TV series, which he sees as the ultimate career aspiration in the entertainment industry.
What is the most interesting topic Aladin wants to cover in the future?
Aladin is interested in creating an episode about true crime content, exploring how people make true crime podcasts and videos, though it has been challenging to find willing participants.
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