ENTRIES ARE CLOSED | STAY TUNED FOR THE WINNERS ANNOUNCEMENT
Winner Story
Ship of Mythsby Ring of Fire
Singaporean content incubator Ring of Fire partnered with Podcast Network Asia to launch Ship of Myths, an audio drama podcast telling various Southeast Asian myths and legends. Through the lens of pirate Captain Teruk, listeners are taken on a swashbuckling adventure in Asia’s First Epic Fantasy Audio Drama. Read our exclusive interview with Ring of Fire CEO and Founder Anand Roy, where he discusses making a splash with his company’s first ever project and getting his start at the “Mouse House.”
Where did it all start?
It started, with a mouse. I have spent almost my entire working life with the Walt Disney Company, and I owe so much to the Mouse House. It was a privilege and an honor, working for Disney. and what I learnt there have become the building blocks for Ring For Fire.
Tell us about the first brainstorm session you had about the podcast.
The first brainstorm was a phone call with my eventual producer and Head Writer, Nihar Saqib. I had been toying with the idea for a while by then, and during one of our evening conversations, I shared the kernel of the idea with him, and it was his enthusiasm and energy that first gave me the sense that I might be onto something very special here. The rest, as they say, is history.
What inspired the creative direction for Ship Of Myths?
Put simply, Ship Of Myths is a love letter to Southeast Asia. The show is inspired by our love for Southeast Asia, one of the most beautifully diverse parts of the world. I moved to Singapore about 10 years ago and was, and continue to be, amazed and beguiled by the region during my travels – the people, the culture, the natural diversity and beauty, the food – truly extraordinary! It was during my travels, that I came across these remarkable myths and legends, stories that have been handed down through the generations that weren’t very well known outside of those societies or countries. And thus was born the idea for Ship Of Myths – Retell and dramatize these stories for a global audience, so they may experience the wonder and magic of these countries as well.
Describe your biggest obstacle or challenge for the podcast.
Recording an audio drama like this that has a global cast of collaborators, during COVID was a real challenge. So much of the prep work on the show was done via video conferencing, and the biggest challenge was keeping a global cast of collaborators aligned and focused on what we were trying to achieve, and never “make do” with anything that isn’t world class!
Tell us about the structure of the team that has worked on the podcast.
A project like this needed a best in class team, and I was really honored to have a truly global roster of talented artistes who chose to join me on this journey. We had writers from India, musicians from the Philippines, and voice talent from Singapore, to name a few. We had an All-Star cast of ex-Disney superstars, including my Producer and Head Writer – Nihar Saqib, Co-Writer – Anurag Bakhshi, Sound Designer – Sarah Jacob and Head Of Visual Design and Art – Derek Dominic DSouza. We were blessed to have the actors from the Singapore Repertory Theatre do the voice acting for us, let by the extraordinary Remesh Panicker. It really doesn’t get much better than this!
How does this podcast represent your creative ethos?
Ship Of Myths is quite an apt representation of the type of shows that Ring Of Fire wants to be known for – world class storytelling, giving voice to hitherto unheard of, or under-represented voices, using digital first mediums.
How does Ring of Fire define creative success?
For Ring of Fire, success is a journey, not a destination. And with Ship of Myths, we have taken just our first step to build a body of work, and tell the type of stories that entertain, enlighten and inspire.
If you had an unlimited budget, what would you add?
More episodes!
What does winning a w3 Award mean to you?
It’s validation! Ring Of Fire is a very young company and in these early years, the recognition that we received from w3, gives us the belief that our values and aspirations not only has an audience, but has the respect of our peers as well. It feeds fuel to our fire to aim higher and dream bigger.
Are you producing podcasts about myths and legends like Anand at Ring of Fire? We accept entries for podcast series, individual episodes and features. The Final Entry Deadline is quickly approaching. Submit your work before June 21st.