Podcast Summary: The Audiobook Club with John York
Episode: Special: The Legend Of Valentine w/ Sheldon Collins & Becky Parker Geist
Release Date: February 14, 2025

Introduction

In this special episode of The Audiobook Club, host John York welcomes author and director Sheldon Collins alongside Becky Parker Geist, CEO of Amplify Audiobooks and Pro Audio Voices. The episode delves deep into the creation, production, and nuances of their latest project, The Legend of Valentine, an epic multi-cast audiobook set to redefine immersive listening experiences.

Guest Backgrounds

Becky Parker Geist
Becky, a lifelong storyteller with a rich background in theater and acting, transitioned into the audiobook realm in 1981 with Talking Books for the Blind. By 2013, she launched Pro Audio Voices, focusing on audiobook and podcast production, distribution, and marketing. Her passion led to the development of Amplify Audiobooks, aiming to address industry challenges and support authors and listeners alike.

Sheldon Collins
Sheldon’s journey began in the mid-90s with novel writing, followed by screenwriting and directing independent films. With a master's in directing, he ventured into various creative projects, including TV and commercials. His collaboration with Becky and his deep-seated passion for storytelling culminated in the creation of The Legend of Valentine.

Notable Quote:
John York asks Sheldon about his background, to which Sheldon responds at [02:21]:
"I first started writing a novel in the mid-90s, and thankfully that never got published... I went quickly into writing screenplays and directed my first feature film over 20 years ago."

The Birth of The Legend of Valentine

The conception of The Legend of Valentine traces back to 2006 when Sheldon’s friend, Lee Holden—a modern-day healer and qigong master—introduced him to a screenplay draft exploring the story of St. Valentine. Collaborating with a writing partner and an investor, Sheldon and his team developed the screenplay extensively. By 2012, the project nearly transitioned into a major film with Paramount and Robert Evans Company showing interest. However, due to directorial changes and budget constraints, the film was shelved.

Years later, Sheldon revisited the story, pivoting from screenplay to novel, allowing for deeper exploration and research. This transition marked the birth of The Legend of Valentine as an audiobook.

Notable Quote:
Sheldon at [03:37]:
"As an author, years later, when I was looking at going back to expressing myself in this medium... it seemed like the perfect place to really start writing books again."

Transition to Audiobook Production

Recognizing the unique potential of audiobooks, especially multi-cast productions, Sheldon aimed to bring The Legend of Valentine to life through an immersive audio experience. His directorial background fueled his desire to see his words come alive audibly, fostering a deeper connection between the story and its audience.

Notable Quote:
Sheldon at [10:57]:
"As a writer, director, it's always been in my blood to write stuff that I want to see made or to work with other writers... it's just so exciting to see words come alive."

Casting Process and Challenges

Casting Approach:
Becky emphasized the importance of finding distinct and versatile voice actors capable of portraying multiple characters without compromising clarity. The team sought actors who could deliver authentic performances, ensuring listeners could easily differentiate between characters.

Notable Quote:
Becky at [15:44]:
"We're listening for whether the actor can deliver lines in a way that we believe it’s the voice of that character... and how well they can differentiate their voices to play multiple characters."

Challenges Faced:
Managing an international cast across various time zones posed significant scheduling hurdles. Additionally, maintaining consistency in character portrayal while jumping between different story arcs required meticulous coordination.

Notable Quote:
Becky at [21:07]:
"Scheduling is a bigger challenge than people may even think about... trying to get everybody lined up into sessions is a huge challenge."
Sheldon adds at [22:48]:
"Audiobook is different... it's moving quick to keep up with where everybody should be, which surprised me."

Production Insights

Directorial Focus:
Sheldon highlighted the shift from traditional screen directing to audiobook directing, emphasizing the need for intense focus and adaptability. Without visual cues, directors rely solely on audio to convey emotions and narrative progression.

Notable Quote:
Sheldon at [24:23]:
"In audiobooks, you're cutting out the main description and getting right into the dialog. You have to be very focused on where the character is emotionally."

Collaborative Effort:
The co-directing dynamic between Sheldon and Becky proved invaluable. Their synchronized vision and mutual respect ensured a seamless production process, with each director complementing the other’s strengths.

Notable Quote:
Sheldon at [31:09]:
"Having another director there to make sure that we were both staying on point. It was awesome."

Enhancing the Listening Experience

Sound Design and Production Quality:
Sheldon and Becky invested heavily in advanced sound design, incorporating sound effects and music to elevate the storytelling. This approach aims to create an experience akin to listening to a movie, with rich audio landscapes that bring scenes to life.

Notable Quote:
Sheldon at [35:22]:
"We're working with a sound designer who's adding layers of sound design and music to bring richness to the soundtrack. It's going to sound like a movie in your ears."

Platform Advantage - Amplify Audiobooks:
Becky advocates for Amplify Audiobooks as a more equitable platform, ensuring authors retain control and receive fair royalties. She encourages listeners to support audiobooks through Amplify to directly benefit creators.

Notable Quote:
Becky at [35:54]:
"Amplify is really a place where authors and listeners kind of have a voice... more equitable and more just for authors that have audiobooks."

Team Acknowledgements

Becky extends gratitude to the dedicated team behind the production, highlighting the pivotal roles of project managers, casting directors, assistants, submission teams, and audio engineers. Their collective efforts ensured the project's success amidst logistical complexities.

Notable Quote:
Becky at [38:23]:
"Our project manager, Jerry Lee, has done a phenomenal job... Sam, the casting director, and her assistant, Megan, were also integral to our success."

Takeaways and Final Thoughts

Listener and Reader Takeaways:
Sheldon hopes listeners find The Legend of Valentine entertaining and engaging, drawing inspiration from classics like Gladiator, Braveheart, and Robin Hood. He emphasizes themes of love, faith, community, and overcoming adversity.

Notable Quote:
Sheldon at [40:41]:
"I hope they enjoy this story... something that was just so exciting to dive into again."

Becky’s Perspective:
Becky underscores the importance of resiliency, community, and spreading love, both within the production team and the broader listening community.

Notable Quote:
Becky at [42:16]:
"It's so much about resiliency and community and spreading the love... make it a really high-produced recording."

Final Encouragement:
Becky encourages listeners to support The Legend of Valentine through Amplify Audiobooks, highlighting the platform’s commitment to equitable practices and high-quality productions.

Notable Quote:
Sheldon at [37:56]:
"This is one of the things where I don't mind making the extra investment to go that far because... listeners will find just an incredible soundtrack that brings the sounds themselves to help bring characters to life."

Conclusion

John York wraps up the episode by reminding listeners that The Legend of Valentine is available for pre-order exclusively on Amplify Audiobooks. He encourages the audience to support the project and explore the rich, immersive storytelling that defines Amplify's offerings. Sheldon and Becky express their gratitude for the opportunity to share their passion and invite listeners to join them in celebrating this epic love story.

Notable Quote:
Becky at [43:07]:
"Having a place isn't going to fix the marketplace... we're creating a better space, more equitable for authors."

🔗 Support The Audiobook Club
🔗 Amplify Audiobooks

This summary captures the essence of the episode, highlighting the collaborative efforts behind The Legend of Valentine, the challenges faced during production, and the unwavering commitment to delivering a high-quality, immersive audiobook experience.