Recommendations of the Editorial team
The podcast Plastik im Ohr (which is part of the Mediahouse Berlin portfolio, in which ROLLING STONE also appears), has Thomas Birker, the head behind the radio play label DreamLand Productions, as a guest. Thomas has been making radio plays for many years and has made a name for himself with DreamLand, especially in the horror and mystery sector.
>>> Listen here!
It was important to us to just listen. How do you actually get into producing radio plays? Why do you stick with a medium that seems rather quiet? And what drives someone to keep creating new stories? That’s exactly what we talk to Thomas about, very relaxed and without any fuss.
One focus is of course DreamLand horror. It’s not about copying old things, but about continuing to rethink the spirit of classic horror radio plays. Many people know this type of storytelling from HG Francis’ Neon horror series.
DreamLand horror and the legendary monster march
Thomas explains why this shape still fascinates him today and how he made something of his own out of it. In this context we are also talking about the “Monster March”, the well-known theme music, which he was allowed to replay and use true to the original, which is something special in the radio play sector.
Of course we also talk about the work behind it. Studio, speakers, decisions, doubts, solutions. Thomas talks openly about how he creates radio plays and what it means to produce independently.
>>> Listen here!
Other productions are also discussed, for example Andi Maisfeld and the Defiant Head or Frankenstein Castle. In between we hear small excerpts from his work and sprinkle in a few anecdotes.
A double episode for radio play fans
A double episode for everyone who likes radio plays, grew up with them or is simply curious about how such stories come about today. It was a very pleasant conversation for us – maybe for you too.