THE ECCO
A time and place to playfully explore the world of narrative audio, documentary work & storytelling through sound
WHAT'S THE ECCO?
"THE ECCO" is an international non-commercial initiative and program designed to tug at the boundaries of the world of audio storytelling, journalism, and documentary work. We bring together talents in different parts of the world — journalists, sound designers, audio producers, sound artists, & writers— all united by a common goal: to push themselves and each other out of their work-related comfort zones and explore the different shapes audio documentaries can take, where they may intersect with art and what impact this kind of playful exploration can have.
The heart of it
Every round i.e. every edition of THE ECCO lasts around 6 months. And at the heart of each edition is a retreat for creators. The people taking part in these (mostly) self-funded retreats are curated based on a diversity of factors. In an effort to be as representative as possible, we brings together audio creators in this immersive program that starts with an idea and ends with a finished short piece.
During the retreats, set away from the cities in nature, a group of creatives collaborate, experiment, and support each other in crafting audio projects that are as diverse as they are profound. It's here, away from the distractions of daily life, that participants can fully indulge in the art of audio storytelling, drawing inspiration from the environment and each other.
Who can participate?
Anyone (yes, we mean it: ANYONE (!) ) can apply to be part of a cohort and/or submit their pieces to ongoing calls for audio. That includes audio creators, journalists, reporters, podcast producers, and sound designers, as much as chefs, teachers, musicians, or IT experts. All we ask is that you have create at least one (but preferably more) non-conversational audio piece before. If you've ever made anything that is not a straightforward conversation, you can apply.
Depending on the skills, interests, and perspectives applicants bring to the table, we at THE ECCO will curate a group of 8-12 people who we think will benefit from learning from and being around each other. That means cohorts will include some folks well versed in the artistic world of audio, some are highly skilled writers and journalists, some might be just at the beginning of their careers, and others smack in the middle of it.
We believe that if you bring the right people together, people with different perspectives, ages, skill levels, cultural and ethnic backgrounds, genders, and abilities – it can bring about really special pieces.
The Retreat
Months before the retreat, the cohort will vote on a theme for the new round and then come together in a location in nature to spend 4-7 days with each other. This is NOT a fully organized trip with a predetermined itinerary, but rather somewhat of an "unconference". The cohort will need to organize itself and design its own program according to their needs.
They can help each other workshop ideas, listen to tape, record tape, show each other how to sound design something – anything is possible.
There are two components that everyone partakes in: Short writing sessions each morning based on prompts, and some form of personal storytelling incentive.
There may also be small guest appearances and discussion rounds by creators we admire or/and have questions for.
Participants pay for the retreats themselves (*unless there is sponsorship).
(On top of that, we are currently looking for sponsorships to lower the cost of these trips and to be able to pay those participants, who produce something that THE ECCO will publish, and reimburse organizers for their time). In most cases, participants will cook for each other and organize anything else they might want to do.
It's a way to make new connections without having to "network" - something many solo flying freelancers in the industry are struggling with.
After the trip
After the retreat, the cohort will have a month or two to create audio pieces of no longer than 7 minutes, which they will be workshopping with an editor from THE ECCO. Each edition of THE ECCO will culminate in a live listening event that'll feature the new works. These events are called THE ECCO Sessions. Every participant who chooses to publish a piece with THE ECCO will also be featured on the website. (The goal is to find funding and pay people for their featured works, but that's tbd.)
In the meantime, the public is also invited to be part of THE ECCO and contribute to the Sessions by submitting a maximum 5-minute-long audio piece under the same theme by a certain deadline. The most outstanding 2-3 pieces submitted by the public will be showcased during the corresponding ECCO Sessions event, and the makers will get featured on the website and social media.
THE ECCO Sessions
A celebration of sound and storytelling – an evening of collective listening. As the culminating event for each of our retreat themes, "THE ECCO Sessions" serves not just as a showcase but as a vibrant community gathering, celebrating the power of audio storytelling.
An international project
The concept and idea of "THE ECCO" is designed to travel. The goal is to reach journalists and audio communities around the globe. So, we may have THE ECCO events in the Middle East, Latin America, across Africa, South Asia, Southeast Asia, Great Britain, all over Europe and of course in the US and Canada.
Coming up
We're working on some exciting things: Future editions of THE ECCO, more events, workshops, mentorship programs, and much more. Stay tuned on our social channels on Instagram and Twitter, Also: We'd like to make it possible to pay people for the works they create for THE ECCO. That means: If you want to support THE ECCO with a small donation, find us on Ko-Fi.
And if you or your organization like to sponsor an upcoming edition of THE ECCO, or contribute in other ways financially to playfully exploring the boundaries of journalism, documentaries and art, please get in touch at info[at]theecco.org .