After years of dedication and hard work, Shaun Michael Colón, a filmmaker from Dallas, is set to showcase his latest documentary, “Age of Audio,” at the Texas Theatre as part of the Oak Cliff Film Festival.
The film, which highlights the growth of the podcasting industry, will make its world premiere on June 29 at 3:15 p.m.
Colón expressed his excitement about the film’s debut: “I’m over the moon. I’m very excited.”
However, just two years ago, Colón faced significant challenges as he struggled to bring his vision to fruition, unsure if he would ever complete the film.
Despite having secured interviews with notable podcasters like Marc Maron, Ira Glass, and Kevin Smith, he found himself lacking the necessary funding to continue the project.
A turning point came when Colón applied for and received a grant from the Austin Film Society, which provided both financial support and renewed confidence in his project.
“At one of our lowest points in 2023, where the film felt like it was kind of coming to a halt, we actually applied for an Austin Film Society grant — and ended up getting it,” he shared.
With this grant, Colón was able to inject new life into the documentary, ramping up his efforts towards completion.
“I am an ADHD, hyperactive person that really, once I get an idea, I really stick with it,” he explained.
Colón’s unwavering determination is evident in the overall theme of his documentary, which traces the journey of podcasting from its DIY origins to its current status as a billion-dollar industry.
The film’s narrative centers on Ronald Young Jr., an independent podcaster navigating the fast-evolving medium.
To share these stories, Colón interviewed key figures from the podcasting world, including Kara Swisher and Roman Mars, who provide insight into how audio storytelling has reshaped media.
“One pivotal moment we discussed was when Marc Maron had Barack Obama on his podcast,” Colón recalled.
Obtaining these interviews was no small feat — especially securing Maron’s participation, which required persistence beyond initial rejections.
“[Maron] told us no, actually, multiple times. But we were lucky; Ellen Horn, our producer, had some connections reached out, and then we got a yes.”
The documentary showcases not just the history of podcasting, but also Colón’s personal journey as a filmmaker navigating the intersection of art and industry.
Filmed over seven years in various locations, the project was a collaborative effort with fellow Dallas filmmaker Joel Herrera, who served as the director of photography.
Colón’s Dallas-based production company, [open-ended] films, partnered with Cleveland’s Substance studio, while executive producers from the documentary powerhouse XTR came on board to offer support.
“The biggest thing is not giving up,” Colón advised aspiring filmmakers.
He acknowledges that the line between dedication and madness can be thin but believes in the importance of perseverance in pursuing creative endeavors.
The choice to premiere at the Texas Theatre adds to the significance of the film’s launch for Colón, as it represents a celebrated hub for independent cinema in Oak Cliff.
“I would love you to come see our film,” he urged potential audience members, inviting them to experience “Age of Audio” alongside other remarkable films at the festival.
Filmmakers in Texas, including Colón, have reason to be optimistic after the recent passage of Senate Bill 22, which increases state incentives for the film industry.
Colón believes that this new legislation could attract larger productions to Texas, making cities like Dallas a more prominent destination for filmmakers.
“Hopefully, it brings a lot of bigger productions to Texas, which will make Dallas and other places in Texas a go-to for film,” he remarked.
He emphasized that grassroots support is paramount for the evolving Texas film community, encouraging individuals to back local artists.
“If you know someone who’s making something, you should support them,” Colón urged, highlighting the importance of community in fostering creativity.
In conclusion, Colón’s journey with “Age of Audio” exemplifies the hard work and dedication characteristic of independent filmmakers, and he hopes his documentary inspires others to pursue their passions.
image source from：wfaa
