[GENERAL] Name and surname of main applicant

Gaspare Bitetto (Pudgy Cat)

[GENERAL] Are you delivering this project as an individual or as an entity (whether formally incorporated or not)

Entity (Not Incorporated)

[GENERAL] Please specify how many months you expect your project to last (from 2-12 months)

9

[GENERAL] Please indicate if your proposal has been auto-translated into English from another language.

No

[GENERAL] Summarize your solution to the problem (200-character limit including spaces)

Launching Season 2 of "The Great Beyond" Podcast - a blend of creativity, humor, and light crypto education to attract and engage a diverse audience in the Cardano ecosystem.

[GENERAL] Does your project have any dependencies on other organizations, technical or otherwise?

No

[GENERAL] If YES, please describe what the dependency is and why you believe it is essential for your project’s delivery. If NO, please write “No dependencies.”

No dependencies

[GENERAL] Will your project’s output/s be fully open source?

Yes

[GENERAL] Please provide here more information on the open source status of your project outputs

All content will be released under the CC BY-NC-SA 4.0 DEED - Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International.

[SOLUTION] Please describe your proposed solution.

In Season 2 of "The Great Beyond", we are going to craft an immersive storytelling experience that transcends the typical crypto narrative. Our podcast is an exploration of life's many facets, spotlighting the personal journeys of individuals who've made a significant impact across various fields. From the thought-provoking insights of blockchain innovators to the inspiring stories of artists and social media influencers, we present a tapestry of experiences that celebrate human achievement and resilience.

We understand that to truly humanize the crypto space, we must connect on a universal level. That’s why our episodes feature segments where we explore the passions and pursuits that drive our guests outside of their professional lives, also delving into the future-forward thinking of our interviewees, inspiring listeners to envision a world of endless possibilities.

Our content is meticulously designed to appeal not just to crypto enthusiasts but also to a broader audience who crave engaging, multifaceted discussions. With "The Great Beyond", we're inviting listeners to join a conversation that's about more than just finance and technology; it's about life's rich narrative and the common threads that connect us all.

This approach aligns perfectly with Cardano's ethos of building a more equitable and accessible future. By broadening the scope of our content, we will attract, educate, and inspire a diverse audience, ultimately contributing to a more inclusive ecosystem within and beyond the realms of crypto.

In addition to broadening the scope and appeal of our content, we will quantitatively measure the impact of "The Great Beyond". The success of Season 1 set a solid foundation, with a steadily growing listener base. In Season 2, we will not only maintain this upward trajectory but we will accelerate it. We will closely monitor the number of listeners tuning in each week, using this metric as a key indicator of our reach and influence. This consistent and regular growth in our audience will serve as tangible proof of the podcast’s growing impact and its role in fostering a more inclusive and engaged community within the Cardano ecosystem.

[IMPACT] Please define the positive impact your project will have on the wider Cardano community.

Our project is poised to significantly elevate the Cardano community's appeal and accessibility, drawing in an audience that extends far beyond the current crypto-savvy demographic. To robustly assess the impact of Season 2 of "The Great Beyond", we have set specific qualitative and quantitative targets.

Quantitatively, we will achieve at least a 50% increase in our listener base compared to Season 1, focusing on retaining listeners throughout the season. We will closely track metrics such as episode downloads, unique listeners per episode, and subscriber growth on our distribution platforms.

Qualitatively, we are committed to enhancing the demographic diversity of our audience. By analyzing listener feedback and engagement data, we will evaluate how our content resonates with various demographic groups, including age, gender, and geographical location. Our goal is to engage underrepresented demographics within the crypto community, thereby contributing to a more diverse and inclusive Cardano ecosystem.

We will also measure qualitative impact through the depth and variety of audience engagement. This includes analyzing feedback received via social media, email responses, and listener surveys. Success stories, testimonials, and constructive feedback from our audience will be integral to understanding the wider influence of our podcast.

Ultimately, by sharing success stories and insights gained from listener feedback across various platforms, we will not only demonstrate the growing awareness of Cardano's offerings but also how our project fosters a more inclusive, engaged, and diverse community. These efforts will be instrumental in showcasing the tangible impact of "The Great Beyond" on broadening the horizons of the Cardano ecosystem.

[CAPABILITY & FEASIBILITY] What is your capability to deliver your project with high levels of trust and accountability? How do you intend to validate if your approach is feasible?

Our team's capability and commitment to delivering high-quality content are clearly evidenced by the achievements of Season 1 of "The Great Beyond". Under the leadership of Gaspare Bitetto, a seasoned writer and radio host with years of experience at the Italian National Radio Broadcaster "Radio Rai", we have not only successfully completed the season but also achieved significant milestones that demonstrate our proficiency and potential.

Season 1 of "The Great Beyond" garnered thousands of plays, amounting to hundreds of hours of listening time. This impressive engagement reflects our ability to create content that resonates deeply with our audience. Our episodes were not just passively consumed; they sparked active participation and interest in the Cardano ecosystem.

Moreover, we successfully extended the reach of the Cardano brand into new territories and demographics. Our approach to presenting crypto-related content in an entertaining, accessible format allowed us to penetrate social media groups and platforms traditionally indifferent or even skeptical about cryptocurrencies. By not overtly brandishing the crypto flag, we made the crypto space inviting and intriguing to a broader audience, breaking down barriers of complexity and exclusivity.

Importantly, throughout Season 1, our team maintained a strict adherence to our production schedule. There were never any delays in the production or publication of each episode, demonstrating our strong organizational skills and commitment to consistency. This punctuality not only reflects our professionalism but also our respect for our audience's expectations and our reliability as content creators.

Gaspare Bitetto's extensive experience at "Radio Rai" has endowed him with a profound understanding of audience engagement and high-quality content production, crucial for the success of a project like "The Great Beyond" This strategic approach to content creation and distribution has proven our ability to not only engage with the existing crypto community but also to attract and retain new audiences. Our track record of regular, timely, and impactful episode releases further underscores our commitment and capability to manage this project with trust and accountability. Building on this foundation, Season 2 of "The Great Beyond" is poised to further amplify our impact, making the Cardano ecosystem more relatable and appealing to an even wider audience.

[Project Milestones] What are the key milestones you need to achieve in order to complete your project successfully?

Launch the first episode of Season 2 in May 2024, followed by a new episode weekly for 10 weeks, concluding the first half of Season 2 (20 episodes total).

Begin the second half of Season 2 in September 2024 with a new episode weekly for 10 weeks, culminating in the completion of Season 2.

Compile and release a collection of the best moments from Season 2 in a Short format on YouTube, following the Season 2 Finale.

[RESOURCES] Who is in the project team and what are their roles?

The project's creative vision and direction are spearheaded by Gaspare Bitetto, whose extensive experience in the media and entertainment industry is pivotal to our success. Bitetto's professional journey is marked by significant contributions to various creative and technological fields. His LinkedIn profile (https://www.linkedin.com/in/gasparebitetto/) provides an overview of his career.

Bitetto's tenure at the Italian National Radio Broadcaster "Radio Rai" as a writer and radio show host honed his skills in captivating diverse audiences. His work involved creating engaging content across various radio programs, showcasing his versatility in both content creation and hosting.

Additionally, Bitetto has been Editor-in-Chief of Mensa Italia's official magazine, Bitetto shaped editorial direction, balancing intellectual depth with broad appeal. Bitetto's ability to navigate through continuous creative experimentations, from conventional digital content like YouTube videos and podcasts to pioneering Web3 initiatives, is a testament to his adaptability and forward-thinking approach.

With his artistic endeavors and technical expertise, Gaspare Bitetto is well-equipped to lead "The Great Beyond" in its mission to present a multifaceted and engaging exploration of the Cardano ecosystem. His blend of creativity, technical proficiency, and professional experience ensures the project's capacity to deliver high-quality, impactful content.

[BUDGET & COSTS] Please provide a cost breakdown of the proposed work and resources.

The budget for "The Great Beyond - Season 2" is meticulously planned to ensure each aspect of the project is well-funded. The detailed breakdown is as follows:

• Scriptwriting: 10000 ADA (500 ADA per episode for 20 episodes)
• Production: 14000 ADA (700 ADA per episode for 20 episodes)
• Post-Production: 10000 ADA (500 ADA per episode for 20 episodes)
• AI Technology Usage: 4200 ADA (350 ADA per month for 12 months)
• Team Compensation: 26000 ADA (1300 ADA per episode for 20 episodes)
• Marketing / Promotion: 7800 ADA (650 ADA per month for 12 months)

This budget allocation aligns with industry standards in Italy for radio/podcast show production costs, ensuring that each phase of the project is effectively resourced for optimal quality and impact.

[VALUE FOR MONEY] How does the cost of the project represent value for money for the Cardano ecosystem?

The budget for "The Great Beyond" Season 2 has been carefully structured to reflect the average wage and freelance rates in Italy's media industry, ensuring that costs are in line with industry standards. However, the true value of this investment goes beyond mere numbers.

Our show is meticulously crafted for an audience not yet familiar with the crypto space, particularly Cardano. We aim to demystify the often complex world of cryptocurrencies and present Cardano in a light that is both engaging and accessible. By associating the Cardano brand with content that is fun, entertaining, and easily digestible, we intend to ignite curiosity and interest among a broader demographic.

This approach is crucial for expanding the community. When people who are new to cryptocurrencies see Cardano related to enjoyable and engaging activities, it not only piques their interest but also encourages them to explore and potentially join the Cardano ecosystem. This expansion of the community represents a significant value for money, as it fosters a more diverse, inclusive, and vibrant Cardano ecosystem, ultimately contributing to its growth and sustainability.

In summary, while our project aligns with industry-standard costs, its real value lies in its potential to attract and engage a new audience, thus broadening Cardano's reach and impact in the crypto world.

[IMPORTANT NOTE] The Applicant agrees to Fund Rules and also that data in the submission form and other data provided by the project team during the course of the project will be publicly available.

I Accept