New independent podcast production venture Sequel has launched, co-founded by former Pacific Content showrunners Tori Allen and Andy Sheppard.
Allen and Sheppard, both former CBC Radio producers, started the “brand storytelling” venture in July in the wake of Rogers Sports & Media’s move to shutter its branded podcast division, which it acquired in 2019. UK-based podcast production agency Lower Street has since acquired the Pacific Content brand and trademarks, in addition to bringing a number of employees onto its team.
In a launch announcement, Sheppard said he and Allen, who have worked with clients including Charles Schwab, Morgan Stanley, OnStar and Red Hat, were lamenting the loss of the relationships built during their time with the branded content studio.
“As Pacific was shutting down, Andy and I realized we were having similar conversations with clients,” said Allen.
“They were really sad that the relationship with our team was going to end,” added Sheppard. “We started Sequel for them, but also to offer our expertise to a variety of organizations and budgets, without compromising on strategy or creativity.”
The duo has recruited a number of former Pacific Content colleagues, including Sound Designer Robyn Edgar, and showrunners Aparita Bhandari, Pippa Johnstone, Pedro Mendes, and Brittany Duggan.
“This team has a record of making podcasts that grow brand awareness and consideration, without feeling branded,” said Allen. “We wanted to keep the magic going.”
Morgan Stanley and Charles Schwab are among the clients the team is continuing to work with.
The startup has the blessing of Pacific Content Co-Founders, Steve Pratt and Jennifer Ouano.
“Andy and Tori are two of the smartest, most talented, and experienced creative professionals I’ve ever met,” said Pratt, in the company launch announcement. “They’ve assembled an incredible team and it’s exciting to see a brand new company emerge with such a great roster of clients.”
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