Podcast Intro: Talent Gnome

Talent Gnome needed more than just a standard intro; they needed a "stop-the-scroll" cinematic experience. In an era of short-form dominance, the first 15 seconds of a podcast determine its survival. My goal was to condense an hour of insight into a 30-second high-octane trailer that forces the viewer to keep watching.

The recruitment and talent acquisition space can often feel "corporate" and slow. The brief was to shatter that perception. I needed to take long-form interview footage and transform it into a disruptive, high-retention sequence that felt more like a movie trailer than a business talk.

Curated Storytelling: I didn’t just pick the loudest moments; I selected "open loops"—statements from the guest that pose a question or highlight a pain point, leaving the audience needing the answer found later in the episode.

Disruptive Sound Design: Using "jarring" soundscapes—industrial hits, risers, and glitch effects—to punctuate every transition. This creates a sensory experience that alerts the brain to pay attention.

Visual Kineticism: Utilising sharp, rhythmic cuts synced to a custom beat. I integrated stunning overlays, high-end motion typography, and colour grading that gave the brand a premium, "dark-mode" aesthetic.

Pattern Interrupts: By varying the pace—switching from lightning-fast montage to a sudden, silent 1-second pause on a key phrase—I ensured the viewer's brain couldn't "tune out."

Brand Authority: The "Talent Gnome" identity was instantly elevated from a standard Zoom-style podcast to a top-tier industry production.

Reusability: The intro was designed to be modular, allowing for easy "plug-and-play" updates for future episodes while maintaining a consistent sonic brand.