Microsoft–Stott Hoare Partnership Powers Fremantle Press’s First Audiobook Room, Bringing WA Stories to Young Listeners
Fremantle Press’s first permanent home, the SEC Substation at 10 Parry Street, is set to crackle and hum with the sound of new podcasts and new audiobooks, thanks to the generosity of Stott Hoare, in partnership with Microsoft.
A dedicated podcast room with microphones, audio recording equipment, a big screen and a dedicated laptop were part of a major IT overhaul that also included moving the company from desktop computers to new Microsoft Surface laptops.
CEO of Stott Hoare, Jim Loader explained, ‘Our partnership with Microsoft helps organisations work smarter every day and it’s an honour to provide Fremantle Press new IT equipment and support to help it reach readers – and now listeners – with human stories that connect us and enrich our lives.’
Fremantle Press CEO Alex Allan said it was wonderful to work with Stott Hoare – a local success story with the ability to unlock partnerships with global players like Microsoft. Alex said, ‘We were absolutely floored when they came on board as a Manuscript partner, helping us optimise our office technology and making our dream of a new audio room possible. The impact for the WA community has the potential to be huge – unlocking stories for current and future generations by making them more accessible than ever.’
Alex said the publishing industry had seen an explosion of interest in audiobooks in recent years, with many Fremantle Press adult fiction titles licensed to global and local audio book producers. She said, ‘Those wonderful partnerships will continue to be the backbone of our audiobook strategy. But now we want to turn our attention to accessibility and education. How can we make our local stories and rich cultural history available to more listeners – especially kids in schools who may need an audio edition to help them engage?’
Jim Loader agrees. He said, ‘Now, more than ever, we need to provide Australian students with access to multi-channel learning experiences. Making books more accessible gives children more opportunities to be inspired and discover how they can make a positive impact on the world.’
Since its inauguration, the audio room has been used by authors and members of the local community to record podcasts, interviews and chapter readings.
The team have also praised the Microsoft Surface Pro for its portability, long battery life and enterprise grade security. Operations Manager Siana Liffers said, ‘The intel core processor allows everything to run super smoothly at what feels like a breakneck speed, whether it be Microsoft business apps or more specialized creative apps like the Adobe creative suite.’
More information about Fremantle Press audio will be shared soon. Watch this space.
For more information on Stott Hoare and Microsoft Surface, visit stotthoare.com.au/surface