Table Read was designed to bring unproduced film and TV scripts to life in a way that preserves the integrity of the writing, empowers the performers, and creates an immersive, high-quality listening experience. Created by actor Shaan Sharma, audio designer Jacky Levy, and producer Mark Knell, the podcast elevates the audio drama experience while keeping artists at its core. Writers—who pour countless hours into their craft—are treated like royalty, and the business model ensures both writers and actors share in the revenue.
We want to give our audiences a fresh narrative experience. The immersive magic of music and sound effects combined with the authenticity of unscripted flubs and laughter pulls listeners into the creative process in all its raw, messy brilliance. Table Read isn’t just a show—it’s a revolution in storytelling.
Our strategy centers on three core pillars: exceptional storytelling, top-tier talent, and industry innovation.
The process begins with a careful script selection, ensuring that each screenplay can translate effectively to an audio format—one of our biggest challenges, given that many scripts rely heavily on visual storytelling. We seek narratives that are dialogue-driven, emotionally compelling, and adaptable to an immersive soundscape.
Once selected, we cast professional actors and record in a state-of-the-art studio, sitting in a circle—much like a traditional table read—so that performers can see and react to each other naturally. Instead of a table, each actor has a professional microphone, meticulously placed by a skilled sound engineer to capture every nuance of the performance. This setup allows for a seamless blend of live energy and high-fidelity audio.
After recording, our post-production team enhances the episodes with cinematic sound design and score, elevating the listening experience beyond a standard table read. Every sound effect, ambient noise, and music cue is carefully chosen to complement the script’s tone and bring its world to life.
Beyond creative execution, Table Read is also breaking new ground in the podcasting industry. We are proud to be among the first major podcasts to partner with SAG-AFTRA under their new Independent Podcast Agreement. This partnership ensures that we can continue to attract top-tier talent on both the production and performance sides while upholding fair pay and protections for actors. Our unique profit-sharing model allows performers to earn residuals from their episodes, a rare and progressive approach in the podcasting world.
Our biggest challenge—adapting scripts intended for visual storytelling into a purely auditory format—has required innovative solutions. By combining sharp script analysis, dynamic performances, and immersive soundscapes, we have successfully transformed screenplays into compelling audio dramas.
Since launching in 2023, Table Read has quickly gained traction, breaking into Apple Podcasts’ Top 100 and consistently ranking in the Fiction Top 10. We're now averaging about 200,000 certified downloads per week. Our strategy of prioritizing both creative excellence and ethical industry practices has set us apart, proving that a podcast can be both an artistic triumph and a sustainable business model.
