Zack Akers

Zack Akers is an American podcast creator, writer, and director, best known as the co-creator of the acclaimed fiction podcast Limetown. He is a prominent figure in the audio drama renaissance, having also co-created the musical podcast 36 Questions. His work is noted for its innovative storytelling and has been adapted into other media, including a Facebook Watch television series.

Early life and education

Zack Akers was born in the United States and developed an early interest in narrative storytelling. He pursued formal training in the arts, attending the prestigious University of North Carolina School of the Arts. This institution, known for producing notable alumni in film and theatre, provided a foundation in dramatic structure and performance. His education there was instrumental in shaping his collaborative approach to creative projects.

Career

Akers began his career working in various production roles within the entertainment industry. His breakthrough came through the burgeoning medium of podcasting, where he partnered with writer Skip Bronkie. Together, they founded Two-Up Productions, a company dedicated to creating ambitious audio fiction. Their first major project, Limetown, a serialized investigative thriller, premiered in 2015 and quickly became a cultural phenomenon. The success of Limetown led to a book deal with Simon & Schuster for a prequel novel and a television adaptation starring Jessica Biel and Stanley Tucci for Facebook Watch.

Podcast work

Akers is primarily recognized for his influential work in podcasting. Limetown, co-created with Skip Bronkie, is a foundational text of the modern audio drama revival, drawing comparisons to *Serial* and *The X-Files*. He followed this with the innovative musical podcast 36 Questions, starring Jonathan Groff and Daphne Rubin-Vega, which blended Broadway-style music with an intimate narrative. Under the Two-Up Productions banner, Akers has continued to develop audio projects that push the boundaries of the form, contributing significantly to the legitimacy and creative scope of the podcast medium.

Personal life

Zack Akers maintains a relatively private personal life, with his public presence largely focused on his professional endeavors. He is based in Los Angeles, a hub for the entertainment industry. His collaborative partnership with Skip Bronkie is a central aspect of his career. Akers is known among peers in the audio fiction community for his advocacy of the medium as a distinct and powerful art form.

Awards and recognition

The work of Zack Akers has received significant critical acclaim and industry recognition. Limetown won the Audie Award for Audio Drama in 2016 and was nominated for a Webby Award. The Facebook Watch television adaptation further expanded the story's reach. His podcast 36 Questions was also honored with an Audie Award for Best Original Work and received praise from outlets like *The New York Times* and NPR. These accolades underscore his role in elevating narrative podcasting within the broader cultural landscape.

Category:American podcast producers Category:Audio drama producers Category:University of North Carolina School of the Arts alumni