QCode
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Podcasting, Audio production |
| Founded | 2018 |
| Founder | Rob Herting |
| Headquarters | Los Angeles , United States |
Key people | Rob Herting (Founder), Sandra Yee Ling (VP of Production), Deron Johnson (Music Director), Michele Zárate (Director of Development), Tess Ryan (Producer), Steve Wilson (Chief Strategy Officer), David Henning (Executive) |
| Products | Scripted narrative podcasts |
QCode (presented as QCODE) is an audio production studio and podcast network headquartered in Los Angeles, launched in 2018 by Rob Herting, formerly an agent at Creative Arts Agency. This venture emerged from a collaboration between the production company Automatik and the management agency Grandview, with a focus on producing scripted narrative podcasts.
History
Rob Herting founded QCode in 2018, merging Automatik’s production capabilities with Grandview’s management strengths. The leadership team features Sandra Yee Ling as vice president of production, Deron Johnson leading music direction, Michele Zárate overseeing development as director, Tess Ryan as producer, Steve Wilson serving as chief strategy officer with prior experience at Apple, and David Henning in an executive role.
In 2020, QCode raised $6.4 million in investment funding led by Sonos, alongside participation from C Ventures, targeting an expansion to produce more than fifteen original podcasts each year. The following year, 2021, saw the launch of QCode+, a subscription platform developed in collaboration with Apple that provides twelve exclusive ad-free series along with additional bonus content.
QCode distinguishes itself in the podcast industry by utilizing cutting-edge audio techniques such as Dolby Atmos and binaural sound recording to deliver immersive three-dimensional soundscapes. This innovative audio approach enhances listener immersion but may require users to exercise caution during activities like driving due to the intense surround sound effects.
The network debuted its first podcast, Blackout, featuring Rami Malek in 2019. QCode emphasizes original storytelling crafted specifically for the podcast format rather than adapting existing film or television narratives. Many of its creative contributors come from film and television backgrounds, positioning the content for potential cross-media adaptations.
While QCode’s productions are noted for high-quality craftsmanship and involvement of well-known actors, some critics within the industry argue that its strategy favors mainstream marketability over supporting independent or niche podcast creators.
Controversy
In May 2021, QCode withdrew the podcast Hold Still, Vincent, which dramatized the 1982 murder case of Chinese American engineer Vincent Chin, following objections from family members and activists who reported not being consulted. The six-episode series premiered on May 26 but was removed after Helen Zia, a prominent civil rights advocate connected to the case, pointed out that neither she nor Chin’s estate had been approached. Annie Tan, a cousin of Vincent Chin, voiced unease about the fictionalized depiction and the absence of family involvement, raising concerns about the project's execution despite its intention to honor Chin’s story.
Shows
| Title | Release Date | Genre |
|---|---|---|
| The Foxes of Hydesville | April 20, 2023 | Supernatural |
| Peepkins | TBA | Children's Fiction |
| Last Known Position | December 20, 2021 | Sci-Fi |
| The Burned Photo | September 30, 2021 | Supernatural |
| Classified | August 7, 2021 | Thriller |
| Edith! | June 21, 2021 | Political satire, Biographical podcast |
| Electric Easy | July 19, 2021 | Sci-Fi |
| Ronstadt | June 1, 2021 | Horror podcast, comedy |
| Hold Still Vincent | May 25, 2021 | True Crime |
| Bad Vibes | March 29, 2021 | Horror podcast, anthology series |
| Soft Voice | March 17, 2021 | Black comedy, thriller |
| Unwanted | February 10, 2021 | Black comedy |
| From Now | December 10, 2020 | Science fiction |
| Hank the Cowdog | September 14, 2020 | Mystery fiction, Children's fiction |
| Dirty Diana | July 13, 2020 | Erotic drama |
| Borrasca | May 25, 2020 | Horror podcast |
| The Left Right Game | March 23, 2020 | Science fiction, horror podcast |
| Gaslight | November 18, 2019 | Horror podcast |
| Ghost Tape | October 26, 2019 | Horror podcast |
| The Edge of Sleep | September 23, 2019 | Science fiction, horror podcast |
| Carrier | July 15, 2019 | Horror podcast |
| Blackout | March 19, 2019 | Horror podcast |
Awards
| Award | Year | Category | Nominee | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ambies | 2021 | Podcast of the Year | Dirty Diana | Template:Nom |
| Best Fiction Podcast | Dirty Diana | Template:Nom | ||
| Outstanding Production and Sound Design | Dirty Diana | Template:Nom | ||
| Excellence in Scriptwriting, Fiction | Dirty Diana | Template:Won | ||
| Excellence in Scriptwriting, Fiction | The Left Right Game | Template:Nom | ||
| Outstanding Production and Sound Design | The Left Right Game | Template:Won | ||
| Best Performer in Audio Fiction | The Left Right Game – Tessa Thompson | Template:Won | ||
| Best Fiction Podcast | The Left Right Game | Template:Nom | ||
| iHeart Radio Podcast Awards | 2021 | Innovator Award | QCode | Template:Won |
| Kids & Family Podcast | Hank The Cowdog | Template:Nom | ||
| Fiction Podcast | Borrasca | Template:Nom | ||
| Fiction Podcast | The Left Right Game | Template:Nom | ||
| Fiction Podcast | Dirty Diana | Template:Nom |