Sunday, 17 April 2011
Change of BBC Radio 7 to BBC Radio 4 extra
In April 2011, BBC Radio 7 was re-branded to 'BBC Radio 4 extra' in order to make the station appear more family friendly. After researching their audience, "it emerged that the average age of [our] listeners is 48, which means our target audience is towards the Radio 7 audience correctly defined. Originally the radio station had too many childrens programmes when the average audience is 48, so they could incorperate our radio drama into BBC Radio 4 Extra as they are aiming for more comedy drama so they have changed the stations licience to commit to those changes."
Wednesday, 6 April 2011
Magazine Feature
Research
I then placed the images in the appropriate places, ensuring that the content was fitted proportionally, the placing of the poster had me playing around with the size of the image until it fit correctly.
The next part I worked on was the title, 'Everyone's talking about Pembroke Gardens, Radio 7's hit new drama', I decided to use the term "Everyone is talking about" as that is inclusive and also an implicative and suggestive way to drum up more hype. I also added 'Radio Times Exclusive' in a bright box in the top left corner to highlight and show the importance, via a rectangle tooled box and a red swatch. I decided that I wanted to have a pull-quote beneath the introduction, this will pull the audience in further; originally I decided to create a fresh swatch of a less vibrant red, but this was changed later.
Finally with the majority of the layout sorted, with some tweaking, I added my feature in 'Helvetica' font, ensuring that the introductory segment was in bold. I made sure that the interview section of my feature was defined, introductory of who was involved followed by the interviewers questions in bold and that the hyphenation was turned off.
The feature itself was an interview with the cast about the radio drama and their attitudes towards it and the press reaction. This keeps in the tone with the kind of features Radio Times write, they take a subjective view on the product, looking at it's multi-facets instead of looking at it objectively and talking about it.
Radio Times appear to focus more on the products they are featuring and the behind the scenes, as well as any issues that product may produce, than about the cast itself, as is reflected in the examples above. Publications, like Radio Times, have more interactive approach to their features, filled with images and breaks in the text to make it more approachable. They usually use small and semi-standardised text, similar to that of new papers, like the use of pull-quotes to draw you into reading the feature and drop letters to add to formality. Other codes and conventions include the standardised usage of two or three columns per page of text, having the introductory paragraph in larger/bolder font than the rest of the feature and having the title of the publication and the date at the bottom of every page.
Rough Layouts
Development
First of all I mocked up my layout on Indesign. Looking through the images from the shoot we did, I decided to settle on a cast shot that would contrast my poster, that would show us as actors, not as characters. The image itself needed a bit of a tidy up and edit; after patching, blemish removing and evening out skin tones, I then liquified the image and began editing via the forward warp, pucker and bloat tools; below you can see the differences.
I then placed the images in the appropriate places, ensuring that the content was fitted proportionally, the placing of the poster had me playing around with the size of the image until it fit correctly.
The next part I worked on was the title, 'Everyone's talking about Pembroke Gardens, Radio 7's hit new drama', I decided to use the term "Everyone is talking about" as that is inclusive and also an implicative and suggestive way to drum up more hype. I also added 'Radio Times Exclusive' in a bright box in the top left corner to highlight and show the importance, via a rectangle tooled box and a red swatch. I decided that I wanted to have a pull-quote beneath the introduction, this will pull the audience in further; originally I decided to create a fresh swatch of a less vibrant red, but this was changed later.
Finally with the majority of the layout sorted, with some tweaking, I added my feature in 'Helvetica' font, ensuring that the introductory segment was in bold. I made sure that the interview section of my feature was defined, introductory of who was involved followed by the interviewers questions in bold and that the hyphenation was turned off.
The feature itself was an interview with the cast about the radio drama and their attitudes towards it and the press reaction. This keeps in the tone with the kind of features Radio Times write, they take a subjective view on the product, looking at it's multi-facets instead of looking at it objectively and talking about it.
Final Version
Running date and details
Published in the 7-14th of March edition of Radio Times.\
Adjusted Version
Newspaper Advert
Research
Radio Drama Posters, themselves, are hard to find, however as sampled above and from TV drama posters I can pull together a closer idea of what to use as general style model.
Radio drama posters usually tend to have images of a full cast, as introduction to the characters, or something that holds high relevance to the content of the radio drama itself as a teaser. Both of which are usually of simple design. With reference to earlier blog entries and using these we can see how location shots help the audience to understand the drama better (The Archers).
Looking at 'Truth... over the airwaves!', we see how this poster abides classic codes and conventions, adhering to a sense of 60's style. This creates both a sense of nostalgia to the audience and sense of 'retro' to a younger audience, appealing to both. Having the only image of who's involved as caricatures, it hints to the style of the peace and keeps mystery at the same time.
"Having" is a more classic radio drama style poster, having the main focus on an image that gives hint to what the narrative is. From this image, we can derive themes of wealth, via the large house and expensive car coupled with the fact that she is wearing a suit, and suggested legality, her style and body language with interaction with props almost suggests that she appears to be reading a press statement. With the only coloured text on a black and white poster being in the production teams name, this promotes ideas of recognition, that they are well know and official.
Brainstorm and rough ideas
Development
After settling on the the concept of having a character shot, to promote the episode itself, being the finale of the storyline arc, I mocked up a layout of what I wanted and the kind of image I wanted to present. I wanted to make sure the characters and their individual situations were really conveyed, that the image itself held narrative. I wanted to expose Jonathon's controlling and obsessive behaviour, Lara's sense of helplessness under Jonathon's rule, Susan's concern and helplessness to help Lara and the Police representation, slightly detached from the image center as to imply of what's to come.
Having originally planning to use older models for the cast shot, we decided against it in the end as trying to correlate time together wasn't working at all. Instead, whilst we were booked in the photography studio to do our cast shot, we decided to take the character shots as well. We all tried to channel out characters as best as we could, to give the image the greatest impact possible, with the resources we had. Below is our best shot, slightly photoshopped to clear up skin, bags under the eyes/blemishes/skin shine and some smudging done to 'Lara's eyes to create an effect of being tired and having cried a lot.
I decided to have a landscape photo, that way the cast could be shot with enough space around them so that the narrative was procured. I chose Zapfino as the 'signature' text for Pembroke Gardens as it was both delicate and statement, and it also looks elegant, something that adheres to tone of our piece. The font itself is is quite thin, so instead of bumping up the font size, I decided to change the font width and height to make it larger and bolder. The tag line, 'where everybody has secrets...', adds to the mystery of the narrative of the image, implying that theres a lot more going on, this draws the prospective audience in.
Having created the basic layout, I came across that the BBC Radio 7 logo, only came in yellow and black and with my image the black blended in far too much with the image. In Photoshop, I cut the necessary section, placed it on to a secondary layer and I inverted the image and then compressed the layers to create the "new" logo.
The only thing left for me to add was the review and the cast names. The review's five stars were created by using the polygon frame tool by setting the number of points to five and the gradient to 50%, then, when resized, were replicated and aligned.
Final version
My advertisement would be well suited for billboards and magazine/newspaper advertising, to aid attract the target audience and stir interest in the show.
Rest Of The Groups Photos
Lorraine's Poster
Lisa's Poster
Running Date and Details
Published in the 7-14th of March edition of Radio Times.
Adjusted Version
Radio Drama: Production Log
Radio Drama Introduction
In our radio studio induction where we learnt how to use the radio studio:
- How to set up the microphones
- How to make sure they all record
- How to use Soundtrack Pro.
Although appearing relatively simple, when it came to recording individually we came across a few technical problesm, i.e not recording in other booth, unable to hear eachother and feedback issues, this however, was relatively simply rectified
Recording
With a script ready, we were ready to record. We allocated parts, in correlation to how confident we were with our voices, yet decided we all at least wanted input. Initially, the issue still stood that we were unsure of how to progress with the first scene, for the characters of Gary, Jay and Simon, and were wondering as to whether to get other actors in for it. After dabbling with various accents and natural tones of voice, we finally settled on pitch shifting the characters of Jay and Simon in the editing and to borrow someone for the larger part of Gary. When it came to the major characters, the first thing we did was have a few dry run throughs, getting to grips with not only the script but with the types of people we were to be portraying, allowing ourselves to ad-lib in practice and play about with accent and sociolect to aid a more realistic and natural portrayal.
In our radio studio induction where we learnt how to use the radio studio:
- How to set up the microphones
- How to make sure they all record
- How to use Soundtrack Pro.
Although appearing relatively simple, when it came to recording individually we came across a few technical problesm, i.e not recording in other booth, unable to hear eachother and feedback issues, this however, was relatively simply rectified
Recording
With a script ready, we were ready to record. We allocated parts, in correlation to how confident we were with our voices, yet decided we all at least wanted input. Initially, the issue still stood that we were unsure of how to progress with the first scene, for the characters of Gary, Jay and Simon, and were wondering as to whether to get other actors in for it. After dabbling with various accents and natural tones of voice, we finally settled on pitch shifting the characters of Jay and Simon in the editing and to borrow someone for the larger part of Gary. When it came to the major characters, the first thing we did was have a few dry run throughs, getting to grips with not only the script but with the types of people we were to be portraying, allowing ourselves to ad-lib in practice and play about with accent and sociolect to aid a more realistic and natural portrayal.
Next, we opened up Soundtrack Pro and set up our folder so anything we saved would be saved in there on the macs. We did this by:
- Logging in on imedia, opening Soundtrack Pro and continuing through the warning.
- We clicked on 'Preferences' and 'Choose', and changed the heading under 'General' to 'Scratch location and edited media location'.
- We then clicked the recording tab and did the same.
- We had to make sure we always had our work backed up on a memory stick.
- Export as MP3, 192 kbs quality file.
- We pressed 'R' on Track 1 and made sure it was set to 'built in input'.
- The middle lights had to be on green. This made sure the volume was increased on the microphones.
We booked a slot in the radio studio to record, as having finalised the outlines and briefing of the script and our respective parts to play. However the issue still stood that we were unsure of how to progress with the first scene, for the characters of Gary, Jay and Simon, and were wondering as to whether to get other actors in for it. After dabbling with various accents and natural tones of voice, we finally settled on pitch shifting the characters of Jay and Simon in the editing and to borrow someone for the larger part of Gary. When it came to the major characters, the first thing we did was have a few dry run throughs, getting to grips with not only the script but with the types of people we were to be portraying, allowing ourselves to adlib in practice and play about with accent and sociolect to aid a more realistic and natural portrayal.
Using Soundtrack Pro, we set ourselves up a separate folder to record all our tracks into one place, not to lose anything, and by our third listen back of recording we found our portrayals much more in tune with the characters at hand.
Using Soundtrack Pro, we set ourselves up a separate folder to record all our tracks into one place, not to lose anything, and by our third listen back of recording we found our portrayals much more in tune with the characters at hand.
Admittedly we did find issue with recording levels and equipment but after some playing around we managed to record our script without issue.
Editing: 7th Feb
We started editing our radio drama on the 7th of Febuary; although we initially had issue as we had exported the file into .wav format, as opposed to the usual .mp3. This caused issue due to the amount of time it took to load into Soundtrack Pro and the size of the file.
After 45 minutes waiting, we re-exported the file as an mp3 file, taking another 10 minutes. Unfortunately by doing so the file had exported corrupt, fulled with defects and sections missing and so, we then had to export it from the original source of the studio again, into the correct format this time.
Unfortunately due to this one initial mistake we barely managed to make a date with the editing, however whilst waiting around we made plans of attack for the next session to catch up on what time we missed out on, having decided to each take a scene and edit it seperately; this way we can each focus on the scenes more precisely and also share experience editing and hopefully finish editing it all sooner.
After 45 minutes waiting, we re-exported the file as an mp3 file, taking another 10 minutes. Unfortunately by doing so the file had exported corrupt, fulled with defects and sections missing and so, we then had to export it from the original source of the studio again, into the correct format this time.
Unfortunately due to this one initial mistake we barely managed to make a date with the editing, however whilst waiting around we made plans of attack for the next session to catch up on what time we missed out on, having decided to each take a scene and edit it seperately; this way we can each focus on the scenes more precisely and also share experience editing and hopefully finish editing it all sooner.
Editing: 10th Feb
Having regulated our mishap and finally having a proper chance to edit, we each settled on a scene to begin editing.
I chose the opening scene, and considering the location and sound effects needed I had to take the following into account:
- Gary and his friends are in the pub
- Gary's two friend's voices needed to be pitch shifted
- Gary's mobile needs a message tone
- Gary gulps the rest of his pint before leaving
After been shown how to use Soundtrack Pro to edit, e.g the blade tool, lowering and rising volume levels, blending in sound effects. We got on with it, admittedly things were slow to begin with, being unfamiliar with the sound effects available and the software at hand, but over time we got more and more adept at it.
The section I had most trouble with, aside finding the most perfect background accompaniment and individual sound effects, was the pitch shifting of Lisa's and my voices. I had to slice the track and place it onto a second row to then edit using the available effects at hand then play with them accordingly in Pitch Shifter to get the desired effects.
I chose the opening scene, and considering the location and sound effects needed I had to take the following into account:
- Gary and his friends are in the pub
- Gary's two friend's voices needed to be pitch shifted
- Gary's mobile needs a message tone
- Gary gulps the rest of his pint before leaving
After been shown how to use Soundtrack Pro to edit, e.g the blade tool, lowering and rising volume levels, blending in sound effects. We got on with it, admittedly things were slow to begin with, being unfamiliar with the sound effects available and the software at hand, but over time we got more and more adept at it.
The section I had most trouble with, aside finding the most perfect background accompaniment and individual sound effects, was the pitch shifting of Lisa's and my voices. I had to slice the track and place it onto a second row to then edit using the available effects at hand then play with them accordingly in Pitch Shifter to get the desired effects.
The other scene I did involved phone call, this involved me first of slicing the file into the necessary segments and layering the received conversation on a second track. I then edited via the Channel EQ and finally the Phone Filter Notch, to create the necessary effect. I found I had to raise the decibels as the it came out a fair bit quieter due to the effect applied, the issue raised with doing so meant that all the background noise was magnified also, thankfully due to the need for background sound to set location this masked it.
Listening Party
We held a 'Listening Party', where we listened to our radio drama, as well as others within our group, and provided feedback and constructive criticism on how to approve.
Here is the version we used:
Final version
Following the audience feedback, we re-edited where necessary and here is our final version.
Tuesday, 5 April 2011
Radio Drama: Setting and Location
Our radio drama is based on a quiet street in Kensington, London.
We drew the idea of secrets in suburbia from 'Desperate Housewives', as it held a more relatable tone to an audience. Due to the nature of being in London, unfortunately no primary data about the area could be acquired. Due to the nature of the location, being tucked away from the main road, and most of our radio drama being set indoors of large houses there were no need for specialist sound effects, setting-wise.
We drew the idea of secrets in suburbia from 'Desperate Housewives', as it held a more relatable tone to an audience. Due to the nature of being in London, unfortunately no primary data about the area could be acquired. Due to the nature of the location, being tucked away from the main road, and most of our radio drama being set indoors of large houses there were no need for specialist sound effects, setting-wise.
Radio Drama: Character Development
Original Idea
Major characters:
Lara Windsor: Mid fourties, cold and calculated, manipulative and controlling yet subtle in her approach. Obsessed with her lover and not her husband. [Married to Jonathon Windsor and having an affair with Gary Plackett.]
Jonathon Windsor: Mid fourties, closetted gay in a sham marriage, kind and caring but weak.
[Lara's best friend and husband.]
Susan Thursgrove: Late fifties, nosey neighbour, always has her fingers in everyone else's pies,
[Single.]
Minor Characters:
'Sean': Mid-thirties, masculine. [Jonathon's lover and Lara's co-worker.]
DCI Lisa Hughes: By the book police officer, astute and professional.
Gary Plackett (referenced): Lara's lover. now deceased.
Final Idea
Lara Windsor: Mid thirties, bipolar, slightly fragile and reliant on medication. Having an affair, away from her husband Jonathan Windsor, with Gary Plackett who she aims to elope with.
Jonathan Windsor: Mid fourties, a dark, mysterious character who appears to be over controlling of Lara to the point of abuse, having driven away most of her friends she now has to contact them behind his back. He is manipulative and cold, deceitful and malicious, cunning and calculated.
Gary Plackett: Mid thirties plumber, a gentleman, kind and considerate he reflects Jonathan's character with a mirror. Very down to earth, he is smitten with Lara and is, although apprehensive, is excited at the prospect of their new life together.
Susan Thurgrove: Lara's supportive best friend, she understands Lara's situation and will do anything she can to ensure Lara's happiness.
'Jay' and 'Simon': Gary's fellow plumbers, hegemonic males.
Note:
Lara's lack of motive motivated us to change the narrative.
Major characters:
Lara Windsor: Mid fourties, cold and calculated, manipulative and controlling yet subtle in her approach. Obsessed with her lover and not her husband. [Married to Jonathon Windsor and having an affair with Gary Plackett.]
Jonathon Windsor: Mid fourties, closetted gay in a sham marriage, kind and caring but weak.
[Lara's best friend and husband.]
Susan Thursgrove: Late fifties, nosey neighbour, always has her fingers in everyone else's pies,
[Single.]
Minor Characters:
'Sean': Mid-thirties, masculine. [Jonathon's lover and Lara's co-worker.]
DCI Lisa Hughes: By the book police officer, astute and professional.
Gary Plackett (referenced): Lara's lover. now deceased.
Final Idea
Lara Windsor: Mid thirties, bipolar, slightly fragile and reliant on medication. Having an affair, away from her husband Jonathan Windsor, with Gary Plackett who she aims to elope with.
Jonathan Windsor: Mid fourties, a dark, mysterious character who appears to be over controlling of Lara to the point of abuse, having driven away most of her friends she now has to contact them behind his back. He is manipulative and cold, deceitful and malicious, cunning and calculated.
Gary Plackett: Mid thirties plumber, a gentleman, kind and considerate he reflects Jonathan's character with a mirror. Very down to earth, he is smitten with Lara and is, although apprehensive, is excited at the prospect of their new life together.
Susan Thurgrove: Lara's supportive best friend, she understands Lara's situation and will do anything she can to ensure Lara's happiness.
'Jay' and 'Simon': Gary's fellow plumbers, hegemonic males.
Note:
Lara's lack of motive motivated us to change the narrative.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)