Radio Play Script Project: Day 3

The Radio Play Project

Continue writing your radio play scripts.

Advice:

Drawing your listener in is important. Each episode  of a radio play should be interesting enough to compel a listener to keep listening. This can be done by creating interesting characters, including suspense and mystery to your plot, or writing riveting dramatic lines concerning topics that are interesting or beautiful to listen to.

• Use the handout organizers/templates to help you organize and plan your story
• Create an outline to sketch out your ideas. Consider how many scenes you might need, and what happens dramatically in each scene. 
• Don't forget to reveal information about the setting, characters, and major events happening in your story through your dialogue.

Character's voices are important. Try to contrast your characters. Deep voices, high pitched voices, sound effects (SFX), ambient noise or music to suggest setting, etc. Alternate noisy scenes with quiet ones. The more important a line, make sure it is not being drowned out by a SFX. Lots of noise can help create a chaotic tone--the threat of danger. Alternate inside scenes with outside ones. Consider what background sounds might be included to clue your audience into knowing where your scene takes place. A scene set on a farm sounds different than a scene set in an urban school cafeteria.

Again, read a few hints about writing radio plays. Feel free to follow this advice, as it might help you understand what you're doing or expected to do. Use the play scripts we read to help you as well.

By the end of today: you should have begun writing your play script (use the handout guidelines to follow the proper format for radio plays). Your deadline for a draft of your script is Friday. Actors will be reading/responding to your script on Monday. You will get their feedback for Tuesday's class.

Go write!

HOMEWORK: None. You may work on your radio script if you'd like.

Radio Play Project: Day 2

The Radio Play Project

The excellent thing about writing for the radio is that you can SET your story ANYWHERE! You can travel through time, visit strange and beautiful lands. Your setting can be anywhere you need it to be: In a deep, dark cave at the dawn of time, on a spaceship hurtling through space on a mission to visit 10 planets--each one unique and culturally amazing, in a science lab and the backwoods of Arkansas during the Civil War and Reconstruction periods. No sets means low production cost.

Your imagination can run wild. You can also structure your narrative story to include a variety of times and places or locations. You can have just one character, or several. Minor characters in a film would mean you'd have to spend your budget paying these actors. On the radio, an actor can play several small parts, each with a unique voice! Possibilities are endless!

You can also write about any subject. You can also adapt other writers' work (or your own) into an epic story that could be told through a series of episodes.

				"Television, for example, never does science fiction very well because it can't afford the production values that are required, whereas with radio you really do have a theatre as large as the universe in that sense. You're using the muscle of the listener's imagination - they're doing the work with you - and I think that's absolutely terrific." Mike Walker

To begin today, first you need to know whether you are working alone or with a partner. If cooperating with another writer, take a few minutes to talk about what kind of story you both want to write.

Then you should think up a premise for a story. Pick a genre. Make a character list. Sketch out a few ideas for conflicts, scenes, or settings. Make an outline or decide on the break down of your structure. Use the PODCAST form (see post below) for an idea on how to structure your story. You can have several scenes if you need to, but you should also note you need an intro and outro musical theme, and at some point you need to alert your listeners as to what they're listening to.

Drawing your listener in is important. Each episode should be interesting enough to compel a listener to keep listening. This can be done by creating interesting characters, including suspense and mystery to your plot, or writing riveting dramatic lines concerning topics that are interesting or beautiful to listen to.

Character's voices are important. Try to contrast your characters. Deep voices, high pitched voices, sound effects (SFX), ambient noise or music to suggest setting, etc. Alternate noisy scenes with quiet ones. The more important a line, make sure it is not being drowned out by a SFX. Lots of noise can help create a chaotic tone--the threat of danger. Alternate inside scenes with outside ones. Consider what background sounds might be included to clue your audience into knowing where your scene takes place. A scene set on a farm sounds different than a scene set in an urban school cafeteria.

Read a few hints about writing radio plays. Feel free to follow this advice, as it might help you understand what you're doing or expected to do. Use the play scripts we read to help you as well.

By the end of today, you should have 1. Chosen a partner (or decide to work by yourself); 2. brainstormed some ideas for your script, 3. Sketched out an outline or scenario with a break down of potential episodes for your story, 4. Read this advice and the advice at the link, and 5. Begun writing your play script (use the handout guidelines to follow the proper format for radio plays).

HOMEWORK: None. You are welcome to work on your play scripts through mid-term week. Otherwise, we will finish this project when we return for the second semester. Go listen to the radio.

Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy (Model); The Radio Play

Period 7: Let's listen to the first episode of the radio play The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas Adams. Please note that this script is written in a publishing format--not the approved or standard radio script format. See handout.

RADIO SCRIPT PROJECT

• We will be writing our own radio play scripts. Here are a few rules/guidelines:
• You may work alone or with a partner. 
• If you work with a partner, please use google docs (and share privileges with your partner) so that both authors can work on the script at the same time.
• Your script episode should be between 6-10 pages, formatted in proper radio script format. 
• Your script should include a title page and cast list (these pages do not count as part of your required 6-10 page length!) You may put your cast list on the same page as your title.
• Your script idea can be taken from an already published source (or from your own story drafts, adapted for a radio show). You may, of course, make up a new original story.
• You may write in any genre. Popular genres include drama, comedy, science fiction/fantasy, romance, or children's programming (which is usually fantasy). 
• Rely on SX (sound effects). Consider your scenes to include ambient noise or sound cues that signal to the listener as to where the scene takes place (setting), or what action is happening during the dialogue of your characters (plot). 
• Consult the handout scripts I gave you and that we have heard in class for ideas, formatting ("Stardust" for example), or select one of the play scripts from the BBC as further models/examples. See link here. You can change the genre/format at the drop down box on the webpage.
• Brainstorm some ideas first. You may find it helpful to outline or sketch your idea first. Write a 1-sentence premise (what is the play or episode going to be about?) My radio play/episode is about...

Please look at the handout concerning Radio Script format. You will be expected to format your script in this manner. It is similar to the play script format we will use next year for the Playwriting course.

Use the remaining time in the lab to brainstorm an idea, and begin writing your radio plays. This project is not due yet (it will be completed during MP3).

I will print out progress reports for you to check your grades for MP2. The marking period ends this Friday for this class.

HOMEWORK: Please read Jess O'Callaghan's article: "Podcast Nerds Rejoice: Radio Plays Are Making a Comeback"
Please read this linked article. Then answer the 3 questions (turn these in next class).

1. Why does how we listen to radio/podcasts matter according to O'Callaghan?
2. What kinds of podcasts are "out there"?
3. How are new wave radio plays distinguishing themselves from the old ones? (Abbott & Costello or Lucille Fletcher's Hitchhiker, for example.)

Finally, please turn in any missing work by Friday as well. This is the last day to turn in missing or late work for the marking period.  

Radio Plays & Intro to Podcasting

Brainstorm what you know about radio. Evaluate how often you listen to radio programs? What kinds of programs do you listen to generally? Where do you "tune in"? Why? Discuss this for 2-3 minutes with your peers.

Originally, radio was filled with news and entertainment, along with music. Music, of course, has overwhelmed radio and is the most common form of entertainment sent through the air waves to us. To begin our radio media unit (we took a dip in this pool when we read/listened to The War of the Worlds), let's take a look at the scripts and listen to the following plays:

Abbott & Costello's: Who's On First
Lucille Fletcher: The Hitchhiker
The first part of Neil Gaiman's Stardust (BBC Radio 4)

Podcasts are a digital audio file that a listener can subscribe to (usually online). These are generally converted to MP3 format. They usually have a typical structure:

• Show INTRO (usually lasting 30-60 seconds, introducing the program)
• Musical Theme Intro (short musical theme or jingle to identify what program listeners are listening to--about 30 seconds or less)
• Topic/Subject: each podcast usually focuses on a single or sometimes multiple related topic. Usually topics are divided into TRACKS or parts of 3 or more minutes.
• Topic #2
• Topic #3, etc.
• Interlude (musical break, commercial lasting about 30 seconds)
• Other topics #4, #5--you get the idea...
• Closing remarks from the host (usually thanking the audience for listening; and to hook the audience to tune in or listen in to the next program; usually this lasts no more than 2 minutes)
• The OUTRO or closing. Usually that theme music again, lasting no more than 1-2 minutes.

Questions about the typical format of podcasts?

Then, it's off to the lab to read and interact with the following website:

Jess O'Callaghan's article: "Podcast Nerds Rejoice: Radio Plays Are Making a Comeback"
Please read this linked article. Then answer the 3 questions (turn these in today if we have time, otherwise, it's homework. Complete and turn in by next class (Wednesday, Jan. 18).

1. Why does how we listen to radio/podcasts matter according to O'Callaghan?
2. What kinds of podcasts are "out there"?
3. How are new wave radio plays distinguishing themselves from the old ones? (Abbott & Costello or Lucille Fletcher's Hitchhiker, for example.)

HOMEWORK: Please read Chapter One: The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas Adams for next class. Read the article linked above and answer the 3 questions if you didn't complete this work in the lab. Complete and turn in any missing work. See your progress reports for details.

Wednesday

I will not be teaching Wednesday. Please use the time in the lab to work on the following:

A. Complete your homework from last class and turn in this assignment (to my inbox).
B. Read about the history of radio here at this link. Take notes (do not turn these notes in)
C. Go to the website: This American Life. Choose a program (see the radio archive tab for many options--the podcasts are by date (click on the year and choose a podcast episode) and listen to it. You will likely need your headphones for this.

HOMEWORK: None.

Film Review: Final Day; Graphic Design: Composition

Your film review drafts on Citizen Kane are due by the end of class today!

Please complete your film review and turn in your drafts today by the end of class. If you finish early, please read and take notes on the following ideas, as well as start your homework if you have time to do so.

EQ: How do graphic artists capture our attention? How can we use these tools to create propaganda, advertising, or become better photographers?

While you are not graphic designers, per se, knowing how key visual arts concepts are used (particularly to communicate) is an important part of understanding the media.Visual artists and writers often work together (in ad or marketing departments, for example) to design effective materials. It's all about communication!

CLASS/HOMEWORK: If you finish your film review draft before the end of class, please move on to this topic. If you don't get to this activity today, please complete this for homework. Either way, complete for homework and turn in next class. 

#1: Please view and read the following article by Steven Bradley from "Smashing Magazine" on Design Principles. Identify and explain the following concepts (to be collected next class):

• Dominance
• How to establish dominance
• The dominant element
• Focal Point
• Levels of Dominance: dominant, subdominant, subordinate
• Visual Hierarchy
• Inverted Pyramid (handy info for writers!)

Take a look at these two images:

What stands out as important? Artists & photographers use visual hierarchy all the time to communicate ideas or themes in their photography. Explain in writing what you learned about graphic design from reading the article above and examining these graphics. In other words, how does knowing this information change or help you identify graphics, photographs, advertisements, or film shots? Is there value in knowing what design principles are working in a graphic/visual picture? Defend your answer with evidence from your own experience & opinion, as well as the article.

#2: Check out one of the sites or photos below and view some graphic design/ads/poster examples/models. As you view, look specifically for examples of dominance, focal point, visual hierarchy, size, contrast, color, symmetry, style, grouping, unity, and similarity (see graphic above). Choose one image and analyze the picture/graphic. Identify the artist's use of dominance or the dominant image, focal point, visual hierarchy, etc. in the selected piece and explain how these elements work together to create an effective graphic design.

• Poster Art Digital Library  
• Art of the Poster (see the menu selections for archives on the left side of the page)
• Digital Library: Art & Design
• Washington University Archive
• Mondotees Archive

Film Review: Citizen Kane: Day 2

See previous post for details about what should be included in your film review of Citizen Kane. For attribution purposes, the article I gave you on Citizen Kane "Mr. Welles Comes to Town" was written by Andrew Rausch in his book Turning Points in Film History. Before you head into deep waters, take a look at this material online:

Film Critic Writing: Writing Film Reviews (advice)

You can find a lot of information about the film at these sites:

• Citizen Kane (1941) (Tim Dirks for AMC's Filmsite.org)
• The Mark of Kane (Nigel Andrews review)

Here are some examples of film reviews to get the idea of the form & style:

• Fences (Denzel Washington's 2017 film; review by Odie Henderson at Roger Ebert.com)
• Assassin's Creed (Simon Abrams review at Roger Ebert.com)
• Assassin's Creed (Peter Bradshaw's review at The Guardian)

Still having trouble? Check here and here too. Both links help break down the larger task of writing a review step by step.

Use your time in the lab to write your review. Your review should be between 500-1000 words in length. Use attribution where appropriate. 

HOMEWORK: None.

Citizen Kane (conclusion); Writing a Review

We will screen the conclusion of Citizen Kane today. After we conclude our viewing, please retire to the lab to write a review of the film in which you examine the narratology and strength of the film & script.

How to Write a Movie Review

Writing a movie review is a great way of expressing your opinion of a movie.  The purpose of most movie reviews is to help the reader in determining whether they want to watch, rent or buy the movie. The review should give enough details about the movie that the reader can make an informed decision, without giving anyway any essentials such as the plot or any surprises.  

Below are our guidelines and tips for writing a good movie review.

1. Watch the movie (seems obvious, but…)

The first step in writing the review is to watch the movie. Watch the movie in a relaxed environment you are familiar with. You do not want to be distracted by an unfamiliar room. Watching the movie a second time will help you absorb a lot more details about the movie. Take notes as you watch the movie. You will need to use your notes to help you write your review of the film.

2. Give your opinion

Most movie reviewers will give their opinion of the movie. This is important as the reviewer can express the elements of the movie they enjoyed or disliked. However, as in all good journalism, the reviewer should also give impartial details, and allow the reader to make their own mind over an issue the reader liked or disliked. Opinions should be explained to allow the reader to determine whether they would agree with your opinion.

3. Who is your audience? (In this case it is your peers and me)

You need to consider who your likely readers are. Writing a movie review for children requires a different approach than if writing for a movie club. Ensure you report on the factors that matter to your likely audience. For this review, I want you to consider the important history and impact the film has had largely because of its narrative. 

4. Give an outline/summary

Give the plot outline or short summary of the movie (beginning, middle, end), but don't give away essential details such as any surprises. If there is a big surprise you want to entice readers by telling them something special happens, just don't say what.

5. Actors

If the movie contains actors, as most do, detail who is starring in the movie and how well you think they acted. (research the actors / directors, etc); See previous Citizen Kane posts and articles for some details you can use. You can look up this information easily on IMDB.com. 

6. Structure

Did the movie follow a regular predictable story line? Flashbacks? Foreshadowing? Examine and evaluate the narrative structure of this film.

7. Cinematography/Directing/Lighting/Technical aspects

Give details about how well the movie was shot and directed. How did the camera shots and angles contribute to the tone and mood? How effective were these techniques?

8. Music

Did the movie have its own score, or did it feature songs from popular artists? How did diegetic and non-diegetic sound play a role in the film? Was there a particular theme, or scene that was enhanced by the musical score? Explain & evaluate this scene.

9. Many of those literary element terms that have you have had in English classes carry over into the film critic vocabulary: plot (and its various components), setting, characters, tone, dialogue, point of view, imagery and don’t forget to look for symbolism. How do some of these elements work to unify the film as a whole? Explain and evaluate the effectiveness of some of these literary (narrative) elements.

10. Read, read and read

 Read and check your review thoroughly.  It can be embarrassing to find errors in your work after it has been published.  This is especially important for reviews that will be published on the Internet, as search engines are always looking for the correct spellings of key words.

RULES: I am looking for an article between 500-1000 words in length. That's a pretty wide range. Your review should include a summary of the film, some history about the film (you'll have to look this up or review the article we read in class), and examine the narrative structures present in the film. Overall, your review should also spend time examining and evaluating the acting, technical aspects of the film and the cinematography, the musical score, the lighting or sound elements, the shots and cinematography, literary elements and narratology. You will want to be concise and specific, but detailed enough to cover all of these aspects in your review. 

Final due date for your review draft will be forthcoming. Remember: the more on-task you are on this project in the lab, the more time I will allow to get the work done in class.

HOMEWORK: None.