The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy; Orson Welles & Brainstorming Your Radio Play

Please turn in your homework/classwork: O'Callaghan's article from last class if you did not complete it last class.

Today, we will listen and read along to the radio show: The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy. As we read, notice how sound and sound FX are used to help tell the story. Notice also the creative use of a "narrator" to describe setting, plot, characters, conflicts, or themes in the story.

LAB:

Fake news is nothing new. One of the most influential "fake" news broadcasts created a public panic in 1938. Orson Welles was to blame, but this broadcast cemented his fame for the rest of his life.

Please read about Orson Welles at the following link and from the article/script of War of the Worlds. Find out the following information and take NOTES that you will share and turn in by the end of class today.

1. Who is Orson Welles?
2. Name 3 different things he did that influenced mass media.

To ensure that you view this material, I will collect your notes for participation credit.

If you'd like to listen to the actual broadcast from 1938, you can find it here...Enjoy! War of the Worlds Broadcast

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. Note: both students should type and add to the project, not just one person giving dictation to the other.
• Your script episode should be between 6-12 pages, formatted in proper radio script format. We'll cover radio format next class.
• Your script should include a title page and cast list (these pages do not count as part of your required 6-12 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 ("The Hitchhiker" or "Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy" 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.
• Note: fantasy, science fiction, and action work nicely as radio scripts. This is because all special effects are sound effects, and there is no budget other than imagery to describe expensive sets for the settings of the world...
• 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...
• Try to complete your premise today in the lab. Next class, we write!

HOMEWORK: Please read and answer the questions on the early technology and development of the radio (due Monday...be warned that if we have a snow day, I will still see you Monday and your work will be due!) & read the War of the Worlds radio play.