RADIO SCRIPT PROJECT
- Your script episode should be between 6-12 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 6-12 page length!) You may put your cast list on the same page as your title. See the copy of "Hitchhiker's Guide" or "The Hitchhiker" or "War of the Worlds" as models.
- 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, mystery, romance, or children's programming (which is usually fantasy). See notes below...
- 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...
- See, read, and follow the radio script format for this project. Your formatting will count as part of your grade.
- Brainstorm some ideas first and outline your basic plot (exposition, rising action, turning point or crisis (good place for a cliffhanger), climax, falling action, resolution or denouement). Write a 1-sentence premise (what is the play or episode going to be about?) My radio play/episode is about...
- For further tips writing a radio play (or coming up with an idea) check out this article from the BBC.
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Drawing your listener in is important. Each "episode" or "scene" 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 interior scenes with exterior ones can help. 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 more 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 written 2-4 pages of your radio script.
Drawing your listener in is important. Each "episode" or "scene" 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 interior scenes with exterior ones can help. 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 more 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 written 2-4 pages of your radio script.
HOMEWORK: None.
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