The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy; Radio Script Project: Day 1

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 so the listening audience can follow the main story plot. For more information about the radio play and its prodigious pop culture success, check out this article.

After listening to this example and learning about Douglas Adams' ideas for the show, let's do our own brainstorming ideas. You don't have to be drunk in a field in Innsbruck to come up with a snazzy idea for your radio play script project. Here are the rules/directions to help you get started:

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. 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, 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...
• See, read, and follow the radio script format for this project. Your formatting will count as part of your grade.
• 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...
• For further tips writing a radio play (or coming up with an idea) check out this article from the BBC.
• After you have come up with a premise, you may begin grabbing our attention with the beginning of your script. Use the rest of your time in the lab today working on your play or play idea. This project is not due yet.

HOMEWORK: None. Make sure you have a premise for a radio play by next class--you will be expected to work on your radio play scripts Friday...