A LEARNING PORTFOLIO - comprises draft scripts, a learning diary, contribution to a pitch and peer evaluation. (50%) L.O.s 1 - 4
A PRODUCTION PORTFOLIO - comprises a working production script, a finished recording and an evaluation based on your learning diary. (50%) L.O.s 3 - 6

Key Information Set Data:
Coursework 50%
Practical 50%

As its title suggests, this module is for you to develop a radio drama project from the initial idea through to final production and review. You explore the ingredients radio drama offers, as distinct from stage, TV or film drama, and you are introduced to the theory: the codes and conventions that exploit the strengths of the medium, concepts of dramatic structure, characterisation, possible approaches to space and time, how to convey action and essential visual information, effective use of sound effects and atmospheres. You also consider the potential challenges in adapting a story from another medium for radio. You will review what you will need to develop an early draft into a professional standard production script: researching matters of fact or character details, studying examples on which you could model aspects of style and structure, identifying particular technical and directing skills you need to acquire, targeting style and content to the most appropriate slot in the schedules. Midway through the module you will pitch a script to your commissioning panel. Then, having received feedback, you will go on to produce it using a range of skills. Finally you review the finished production in order to consolidate your learning.

A series of illustrated lectures introduce the theory and practice of creating drama for radio. Initially you work individually to apply this understanding in creating a scenario and early draft script. Then working in pairs / threes and with tutorial support you draw on the ideas and insights you find here in order to select and develop a script for a broadcast slot. You are also introduced to the basics of recording for radio drama in order to create a sample for inclusion in your final pitch. You articulate your learning through a reflective diary and a process of peer review in support of a finished draft and your group's pitch.
Your learning in the second half of the module is through the experience of producing your radio drama in a small group supported with tutorials and negotiation with your project supervisor. Throughout you are encouraged to keep an individual production diary in which you systematically record your production meetings and your individual learning. This process of reflection on the production process, along with discussion of the finished programme with your peers, informs the project evaluation with which you conclude the module.

Key Information Set Data:
Scheduled learning 25%
Guided independent learning 75%

Library resources, including published CDs/tapes & off-air recordings.
Online listening
Sound studio
Portable recording kits and a selection of microphones
Audio editing workstations
Audio playback facilities
The Blackboard virtual learning environment will be available (where relevant) to support this module. Details will be supplied in the module handbook.

Grove, C. & Wyatt, S. (2013) So You Want To Write Radio Drama, London: Nick Hern.
Hand, R. & Traynor, M. (2011) The Radio Drama Handbook, London: Continuum.
Hill, C. A. (2013) Writing For Radio, London: Methuen Drama.
Crook, T. (2012) The Sound Handbook, London: Routledge.
Willett, A. (2013) Media Production - A Practical Guide to Radio and TV, London: Routledge.

See module handbook for a full listing of reading texts.