LEARNING PORTFOLIO - comprises draft scripts, a learning diary, contribution to a pitch and peer evaluation [L.O.s 1-4]

A PRODUCTION PORTFOLIO - comprises a working production script and a finished recording [L.O.s 3-5, 7]

AN EVALUATION – 2000 words of analysis of the finished drama, including detailed discussion of your own role in the production.
[L.O. 5, 6 & 7 ]

Key Information Set Data:
Coursework 60%
Practical 40%

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%

Beck, A. (1997) Radio Acting, A & C Black
Crook, T. (1999) Radio Drama: Theory & Practice, London: Routledge.
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.
Willett, A. (2013) Media Production - A Practical Guide to Radio and TV, London: Routledge.

See module handbook for a full listing of reading texts.

1. IDENTIFY WHAT YOU NEED TO LEARN ABOUT THE CHARACTERISTICS OF RADIO DRAMA IN ORDER TO DEVELOP A COHERENT, PROFESSIONAL PITCH FOR A DRAFT SCRIPT.
[ Learning ]

2. CARRY OUT TARGETED RESEARCH FOR A RADIO PROJECT WITHIN A LIMITED TIME FRAME AND CRITICALLY APPRAISE OPTIONS FOR PITCHING TO PARTICULAR DRAMA SLOTS IN EXISTING SCHEDULES.
[Enquiry]

3. EXPLOIT THE DRAMATIC POSSIBILITIES OF THE MEDIUM OF RADIO AND, RECOGNISING THE CHALLENGE OF ITS CONSTRAINTS, ADAPT YOUR APPROACH TO EACH STAGE OF PRODUCTION TO FIT REALISTIC TIMESCALES AND RESOURCES - WITH THE GUIDANCE OF YOUR SUPERVISOR WHERE NECESSARY
[Problem Solving ]

4. NEGOTIATE YOUR ROLE IN A SMALL CREATIVE TEAM AND IDENTIFY YOUR OWN STRENGTHS IN THE SITUATION. ADAPT YOUR CONTRIBUTION IN ORDER TO EFFECTIVELY REPRESENT THE MERITS OF THE PROJECT AND ENHANCE THE PRODUCTIVENESS OF THE GROUP.
[Collaborative Working ]

5. SHOW AN UNDERSTANDING OF THE NEEDS OF PERFORMANCE IN RADIO DRAMA AND THE HUMAN VOICE AND MICROPHONE INTERACTIONS
[Knowledge and Understanding]

6. CRITICALLY REFLECT ON THE PRODUCTION AND POST-PRODUCTION PROCESSES ON A RADIO DRAMA PROJECT AND ON YOUR OWN ROLE IN THEM. ANALYSE THE EFFECTS OF KEY PRACTICAL DECISIONS THAT ARE EVIDENT IN THE FINISHED PROGRAMME.
[Reflection]

7. DEMONSTRATE AWARENESS OF THE PROFESSIONAL STANDARDS AND PRODUCTION PRACTICES IN THE RADIO INDUSTRY.
[Practical and Professional]