📡Narrative Radio Unit 10 – Audio Narratives: Pre-production Planning

What's This Unit About?

• Focuses on the essential pre-production steps for creating compelling audio narratives
• Covers the process of selecting a story idea and determining the most effective format
• Explores the unique considerations for writing scripts specifically for audio
• Introduces the basic recording equipment needed to capture high-quality audio
• Provides a comprehensive pre-production checklist to ensure all necessary steps are completed
• Offers valuable tips and tricks to streamline the pre-production process and avoid common pitfalls
• Emphasizes the importance of thorough planning and preparation in crafting engaging audio narratives

Key Concepts and Terms

• Audio narrative: a story told primarily through sound, using a combination of narration, interviews, and ambient audio
• Pre-production: the planning and preparation stage that occurs before recording begins
• Script: a written document that outlines the content and structure of the audio narrative
  • Includes narration, interview questions, and descriptions of sound elements
• Format: the structure and style of the audio narrative (e.g., documentary, profile, personal essay)
• Recording equipment: the tools used to capture audio, such as microphones, recorders, and accessories
• Ambient sound: background noise and environmental sounds that help set the scene and create a sense of place
• B-roll: supplementary audio recordings used to add depth and variety to the main narrative
• Logging: the process of reviewing and taking notes on recorded audio to identify key moments and themes

Planning Your Audio Narrative

• Begin by brainstorming potential story ideas and identifying the central theme or message
• Conduct research to gather background information and identify potential interview subjects
• Determine the target audience and consider their interests, preferences, and prior knowledge
• Establish the desired length of the final audio piece and create a rough timeline for production
• Assess the resources available, including time, budget, and personnel, and plan accordingly
• Identify any potential challenges or obstacles and develop strategies to address them
• Create a detailed production schedule that outlines key milestones and deadlines

Choosing Your Story and Format

• Select a story that is compelling, emotionally engaging, and relevant to the target audience
• Consider the unique strengths of audio as a medium and choose a story that can be effectively told through sound
• Evaluate the availability and willingness of potential interview subjects and assess the feasibility of capturing necessary ambient sounds
• Choose a format that best suits the story and the intended audience (e.g., narrative journalism, audio diary, soundscape)
  • Narrative journalism: a format that combines reporting, interviews, and storytelling techniques to explore a topic in-depth
  • Audio diary: a format that features a single person's personal experiences and reflections, often recorded over an extended period
• Determine the appropriate balance between narration, interviews, and ambient sound to create a cohesive and engaging narrative
• Consider experimenting with unconventional formats or storytelling techniques to create a distinctive and memorable audio experience

Writing for Audio

• Craft a script that is concise, conversational, and easy to follow when heard rather than read
• Use short sentences and simple language to ensure clarity and comprehension
• Employ active voice and vivid descriptive language to create a sense of immediacy and engage the listener's imagination
• Write with the speaker's natural cadence and speech patterns in mind to ensure a smooth delivery
• Use transitions and signposts to guide the listener through the narrative and maintain a clear structure
• Incorporate natural-sounding prompts for interview questions to elicit authentic and engaging responses
• Include descriptions of ambient sounds and other audio elements to create a rich and immersive soundscape
  • Specify the placement and duration of these elements in the script

Recording Equipment Basics

• Invest in a high-quality microphone that is suitable for the specific recording situation (e.g., interview, ambient sound)
  • Dynamic microphones: rugged and versatile, ideal for field recording and capturing loud sources
  • Condenser microphones: sensitive and detailed, best suited for studio recording and capturing subtle nuances
• Select a reliable digital audio recorder with sufficient storage capacity and battery life
• Use headphones to monitor audio quality during recording and to prevent unwanted noise from being captured
• Employ a windscreen or pop filter to minimize wind noise and plosives (hard consonant sounds)
• Consider using a portable audio interface to improve sound quality and provide additional recording options
• Bring backup equipment and extra batteries to ensure uninterrupted recording in case of technical issues

Pre-production Checklist

• Finalize the story idea and format
• Complete background research and identify potential interview subjects
• Secure necessary permissions and releases for recording and using audio material
• Develop a detailed script that includes narration, interview questions, and descriptions of audio elements
• Create a production schedule and timeline
• Assemble and test all necessary recording equipment
• Scout potential recording locations and assess acoustic properties and ambient noise levels
• Conduct pre-interviews with subjects to establish rapport and refine interview questions
• Arrange transportation and accommodations for remote recording sessions, if necessary

Tips and Tricks

• Embrace the power of silence and use pauses effectively to create emphasis and allow the listener to process information
• Record more material than you think you'll need to ensure ample options when editing
• Capture ambient sound separately from interviews to provide greater flexibility in post-production
• Use a slate or verbal cue to mark the beginning of each take or interview to simplify the logging process
• Encourage interview subjects to provide complete, self-contained responses to facilitate editing
• Record a "room tone" (30-60 seconds of ambient sound) at each location to help create smooth transitions during editing
• Take detailed notes during interviews to capture key quotes, themes, and time codes for later reference
• Be adaptable and open to unexpected developments that may enrich the story or take it in a new direction