📡Narrative Radio Unit 11 – Audio Narrative: Production & Post-production

Key Concepts and Terminology

• Audio narrative a form of storytelling that uses sound to convey emotions, ideas, and experiences
• Diegetic sound originates from within the story world and can be heard by the characters (dialogue, sound effects)
• Non-diegetic sound originates from outside the story world and cannot be heard by the characters (narration, background music)
• Foley the process of creating and recording sound effects in post-production to enhance the audio narrative
• Soundscape the overall audio environment of a scene or story, including ambient sounds, music, and sound effects
• Dynamic range the difference between the loudest and quietest parts of an audio recording
• Compression reduces the dynamic range of an audio signal, making quiet sounds louder and loud sounds quieter
• Equalizer (EQ) a tool used to adjust the balance of frequencies in an audio recording, allowing for the enhancement or reduction of specific frequency ranges

Audio Storytelling Techniques

• Establish a clear narrative structure with a beginning, middle, and end to engage listeners and maintain their interest
• Use sound effects and ambient sounds to create a sense of place and immerse the listener in the story world
• Employ music to evoke emotions, set the tone, and provide transitions between scenes or segments
• Incorporate silence strategically to create tension, anticipation, or allow for reflection
• Use pacing and rhythm to control the flow of the story and keep listeners engaged
• Develop distinct character voices and personalities through voice acting and dialogue to make the story more relatable and memorable
• Utilize perspective shifts and multiple narrators to add depth and complexity to the story
• Create a balance between dialogue, narration, and sound design elements to maintain clarity and avoid overwhelming the listener

Pre-production Planning

• Develop a clear concept and theme for the audio narrative to guide the creative process and ensure a cohesive final product
• Create a script or outline that includes dialogue, narration, and sound design cues to serve as a roadmap for the production process
• Conduct research on the topic, setting, and characters to ensure accuracy and authenticity in the audio narrative
• Identify and secure necessary permissions, licenses, and copyright clearances for any music, sound effects, or other content used in the production
• Cast voice actors and narrators based on their ability to bring characters to life and effectively convey the story
• Scout and select recording locations that provide the appropriate acoustic environment and minimize unwanted noise
• Create a production schedule that outlines timelines for recording, editing, and post-production tasks to ensure the project stays on track
• Assemble a team of professionals, including sound designers, editors, and engineers, to handle specific aspects of the production process

Recording Equipment and Setup

• Select a microphone suitable for the specific recording situation, such as a dynamic mic for voice-over work or a condenser mic for capturing ambient sounds
• Use a pop filter to reduce plosives (hard "p" and "b" sounds) and improve the overall clarity of voice recordings
• Position the microphone at the appropriate distance and angle from the sound source to ensure optimal sound quality and minimize unwanted noise
• Employ a microphone stand or boom arm to maintain consistent microphone placement and reduce handling noise
• Connect the microphone to an audio interface or preamp to convert the analog signal to a digital format and provide phantom power if necessary
• Use closed-back headphones to monitor the recording in real-time and identify any issues with sound quality or unwanted noise
• Record in a quiet, acoustically treated space to minimize background noise and reflections that can degrade the sound quality
• Set appropriate input levels to ensure a strong, clear signal without clipping or distortion

Voice Acting and Narration

• Encourage voice actors to understand their characters' motivations, personalities, and emotional states to deliver authentic performances
• Provide voice actors with context for each scene or line of dialogue to help them interpret the script and make appropriate acting choices
• Record multiple takes of each line or scene to provide options for editing and ensure the best possible performance is captured
• Direct voice actors to vary their tone, pacing, and emphasis to convey different emotions and create a dynamic, engaging narrative
• Use microphone techniques, such as proximity effect and off-axis positioning, to add depth and texture to voice recordings
• Coach voice actors on proper breathing, articulation, and projection techniques to ensure clear, consistent performances throughout the recording process
• Record narration separately from dialogue to allow for greater control over the final mix and balance of the audio narrative
• Encourage voice actors and narrators to take breaks and stay hydrated to maintain vocal quality and prevent fatigue during long recording sessions

Sound Design and Effects

• Use sound effects to create a sense of realism and immersion in the story world (footsteps, doors opening, background chatter)
• Create custom sound effects using Foley techniques to ensure the audio narrative has a unique and tailored soundscape
• Source pre-recorded sound effects from libraries or online resources to save time and resources during the production process
• Layer multiple sound effects to create complex, realistic soundscapes that enhance the overall audio narrative
• Employ ambient sounds to establish the setting and create a sense of place (birdsong for a forest, traffic for a city)
• Use sound design to convey character actions, emotions, and interactions without relying solely on dialogue or narration
• Incorporate sound motifs or recurring sound effects to create a sense of continuity and help listeners track story elements
• Experiment with audio processing effects, such as reverb, delay, and pitch-shifting, to create unique and immersive sound design elements

Editing and Mixing Basics

• Use non-destructive editing techniques to preserve the original audio files and allow for greater flexibility in the editing process
• Organize audio files and tracks in a logical, consistent manner to streamline the editing and mixing process
• Use fades and crossfades to create smooth transitions between different audio elements and scenes
• Adjust the levels of individual tracks to create a balanced mix that prioritizes important elements, such as dialogue and narration
• Apply equalization (EQ) to individual tracks or groups of tracks to enhance or reduce specific frequencies and improve overall sound quality
• Use compression to even out the dynamic range of the audio and ensure consistent loudness throughout the narrative
• Employ noise reduction techniques to minimize background noise and improve the clarity of the final mix
• Create a stereo mix that provides a sense of space and depth, placing elements in the left, right, or center of the stereo field as appropriate

Post-production Polishing

• Conduct a final quality control check to identify and address any remaining issues with sound quality, pacing, or narrative clarity
• Apply master bus processing, such as limiting and stereo widening, to enhance the overall sound and create a polished, professional final product
• Use automation to create dynamic changes in the mix over time, such as fading out music during dialogue or increasing the reverb on a character's voice in a dream sequence
• Export the final mix in the appropriate file format and resolution for the intended distribution platform or medium
• Create alternate mixes or stems for different purposes, such as a dialogue-only mix for language dubbing or a music and effects mix for promotional use
• Collaborate with the creative team to ensure the final audio narrative meets the intended vision and goals of the project
• Archive project files, including individual tracks and the final mix, for future reference or potential revisions
• Solicit feedback from beta listeners or focus groups to identify areas for improvement and make final adjustments before release

Distribution and Platforms

• Determine the target audience for the audio narrative and select distribution platforms that align with their listening habits and preferences
• Optimize the final mix for the specific technical requirements and limitations of each distribution platform (file format, bitrate, metadata)
• Create compelling cover art, descriptions, and metadata to attract potential listeners and improve discoverability on distribution platforms
• Develop a promotional strategy to generate interest and build an audience for the audio narrative, including social media campaigns, press releases, and cross-promotion with other content creators
• Utilize podcasting platforms, such as Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Google Podcasts, to reach a wide audience and allow for easy subscription and discovery
• Explore alternative distribution methods, such as YouTube, SoundCloud, or direct downloads from a website, to cater to different listener preferences and expand the potential audience
• Monitor analytics and listener feedback to gauge the success of the audio narrative and identify areas for improvement in future projects
• Consider monetization strategies, such as sponsorships, advertising, or listener support, to sustain the production of future audio narrative projects