Production journey

 Production Journey

Starting my production journey, I knew there were many things that I needed to learn throughout to ensure a smooth journey when creating my radio drama. When recording for my radio drama I had to test out different microphones to check what sound gave the best quality which would be suitable for my radio drama. The microphones which I had looked at are, Sony recorder, phone recorder, camera, boom mic and an average omnidirectional microphone you connect to the computer. I knew that I needed to use an omnidirectional microphone since both actors will be able to talk on both sides like an interview and both sides of the sound will be captured.

How does this work?

I connect the microphone behind the computer and open up the garage band choosing the microphone voice option. This is to ensure the microphone is connected and is recording. This is great since it ensures I’ll have a clear sound with no white-noise sounds. 

I knew when recording I needed to create my own sounds for sound effects. I knew what microphone was the best for sound effects and it was the sony recorder. The reason for this is because it gives off a clear sound effect that I am going for and it is portable to take around with me. When using/creating my own sound effects it’ll ensure no copyright issues will happen which may lead to me needing to pay for a fine. When using the sony recorder I was able to gain permission from my teachers to take it home for a day so that I am able to record some sound effects and get it to the best of my ability. When shooting the sound effects at home I will make sure I am on track with my storyboard/initial idea without any distractions which may cause me off-guard. 

Gaining my focus group feedback:

When completing my first draft I knew I needed audience feedback which is why I conducted a focus group. My audience recommended me to record more sound effects so that my radio drama has more layers for it to seem realistic. This led to me recording more sounds throughout the week. I was able to take home the sony microphone again to record sounds in the canteen, at school, outside in my garden and at home. I was able to finish everything quickly and got started with my final edit which then I have completed. 

When creating my edits, one of the positives that I have got is that the intro and outro of my radio drama has a hook which sounds good. I knew that I needed to keep this in since it drags my audience in with a catchy hook. This hook is also memorable, this hook is from a song called “Drama” by aespa. Since I am using a short amount of the song I do not have to ask for permission to use it which helps me not get copyrighted.

What about the file format/quality?

When thinking about what file format I should use I knew I needed to use something which will be small in size however won’t compress my audio that much which will remove details of my audio files. With that in mind I decided to use AIFF which is Apple's audio file. First reason why I decided to use this audio file is because it is easy and accessible to use since it is on my macbook. Secondly it is uncompressed which means it will not remove any details i have added in my radio drama which is what i needed. When thinking about the quality of my radio drama I knew that the quality needed to be clear. This led to me editing the audio levels of my drama to ensure no levels are peaking which will cause distortion. This is unpleasant in the ear since it’s muddy. AIFF mean’s the audio isn’t being compressed which may lead to the distortion to be more prominent. Which is why I am editing the audio levels to ensure that doesn’t happen throughout my radio drama.

I have now uploaded my radio drama onto youtube with the best quality as I can to attract my audience.