Radio Drama (Intro)

Radio Drama

Radio dramas are plays that rely solely on the vocals of the actors as well as sound-effects and music. Often played on the radio, these dramas have a range of genres just like T.V. such as crime shows, thrillers, comedy, soaps. They rely completely on sound in order to hook the listener in to keep listening.

Format + Script (breaking down, analysis)

The picture above is of the first page of Flash Gordon episode 1 (radio drama), a science fiction drama that ran in the 1930's.

Names

    

The names are in all capital letters followed by a colon, which is then followed by their speech/action. In this script the Announcer was shortened to ANNCR. In this Script they use the first names of the characters for Flash and Dale. The dialogue remains in the normal upper and lowercase format.

Sound Effects/music/other sound direction

on scripts sound effects have SFX beside them, much like the name, with a description beside them. unlike dialogue the description on the sound is also in capital letters.

The reason sound effects are written in is to inform the directors/editors and production team, the kind of sound effect to be added to the final edited piece, it's written in within the script as a separate line to give the editor who edits the piece at the end and adds the sound-effects the knowledge of where the sun-effect is meant to be placed.

It is important to note in scripts that although the SFX will be written on a separate line the script, the sound effect can happen during dialogue, it will be edited in during post-production. The sound-effect above 'TURNS WHEEL ON DOOR TO CRANK IT SHUT" in our version of the radio drama we had the sound effect play during Dale's dialogue after.

Flash Gordon, Dialogue + Sound Effect

As the editor I chose to do this because I felt it worked with the flow of the piece more. I Imagine Zarkov would be the one to close the door while Dale and Flash enter the ship.

This crash sound effect happened in-between the pieces of dialogue and acts like a change between areas. From being on the ship to arriving on the 'planet'.

Music: sometimes scripts will have music cues in them in the case of this scrip MUSIC: UP AND UNDER  that is the music listed for most of the script suggesting it is the plays main theme, that often happens at intersections within the script singling the swap from one area to another.

Target Audience

Flash Gordon is a Science-fiction radio drama that follows the adventures of Flash Gordon.

The Flash Gordon radio drama followed the story of the Sunday comic strip of the same name. Flash Gordon is, like a comic book hero.

I feel the target audience is for 13-17 year olds mainly, although at the time of original release could also appeal to young adults.

Preparation

In the modern world of radio drama, when cast as a part I was surprised to find out from Industry professional Peter Greenall who had recently acted in the BBC drama 'Hood' that you will often get the full script a couple of weeks in advance, if you're lucky and normally it will only be a few days before recording begins.

This means it is vital to start looking at a script as soon as possible, breaking down the scenes and getting a clear understanding of what is happening.

Peter recommended making sure you have a clear understanding of what is happening in each scene, and developing ideas for your character.

If you have a bigger role he recommends emailing the director with your thoughts on what's happening in the scene and about your character for them to see and comment on, telling you your spot on or no and informing you of how they want it.

Another important thing to note is that you will not necessarily be working or recording with any of the other actors during the recording process.