Production Log 6

Production week/date: 30.06.24

Individual Contributions this week
Name	Specific Individual Contribution – evidence in detail and judgements
Tavleen	I completed my: Rushes Log, Rushes Video, Offline Edit, First Draft, SWOT Analysis of First Draft, Focus Group, Analysis of First Draft, Focus Group Feedback of First Draft, and Final edit throughout this month in June.
My Successes
I managed to complete all of my production as well as the analysis this month, which is a great achievement.
My Challenges
The rushes log took lots of time to do since there were lots of bloopers. The analysis was quite tricky since I had to thoroughly understand what the people from my focus group wanted from my edit, and how to make the changes. The editing also took lots of time, since I had to work around the software and source sounds and effects. I had to ensure that I
Key Learning Points
ALWAYS remember to save work when editing otherwise I can easily lose it.
My next aims / next tasks
Production journey and final edit analysis.

Final Edit

 

Focus Group Feedback Analysis

My focus group allowed me to pinpoint a lot of areas that were missing, especially ones that I had not considered before. This means that I will have a better understanding of what my audience wants and what will help enhance my radio drama further. The first question that I asked was, "What did you think went well with my radio drama first draft" which allowed me to understand what was initially intriguing. This was done so that I could get a good understanding of what my audience enjoys, ensuring that I don't take it out in case I personally do not like it. My general feedback was that they enjoyed the narrative and story, which was both comedic and serious at the same time. This was reassuring since that was my intention. I was keen on adding a sense of humour since my audience's age demographic is more likely to stay intrigued if they are laughing whilst learning; it keeps the audience listening, even in the serious parts. 

Moving on to my second question, I asked what my group thought I could improve on. Now, I am aware that this question is slightly vague. However, it meant that it was widely open to interpretation. This meant that my audience could state the first thing that came to mind on what was missing, allowing me to know what the biggest parts of improvement were. This question actually gave me a range of different responses. The first response was that there wasn't any background music, which did not create a sound atmosphere, with this in mind, I will look to add appropriate background music, which will help add some flavour to my show. The second response was that she had heard "white noise" in the background, which made the sound quality less pleasing. To fix this, I will try to isolate the vocal sounds, which will hopefully remove this. The third response was that the actor was, at times, too close to the mic, which created a "banging" sound afterwards. This is a feature that is most definitely prominent after reviewing my radio drama again, and I will look to choose different recorded versions of the dialogue instead. Lastly, I was informed that there were not any sound effects, which made the drama at times jarring when we were going through flashbacks and forwards. I've figured that I will use a cliché transition sound to emphasise this transition.

On to my third question, I decided to go a little more specific and prompted, "Were there any missing foley sound effects that you think I could have added." This question allowed me to understand exactly where they felt that there were missing sound effects. Therefore, I would be able to adjust where the audience felt a little isolated. The responses were door noises, murmuring and footsteps. This was a very good spot, and I will make sure to sprinkle this across my radio drama. I have identified spots which are in need, specifically during the pub scene and police station scene. These sound effects were said to create a sense of "verisimilitude" once added, thus helping my audience to fully submerge in my radio drama and feel as though they are in the same room.

My final question was what genre/ theme of music I should use for my radio drama, considering the feel of what it felt like overall. The audience suggested something upbeat whilst also being mellow to reflect both the comedic and serious parts of the drama. They also suggested, in terms of background music, that I should also use that kind of music per what is being said during the radio drama. This is a point that I will look out for as I edit my radio drama, and I will ensure that my radio drama has something upbeat and also chilling.

Analysis of first draft

Within my first draft there is a lot of key features that are missing, which are stopping my radio drama from being engaging and actually seeming like one.

The first thing that I have realised is that I am missing a jingle/ introductory music. Instead, my radio drama jumps straight into the dialogue which means that some people who are listening may not be aware of what is currently going on. Thus, this makes my radio drama unrecognisable which will not help my radio drama grow in the long run. In order to fix this, I will add a suitable introductory music in hopes to solve this problem.

Another thing that I had noticed is that the voices sound to be too close to the microphone. This was spotted straight away at 0:03 when the host says "people." This breaks any sense of verisimilitude, since we are divided with this unnatural wind sound. In order to fix this issue, I will make sure to either: re-record the line, lower the overall volume, or add a voice effect which could mask this sound. This will help to make the audience feel more connected with my host, making it more likely for the audience to finish the episode calmly.

Moreover, there is an absence of foley sound effects. I noticed that at moments like when Daniel is meant to be at the pub, it's hard to understand that since it doesn't sound like he is in that environment. Additionally, towards the end Daniel's voice is heard to be getting quieter as if he is leaving the room, although this is quite vague as we can't understand if it a mistake or if it is intentional. Therefore, I've decided that I am going to record some busy pub noises and foot steps in these areas, in hopes to anchor these meanings. Additionally, the cut between a flashback and flashforward is also very vague and I realised this when I was unable to sometimes tell a difference in the voices. Therefore, I will add a recognisable transition sound which will hopefully help guide my listeners.

And lastly, I believe that my radio drama requires some background music. Although this is not very common in many radio dramas, it is common in the docu-drama sub genre. By adding this to my radio drama, I hope that it will add a tense feeling to the atmosphere. Additionally, as mentioned before I will be able to subconsciously allow the audience to prepare for what they should expect, whether it's something serious or light-hearted.

Focus Group

 

SWOT Analysis of First Draft

STRENGTHS

My first draft presents a generally intriguing storyline. Through the dialogue, the characters speak quite ambiguously at the start in attempt to create tension and suspense. This then leads up to the re-enactment of what was said in the interviews. Through the intermitting interviews and scenes, it helps to lead the viewers on; the interviewers ask the questions the audience should be thinking and slowly unravels the enigmas hidden throughout the drama.

WEAKNESSESS

Throughout the first draft there is a sense of inconsistency and abruptness which creates a jarring feeling to the audience. This is demonstrated though the unclear cuts between the flashbacks and flash forwards. Additionally, there is a lack of sound effects and music which makes the radio drama harder to indulge into. Foley sounds, perhaps of chattering or camera shuttering, will be needed in order to fill the void of verisimilitude. Moreover, some of the voice recordings sound to be too close to the mic. In order to fix this I may lower the volume of the overall track, or I may select a different version of the line I recorded. 

OPPORTUNITIES

Financially the radio drama will be zero cost to film (personally). Since the equipment will be borrowed from school, it means I won't have to buy the resources I need myself. Additionally, the radio drama will be filmed inside of school which means that I will be able to acquire a place that my actors can easily commute to, since they go to the school, and quietly record in. My actors will also be filming separately at different times which will help to ensure recording is much easier. The radio drama will also be posted on youtube which is a very famous and popular website which almost everyone can access, thus making distribution easier.

THREATS

Since my radio drama will be filmed during school time, it means that I will have to ensure that either my actors share the same free period as me, or their teacher will have to allow them to leave class in order to record. It will also mean that we will have just over an hour to record, making room for mess-ups minimal. This means that I will have to plan accordingly and efficiently to ensure that recording goes as smoothly as possible.

First Draft

 

Offline Edit

 

Rushes Video

Rushes Log

Clip 1: Interviewer / hosts - Timestamps : 0:00 - 2:03

Clip 2: Daniel -                    Timestamps : 2:04 - 6:10

Clip 3: Police officer -         Timestamps : 6:11 - 10:30

NOTE: my audios were recorded separately, therefore the lines are not in chronological order.

Clip no.	Clip Duration	Clip name	Clip Description of action  -Conventional?	Use/ Discard	Location	Sound notes	Graphics
1	0:00 - 0:15	Host	First host dialogue until “some of the topics…”	Use	Interviewing room	Dialogue	WAVE
1	0:15 – 0:32	Host	First host dialogue until “some of the topics…”	Discard	Interviewing room	Dialogue	WAVE
1	0:33 – 0:44	Host	”Some of the topics... discretion is advised”	Use	Interviewing room	Dialogue	WAVE
1	0:44 – 1:00	Host	Repeated lines	Discard	Interviewing room	Dialogue	WAVE
1	1:00 – 1:03	Host	“Now let’s get into it” changed to “Now onto the episode”	Use	Interviewing room	Dialogue	WAVE
1	1:03 – 1:06	Interviewer	Same person as host. First interviewer line	Use	Interviewing room	Dialogue	WAVE
1	1:07 – 1:14	Interviewer	Repeated lines	Discard	Interviewing room	Dialogue	WAVE
1	1:15 – 1:18	Interviewer	”And when and how did you find out about the account”	Use	Interviewing room	Dialogue	WAVE
1	1:20 – 1:23	Interviewer	“Oo what was it that you found…”	Discard	Interviewing room	Dialogue	WAVE
1	1:23 – 1:26	Interviewer	“Oo what was it that you found…”	Use	Interviewing room	Dialogue	WAVE
1	1:28 – 1:45	Interviewer	Thank you for tuning in to…”	Discard	Interviewing room	Dialogue	WAVE
1	1:46 – 1:50	Interviewer	Thank you for tuning in to…”	Use	Interviewing room	Dialogue	WAVE
1	1:50 – 2:03	Interviewer	Thank you for tuning in to…”	Discard	Interviewing room	Dialogue	WAVE
2	2:04 – 2:32	Daniel	His first line	Use	Interviewing room	Dialogue	WAVE
2	2:33 – 2:36	Daniel	His second line	Use	Interviewing room	Dialogue	WAVE
2	2:37 – 2:41	Daniel	First line at the pub after flashback. “CYAMON ENGLAND” changed to “COMEON LADS”	Use	The pub	Dialogue	WAVE
2	2:43 – 2:57	Daniel’s friend	Cheering sound effects. To be layered	Use	The pub	Dialogue	WAVE
2	2:58 – 3:01	Daniel	“Alright an post….”	Use	The pub	Dialogue	WAVE
2	3:03 – 3:11	Daniel	Finds the account “Oi who’s this…”	Use	The pub	Dialogue	WAVE
2	3:12 – 3:14	Daniel’s friend	“What you talking...”	Use	The pub	Dialogue	WAVE
2	3:16 – 3:24	Daniel	Saying what he saw on page – changed a bit	Use	The pub	Dialogue	WAVE
2	3:24 – 3:26	Daniel’s friend	“I mean he ain’t lying”	Use	The pub	Dialogue	WAVE
2	3:27 – 3:30	Daniel	“Nah this is serious”	Use	The pub	Dialogue	WAVE
2	3:31 – 3:36	Daniel’s friend	”Alright then show us the account… what the hell is this”	Use	The pub	Dialogue	WAVE
2	3:37 – 3:39	Daniel	“That’s what I’m tryna tell ya”	Use	The pub	Dialogue	WAVE
2	3:40 – 4:10	Daniel	Talking to interviewer about what he saw	Discard	Interviewing room	Dialogue	WAVE
2	4:11 – 4:37	Daniel	Talking to interviewer about what he saw	Use	Interviewing room	Dialogue	WAVE
2	3:38 – 4:44	Daniel	First line talking to the police man	Use	Police station	Dialogue	WAVE
2	4:46 – 4:52	Daniel	Describing what he saw on the account to the police	Use	Police station	Dialogue	WAVE
2	4:54 – 4:55	Daniel	“No”	Use	Police station	Dialogue	WAVE
2	4:56 – 5:01	Daniel	“No but that’s not the point…”	Use	Police station	Dialogue	WAVE
2	5:01 – 5:04	Daniel	“No I don’t know what his face looks like”	Using “no”	Police station	Dialogue	WAVE
2	5:06 – 5:14	Daniel	“S-s-sorry what?!...”	Use	Police station	Dialogue	WAVE
2	5:15 – 5:18	Daniel	“No but that doesn’t matter because”	Discard	Police station	Dialogue	WAVE
2	5:19 – 5:22	Daniel	“No but that doesn’t matter because”	Use	Police station	Dialogue	WAVE
2	5:23 – 5:25	Daniel	“But what if they don’t respond”	Use	Police station	Dialogue	WAVE
2	5:25 – 5:29	Daniel	“And your job is to…”	Use	Police station	Dialogue	WAVE
2	5:30 – 5:35	Daniel	“A month?!”	Discard	Police station	Dialogue	WAVE
2	5:36 – 5:37	Daniel	“A month?!”	Use	Police station	Dialogue	WAVE
2	5:38 – 6:06	Daniel	“Why do I bother paying my taxes”	Discard	Police station	Dialogue	WAVE
2	6:06 – 6:10	Daniel	“Why do I bother paying my taxes”	Use	Police station	Dialogue	WAVE
3	6:11 – 7:21	Police	First bit of her lines	Discard	Police station	Dialogue	WAVE
3	7:21 – 7:24	Police	“Hello, what would you like to report”	Use	Police station	Dialogue	WAVE
3	7:26 – 7:28	Police	“Right and what do you mean by that”	Use	Police station	Dialogue	WAVE
3	7:28 – 7:32	Police	“And have they physically harmed you in any way”	Use	Police station	Dialogue	WAVE
3	7:32 – 7:35	Police	“Threatened you in any way”	Discard	Police station	Dialogue	WAVE
3	7:35 – 7:37	Police	“Threatened you in any way”	Use	Police station	Dialogue	WAVE
3	7:38 - 7:46	Police	“And has he showed up anywhere near you?”	Discard	Police station	Dialogue	WAVE
3	7:46 – 7:49	Police	“And has he showed up anywhere near you?”	Use	Police station	Dialogue	WAVE
3	7:50 – 8:03	Police	Describing her judgement “unfortunately we wont..” – slight changes	Use	Police station	Dialogue	WAVE
3	8:09 – 8:42	Police	Repeated lines	Discard	Police station	Dialogue	WAVE
3	8:43 – 8:50	Police	“Look mate things like this…”	Discard	Police station	Dialogue	WAVE
3	8:51 - 9:06	Police	“Look mate things like this…”	Use	Police station	Dialogue	WAVE
3	9:08 – 9:34	Police	Repeats	Discard	Police station	Dialogue	WAVE
3	9:34 – 9:44	Police	“You haven’t even reported the account and you’re here…”	Use	Police station	Dialogue	WAVE
3	9:45 – 10:00	Police	Repeats	Discard	Police station	Dialogue	WAVE
3	10:01 – 10:03	Police	“Of course they will, it’s their job”	Use	Police station	Dialogue	WAVE
3	10:05 – 10:06	Police	Repeats	Discard	Police station	Dialogue	WAVE
3	10:12 – 10:25	Police	“Alright how about this”	Use	Police station	Dialogue	WAVE
3	10:27 – 10:30	Police	“Because that’s a crime, and also my wage!”	Use	Police station	Dialogue	WAVE