Preliminary Task Evaluation

There were some challenges I found and overcame in the preliminary task. I found the scripting and the recording manageable due to the fact that I had some experience from my GCSE Media course where I had recorded some radio adverts for my coursework. However when doing the task I realised how important it was to choose voices that were appropriate for the character in mind. 

I learned that due to the fact that the audience can only rely on their hearing to get an idea of the clip being played, in order to convey the right message it was imperative that I chose voices which fit the character - I wasn't completely happy with certain representations (such as myself on the jingle and the actor playing Man 2 in the archive clip) and I will take much more time when choosing the actors to play characters in my full task. 





I also learned how to make voices appear as if they are echoing (in my archive clip) which I initially found challenging - I will definitely do this in my full task as I think it sounds quite effective (when I script I will make sure I include parts that will enable me to use this effect). Editing the whole clip was more difficult as I had a clear idea in my mind how I wanted it to sound but I had to go through and listen to various sound effects until I was able to find the right one - this was quite time-consuming, so I will make sure that I find the sound effects and music I want to use for my full task well ahead of my scheduled dates for recording and editing.. 

I used the software Adobe Audition 1.5 which enabled me to appreciate the ways that tracks can be layered, and gave me an insight into how the equipment and software can be used creatively to imply different locations to the listener (such as the location in my archive clip). This has definitely helped me with the planning of my main task, in terms of content, because I know that I will be able to create a range of locations for the outside broadcasts in my news and any adverts I create.



One of the most important things I learned was the significance of compression which helped my clip sound more even and smooth - balancing the volume of each separate sound so that it sounded as authentic as real radio. 





Overall I found the preliminary task very informative and helpful in relation to my upcoming  task, and it has given me some clear ideas about what I can do creatively, and what I need to do in terms of planning.

Preliminary Task

Here is my finished preliminary task, which I recorded and edited yesterday. I decided that I wanted a female presenter, so I chose my friend Gabriella to play Chloe. I read the jingle but for the other voices I just chose whoever was free at the time.

I didn't give too much thought to representation when choosing the actors and as a result i'm not completely happy with some of the voices (I think a male voice for the jingle might have been more conventional and I don't think one of the voices in the archive clip sounds convincing).

I am, however, very happy with the overall sound of the preliminary task and I feel that it sounds authentic - largely due to choosing the right sound effects and appropriate music.

Music and Sound Effects for my Preliminary Task

I have gathered together music and sound effects to use for my jingle and for the extract from the movie that forms my archive clip. The sound effects were gathered from the BBC Sound Effects Library and the music was taken from the royalty-free music CDs in the college's Media Suite.











I am due to be recording and editing tomorrow, so I have saved all of these files on Adobe Audition ready to be mixed and edited once the recording of voices is complete.

Preliminary Task Script

Here is the script for my preliminary task which includes a jingle with frequency and name of the station as well as a slogan, the presenter Chloe introducing her guest (the actor Bob Smith), the actor responding and a clip from the movie he is promoting. 

I will choose actors that are available at the time I have scheduled for recording and will choose my sound effects and music before I edit. 

SCRIPT - SUN FM

Jingle- 99.4 Sun FM, putting the shine back into your day.

Chloe (presenter)- Hi, welcome back. I'm joined by actor Bob Smith. Hi Bob.

Bob- Hey Chloe.

Chloe- You've been working on a new action film about a policeman trying to stop a gang of thieves by killing them off one by one. You played Tony the head of the gang. So tell me Bob what was it like to work on this film?

Bob- I really enjoyed it and loved meeting all the new people. It's a role I've never played before and I was determined to make it work.

Chloe- Wow. Here's a short clip. 

ARCHIVE CLIP

Man 1- How much did we get?

Man 2- About a grand, sorry Tony. 

Man 1- It doesn't matter. we can do better next time (sirens). Quick let's go.

Sounds of car crashing 

Man 1-  Phil ?!?!?! PHIL!

Police- Freeze it's the police , hands up, weapons down.

AS Foundation Production - Brief

For my AS media studies coursework I am going to script, record and edit a five minute extract from a fictional local/community radio station which will centre around a news bulletin. The extract will inclide title music, presenters, specialist reporters, outside broadcasts, interviews, voxpops and a range of sound effects (I may also create some adverts that will target my audience and make it sound more authentic as a local/community radio station). 

I am not sure of what style of radio station I would like to do at the moment so I am going to listen to a range of stations and shows at a variety of times to get some ideas for my project.

While I conduct my research I am going to start planning my preliminary task which needs to include a jingle for the show, a presenter introducing and greeting their guest (who must respond) and an archive clip related to the guest. 

I already have some ideas for my preliminary task, which will revolve around an actor as the guest promoting a new film that is due for release. My intention is that the clip will either be a trailer for the film or a sequence from the film.