Week 13: Short-Format Online Video

Today we checked out some great online video at Channel 101NY (formerly Channel 102). We discussed techniques for cramming an entire show's worth of story and character development into just five minutes — not an easy job! Yet these episodes manage to deliver a complete story infused with struggle, rising tension, and resolution.

Remember also that pilot episodes have a special job to do, on top of delivering a story: they introduce the viewer to your story universe. The audience will be meeting your characters for the first time, so every action and every line of dialogue should really express who they are.

The shows we watched were:

• Puppet Rapist Episodes 1 and 2
• 28 Day Slater Episode 1
• Defenders of Stan Episode 1

I strongly recommend that you check out the Channel 101NY home page and also Channel 101 and watch this month's winners; Majestic Dragon and Stop It have been favorites in my other classes. Also take a look in the archives of both sites; all past shows are stored there. Two of my favorites are Yacht Rock and House of Cosbys.

If you know of other shows that people should watch, feel free to post a comment to today's class blog entry with your recommendations!

HOMEWORK:
Write the script for the pilot episode of an original online series. Your episode should be 5 minutes (10-page script, format same as sitcom). Remember to proofread on paper, not on the screen! We'll workshop the scripts next week, so they don't have to be perfect, but they must be complete (beginning, middle and end). I will collect this version along with the final version later.

Week 11: No Class

Hi folks,

I'm out sick today (allergy attack, no voice!) so please hang on to your radio homework until next week.

See you next Monday,
Marie

Week 10: Radio Drama

*Announcement: The Writing Lab is closed April 14-18 during the BEA/NAB conference.

Today we'll workshop the Radio Essays in small groups. Everyone will get a chance to read, and the listeners will fill out Reader Feedback Sheets to help the writer identify strengths and problems with clarity or emotional impact.

We'll also talk about how sound effects and dialogue add new information and greater emotional interest by drawing the listener in closer to the story. In order to maximize the effects of sound effects and dialogue, it's important to make wise decisions about when/where to use them: they should be designed to give "weight" to moments of drama and emotional significance (including humor), and should not simply repeat information that the narrator has already given.

This week, you'll turn your Radio Essay into a Radio Drama by adding sound effects and dialogue. The format example is in the sidebar (Radio Drama Format).

PLEASE NOTE: If you were absent today or did not have your Radio Essay script with you, you MUST download the Reader Feedback sheet, get together with someone and get your script workshopped, or else your Radio Drama assignment will be considered incomplete.

HOMEWORK:

1. Render at least half your script as dialogue.
2. Add at least 3 sound effects.
3. Follow the format example; use 12-point font and double space.
4. Remember that SFX and dialogue bring the listener closer in to the story — so use them at key emotional points and moments you want to "weight". Also avoid writing dialogue that simply repeats what the narrator has already said; dialogue should add new interest and new information about the story.
5. Read your work out loud at a reasonable radio pace and make sure it times out to 2 minutes.
6. Turn in 3 things: today's Radio Essay, the Reader Feedback Sheet, and the final Radio Drama.
   

Week 9: Radio Essays

Today I handed back the sitcom scripts, which were FANTASTIC — everyone did a great job with story structure, character and dialogue. The scripts were funny and engaging and a joy to read . . .

. . . except for those recurring mechanics and formatting issues that we're not quite on top of.

So here's the plan: Everyone who got their script back today has 1 week to incorporate my corrections, fix ALL of the mechanics and format problems, and give me both versions next week (the one I handed back today, and the fixed one). I won't take any of those papers after next Monday except in the case of an excused absence.

If you turned your script in today, or are getting it to me by arrangement, I'll grade it and return it next Monday. You'll have 1 week from then to do the fixing.

If you were absent today, please pick up your graded script in the BECA Office. You also have 1 week to do the "fixing" — due next Monday, no exceptions.

We also started on the Radio Essay assignment. I read a few examples from the NPR Story Project; you can listen to some more examples here.

HOMEWORK:
Write a 2-minute radio essay about a personal experience; see Radio Essay Assignment Sheet in sidebar (downloadable). Due next week in class.