LO2: Conventions

I identified that within a script for a radio drama, there was certain conventions which needed to be included. 

I annotated a script from the BBC 4 Radio Drama, The Archers. I looked at all of the features and conventions that this script held, as well as the way that it was laid out and then I used this to base the layout of my own script off. By following the conventions of a BBC Radio Drama script, I knew that this would be industry standard and therefore a perfect example of what to make mine look like. Radio Drama and film scripts are laid out and look similar to one another, the scripts differ to the way that a generic radio script looks due to the way that there is dialogue between characters. 

I have included a title page to my radio drama which includes information such as the name of the programme as well as the episode number and when that episode is going to be aired. The font used in all scripts is courier size 12 which is industry standard and something which I found out during my research. Within the script there is not only dialogue but also information about locations and stage directions. Use of sound effects and music are also written within the script. 

TITLE PAGE

When creating my script, I knew that it would need to have a title page. This is the first page of a script and contains lots of information. This title page tells you the name of the writer, editor and director of both the script and the radio drama if it was to go into production. It also contains when the episode is to be recorded and then broadcast with what week number that is. Other information includes the characters which are within each scene. At the bottom of the title page, it also includes information on what the announcer will say to announce the episode if the script went into production. 

FONT USED

The font which I will use throughout my script is courier as this is industry standard. I will also make sure that this is size 12 as this will allow me to see how long my script is in length compared to others. 

LOCATION INFORMATION

Information on location will be at the beginning of each scene. Where the scene number is, I will also state where and when the scene takes place. There will be information as to whether the scene is internal or external as this would effect the sound when in production, determining what wild sounds would be needed.

DIALOGUE BETWEEN CHARACTERS

The names of the characters are justified to the left of the page, written in capitals and their dialogue is on the right hand side. For each time a new character speaks, the text is written on a new line. This separates the different characters lines. 

MUSIC

There will be music within my script as this is a convention of all radio shows, whether they are radio dramas or not. Within a radio drama, the music included is bedding music. This theme music will create a brand for the radio drama itself and establish the identity of the show. I believe this is an important convention because it is something which is not only heard within radio but also across television and in some cases film. Theme music will not be the only type of music included as within the narrative of the show, there will also be some pop music which will play in order to create the idea that the character is in the car listening to the radio. Music is important during a radio drama as it can determine the mood of the narrative.  

SOUND EFFECTS 

Sound effects are an important part of a radio drama, so within my script, it will be clear where the sound effects are. Along with a list of assets which will be used if my radio show was to go into production, I also included what sounds would be needed on the script. This is not only to let the editor know where these need to be placed but also informs the actors as in some cases it gives information about the place, setting the scene even further. The script will also include information such as which are wild sounds and need to be recorded.