I still need to add some sound effects but this is what I have for now, enjoy!
Rough Draft
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Monthly Archives: April 2023
Workshops: Discussion Episodes Rough Cuts
As you listen to to your group members’ rough cuts, consider the following questions–and be ready to talk about them during Tuesday’s Zoom workshop:
1. Is the episode topic focused? Could it use sharpening?
2. How would you fill in for X and Y in a story sentence: “This is a story about X, and it’s interesting because Y.”
3. How would you describe the episode’s structure–or arc? Does the arc contain any smaller arcs within it?
4. How might the episodes be edited to improve the structure?
5. How is the sound quality? Are the voices clear and free of echo? Is the volume of each voice consistent with the others? Would you suggest any production techniques for improving the sound?
6. How is the editing throughout the episode? Does the editing propel the story? Are transitions handled well? Do you have suggestions for polishing?
the realiTEA sesh
Rough Cut – Alessia Pisicchio
Hi all, so this is what I have so far for my cut, I have a background song of taylors in the background in the beginning three minutes and am wondering if it is a good idea or if i should put in more subtle music? I also plan on editing in concert sounds towards the end and a proper conclusion. Also around 6:47- 7:54 , I understand there is a long pause. but i am working on cutting it out and just need to figure out how to do it because my computer was not allowing me to. Thanks!
https://soundcloud.com/alessia-pisicchio05/podcast-marisa-mixdown?si=96a4aff9b3c7421e8678f3347ab2ed6b&utm_source=clipboard&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=social_sharing
Today’s Workshop
As a class:
- Write for five minutes about any useful advice you found in either of the chapters we read for today.
- We’ll listen to a few of your example moments from the assigned Micropolis episodes.
In your groups:
- Touch base about where you are with your episode. What audio have you collected? What do you still need?
- Take a step back and consider what you have in relation to your story question: “I’m telling a story about X, and it’s interesting because Y.” Are you being specific enough with X and Y? How can you get more particular, more concrete, more human? Does your sentence make it clear what’s at stake–for whoever the episode is about and for the listener? (See examples below for guidance.)
- Discuss the bulleted list of questions on pp. 184 & 106 of The NPR Podcast Startup Guide.
- Now, return to your sound. Consider the advice we discussed from the chapters, along with editing techniques from various podcasts. What can you do with editing to advance your story in lively ways? How will you edit for STRUCTURE, and what techniques will you use for PARTICULAR MOMENTS OR SEGMENTS?
Strong Story Sentences
“I’m telling a story about the drama on real housewives of New Jersey. It’s interesting because my guest and I dig into the ways the show is produced to compel the characters to create drama, therefore reinforcing gender stereotypes.”
“I’m telling a story about whether or not Michael Jackson should be canceled. It’s interesting because people have such divergent views on whether or not artists’ personal behavior can be separated from the art they create.”
“I’m telling a story about the daycare center at Queens College. It’s interesting because it reveals the complex–and fascinating–lives of college students who are also parents.”
Weak–Too General–Story Sentences
“I’m telling a story about the real housewives. It’s interesting because so many people watch it.”
“I’m telling a story about Michael Jackson’s career. It’s interesting because he is controversial.”
“I’m telling a story about the daycare center at Queens College. It’s interesting because not a lot of people know about it.”
For Class Thursday, April 20
1. Read the NPR Startup Guide Chapter (12) on “Shaping the Story” and the Out on the Wire Chapter “Keep or Kill” (on editing for story). Choose a piece of advice from each that you find useful.
2. Listen to the assigned episode Micropolis. Come in with notes and time stamps for moments when the editing propels the story.
3. Bring in a new draft of your “story sentence”: “I’m telling a story about X. It’s interesting because Y.” Be as specific as possibles with a target audience in mind.
4. Bring any and all audio you have for your next episode. We’ll do a workshop on story shape and editing.
Let me know if you have questions. I look forward to seeing you and hearing about your episodes.
Tuesday’s Class–April 4
For class on Tuesday, prepare the following:
—A moment from “TV Theme Songs” you find interesting for its editing or sound design (with time stamp)
—A moment from one of the Micropolis episodes you find interesting for its editing or sound design (with time stamp)
—Two different drafts of “story sentences” (see calendar)
—With the “Collecting Audio Like a Pro” chapter in mind, think like an editor. Make a list of audio you hope to collect for your episode—guests talking about particular topics; music or sound effects; rapport between hosts; transitions; ambient sound; or whatever else comes to mind.
