P5: Be able to record sound elements for use in a podcast

a & c) Setting Up Appropriate Equipment & Following Safe Working Practises

I used a zoom mic for recording my interview and atmospheric sounds. Its a wireless microphone therefore already eliminating loose cables as a tripping hazard. I made sure this had full battery and had spares on hand just incase it ran out. I recorded in a clear area, with and food and drink well away from where the subject and I were conducting the interview meaning there were no dangers of anything being spilt on the zoom mic or my laptop. The only people in the flat was myself an the interviewee so, crowding wasn't an issue in terms of safety. There were fire alarms and exits, incase of emergency however being on the second floor would've increased this risk if anything happened where we would have had to leave the building.

b) Following the Audio Script

Above is my original audio script, I used this when editing together my podcast and mostly kept to the time guide that I had set. However when I wrote this audio script, I forgot to include the sound effects. I added the sound effect into the edit just after the first bit of music played before the interview started. I created a new, updated audio script to go with my final edited piece.

d) Following Production Processes
Before recording my interview, I recorded a test run with room noise and had my subject speak as they would for the interview. Upon playback of the test I was able to decide and alter the levels of input on my microphone, in this case I had to decrease the input levels so the audio wasn't to loud.

When recording for my sound effects (footsteps through a forest) I forgot to take an audio test so unfortunately, the audio was to quiet and you were unable to hear the sound effects. Due to this I and lack of more time, I had to find a similar royalty free sound effect from Youtube.

P6: Learners follow their planned audio script in the production of their podcast

a) Creating an Edit Decision List

Above is my two recordings that I have logged of the main interview and a recording of birds in a forest for atmospheric sound. Below, I have transcribed the interview and highlighted in yellow which parts I will use in the final documentary to create a paper edit.

b) Editing the Recorded Elements into the Podcast

https://vimeo.com/218679292

c) Timeline to Show 4 Sound Elements

P4: Be able to plan the production of a podcast containing a variety of sound elements

Audio Script
This is an initial audio script to roughly plan out my final piece, this will be updated and be more detailed once I have recorded.

Production Schedule

Below is a basic production plan for my radio documentary. I plan to show the list of questions to the interviewee prior to recording so they are able to roughly plan some answers which I think will allow the interview to run more smoothly.

Risk Assessment

I have put together a risk assessment to identify any problems with recording in my flat and in a forest and decided on ways to reduce any risks.

Recce Report

P1: Understanding how Sounds and Elements are used in Media Products

Drive - Opening Scene.

Purpose
The purpose of the music and sound effects in this scene is to create tension and excitement for the audience. It also creates an idea of what the rest of the film might be like in terms of content and style. 

Elements
The scene uses a number of diegetic and non diegetic sounds to create effect. Diegetic sounds make the audience feel deeper in the film, these include police radio, car engines and door slams. Non-diegetic sounds are added for atmospheric purposes like the music, a lot of these sounds were probably added post production although some would've been recorded onset.

Meaning
The mix of sounds in the opening scene of the film enhances the atmosphere and quickly gives the audience an idea of what is going on. For example the police sirens are heard before any policy cars are seen which implies there are some sort of chase and the likelihood is that the first character seen is going to be involved. Some sounds that aren't so prominent but are still there to build up the scene. The opening of the film is set in a city so noises that aren't specifically relevant to what is going gone but are there to build atmosphere.


Adam Buxton Podcast - Louis Theroux

Purpose
There isn't much in terms of sounds in this podcast, however the song at the beginning is primarily there to draw in the audience and set the feel for the podcast. Any other sounds in the program follow this and despite the fairly serious conversation topics, the whole mood stays quite lighthearted and suits the comedic style.

Elements
This podcast contains very few atmospheric sounds and sound effects. One sound effect is a christmas bells sound which is used on a feature of the podcast called 'fact checking santa' which is added when there is a bit of information added in the post production as it wasn't said at the tim of recording. There is a short piece of music about half way through which gives a smooth transition between the break in the interview and the change in conversation subject.

Meaning
At the start of the podcast, you can hear some atmospheric sounds of footsteps on gravel over the host talking, implying that he is walking around. This makes the show feel quite relaxed and can make the audience feel more immersed in the program.

The Archers

Purpose
The sounds heard in this radio programme are there to help the audience understand an imagine and setting for the show and what the characters are doing while talking. For example, at one point you hear pig squeals when a character is talking about treating an animal for wounds. This allows the listener to know that the character is dealing with pigs, without the word actually being said.

Elements
Throughout the episode I listened to, there were primarily atmospheric sounds of birds chirping, giving the suggestion that the characters are outside in a rural area away from busy towns and traffic. The theme tune at the start of the programme, is there to let listeners know what is about to play, it is a well know radio show and most people would know that that theme is for The Archers

Meaning
This is a soap so is meant to be fairly realistic to real life, because of this there are no non natural sounds that might be put in films or something to create some sort of mood. With this the creators rely purely on the tone of the characters voices and any silence or natural sounding effects they can work into the dialogue without sounding too out of place.

P3.2: Idea Development

1. Trying to pursue a career in a band while also in full time education or work.

a) Sound effects - In terms of sound effects, I don't think i will use a lot if any, I will most likely just stick to the atmospheric sounds and use any sound checks of guitars.

b) Atmospheric sounds - I plan to record everything at a gig that they are playing so atmospheric sound will probably consist of the stage being set up with sound check etc in the background.

c) Music - For this I'll most likely use music of the band(s) being interviewed, a lot of it would tie in with the atmospheric sounds.

d) Dialogue/Speech - This will consist of questions and answers about how the interviewees first got into music, how they formed the band etc and how the find balancing it with education and work.

2. Being vegan in 2016. What's it like and why choose that lifestyle?

a) Sound effects - Sound effects will probably tie in with the atmospheric sound and will most likely just be the sound of tea being made or people talking quietly.
b) Atmospheric sounds - For this I will probably use some room noise from a cafe or something similar a sit brings quite a casual feel to the interview.
c) Music - In terms of music, I will probably use some light music such a a short tune on a ukulele or something as I think this would best suit the subject.
d) Dialogue/Speech - Questions will be based around what caused the interviewee to go vegan and how they find it and opinions on modern diets.

3. Becoming a parent 16/17 and raising a child before reaching adulthood.

a) Sound effects - To keep with the subject of the documentary, sound effects will probably include a baby crying or laughing, maybe the rattles of some toys .
b) Atmospheric sounds - Again, this would be too noise from wherever the interview takes place so most likely just in a house, there might be some television or kitchen noise in the background. 
c) Music - The music will probably be something light, maybe something you would hear on a programme or channel aimed at young children.
d) Dialogue/Speech - These questions will vary from how she felt at the beginning to how she has coped with a child and what plans for the future she might have.

4. Breeding and raising horses for a living.

a) Sound effects - These will most likely consist of horse calls, the sound of hoofs on a road, and maybe the sound of stable jobs like sweeping etc.
b) Atmospheric sounds - I would record the natural sounds form around the stable yard so it'll probably be a bit windy and also include some of the noises that i mentioned in the sound effects.
c) Music - I am undecided on what music I would use for this documentary as I'm not really sure what kind of feel it will give.
d) Dialogue/Speech - Questions will consist of how she got into breeding horses and how she feel when she has to sell on a foal that she's worked so hard on raising. I think it'll quite a personal interview and will convey quite a lot of emotions.

P3: Idea Development

1. Trying to pursue a career in a band while also in full time education or work.

2. Being vegan in 2016. What's it like and why choose that lifestyle?

3. Becoming a parent 16/17 and raising a child before reaching adulthood.

4. Breeding and Raising horses for a living.

  

P2: Understand how Sound Elements are Produced for Media Products

Sound Effects

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E0pOLukIB4s

The link above is a video of foley artist David Ian explaining a bit about how he manipulates different objects to create sound effects for programs, films and radio. He shows how he uses two coconut half to create a sound of horses hooves on the road for 'A Christmas Carol, ZEMECKIS 2009'

Atmospheric Sound

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Li6TSwybqjU

This video explains why atmospheric sounds are important for media products, it shows how the foley artist creates sounds for a wildlife documentary.

Music

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zSNcrx3Cd1k

In this video, Peter Jackson explains how the music for The Lord Of The Rings was composed and recorded and what impact it has on the film.

Dialogue/Speech

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ADBT8kp-xC0

This is a 'behind the scenes' video of the voice actors in Shrek recording for the fourth film. You can see the actors interact with each other which when put into the animation will let it run smoother and sound more realistic as I think it helps get more emotion in the dialogue.