Evaluation of my Preliminary Task

Having completed my Preliminary Task, I now feel that I have a much better understanding of how to use the Adobe Audition editing software. The software has enabled me to edit and combine different sounds (dialogue, music and sound effects) to make them sound more authentic in terms of location (I have been able to create the authentic sounds of a battlefield, for example, even though each element was recorded in the studio).

The writing of the script will be an important aspect of my radio extract, and I have now learned that I need to put more research into this element - I am not completely happy with the tone and delivery of the dialogue and I will do plenty of listening to get this as authentic as possible ahead of my full extract.

In addition to the perfect script, it is crucial to pick people most suitable for the representations I want in my radio extract. For my Preliminary Task I picked four people who were accessible to me at the time rather than choosing them carefully in terms of representation. From this I have learned that in order to make my radio to sound more authentic, I need to put more thought into who is in my extract and which roles they play. I also need to listen to more radio in order to get a greater understanding of how all elements of my radio show should sound.

A good example of what the software enabled me achieve is how to layer tracks. An example of this is below, where I layer war tone backing music and sound effects with the dialogue. The second feature I have learned is the editing of the mistakes from my dialogue.

 Below is a clip of unedited dialogue from my Preliminary Task.



Below is a clip from my Preliminary Task where I have mixed the edited dialogue and music and sound effects.



By completing my Preliminary Task it has given me an idea of what can be achieved in my main task with the software. I have learned how to apply and edit features to multiple layers making them more authentic.

Finished Preliminary Task

I recorded and edited my final Preliminary task yesterday, here is what it sounds like.

Sound Effects in my Preliminary Task

As part of my Preliminary Task I am including an extract from an imaginary action thriller as my archive clip. The scene will take place in the middle of a battle, and in order for it so sound realistic I will include sound effects such as explosions.

I have taken the following tracks from the BBC Sound Effects Library in my college's Media Suite. You can listen to them below.

Explosion FX


Whistle & Bang FX


This is the film music I used in my Preliminary Task. 
For the background music I have taken a 30 second cut of the intro. The music I have used contains different variations and running times. I have chosen this type of music as it fits the drama genre as it is sentimental and heroic.

Preliminary Task - Script

Below is the script of my Preliminary Task. Writing the script has given me an idea about the importance of researching real radio stations more carefully before I write my full extract - I did very little research into existing radio for this task and therefore found it tricky to come up with a suitable jingle and to get the tone right. As I want my full extract to sound as authentic as possible and because my full extract will be much longer, the research will be vital.

I hope that by carrying out the recording and editing for this task it will help me understand how to use the recording equipment and how to edit/mix using the software, which will be essential when I come to do my real radio extract. My Preliminary Task includes a jingle, news presenter, guest, and an extract from an archive clip featuring the guest.

Script for TopGoss FM

JINGLE: The celebrity scandals you want, when you want them. Only on TopGoss 101.2 FM.

Show Presenter - Kim Starr:

Hi guys, you're back with Kim on TopGoss 101.2 FM.

We are lucky enough to have with us today, the superstar from the new action packed thriller 'Hero'... David Owen.
Hi David!

David: 
Hi Kim, thanks for having me on the show.

Kim Starr:
So from what we know here on TopGoss the premier is this Wednesday in London's Leicester Square. We have also heard a rumour that viewers will be seeing you perform your own stunts for the first time. From what I can see you've done a lot of training. Did it take up a lot of your time?

David: 
Well Kim, from what I am allowed to say, the whole experience of learning and performing my own stunts has been amazing. At first it was hard getting used to all the training the movie required, but by the the end of it I can honestly say I have enjoyed every minute of the making of 'Hero' and I hope the viewers will enjoy it as much as I have.

Kim Starr:
'Hero', out on Wednesday. Let's take a listen to an exclusive clip from the upcoming movie.

ARCHIVE CLIP:

Soldier:

Sergeant.... No!!!

You're gonna kill yourself!!

Sergeant:

Look after the rest of the men Soldier, its been a pleasure fighting with you .

Soldier:
No!!
We have time, we can get to the base in time.
(Explosions)

Radio Task Brief

In my AS media blog I will be creating a five minute extract from an imaginary local radio station. I am going to script, record and edit the extract which will include a news bulletin, adverts, jingles and possibly a guest.

In addition to my extract I will also be creating my Preliminary Task, which will include a Jingle, presenter introducing a guest, the guest responding and a clip featuring the guest.

I will being posting all of my research and planning on this blog, starting with my script for my Preliminary task.