Sonic Workshop is a special series designed to listen to audio drama with a more collegial critical ear. A group of experienced audio producers and writers talk about an audio production with aim of helping to improve and support new works. In our inaugural episode we present Star Plot by Jeff Musick. Thanks so much Jeff, for letting us into your playground!
Years ago I went to the new building of CBC in Toronto. A friend of mine had arranged a tour through their branch Radioworks. I got to stump the lady giving the tour with my knowledge of my beloved public broadcaster and I got to drool over their sound stage.
The stage, I fear, is empty as of late. But at the time imagine a huge room with various leveled parts of the ceiling which allowed the actors to stand in different places and provide different echos be it a large hall or a small room. Down one side on a series skateboard like rollers were a series of windows and half doors with latches and chains and a variety of knobs. Off to the side was a working washroom and working kitchen entirely microphoned built only for sound effects. Ranging down at the end outwards like the long tail of an “L” was a hall with various pits. Each pit was filled with different material from gravel, dirty, garbage, and leaves to emulate walking.
It was a audiophile’s paradise. Long have I wanted to create my own perfect sound space.
Well, you may not have space or the money to create a national broadcasting standard sound stage, but with this Do It Yourself Booth you’ll be sounding like the pros in no time!
We’re getting closer and closer to Halloween, a time which happens to be the most favourite for audio drama writers and producers. More horror audio drama hits the airwaves in October than any other time of the year. Tony Palermo has a great page to give helpful hints to the wannabe horror writer of radio. His article, Writing Radio Horror Stories give a series of great references to help turn your blood filled pen cold with fright.
What are you planning to release at Halloween? Are you headed for a Transcontinental Terror?
He may not be the picture here, but Biff Straker of Nova Command is still looking for a few good men and women- actors that is!
As we prepare for the release of Season Zero, of Spaceways for Sonic Society Season 11, EVP is looking for some great, energetic and interesting character voices.
The tone of the revamped Spaceways will be Buck Rogers adventure but Sky Captain and the World of Tomorrow seriousness. The storylines may be fantastic and silly at times, don’t let your characters be. We’re looking for believable auditions so that Biff can be appreciated for all ages!
Here’s some of the roles you can give a try.
1. Rat Man (M): Drag them both back to the Circle… But Captain Bara (BEAR-ra) ! How did you guess that the blaster was not set to kill? … Fool! You heard her. She was ready to surrender to the Council. Do you think she would have dared to kill us knowing how much trouble she’s in already? Do you?!
2. Viking Amazon Centaur Pirate (F): The slave male you asked for, War Chief… Yes, War Chief (STAMPS A SALUTE) … No. I slew her. It’s amazing how easily that can be done and so quickly, she even now breathes her last.
3. Oar Captain on Flying Slave Ship (M): You! Sapiate! (SAY-pee-it) The War Chief will see you above decks. Be quick about it. YOU! SAPIATE! I won’t tell you again! Get above decks!
DETAILS: a. Record on an excellent microphone with great isolated sound quality.
b. Provide your audition on any or all of the above lines. Include more voices or lines of your own.
c. Send audition mp3’s (256K is fine for the audition) to sonicsocietyATgmailDOTcom.
d. Include your full name, best way to get in contact with you and your availability.
Please note that actors who are excellent usually have the following attributes: great voice flexibility and style, great recording capability, flexible schedules for recording and retakes, and fun to work with.
| Jack Ward sits down with the trio from Hounds of Heaven,John Carl Toth, JR Murdock, Russell Gold to chat writing, adaptations, audio acting, music, and collaboration on audio drama! |
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