Audio Program Script

Task 035a Scripting

The plan for an audio program is called a Script. It is a written description of the contents of the program. As a rule of thumb, one full page of dialog usually equals three (3) minutes of program.

Since the parts of a program can be pre-recorded, the script is the essential document which determines what needs to be recorded and serves as the guide to the production of the final product. The script also details the order of the pre-recorded segments, and guides the final editing/mixing process which sequences the content into the correct order.

An audio programming script is composed of Segments.

Segment 1 is the Generic Opening. It should make no reference to the specific program contained in Segment 2. In the example below, the Generic Opening is for a program series called Pirate Poetry. Segment 1 introduces the Program (Pirate Poetry) but makes no mention of the specific program to follow.

Segment 2 is the specific program for this episode. The episode is introduced and presented. In our example, Halloween is the theme for this episode and Skeleton Parade is the specific poem for this program.

Segment 3 is the Generic Closing. It thanks the audience for listening and urges them to tune in next time. In purest form, no mention is made of the specific program just concluded.

Segments 1 and 3 are called the 'bookends'. Then can be recorded once, and then mixed into all other programs that are produced in the series.

Each segment contains a detailed description of the Elements to be recorded. The main elements are Narration/Dialog, Music, and Sound Effects.

Narration/Dialog is described in terms of lines, indicating what each narrator/performer is to say and when.

Music is described in terms of length and name of piece, or source of recording. The script also indicates whether the music is a separate element (that is, inserted into the program sequence) or part of a voice-over-music mix (that is, plays along with narration and/or sound effects)

Sound effects are described in operational terms. The script also indicates whether the sound effects are a separate element (that is, inserted into the program sequence) or part of a voice-over-SFX mix (that is, plays along with narration and/or music)

By way of illustration, a sample script is shown below.

Audio Program Midterm: Laura Carter, Jenny McClintock

Pirate Poetry Script

Segment 1

Music 1:      Pirates of the Caribbean theme song (5 sec, then fade under pirate)

Pirate:         Ahoy matey, it be time for da Pirate Poetry. We got a bonney lass here wit us to be reading da poem,
Matilda

Music 1:      Pirates of the Carribean theme song (fade to SFX 1)

Segment 2:

SFX 1:        (Applause)

Music 2:      Halloween sounds (fade in and under Matilda)

Pirate:          (in a spooky voice)
Today we be a readin a mighty fine poem bout Halloween.
Arg, ya know it be da pirates’ favorite holiday.

Matilda:       Why thank you, here’s a poem called the Skeleton Parade by Jack Prelusky

The skeletons are out tonight,
they march about the street,
With bony bodies, bony heads
and bony hands and feet.
Bony bony bony bones
with nothing in between,
Up and down and all around
they march on Halloween.

Music 2:      Halloween sounds (fade out and into music 1)

Segment 3

Music 1:      Pirates of the Caribbean theme song (fade to pirate, continue under)

Pirate:         Aye, I’d be a scallywag not te like that ‘en Aye matey, we be out o time. Until next week’s pillage and plunder stay clear o Davy Jones

Music 1:      Pirates of the Caribbean theme song (fade up to end)

Click Script to download this script
Click Podcast to listen to this script.

Assignment: Write a Script that fulfills the task specifications.

Task specifications:
Three (3) segments - Generic Opening, Specific Program, Generic Closing.
Three (3) elements in each segment - narration/dialog, music, and special effects.
At least one segment must contain a voice-over-music mix.