Radio Quiz Format: Final Piece

Below is the final piece of our radio quiz format. This version includes the branding as we felt that it was very effectyive in making the piece sound ,more like a radio format. We still possess the non-branded version which we will keep for sales opportunities.

http://vimeo.com/17776679

Formats: Evaluation

Looking over the previous posts, I have been exploring ways in which a format can be successful in the productive world. These areas included how a format can sell successively, what ingredients need to be included in these specific formats, and how they can appeal to our target audiences. Different formats are created for different purposes. In terms of how we can make our created formats appeal to audiences, it was evident that there needed to be some form of research as well as some form of planning. These enabled solid ideas as well as tests to see if these ideas are feasible. Feasible in terms of if they can be attempted, and if they fit other financial areas which wasn`t supposed to be the issue until the idea was solid.

After researching successful formats such as Deal or No Deal, Million Pound Drop, Never Mind the Buzz cocks, and The Weakest link, it was easy to identify that they all had the same ingredients that is needed in any format to make it successful. These ingredients were explored in the analysis of Deal or No Deal when I mentioned recipe`s such as formats having a repeatable concept, an easy to follow concept, the notion of transferability, a hook and a play-along-ability factor. After evaluating the necessity of these ingredients being involves in the recipe of our formats, we began planning to create ideas which corresponded to these features.

Looking at the T.V quiz show format that was created by my group, I can conclude that it consists of all the ingredients that are needed in a format. The process was one that was carefully thought about so that when recorded, there will be less issues to be concerned about.

Some problems that occurred during the production were basic problems such as the chromo key when we had to maintain the lack of blue due to the need to include additional graphical background in our show. This issue was solved relatively easily as we made sure that none of our contestants as well as our producer wore blue.

As a gallery sound conductor, I had a few issues regarding retrieving sounds from inputs. My first disruption occurred on our third rehearsal. Two of the tie microphones for contestant three and one didn`t retrieve any sound. At this point, I had to figure out whether it was the tie clip mics that wasn`t working, or if the XLR cables selected wasn`t working properly. After several tests, our studio sound operator still said she couldn`t hear any sound. Other attempts to solve problem such as plugging the XLR Cables into different sockets still didn`t resolve issue. So I decided to change the XLR cables. This fortunately was the problem.  I noticed that being a sound conductor took time to set up, therefore I decided to quicken things up by asking our sound operator to assist by testing the sound levels as they were set up.

My Ability to work within a team is excellent because I am very understanding and respectful of all decisions made within the team. Some of my contribution came from researching questions and pitching ideas during the creation and editing process of our show.

On the other hand my radio quiz format required working in a smaller group which meant that it would be easier to co-ordinate as a team. There were three roles that were to be filled. These roles were, the presenter/host, the editor, and the producer. It was very easy to decide which roles we wanted as we looked at our strengths in certain areas. I thought that I was capable of being a presenter because I enjoyed interacting with people.

Some of the problems we encountered came from the planning process. We didn’t feel that our first title “beginners luck”, matched the style of activities we would be putting our contestants through. For this reason we had to discuss what would be suitable for the title of the quiz show. The title was solved as we noticed that each round involves “naming”, and then a group member suggested the name “Name that…” with continuity to create the emphasis of the contestants naming something.

As a presenter, there were always issues regarding finding the suitable lines and words to include in the script, in order to address the contestants in the ideal manner. These involved long processes of repetition of the script and deletion as well as replacement of words that I didn’t think would appeal to my contestants as well as listeners. One observation I noticed was that radio quiz format is quite similar to T.V quiz format, with the major and obvious difference being the use of video in T.V. Radio, however, i believe is as effective as broadcast T.V because you can create a more relaxed environment and build a better relationship with contestants and audiences.

During our first record of the radio quiz, we were recording without the limiters on, which meant that the sound levels were all over the place and at some point; it was hitting the red sections of the scale. We didn’t notice this until our third attempt at recording. A way of resolving this issue was by setting the limiter on an ensuring that everyone wasn’t sitting too close to the mics.

The aim of looking at examples of formats was to familiarize ourselves with the idea of formats, in terms of how these quiz shows are constructed and what makes them successful. Some of the ones which stood out to me were Deal or no Deal, Million Pound Drop and The Weakest link, in terms of T.V Quiz formats, and “Just a minute” for radio quiz formats. Prize and Prejudice is a format that incorporated the ingredients visible in these T.V shows, especially The Weakest Link which was one of our major Influences.

In addition, I can conclude that both radio and T.V quiz formats have been a good experience, and I have learnt from both areas, the strengths, significance and effectiveness of quiz formats. From the situations and problems I have experienced, I have found ways to overcome them, even when it involved teamwork. I can now say that I have progressively matured into the world of Formats and I now have a decent knowledge of the ingredients that makes a successful format.

Name that…: Editing

The editing was done by Matt and Alton, as Alton was the editor, and Matt was good at editing. I had faith in both of them to organise the sound well, and cut out parts that weren’t needed. From reading the editing post on Matt’s blog, I can sum up the fact that the stages that were taken to formulate the radio piece were carefully thought before commence.

The distortions, hissing/buzzing/popping was removed in order to make conversation clearer, even though they weren’t too noticeable. There was also two minutes removed from the radio piece in order to meet the rules of the criteria which was a 5-7 minutes radio clip.

The software that we used to edit was Adobe Audition which we were taught how to use in workshops. Adobe audition is a sound software that enables the conversion of sound into ‘wav’ files, and enables us to edit parts of sound such as trimming parts of it to get rid of unwanted parts, reduce the wave levels at several points, add backing tracks, etc. The sound editing tool was very useful as it was basic and it was what was required for us to use.

Furthermore, the sound levels in our radio piece were adjusted by Matt because we felt that they were unbalanced at some sections which made the piece sound un-natural. They were adjusted however through normalizing. Matt then passed the radio piece to Alton who added the background music which will feature during my dialogue with contestants and listeners. The branding at the beginning “live radio 86.9 FM” was kept as it made the piece sound original and like a radio show, however there is a version that doesn’t include the branding in case there is a chance of selling our radio format. Overall, the editing process went well, and I also listened to the final piece a number of times to check if there were any other parts to amend.

Pictures from record day:

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

Name That… (Final Record Day)

Our Final Recording:

On the final day of recording our radio quiz formats, we were all prepared and we had our contestants set for the challenges. A way of getting them comfortable was by speaking to them and getting to know all about them. The reason I this is because it would benefit me when I started the show. The most important thing for a radio presenter is to build a relationship with contestants and his listeners. The relationship I have with my guests will reflect on the relationship I have with the listeners as they will know all about them and relate to them.

Getting everything set:

Before we started, I read the script over again and again to familiarize myself with what I will be addressing to my contestants and the listeners. By repeating the script over and over again, I became more fluent in my speech. Our producer then checked the system to make sure that all our sounds were working.  Everything was set in order and we weren’t hoping for any mistakes or disruption.

Meet the contestants:

Our contestants were Rochielle and Kojo. Rochielle is a friend of ours already as we have worked with her on numerous class projects, so it was easy to relate to her, and it was easy for her to be relaxed on our radio quiz show. However, Matt and I had only met Kojo for the first time which meant that we had to welcome him and make him feel very comfortable in the studio as this was his first time. He seemed very enthusiastic to be on the radio show and we were glad to have him. The initial idea of a Male and a female being on the show creates the appeal to both genders. It was important that both contestants also got along with each other as this would benefit the fluidity of the show, making it less competitive more entertaining.

Recording begins:

After our first attempt we felt that it went well, but we could do better. Therefore we decided to go for more attempts. One of the issues we faced was, having to repeat some of the sounds again that were played in the previous attempts. Luckily, we had enough to carry us through our last two attempts.

Another issue was that Paul, our sound tutor had noticed that the sound levels were all over the place. He decided to come and check on us and warn us about this. This was eventually solved as we turner on the limiter to standardize the sound at a certain level.

Opinion after recording:

After recording our radio show, I felt that we did really well because we didn’t have major technical difficulties and we were able to produce a good radio piece within the specified time. The feedback we got for the contestants was that they enjoyed themselves. We could only pick one winner, which was Rochielle who won in the most attempts. The next step now was to edit the final piece. Overall, it was a wonderful experience.

Radio: Research

Why does Radio fascinate me?

Radio enables the human brain to capture a sense of imagination beyond a level that can almost be incomparable to reality. We can escape into this fantasy generated by our minds, and creating the belief of its existence in our reality. Unlike T.V, which gives you a visual representation or rather, a creation, radio can set any background, feeling or thoughts in our minds enabling us to imagine what we would expect these described visuals to be in reality. It enables us to experiment with our creativity.

The Archers is set in the fictional village of Ambridge in the fictional county of Borsetshire, in the real English Midlands. This radio show fascinates me because it enable me to use my imagination creatively, painting a picture in my head how the settings and the characters look like. Therefore, every listener has a different imagery nad perception of the Archers, which is solely based on the family.

 

Another Radio show which I found interesting was ‘Just a minute’.  Just a minute is chaired by the grandaddy of all panel games, Nicholas Parsons, and is a BBC radio 4 panel game. The game show is all about panelists speaking about a subject they are given and doing it under a minute without hesitation, repetition and deviation. The show to me, is a great success because it is ridiculously easy to follow, the hook is the time limit, it is repeatable, and listeners can play along as they can hear the subjects given by Nicholas Parsons to the contestants, they can therefore attempt to tackle that subject under the time given.

Another aspect that makes a successful radio show is the reputation given to the radio show due to the amount of listeners, and the target audience. This radio show inspired me in many aspects to make a good radio show as it taught me the importance of engaging with contestants. Therefore as a presenter, the more I engage with contestants, the more the listeners are engaged in the radio show.

 

 

 

 

‘Name that…’ : Analysis

Name that was one which I believed was successful in many aspects of the expectations of radio formats. Using the various features involved in ingredients of a successful format, I will analyse the various aspects that make my radio show a successful one.

Easy to pick up and follow: The radio show, says exactly what its name suggests.  The game involves listening to sounds, music, clues and trying to figure out who it is, where it is, or what it is depending on the type of round.
A hook – reason to watch: The hook again, is the title, as well as the prize to be won. There will always be a reward for winners which keeps listeners involved in the show as they will want to know what prizes are up for grab in the next episodes. The contestants also represent the hook of the show as they are anonymous until they appear on the show.
Play –a-long ability: The play-alongability aspect works with the show because, in every successful quiz show, listeners would feel the need to participate rather than just listen. The games we have for each round involves listening and responding, therefore listeners can participate because all they have to do is listen and then respond.
Branding – distinctive music/set/theme: The distinctive musc is played in the background to enhance the flow of the conversation between the presenter and the contesants and the listeners. An instrumental is played to give a soft calm vibe so that audiences can enjoy the mood and be kept intesrested in what the conversation is all about.
Repeatable (again and again and again): The show is definately repeatable because we get new contestants coming in and battling it out for another ‘money can’t buy prize’. The concept in each round can be changed, such as the celebrities used in ‘name the person’, the locations used in ‘name the scene’, and the sound tracks used in ‘name that song’. The titl eof the rounds will stay the same.
Competition – for drama or fun: The target audience is families so there isn’t any specific age group, for this reason, the rounds have been made to be fun rather than extremely competitive. A character/s (presenter or contributor). It is dramatic in a sense because points have to be added up by the judge to decide the winner, and in some sense is heart-breaking for contestant who was unfortunate.
Transferability: The transferability aspect of this radio show has to do with if the concept can be played on a T.V show, can be included online, or can be sold as card games etc. In terms of Televison, the format can be transferred to televison because all it takes is for the show to be visual with a studio audience.  It can be transferred online as sounds can be saved as clips for gamers to listen to and attempt to ‘name’.
Progress Analysis:

My group has progressed to be being committed and critical in terms of what we want to feature in our radio show and what we want to get rid of. I this that is important because it shows that we are thinking of the format in a professional manner as to how we would present it if we was to sell it to a company. After numerous amounts of rehearsals, I replaced several aspects of the script in order to fit my preferred speech when I address my listeners as well as my contestants. Matt’s job as the producer enables me to be more relaxed in my role as he provides all the technical demands we need for our quiz show to progress. Alton on the other hand has a role of keeping the scores which enables the presenter to think of his next words as I plan to address the contestants befor the next round, or at the end of the rounds. The roles have strengthened our relationship as a group as we blend well into these roles to produce our format in the most appropriate manner.

The Final Script/ Running order

Below is the final script that we are using for the final record. As a presenter the whole purpose of the script is the guide me through what I’ll say to the contestants and this script has been constructed in that form as it contains speech that I would say in my comfort zone. Being comfortable is very important because it means I don’t fumble my words.  Anyways there’s the script that we have decided to use.

Hello…and…

Welcome to another episode of Name that….. Where the aim of the game is to name. I’m your host Tayo Daramola. We have two guests here today battling it out for our star prise a remote control car.
and here in the studio with me is Alton white, who will be monitoring the scores.

Soo.. lets meet our contestants..

Contestant no one who are you and where do you come from.
(Address contestants)

and now..we will begin with…

Round 1 Name that scene. The scene will be made up of three single sounds these sounds will make a scene. Get the correct answer with the first sound you will get 3 points. Get it with 2 sounds you get 2 points and after all 3 clues you get one point.

(Address contestants)…. You got that lets play name that scene.

Below is a list of the different scenes we will use in this round:

• Restaurant (cutlery banging, wine glass being filled, chatter)
• Rain Forest (rain, birds, crickets)
• Speed Boat (ignition, engine,waves)
• Train Station (commuters, train going past, announcements)
• Office (phone ringing, typing, chatter)

Round 2: name the person I will use three clues to describe a famous person. Again get it in 1 you get 3 points, 2, 2points and 3, 1point.
(Address contestants)….. All understood and ready to play? Lets play name that person.

Cheryl Cole

• Singer born in Newcastle upon Tyne

• Middle name Ann

Bruce Forsyth

• Born in 22 February 1928 he is a comedian and entertainer

• Famous for his hosting role on shows such as Play your cards right and the price is right

Gordon Ramsey

• Celebrity chef.

• One played football for Scottish side rangers.

Katy Perry

• Singer real name Katheryn Elizabeth Hudson

• Married to a television personality

David Beckham

• England international footballer Born 2 May 1975

• Champions league winner in 1999

Arnold Schwarzenegger

• 38th governor of California

• Austrian born muscle man

Beyoncé

• American female singer born september 4, 1981

• Her surname is Knowles

Paddy McGuiness

• Lancashire born comedian

• Has had many TV appearances alongside peter Kay

Alton:  So far we have contestant number one in the lead with 12 points and contestant two with 8 points.

• So contestant number one how do you feel about that round.. do you think you have what it takes to turn the scores around?

• contestant no two, are you gonna try to hold on, or do you think you have what it takes to finish the game off?

Round 3 is the final and hardest round. Name that song. Two songs will be overlapped, identify one element of either song you will get 1 point. Name the title and artist of both to get a maximum of 4 points.

(Address contestants) ……. Ok then lets play our final round.
Thats the end of the game…so Alton would you like to announce our winner? our winner is, drum roll please ……..
(announce winner)
(talk to winner how they feel……)

CONGRATULATIONS …….you have won a 4fwd remote control car.

So how do you feel about today’s victory?
And that unfortunately is the end of the show, tune in next week for another episode of name that where two new contestants will battle it out for another money can’t buy prize!! I’m your host Tayo Daramola and goodbye for now.

RUNNING ORDER:

Here is our running order which shows the stages and steps that will be taken by the team during the making of our show. It is a guide line to the time which we have to stick with in order to maintain the rules of the criteria.

Key: SFX = Sound effects Cont = Contestant

Item	Studio	Time (Total)
Intro	Intro Music + Host	0:30 (0:30)
Guest Intro	Host + Cont 1&2	0:20 (0:50)
Round 1 Intro	Host	0:20 (1:10)
Round 1	Host + Cont 1&2 + SFX	1:10 (2:20)
Round 1 Scores	Producer	0:10 (2:30)
Round 2 Intro	Host	0:15 (2:45)
Round 2	Host + Cont 1&2 + Voice Clips	1:15 (4:00)
Round 2 Scores and Comment	Producer + Host + Cont 1&2	0:40 (4:40)
Round 3 Intro	Host	0:20 (5:00)
Round 3	Host + Cont 1&2 + Music	0:35 (5:35)
Round 3 Scores	Producer	0:10 (5:45)
Winner Announced	Host + Producer	0:20 (6:05)
Talk to winner	Host + Cont 1or2	0:15 (6:20)
Sign off and Outro	Host + Outro Music	0:20 (6:40)

Name that: Summary

The Radio show Name That, is a show that is all about naming. During the show, our contestants will be put through several challenges. The First challenge is “Name that Scene”. ‘Name that scene’ is all about our contestants listening skills. Three sound make a Scene, and each sound ould be played to the contestant, and the task is , they have to try to figure out what Scene/location the sound comes from. The complicated aspect of this round is that contestants have to guess the location after hearing the first sound in order to get a maximum of 3 points. However, if they fail to get the scene after the first sound, the next sound within that scene will be played to make the scene easy to identify. They get 2 points after the second sound has been used to help them, and after all three clues have been played, they only get one point if they identify location and no points if they fail to identify location. However, before this round, the presenter, I, would introduce the show as well as introduce Alton to keep a record of the scores and then, the contestants will be introduced. Due to our target audience being families, we aim to make the quiz show a bit more relaxing and a play-along quiz for everyone as well as limiting the strength of our quizzes to make them playable by all ages.

The Second Round within the radio quiz show is called, “Name that Person”. This game involves knowledge. There will be a description of a famous person made by the presenter, and again they have to guess the name within the first clue to get the maximum of 3 points. After the second clue has been played, the third clue involves a sound which is a phrase said by this famous name, however, they can only get a maximum of one point if they get the answer right after this sound clip. I think this round works well because our theme of having to name” is prominent in the round as they have to name the famous person they have been given a clue about.

Furthermore, Round three, the final round usually works as the most competitive round and this round aims to create that competitiveness between our contestants. The round is similar to round one as contestant’s listening skills are important, however the difference is that it’s about music tracks being overlapped. Contestants have to name the songs being played as well as the artists involved within the tracks. Whoever is able to identify the required gets a maximum of 4 points.

Moreover, the progress of the show has been up to the standard we want it to be at, and we’re hoping for the best when it comes to the final piece. Radio has been a fantastic experience and relating my experience to professional standard, I believe working in a team has enabled me to get a feeling of what radio is all about, which is teamwork, but most especially, the aspect of presenting. The Prize for the contestant who wins is a remote control car. The remote control car is a prize that is feasible within our student budget. We had to give away prizes that we were capable of buying, not something imaginary. This was done in order to put us in real life position whereby we have been successful with our radio show and have to give prizes to contestants who win quizzes on the show. Overall, as a group, we have enjoyed or are enjoying the experience of creating a radio quiz show, because we are all learing various aspects of radio, which is preparing me especially for any opportunities I may get in a radio company in the future.

Name that… :Studio Practice

Third Rehearsals

Today went successful eventually after some technical difficulties with one of the monitors. Eventually, we were able to get help and resolve issue. However, in terms of our progress today, I would say that we are satisfied with our sounds after testing them today and seeing if they fit in with the game. Aton got some sound to do with several locations for round one of our game quiz.

Furthermore, I got into my role immediately, as I repeatedly said out the script so that I can familiarise myself with contestants. I would say that the role is becoming more and more comfortable for me and I am hoping to improve. I do not intend to change anything within the script but I do intend to add more to areas which I do not feel connects with the contestants.

Moreover, research for facts about celebrities was discussed amongst us as we need them for round two. This round consists of famous phrases spoken by these famous people, and the aim of this game, is to name the famous person who said the phrase played by us. As for suggestions, I have taught about people such as Arnold Schwarzenegger, Martin Luther king, Paddy McGuire (no likey no lightie), Beyonce, Bruce Forsythe.

These famous phrases will be included in our sound playlist and will be tested before confirming if we will use them on the day of record. At this stage of our rehearsals, I can conclude that we are on track with the requirements however; we are still in search for contestants. We have given ourselves a target for this search.