...premiered last night and boasted an excellent cast directed by the legendary Dirk Maggs who is THE shining light of radio drama. Without Dirk the radio drama industry would be dead in the water. I can only hope that other producers listen to his work and do one of two things: quit, immediately, or up their game. Why is Dirk the only producer to insert atmosphere into his work? While on this occassion there was a little too much going on in each scene (more to do with the writing than production) it leaves any other recent drama in the dark.
Listen again HERE.
Thursday 4 October 2007
The Jo Whiley "Fix" saga
Now, I don't want to avoid commenting on this because this is a blunder of epic proportions. People expect this of TV, but as the RAB will tell you, a prime motivator for listeners of radio is trust. With this new revelation, could radio be going the way of TV? I think so - it's not too much of a stretch to consider that there is much fraud occurring withing radio. Afterall, it is arguably easier to fake a radio show than it is a TV show.
What stinks about this whole Whiley saga, however, is the "minions" getting the blame while executives try to hopelessley convince us that Whiley knew nothing of the ploy. Why should the star name be exonerated when it is meant to be "her show"?
How did she not recognise the voice of her own Producer? Hmmm.
What stinks about this whole Whiley saga, however, is the "minions" getting the blame while executives try to hopelessley convince us that Whiley knew nothing of the ploy. Why should the star name be exonerated when it is meant to be "her show"?
How did she not recognise the voice of her own Producer? Hmmm.
Aerial Awards September 2007!
A nice winner this month from Shell Like / Saatchi & Saatchi for Carlsberg.
You can listen to the ad HERE.
And, rather unsurprisingly, Campaign decided not to mention it! Shocker...
You can listen to the ad HERE.
And, rather unsurprisingly, Campaign decided not to mention it! Shocker...
Thursday 20 September 2007
Capital Radio...
A day listening to Capital FM has confirmed the reason why it is now no longer Number 1 in London - it's rubbish.
As many of you know, Capital only play two commercials in a row - and seemingly not very often, either.
I am in the minority in as much as I love listening to radio commercials. Many find them unbearable (content wise, a lot of them are - but it's my bread & butter so I am listening from a creative & professional point of view) but after listening to much of the programming, I was gasping for a 4 minute ad break.
I know people may think I am always slagging radio off, but, and I want to reiterate this point, it's out of love for what should and can be an amazing medium. I'm always disappointed to hear bland, homogonised content because it can easily be so much better.
London is an amazing city - with a diverse population. Capital, instead of trying to cater for everyone with cultural and diverse programming, have taken the "inclusive" route of putting on shows and music that no one loves but that no one complains about. Unfortunately, this seems to be the rule of thumb for stations across the country.
As many of you know, Capital only play two commercials in a row - and seemingly not very often, either.
I am in the minority in as much as I love listening to radio commercials. Many find them unbearable (content wise, a lot of them are - but it's my bread & butter so I am listening from a creative & professional point of view) but after listening to much of the programming, I was gasping for a 4 minute ad break.
I know people may think I am always slagging radio off, but, and I want to reiterate this point, it's out of love for what should and can be an amazing medium. I'm always disappointed to hear bland, homogonised content because it can easily be so much better.
London is an amazing city - with a diverse population. Capital, instead of trying to cater for everyone with cultural and diverse programming, have taken the "inclusive" route of putting on shows and music that no one loves but that no one complains about. Unfortunately, this seems to be the rule of thumb for stations across the country.
The Sex Lives Of Us, BBC R4
Well done Radio 4 for taking a step in the right direction. The Sex Lives Of Us was insightful, but all too brief. Although, listening to the teens did somehow manage to put the RWB off sex!
Captain Corelli's Mandolin
The Afternoon Play all this week is Captain Corelli's Mandolin, and my word, what a disappointment it has been so far. And with one episode remaining, I can't imagine it suddenly improving.
Despite initial scepticism upon seeing this in the schedule (is there no original content waiting to be put on air, or even an alternative novel?) I none the less tuned with hopes of being 'taken' to Kefalonia with soulful acting, beautfiul soundscapes and fluid production. Instead, I was greeted with a typically drab BBC Radio 4 production - Radio 4 script, Radio 4 acting, Radio 4 sound. Even the technically superb Mandolin player failed to evoke emotion and dreams of the Greek Isles.
The script itself, half monologue, half drama, was seemingly lazy. If you're going to 'do' Captain Corelli's Mandolin, then really make it stand out, make it your own. This was far too safe.
Where's the life? The emotion? The spirit? The IMAGINATION?
With the television programming going through a constant revolution since the 60s, how on earth has radio drama been allowed to stay the same? With drivel like this, it seems there is no hope of it changing.
Despite initial scepticism upon seeing this in the schedule (is there no original content waiting to be put on air, or even an alternative novel?) I none the less tuned with hopes of being 'taken' to Kefalonia with soulful acting, beautfiul soundscapes and fluid production. Instead, I was greeted with a typically drab BBC Radio 4 production - Radio 4 script, Radio 4 acting, Radio 4 sound. Even the technically superb Mandolin player failed to evoke emotion and dreams of the Greek Isles.
The script itself, half monologue, half drama, was seemingly lazy. If you're going to 'do' Captain Corelli's Mandolin, then really make it stand out, make it your own. This was far too safe.
Where's the life? The emotion? The spirit? The IMAGINATION?
With the television programming going through a constant revolution since the 60s, how on earth has radio drama been allowed to stay the same? With drivel like this, it seems there is no hope of it changing.
We're back!
Well, after an enforced exile, we are back and posting. Of course, since the last post, there have been a lot of changes in the industry, some good, most bad. As usual. But with the recent RAJAR results, here's to a bright future in the world of radio!
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