by Jeffrey Hedquist
Since your audience views radio in their mind's eye, ask yourself, "Where is the camera? What will be the audience's point-of-view?" In a conversation between two people in a car, is the camera to their left or right? On the dashboard facing them? Between them, looking over their shoulders? Put your microphone where the camera would be.
In addition to your script, draw a stage diagram, showing the blocking of the actors and sound effects: "The door opens to the right, footsteps are panned from right to center, someone speaks then moves left, and their voice and footsteps move along with them. At the same time, someone else is moving toward or away from the microphone (camera)." Produce in stereo for that rich, full-bodied flavor!
Radio is a visual medium. With the right planning, your commercial will be rich with audio (visual) interest, and the audience will be intrigued, tantalized, and may even stay for the full 30 or 60 seconds!
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Jeffrey Hedquist has been asking "Where is the camera?" ever since that chance meeting with Allen Funt so many years ago, but that's another story. You can contact Jeffrey at Hedquist Productions, Inc., P.O. Box 1475, Fairfield, IA 52556. Phone (515) 472-6708, fax (515) 472-6708, email
