used for the same voice. Your experimenting with the equipment  might  even  lead  to  an  audio  effect  that  is unique. Let your creativity guide you. Do  not  overuse  studio  effects;  they  can  become tiring to the ear and may cover the intended message of the  production  An  advantage  of  radio  is  that  it  lends itself to the audience’s imagination better than television does. Through the clever use of studio effects and radio sound,  you  can  exploit  this  advantage  to  take  your listener  on  a  trip  to  Hawaii  while  he  never  leaves  his living room. ORGANIZATION Organization  is  the  key  to  making  the  most  of production   time.   Think   the   whole   process   through before   you   walk   into   the   studio.   This   will   reduce frustration.  If  you  are  not  prepared  and  things  do  not work the way you want them to, frustration sets in and the production becomes that much more difficult. QUALITY  CONTROL When  completed,  the  production  has  made  a  drastic transformation   from   a   producer’s   imagination,   to   a script,   and   finally   to   a   recorded   tape   or   cartridge. Throughout this gradual change, certain internal checks were applied to make a high-quality product according to   aesthetical   and   technical   standards   commonly recognized  by  broadcasters  and  the  specific  require- ments of the local station. Quality  control  is  the  responsibility  of  every broadcaster and will mean the success or failure of the objectives of the production. PRODUCTION  PHASES The   internal   checks   and   balances   previously mentioned  come  during  the  following-three  phases  of the development of the production: l   Reproduction l   Production l   Postproduction Preproduction Preproduction is the gathering of all the supporting elements  called  for  in  the  script  and  auditioning  specific music  and  sound  effect  cuts  to  make  sure  they  are appropriate.   Many   times,   what   the   scriptwriter envisioned on paper turns out to be inappropriate in the audio   production.   The   music   (tempo,   key,   melody theme)   should   convey   to   the   listener   a   mood   that supports and enhances the objective of the production. Your   ear   is   the   best   judge   of   whether   a   piece   is aesthetically correct for the production, and it should be obvious if there is a mood mismatch. This is a good time to audition any background music that contains vocals. There is no absolute rule against using vocal songs as long as it is important to the message and the levels (narration  and  music)  are  set  correctly.  The  background music, with or without vocals, is acceptable only if it remains in the background. It is easy for the music to end up overpowering the message. Your using vocals for background music means you will have to make a close check on the level balance during the production and postproduction   phases. Check  all  supportive  elements  to  make  sure  they meet technical broadcast standards. The script may call for a sound effect that is only available on an old tape that is distorted when played. In that case, find a similar effect  on  a  newer,  cleaner  tape  or  create  the  effect yourself.  If  actualities  from  other  sources  are  used (interviews,   news   inserts,   etc.),   they   also   must   be produced cleanly and be understood easily. Review the script and note any unfamiliar words or names. Look up the pronunciations of any that maybe a problem for you. If another voice is called for, make arrangements for someone else to be in the studio at the appointed production date and time and have copies of the script prepared for him. Furthermore,  before  you  begin  the  production phase, know and understand the format requirements for your product. In other words, is the final package to be on   reel   tape   or   cartridge?   What   speed   should   the production  master  reel  be  recorded?  On  what  is  the timing  requirement?  When  these  technical  questions have been answered, you are ready to go into the studio. Production Once  in  the  studio,  make  sure  all  the  required equipment is in good working order. Follow the locally established procedures in setting up and checking the audio   console   and   equipment   needed   for   your production. It is best to bulk erase any production tapes you  use.  Using  tapes  that  still  have  audio  from  other productions can make tape cuing difficult and may lead to  the  unintentional  airing  of  unwanted  audio.  It  is  a good idea that you label all tapes used in the production process so you can find the element you need easily. Follow the script as it was approved. Unless you are the  writer,  do  not  make  substantial  changes  to  the content  without  first  checking  with  the  author.  There may be a good reason for the script appearing as it does. 13-24