Small radio play idea...?

[BiggsTrek]

Many years ago I wrote a series of short comedy stories based on Lord of the Rings. Basically it was an ongoing parody of Sauron in his early days (forging of The One Ring, etc).

A while back I had considered turning them into a TMO movie (or multiple movies), but didn't think I could do it justice (not that they are great or anything, but the effort of modding Sauron and his Throne, etc was a bit overwhelming).

But then recently I thought that I could (possibly) make them into a series of radio plays, running about 3-6 minutes each. And with Ken's indulgence, could be played during a break during the Roger and Ken Shows (much like rileyman's radio adaption of 'For My Fellow Soldiers').

I have actually recorded the first 3 chapters, though they need editing, sound effects and some music (all of which I can do fairly easily.) The end result would be much like an audio book, only with the addition of the effects and music.

Now the real question is: Is it worth it? Would anyone be interested? Or is it me being self indulgent? Would I be booed out of the chatroom? ;)

I'd be interested in anyone's thoughts.

(I think I will finish the first 3 chapters, and based on any feedback I get, I'll decide if it's worth "going public" with them and then continuing with the remaining 10+ chapters after that...)

Thanks,

BiggsTrek

[kuroken]

I'm all for it!

And if they completely bomb, we'll blame you, and let you throw yourself on the mercy of the chatroom.

But seriously...

There's all kinds of radio play stuff afoot on TMOA, from Riott's Armchair Theater to some discussions some of us have had about a series of radio dramas. I think it ties it nicely with moviemaking, since many of the same skills (writing, acting, soundscapes, music, etc.) are utilized in both mediums.

Shine 'em up and send 'em in - we'll give them a whirl.

Ken

[Dulci]

Do you still have the valleygirl Shakespeare bits Ken?

[Roger]

Do you still have the valleygirl Shakespeare bits Ken?
That was like so totaly awesome dude! :cool:

[kuroken]

Do you still have the valleygirl Shakespeare bits Ken?
You bet, ValleyGirl!

[rogerSIMIAN]

I'd certainly love to hear those on TMOA, Biggs!

The Riotteers have almost completed the first Riott Radio Armchair Theatre - an hour long mix of humorous skits, music and even some proper culture. We're just getting the intros etc sorted out and then Norrie'll edit it all together.

Anyway, I think it'd be great if, eventually, there is a regular TMOA slot that can air all sorts of drama, comedy, short-story readings, music etc.

[Sparky]

Sounds like a great idea to me Biggs. With a community of voice actors at one's disposal and an radio station on what to air it - it all just maka sense!

[Jase180]

Doc, K4 ,Sisch and I talked about doing Old Phillip Marlowe Radio shows or some kind of radio theatre because, well i'm a nerd and loge thjat kinda thing.

Now If I could get Ken to set me up with a timeslot...then we could pre record them and have The Old Time get off my lawn Radio Theatre!

Glad your doing it Biggs!

(for an added treat, listen to your fav TMO film and turn off the monitor and just listen...some really well done ones out there)

[BiggsTrek]

Thanks for feedback, fellow TMUGs. :)

I've since put the first Chapter together, and let Ken (and a few others) listen to it. It seems like I have an accent that is harder to understand than I expected (2 out of 3 Americans misunderstood a vital word in the story :eek: ). So I will work a bit more on my annunciation.

I might even have someone else do the narration... we'll see.

:cool:

[Kit06]

This sounds like one of the better ideas I have read in a while, I am all for it, I hope to hear them, and maybe you could make it into an audio book type thing later on, by putting them in the same file and saying Chapter 1 the forging of the ring, etc. I would love to hear that.

[sisch]

Great idea, Biggsy! :)
As Roger already mentioned, Riotts Armchair Radio is nearly ready for take off, too - I personally love radio theatre, and can't wait to hear lots of it!

Jase... maybe recording first and then ask Ken for a time slot would be better.... less pressure on the actors involved. I'm always happy to do vo's.... and sound design - which is even more exciting for radio.

[kuroken]

Thanks for feedback, fellow TMUGs. :)

I've since put the first Chapter together, and let Ken (and a few others) listen to it. It seems like I have an accent that is harder to understand than I expected (2 out of 3 Americans misunderstood a vital word in the story :eek: ). So I will work a bit more on my annunciation.

I might even have someone else do the narration... we'll see.

:cool:
I didn't have any problem understanding you - I mean, you talk like a bloody Australian, but it's very soothing, like an Outback Steakhouse commercial....

As for the idea of doing this regularly, I'm all for it - did a horror-themed monthly radio drama thing when I was on the "real" radio called The Other Side (and that Lovecraft guy obviously listened and stole my script for The Terrible Old Man), and I'm a huge fan of it.

Between your stuff, Riott's Armchair Radio, and the idea Jase and others had, I think we can certainly find a slot for it.

Ken

[BiggsTrek]

Thanks again for the feedback. I will definitely go ahead with this, but as of yesterday evening, I have developed a nasty sore throat, so this is going to have to wait until I get my voice back (it hasn't gone yet, but it will...)

(And Ken you were to 1 who DID understand... )

The only other issue I have with it is that many of the jokes might not work for those unfamiliar with Lord Of The Rings. The original story was written for (and posted on) a fan fiction site, so I knew the audience knew the original source material. Won't be the same on TMOA... though I would hope most would?

[Uber]

A noir/private eye/comedy was always a good idea.

[kuroken]

The only other issue I have with it is that many of the jokes might not work for those unfamiliar with Lord Of The Rings. The original story was written for (and posted on) a fan fiction site, so I knew the audience knew the original source material. Won't be the same on TMOA... though I would hope most would?
I'm not sure that's a problem - I think (if due to nothing else but the movies) that LOTR is fairly well ingrained in popular culture, like Star Trek, Star Wars, and TMOA ;)

[kingpengvin]

From the small experience of 15 minute Chick Tract Theatres I must admit while doing a Radio play is satisfying producing it is a lot of work.

And I'm a lazy lazy man.

I may get involved again if it only required some V/Os

I do Have a radio play I wrote for Halloween. Perhaps I may try to get that going again.

[Tremblett]

I do Have a radio play I wrote for Halloween. Perhaps I may try to get that going again.
Halloween radio plays tend to work, must have good sound effects though. Like I heard a Dracula play once and it was really well done.

[Fospherous]

What a great idea Jase and Biggs. :)