This practical audio storytelling course will build on basic audio foundation skills to help you make a short (up to 15 minute) audio feature. The aim of the module is to provide the technical and narrative skills required to tell short-form audio documentaries in a variety of styles including portrait of place, multi-person narratives, action-interview and montage. There will be weekly practical exercises that allow you to experiment with a range of narrative techniques, culminating in the creation of a 10-15 minute audio work and Critical Evaluation produced by 27th March. 

Though primarily practical, there will be an emphasis on learning techniques for telling audio stories through listening and discussion of works produced by audio producers both here in the UK and around the world. You will be challenged to think critically about audio storytelling and encouraged to explore your own authorial voice through choice of subject and form. 

Requirements

You will need to know how to use a professional recording device (Zoom or similar) and editing programme (this course uses Reaper). You may be required to do a short additional exercise either before or at the start of the course to ensure you have the necessary background knowledge.

Teaching (150 Learning Hours)

The course will contain five seminars (including class discussion), four workshops and five tutorials. There will be at least one formatively assessed practical assignment before students embark on their final piece. The aim is to produce one short audio piece (10-15 mins long). Students will be also learn to give practical feedback and support through group crits.

• 30 hours attendance
• 40 hours private research + exercise assignments
• 60 hours programme production + written assignment

Dates

Fridays – 14:00 – 17:00,
(21st February will be taken off for reading week)

If you’d like to be notified about this course’s future running dates, please fill in this quick form. If you have any questions about the course, get in touch with shortcourses@opencitylondon.com.