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Download Part 2 - 23 minutes MP3 format 4.0 meg

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Producer's Notes:

By the time it came to record this story, much had changed. I had been learning a lot of new production tricks from Steve Johnson and Paul Ebbs of Season 27 fame. Not only that, but I was beginning to break into the professional world with a script commissioned by BBV and post-producing The Pattern for Bill Baggs as well. All this is reflected in this story, written by Adrian Hudson. Not only does it share some sound effects with The Pattern but the cast includes Paul and Steve. I was now using a multi-track sequencer called Cakewalk to edit the stories and had more gadgets at my disposal, resulting in our most accomplished production yet. The recording was held at Adrian's house, with a follow up session at Amy's a few weeks later.

Adrian commented that he had intended Second Chance to be an epic but it turned out to a comedy. But he does write very funny dialogue and everyone rose to challenge, making this the best acted story yet. He had also intended the story to sound different to other stories by making pop songs part of the action but I'm afraid I was worried the copyright and let that slide, even though it would have been a good idea.

This is a complex time paradox story laced with plenty of satire and it moves the Raman story arc on nicely as well. I'm very fond of this one too because it represents everyone's strengths. I just wish I had taped the cast's morning read-through which was hysterical!

Writer's Notes:

The main thing I remember about the writing of Second Chance is that it took forever. I mean absolutely years! I was so possessive about my 'baby' that I wouldn't let Gareth (script-editor/producer/co-director/tea-maker) change a single word. I would debate for hours on why MY character simply wouldn't, couldn't and shouldn't use the word 'robust'. All Gareth's suggestions were patiently taken on board and then promptly discarded the moment he turned his back.

I was trying to write a science versus nature story with a bit of a point but when I finished I realised I'd written a comedy instead! My starting point was the idea that the Doctor, for all his good intentions, is not very green. He's a technology junkie who is fairly hopeless away from his gadgets.

I had a great time co-directing with Gareth, always the voice of reason to some of my more bizarre ideas. I remember lobbying for the sound effects to be louder, and a very long discussion on the creaking of certain church doors! Most of the noises were spot on after some faffing, the 'rattlesnake' effect is one of my baby's toys.

Listening now, I still can't quite get on with Mo being a woman. It was originally written for a man and I would have written some of those scenes differently if I'd have known, like the tent sharing scenes! Paul Ebbs was perfect as Jones although he did want to go mad a little too early!

I learnt a lot about writing and producing an audio project (it isn't making my second story come any easier). I was very happy to see it finished and had some great times working on it. I was also very pleased to fulfil my ambition of having no one talk to themselves. As always, thanks to Gareth who's an inspiration to lazy fans with half-decent ideas.