THE RANDOM AUDIO FICTION
WRITERS GUIDE!
by Kevin Hiley, RAF director
RAF Writers Guide
So what is RAF?
So how would I write an episode?
What silly restrictive rules do I have to obey?
How else can I get involved?
Random Audio Fiction is an extension of the standard Random Fiction text story principles, but with you now listening to the previous episodes and then writing a short script. We will then go and produce your script as an audio production and then present it on the website ASAP!
So how would I write an episode?
- Click here to read the (original) Random Fiction writers guide -
Like Random Fiction you are continuing a story, although our rules have to be a bit stricter as we can't possible produce them faster than one a week.
We have presented the scripts for the first story "The Battle for Paradise" on the site, so that you can look at these and compare style and layout.
If you can present it in that format with FX, Names and directions in CAPITALS that would be perfect. Don't worry too much about spelling - I don't!
The maximum length will be the same as episode 1, or shorter. We can't effectively make large parts as it occupies too much time editing and file transfer across the internet is slow as it is! I don't want to have to wait for 10 megs worth of dialogue to download! A good gauge of length is to be less than 5 pages double spaced.
Oh I suppose there has to be a minimum length too. It must be more than 2 pages double spaced please.
Keep the stories in the same style as the previous episodes. We will have to do rewrites if characters do not conform to the last episode!
We would like to use real names for the credits, but if you do wish to remain anon. then we will respect that.
General Script Editing is very likely to take place on any work so don't be too annoyed if we have changed the odd line here and there!
What silly restrictive rules do I have to obey?
Well there are a lot of guidelines to follow I'm afraid...
1) NO MULTIPLE DOCTORS! & NO MULTIPLE DR WHO MONSTERS/VILLAINS (without incredibly good reasons).
We are a fan group and have no access to professional actors, certainly not ones from Doctor Who. We do have effects equipment to re-create most monster voices like Daleks, Cybemen, Rutans, etc, But if you start teaming up half a dozen villains you'll get ignored. So please keep the likes of Davros out of it. We can't hire Terry Molloy! Sorry.
If you are unsure if you can do something, then please email me and I'll help you best I can.
2) Follow the plot.
Don't suddenly come up with plot strands that have nothing at all to do with the story so far.
3) No swearing, sexual references or anything else that would never have got on the series. ·
4) Keep the episode length to the above parameters!
5) FOLLOW CONTINUITY!
You must keep in check with what was happening in Doctor Who at what specific time. You will note that there is an Ice Warrior in the first episode working with a Human - showing that this is long after "Seeds of Death", and either before or after "The Curse of Peladon"
(If you're unsure of a continuity point, post your question to our forum - someone will know, or at least it'll be a good debating point in the club messages!)
6) No plot stealing!!! (Not unless it's a good plot!)
We can tell if you are ripping off an episode of Sliders!
7) Try to stay away from present day Earth! It's all been done before you know!
8) No quick fixes! "Oh I'll just reverse the polarity of the neutron flow with my sonic screwdriver! Oh look all the baddies have blown up!"
9) Don't feel you have to end a story unless told to do otherwise.
A story can be as short or long as you like.
10) There is a Character limit.
Too many characters are confusing to the listener. Also we will have extreme difficulty in keeping up with that many actors! The more characters, the slower the production speed.
A good starting number is 6 (as in Battle for Paradise Episode One). Try not to push it past 12! I don't mind too much about a soldier who can walk and say "Yes Sir!" Then never be heard again. Walk-ons are no problem.
Well, we won't say no to Actors, but we may not need you that instant. In fact as time goes on we'll get more desperate for fresh voices!!!
If you think you can act and want to have a go:
You must have a 16 bit sound card with a microphone.
I can supply a recording program if you need one. You must also be available to record your part at least once a week, possibly at a days notice!
If you are that available have a go!
"Auditions"
Just email me an 11khz, 10 second or so sample of your voice - so we can see what sort of parts to put you up for!
Specify what you want to do. I can't promise you that you'll end up a baddy or goody or whatever, but I'll try!
The 6th Doctor - RaF Director
The Doctor
- Played by Gareth Preston ...No you can't regenerate him! -
The Doctor is in his 10th regeneration and has reached the ripe old age of 1360. The character of this Doctor we are going to let the writers of following episodes decide, although based on what we have heard...
He is quite a laid back person who tends to think before acting and is not easy to upset or disturb.
He has a great air of authority and the Doctors usual ability to make people trust him.
The Doctor is getting old and wise, but will still be childish at times! Most of what he will do is up to you!
The TARDIS is still stuck as a Police Box but the Doctor is now quite capable of piloting it.
He is on good terms with the Timelords, although he has little or no contact with them.
Melissa Stokes (26)
Born (1901) in the Cotswolds and brought up in an upper class family.
Mellisa is quite arrogant and can be vain. She isn't usually selfish but can appear so.
She used to be a smoker but has begrudgingly given up at the Doctor's request. She's not much of a drinker having got into a lot of trouble over it in the past.
She joined the Doctor in 1925 when running away from what was practically an arranged Marrage. She has been with him for a while now and has started to pick up plenty of Space-Lore.
Back on Earth she would be at all the parties, owned a car and generally lived up to the stereotype "Free Woman" of the time (Slang termed Flappers).