Radio Mechanics

 "The almost telepathic transference of images from mind to mind is the beauty and the glory of the radio play."  Martin Esslin

Radio offers the freelance writer an absolutely fantastic range of opportunities.  The good old BBC broadcasts original radio plays, radio dramatisations of novels and stage plays, series and serials, poetry, features and short stories, so there should be something for you to get your teeth into no matter where your interests lie.  However, if you're thinking of trying a spot of radio drama, there is an important thing to say first, even if it is stating the obvious : listen to what is being broadcast at the moment.  BBC Radio has a number of different outlets for drama and it is worth familiarising yourself with all of them.  Immerse yourself in some of the following on Radio 4:

The Woman's Hour 15 minute slot is on every weekday at 10.45 and is repeated at 19.45 in the evenings.  These are commissioned in multiples of five and usually consist of a series with individual stories in each episode, or short term stories that develop as the week progresses.

Comedy Sitcoms are broadcast from Monday to Thursday at 6.30 and last for half an hour, focusing on sketch comedy and family entertainment.  Submissions for these should be addressed to Radio Entertainment.

The Afternoon Play is broadcast every weekday afternoon between 2.15 and 3 o'clock and concentrates on imaginative, accessible and entertaining. dramas which offer a complete narrative strand

Comedy Narrative is to be found on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday evenings at 11 o'clock.  Producers are looking for light and entertaining sitcoms or comedy dramas.

That old stalwart The Saturday Play is an hour-long drama every Saturday at 2:30 p.m..  Popular genres include thrillers and love stories, with the emphasis on enjoyment and escapism.

There are also opportunities for a more radical and experimental approach to drama via Radio 3's Drama on 3

When you have familiarised yourself with the kind of material which is currently being commissioned, here are a few basic tips on how to present your work

One of the things which interests produces most is where they might place your story or play, so you need to make clear which slot you are pitching for when you contact them.  Don't submit an idea, send them a complete script together with a cast list containing a few brief notes on the main characters.  If you are submitting a script for Woman's Hour you should send two full fifteen minute episodes and an outline for the further three episodes.

The address to send submissions in the first instance is:
BBC writersroom
1st Floor, Grafton House
379 Euston Road
London
NW1 3AU

That's got some of the basics out of the way. Next time I'll take a look at getting started...