China Stories

Esme Kennedy

Radio Producer

Job Description

As soon as a programme is commissioned, which means the BBC have decided they want a programme on a particular subject or theme for broadcast, it is my job to work out what the programme should say, how it should sound and what elements I am going to need to make it. Sometimes this means finding a writer and actors and recording the scripts in a studio, other times it means finding a presenter and experts to be interviewed about that subject. The subject matter then needs to be researched before any interviews can take place. I then write and record script links with the presenter and edit the material together. Often I add music or sound effects to make the programme sound aurally interesting.

Key Kit

Nagra recorder and a good supply of batteries.

Work Biography

I started off my career in the BBC working for Learning as a temporary Radio Production Assistant and have done loads since including producing and directing TV in Arts and Entertainment, Learning and Factual. At the moment I am working as a Radio Producer making programmes for Radio Scotland and Radio 4.

Most interesting recent project?

The Scottish Resources 7-9 : China progs were a new challenge but I loved the mix of recording dramas in the studio along with packages to illustrate aspects of the story. I enjoyed auditioning the children to play the main roles (I felt like Simon Cowell but was hopefully much nicer) and we had great fun recording the dramas in the studio.