#Wireless Theatre

[inyourbenevolence]

Can any world survive a benevolent god?

@foggyoutline presents:

Cover art by Dionysis Livanis

Produced by @wirelesstheatre

In this original audio drama podcast, each episode is a prayer, some prayers are answered, and a prayer granted can upend the world.

For fans of

Each episode of I Need A Miracle is a short monologue. A new character every episode. Never the same character twice. Always addressing a plea to a listening deity – which never makes a sound.

Play god

You, the listener, stand in for a silently listening god. Hear brazen demands for divine intervention and vulnerable, secret pleas for deliverance. Whose requests would you grant and why? Does anyone deserve a miracle?

Play detective

Which pleas are granted? How does the listening being decide? What are the Upheavals that regularly wrack this world? What threatens to rise from the Depths? And can any being with ultimate power truly be benevolent?

Play the heartstrings

I Need A Miracle is all about the many kinds of wanting, and the many ways of asking for help. How would you make your case to an omnipotent being who grants some miracles but not others, based on ineffable criteria?

Coming August 2024

Stay tuned for trailers, release dates and more:

here on tumblr by following @inyourbenevolence

(you can also follow writer @merelymatt, producers @wirelesstheatre and publishers @foggyoutline for completism)

on instagram @ in.your.benevolence

And find cast and crew credits at the show homepage:

[merelymatt]

To get my upcoming audio drama I Need A Miracle off the page and into the airwaves, I decided against the indie production scramble where everyone donates their time, and against crowdfunding – and instead I basically sent the scripts to @wirelesstheatre and said "What'll it cost to make this happen?", then compared that number to my savings and said "Ok, let's do this".

(It was obviously more businesslike than that, but that was the basic maths of it on my side.)

Here's why I didn't do it those other ways this time:

Why not the indie production scramble?

Scraping it together on a shoestring. Buttonholing friends to perform, using whatever recording equipment I already have to hand, doing as much of the production as possible myself and begging favours for the parts I can't.

In some ways this would have been the easiest option. It doesn't rely on anyone else's approval, or involve putting any new infrastructure together.

But! For me, for I Need A Miracle specifically, this was the option of absolute last resort, for various reasons.

First and foremost, I already have one podcast (@merelyroleplayers) that I run on this basis. I already ask a lot of my friends to perform on that show for nothing, on the promise it'll be fun and I'll buy everyone a pint afterwards. I think you only get one of those, or you should only get one. If you run every project like this, especially if you're calling on the same people each time, it starts getting exploitative.

Second, I'm trying not to exploit myself either, by which I mean, I've put work into writing this series (admittedly on spec), I think it's worthwhile, and I'd like to see if I can make some money in return for that work. And if one person involved in a project is getting paid, everyone should be getting paid.

Why not crowdfund?

There are sub-options within this option: subscriptions and patronage-style funding (like Patreon, Ko-Fi or Gumroad) and up-front project-based funding (like Kickstarter, Indiegogo or Seed & Spark).

I actually have been weighing up the idea of a Patreon or Ko-Fi for a while, not for I Need A Miracle specifically, but for @foggyoutline in general. At the beginning it would effectively be a Merely Roleplayers subscription, because that's currently the only Foggy Outline show. But if enough people pay a bit a month for bonuses like uncut episodes, that could help fund new projects like I Need A Miracle, which could bring in more listeners and more patrons, whose contributions could help fund the next thing, and so on.

But the problem I would have with any kind of crowdfunding model is, right now I'm only pulling a small crowd! I'm an unknown writer, Foggy Outline is an unknown player at least in audio drama. And it seems like to succeed with a crowdfunding campaign, you really need your audience already built and poised to give you money.

If I Need A Miracle takes off and finds its audience, the kudos off that might make crowdfunding an option for the next thing. But I just wasn't confident it would succeed for this show, at least without a load of spend on a consultant and advertising (which then eats into the campaign proceeds).

So go on then, where is the money actually coming from

Me! Supplemented by my Foggy Outline business partners, who are also my Mum and Dad. But the majority of the production costs for I Need A Miracle are coming out of my savings.

This is one of the reasons I prioritised I Need A Miracle over other audio drama projects I'm working on: because it's simple enough that I felt confident I could cover the costs myself if I needed to. There's no dialogue (only monologues), so it's not a complex edit. Most of the episodes take place in one location, with little action beyond the character speaking, so it doesn't call for elaborate sound design. All the episodes are under 20 minutes. For a more complicated production, I would have had to bring in some funding from somewhere, or convinced a producer to take on the production costs themselves. This one was, to some extent, designed (by me) to be more affordable.

It's worth saying that getting started wasn't just a case of getting a quote from Wireless and agreeing to pay it. Producer Sarah Golding read the scripts and wouldn't have taken on the project if she didn't think it was worthwhile. So it's not pure pay-for-play.

So the plan now is:

Sell ads and subscriptions and see how much of the production cost I can get back that way after the fact (I expect not all of it, but that's ok, because...)

Also think of that money I've spent as an investment in both this and future projects – by spending money on an amazing production company that's making the show brilliant, I'm getting something that's hopefully going to make this whole process easier next time. Because next time I can point to Wireless' confidence in my writing, and the quality of I Need A Miracle, (and hopefully its success and acclaim and awards and all its fans), to get someone else to put their hand in their pocket instead, whether that's listeners, producers or sponsors.

[timespanner]

Listen here

[outofcontextmonsterhunters]

[morelhifi]

Morel proudly unveils its latest innovations at the HIGH-END SHOW!

🎶 The wait is over! Morel is proud to unveil its latest innovations - the new Sopran series, the Avyra series and the Biggie - a high-resolution wireless speaker all at the #HighEndShow. Come and experience audio excellence like never before. Visit us 18-21 May, MOC Munich, HALL 2, STAND J07 See you there!💫

[watthifi]

Troubleshoot common issues with home cinema speakers in India, including sound distortion, connectivity problems, and speaker placement. Enhance your audio experience with the best home cinema speakers and affordable home theatre speakers.

[philipsindia]

Philips Home Theatre 5.1 price list

Powerful cinematic surround sound with deep sound by Philips Home Theatre 5.1

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I. USB 2.0

II. Karaoke

III. DVD

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Above mention are the some features of our Philips Home Theatre 5.1 Price List.

In conclusion

The Philips Home Theatre 5.1 represents the pinnacle of home entertainment technology, offering unparalleled audio quality, versatility, and ease of use. Whether you’re a movie buff, a music lover, or a gaming enthusiast, this powerhouse of a system promises to elevate your home entertainment experience to new heights and also experience the magic of cinema in your own home today. If you’re finding a best home theatre system for your home entertainment system then Philips Home Theatre 5.1 Price List the only best option to choose as no one can beat it’s jaw-dropping audio.

[orangameelectronics]

Pedal into Perfect Soundtracks: Unleashing the True Wireless 360-Degree Stereo Bluetooth Speakers for Biking

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[yamahamusicstore]

Experience movie nights like never before with Yamaha's best 5.1 home theater systems. Elevate your entertainment setup today!

[lemon-film]

Sony HT-AX7: The Ultimate Portable Theatre System

📽️ Brace yourself for an audiovisual adventure like no other! The Sony HT-AX7 is here to redefine portable entertainment, delivering cinematic brilliance and mind-blowing sound that will leave you speechless. Get ready to be blown away! 💥⚡

Looking for an unparalleled cinematic sound experience? Look no further than the Sony HT-AX7 – a groundbreaking portable theatre system that brings immersive spatial sound to any room. With its advanced features and compact design, this speaker set will revolutionize your audio experience. Let’s explore the details and why the HT-AX7 is a game-changer in audio technology. Compact Design,…

[inyourbenevolence]

In your benevolence,

hear the Artist's plea for a dream come true.

The series premiere of I Need A Miracle is out now. Search for I Need A Miracle in podcast apps or head to foggyoutline.com/ineedamiracle for all the ways to listen.

Starring David Holt as Michel Kildress, the Artist

Written by @merelymatt

Directed by Robert Valentine

Recorded by Stephen H at Jukebox Studios

With broadcast assistance from Teresa Milewski

Sound design by Sarah Buchynski

Music by Katharine Seaton

Produced by Sarah Golding for @wirelesstheatre and @foggyoutline

[merelymatt]

Questions about I Need A Miracle that temporarily stumped me

When you, a writer, bring in a production company to produce an audio drama you wrote, members of that company will ask you questions about that audio drama.

Some of those questions will stump you.

That's the first step of the piece becoming a collaboration instead of a solo work. Because those questions will make you see your writing through someone else's eyes. And coming up with answers changes the finished thing into something you couldn't have made alone.

When @wirelesstheatre agreed to work on I Need A Miracle, I was ready to take my hands off the wheel. Didn't want to be the overly precious writer dictating how other people interpret the scripts! But mostly I just really enjoy learning other people's takes on stuff I've written. I thought I'd sit back and enjoy watching them all cook.

A thing I've learned: when you're the one funding the project, the people involved want to know your opinion and that you're happy with the direction things are going 😅

So I found myself in meetings being consulted on things I hadn't prepared myself to have opinions about. Questions like...

Who'd be your dream cast?

My first response to this one was just to give them names of people I know (the usual @merelyroleplayers suspects – once a theatre luvvie...)

When Sarah and Fiona pushed, I started naming audio drama podcast luminaries, your @woodenovercoats people, your @thesiltverses people.

And then someone in the meeting threw out a name as a possibility, which made me realise we were operating on different definitions of "dream casting". I'd made assumptions about what our budget could comfortably accommodate and unusually, those assumptions were overly modest.

This is one arena where, after offering some names because Fiona asked so nicely, I did end up just stepping back and letting Fiona do her thing. And look at the incredible cast we put together thanks to her!

What's the vibe?

This one came from composer Katie. There was a point where I was seriously considering not using music in I Need A Miracle at all (past Matt, what were you thinking?), so I hadn't given it a lot of thought.

We talked melody versus ambience/vibes. We talked moods. We talked instruments and influences. It was a lens I hadn't seen the story through before and it was so damn much fun.

And motifs! Each character in I Need A Miracle is one and done, so they don't get themes, but that led Katie to ask what does recur between different episodes. Are there realisations or turning points that multiple characters experience? What moments echo through the series and how can the score make those moments resonate?

It wasn't until Katie asked the question that I consciously thought, wait, yes, there are parallels and correspondences and themes running through the series (and like, of course there are, but you don't plan that stuff out when writing). And that got me excited to hear the music lifting those moments!

What's the tech level?

Final one, from sound designer Sarah Buchynski (Polarity Audio Works).

There's a specific bit of scene-setting in the series finale that I'd kind of thrown in there for funsies but which raised some (it turns out) interesting questions about technology in a miracle-powered world.

Miracles are magic, so are we talking fantasy? Or sci-fantasy, with sufficiently advanced technology indistinguishable from magic? Steampunk, electropunk, or some other -punk?

My job is the characters, and the bits of worldbuilding that inform them, their wants and needs. Everything else is fill-in-the-blanks. But then Sarah asked the question, and I had a fun old time coming up with basically just enough of an answer to make her job more fun.

Make it up as you go along

Did you think I was going to end this by advising audio drama writers to have answers ready to questions like these? No! Experience the thrill of discovery as I did! Answer whatever questions you need to answer to write the thing, then make up the rest as and when people ask you. That way you never waste imagination juice answering a question no one ever asks. It's foolproof!

[centrestagereviews]

Interview: Shubham Saraf - When Winston Went to War with the Wireless

Interview: Shubham Saraf - When Winston Went to War with the Wireless

The world premiere of Jack Thorne’s When Winston Went to War with the Wireless will run at the Donmar Warehouse from 2 June until 27 July. The play follows the story of the May 1926 General Strike when printing presses shit down, and the only sources of news were the government’s British Gazette, edited by Churchill, and the fledglingBritish Broadcasting Company – and we are confronted with a…

[locations-hq]

Wizarding Wireless Network is a popular generalist wizarding wireless station whose HQ is located in Carkitt Market in the wizarding quarter of London. Located in a 1920s art deco theatre, the building has recording booths which allow the talent to record and broadcast all over the UK. There is also a stage located in the building that people can buy tickets for at the box office to see recordings go out live of big performences from the likes of Celestia Warbecks or talk shows with Tilden Toots or Glenda Chittock.

EXPLORE THE LOCATION FURTHER...

[rainintheevening]

West, Part I

Maps stretched out

The day after Peter ships out, the maps start appearing on the wall of the Fifth form common room at St. Maurice’s. Europe as a whole at first, then Italy, the Mediterranean, Greece, Germany, France...

He takes them home with him at the end of the term, Edmund Pevensie does, scatters them over his (and Peter's) room, mixed up with newspapers and letters in Peter's dashing handwriting.

Too many miles to count

He tries to find closer maps, more detail, tracing his finger across mountain ranges and down coastlines. He spans the entire Allied line with his thumb. He'd never felt the world to be so big before, never felt so small. Narnia had been such a small country. How long would it take to sail around the Cape of Gibraltar? How long would it take to fly to Sicily?

Sometimes he does the math. Sometimes he doesn't.

Let's just say we're inches apart

Remember watching the stars with Oreius? How you'd sketch them with your finger so carefully? How we'd lie out in the grass with Era and Philip, in silence sometimes, for hours? There were so many stars out there in the country. Some nights I'm lucky to see stars here. But when I do I imagine you seeing the same ones, mapping your way the way to well, your way to me. Sometimes I swear I can feel you beside me in the dark, little brother.

He lies in Peter's bed, letter in his hand, falls asleep with paper between his fingers.

And even closer at heart

For we are saved by hope: but hope that is seen is not hope: for what a man seeth, why doth he yet hope for? But if we hope for that we see not, then do we with patience wait for it. Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.

Even as his pen moves over the paper, he finds his lips moving too, a begging murmur, mixing with the summer rain heavy on the roof.

And we'll be just fine

He laughs as Lucy places the crown of daisies on his head, and kisses her cheek. He rubs Susan's aching feet as she sits on the couch and reads aloud to them. He fingers his little silver lion against his collarbone, and smiles through the steam rising off his coffee.

Another pin pushed in

The maps on the wall grow a forest of colored heads and tiny flags, and anyone who wants war news or any better understanding of the progression of the European theatre goes to the Fifth's common room.

To remind us where we've been

He takes a map down to the stables sometimes, unrolls it on the table in the harness room, sits patiently as Master Gringham pores over it, searching for the boy who rode his horses like no one else, all of them trying to coordinate themselves.

The horses miss you, he writes to Peter. Have you had a chance to ride recently?

And evey mile adds up

He lies alone in their room, catching the faint murmurs of his parents downstairs, and he can't remember the last time he cried on Christmas, but he's doing it now, hot salt water on Peter's pillow, as Bing Crosby croons on the wireless in the girls' room down the hall.

Please, God, please let him come home safe, please let him be happy, please.

Leaving its mark on us

I was grieved to hear of your wounding, brother, but truly grateful it was not more serious. I wish I could be there, to make sure you were getting proper care and treatment. Be careful, please. But don't be a coward. I'd rather a dead brother, than a coward. But don't die. You're not allowed to die without me.

He means it, every word, that's why he doesn't cross any of it out.

And sometimes our compass breaks

Twelve of them dead, and I alive, and I don't know why, Ed, but I don't know if I can do this, I can't. Not alone. I'd forgotten how much this hurts. I only knew half their names, and I know Badger had four little kids back home, and I don't understand.

I don't understand.

And our steady true north fades

Snow lies thick on the moor, and Ed struggles to open his eyes in the morning. His feet are heavy, his mind moves slow, and he can't get warm. He sits as close to the fire in the common room as he can without setting his clothes aflame. Some mornings he sits with his hand on the black leather cover, but he doesn’t open the book.

We'll be just fine

There's a black and white photograph folded in with the thin paper, and there he is smiling up at them all, officer's cap set at a jaunty angle, shirtless with a bandage on one forearm. Peter hugs a scruffy looking mongrel dog close, hand rubbing the pointed ears, and Ed smiles back at the living shadow of his brother.

We'll be just fine

Warm spring sunshine splashes over Ed's face, and he leans on his spade, brushes mud off his hands, and surveys the dark turned earth of the school's Victory Garden, listens to the first formers laughing as they fling dirt clods at each other.

We'll be just fine

Come, behold the works of the Lord, what desolations he hath made in the earth.

He maketh wars to cease unto the end of the earth; he breaketh the bow, and cutteth the spear in sunder; he burneth the chariot in the fire... Peter writes.

We'll be just fine

Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth.

The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge, Edmund answers.

I know that we will

"I miss him so much," Lucy says, and Edmund wraps his arm around her shoulders as they walk, remembering how he closed his last letter with those three words.

I just know that we will

He kneels by Peter's bed, his bed now, and the maps hang all round on the walls, he is surrounded by everywhere his brother is and was and could be, as he bows his head and the evening prayer comes weary and steady from his lips.

They used to say it together.