Director Ken Bentley - The Nuts and Bolts of Doctor Who Audio Drama

Brief Summary

This episode of The Sirens of Audio features an interview with director Ken Bentley, discussing his work with Big Finish Productions. The conversation covers a range of topics, including the differences between directing stories based on TV characters versus original audio characters, the impact of COVID-19 on Big Finish's production schedule, and the intricate process of casting, directing, and producing audio dramas. Bentley also shares insights into his personal workflow, the collaborative nature of Big Finish, and the creative aspects of sound design and music in audio storytelling.

Directing audio dramas based on TV versus original characters involves different approaches to actor direction and character development.
The COVID-19 pandemic led to a surge in Big Finish's production due to increased availability of actors and remote recording capabilities.
The production process involves script editing, scene breakdowns, scheduling, casting, recording, sound design, music editing, and compliance checks.

Intro

The podcast episode begins with a humorous introduction, setting the stage for a discussion about Doctor Who audio dramas. The hosts introduce Ken Bentley, a director known for his extensive work with Big Finish Productions.

TV vs Audio Characters

The hosts and Ken discuss the differences between working with established TV characters and original audio characters. Philip shares his preference for audio characters due to their capacity for growth and change, unlike TV characters who must revert to their original states. Ken explains that directing classic TV actors involves acknowledging their deep understanding of their characters, while directing original audio characters allows for a more collaborative development of their roles. Both classic series actors and the actors who play original characters will let the director know if something is not in character and they will tweak accordingly.

Audacity Sets

Ken describes the dynamic between India and Jay, the actors behind Charlie and Audacity, noting their instant chemistry and how it translated into their characters' interactions. He clarifies the recording order of the "Audacity" stories, mentioning Jay's prior experience with Big Finish playing a different character, which helped her transition into the role of Audacity.

Echoes Trailer

A trailer for the Eighth Doctor Adventures: Echoes box set is played, featuring the Eighth Doctor, Liv Chenka, and Helen Sinclair. The trailer highlights the eerie atmosphere and mysterious plot of the audio drama.

Impact of COVID

Ken discusses the impact of COVID-19 on Big Finish, noting the initial "Blissful window" of peace before the company became busier than ever due to the availability of actors and the shift to remote recording. He shares his personal experience of moving during the pandemic and the challenges of adapting to remote work.

Remote Recording

Ken shares his positive experience with remote recording, emphasizing its similarity to studio work, where he primarily communicates with actors through headphones. He appreciates the increased focus and reduced travel time, which allows him to manage his workload more effectively. While most of the cast now record in studio, some actors, like Nicola, continue to record remotely due to technical setups and personal preferences.

Big Projects During COVID

Ken mentions the increased availability of actors like David Tennant during COVID-19, leading to numerous projects. He acknowledges the hard work of Big Finish writers during the lockdown, who were given more to do.

Writer Preferences

Ken acknowledges that some writers' scripts are easier to work with than others, specifically mentioning Matt Fitton for his well-structured scripts. He also praises Tim Foley for his character-driven stories and distinctive style.

Dream Team Trailer

A trailer for The Fifth Doctor Adventures: The Dream Team is played, featuring the Fifth Doctor, Nyssa, Tegan, and Adric. The trailer sets up a mystery in 1940s Scotland, involving murder and strange occurrences.

Directing Process

Ken describes his directing process, starting with script editing and involvement in early story development. He explains the roles of the producer, writer, and script editor in shaping the story. He also touches on the production spreadsheet used at Big Finish to track projects and ensure no overlapping ideas.

Timeline and Script Breakdown

Ken discusses the timeline for projects, typically working 6 to 12 months in advance. He explains the script writing process, which involves multiple drafts and revisions. Once the script is ready, he does a scene breakdown, listing every scene and character to help with scheduling.

Scheduling and Budgeting

Ken details the scheduling process, including calculating recording time, factoring in breaks, and allowing for contingencies. He explains how he juggles the casting budget with the schedule, determining which actors to hire for each role and identifying opportunities for doubling up roles.

Casting Budgets

Ken explains how casting budgets are determined and managed. The budget is fixed and does not include the leads. He works with the producer to determine how many guest stars they can afford and what doubling up they might need to do.

Guest Stars

Ken discusses how they decide when a story needs a big powerful guest star name as opposed to just anyone. It's normally clear in the writing in terms of the size of the role and the impact the character has on the story.

Big Finish Ensemble

Ken talks about the "Big Finish Ensemble," a stable of actors they frequently work with due to their talent, versatility, and understanding of the company's style. He also mentions the importance of bringing in new talent to add to the ensemble.

Casting Process

Ken describes the casting process, which involves creating shortlists of actors, checking availability with agents, and sending out offers. He notes that a good percentage of actors quickly accept offers from Big Finish.

Actor Database

Ken explains how he sources actors, using a casting spreadsheet, agent submissions, and databases like Spotlight. He also mentions instances where actors are removed from his list due to poor performance or lack of engagement.

Pre-Recording Preparations

Ken outlines the steps taken before recording, including emailing the office and producer with cast information, issuing contracts, and providing actors with studio details. He mentions the use of multiple studios and the coordination required to manage different productions.

Recording Dates

Ken explains that recording dates are determined by the lead actors' availability, and the producer handles studio bookings. He shares that he is often involved in multiple productions at different stages simultaneously.

Pster Gang Trailer

A trailer for The Worlds of Doctor Who: The Pster Gang is played, featuring a mystery involving body morphers and doppelgangers.

Post-Recording Process

Ken describes the post-recording process, which involves sending the recordings to the sound designer for sound effects editing. He explains that he listens to the edits and provides notes, focusing on dialogue, sound effects, and music.

Sound Design and Semiotics

Ken discusses the importance of sound design in conveying meaning and creating atmosphere. He touches on the concept of semiotics, explaining how sound effects and music serve as signs and symbols that help listeners construct a picture of the story in their minds.

Music Editing

Ken explains his approach to music editing, giving composers creative freedom while ensuring the music aligns with the story's emotional tone. He mentions the collaborative process with composers like Howard, who often seek his input before starting the music.

Final Approval and Release

Ken outlines the final stages of production, including producer approval and compliance checks to ensure the audio drama meets BBC standards. He acknowledges the responsibility of the compliance team in catching any potentially problematic content.

Saran vs Rutin Series

The hosts discuss the Saran versus Rutin series, praising its unique storytelling and the opportunity to hear different directors' takes on the same characters. Ken shares his surprise at the series' warm reception and clarifies that he was not involved in the release schedule decisions.

Children of the Future Trailer

A trailer for Doctor Who: Saran versus Rutin - Children of the Future is played, featuring the Third Doctor.

Variety in Doctor Who

Ken emphasizes the variety within Big Finish's Doctor Who productions, from the bonkers comedy of Missy to the dark and moving episodes of River Song. He appreciates the opportunity to bounce between different styles and keep listeners engaged.

Writing and Future Projects

The hosts express their desire to have Ken back on the podcast to discuss his writing and future projects, including his work on Survivors. Ken shares his excitement about returning to writing after a hiatus and agrees to come back for a future episode.