Segments

 
Segments.jpg

Segments: Snapshots of Dublin – a series of documentary shorts. The series ran for two seasons (26 episodes in total) and was originally broadcast on 103.2 Dublin City FM in 2003 and 2004. Each 28 minute episode featured two ten minute short audio features which focused on contemporary life in Dublin, bookended by studio introductions and discussion.

Presented by Anthony Fortune. Produced by Paul McDermott.

The production of each Segment adhered to the following guidelines:

  1. Segments were 10-minutes in duration
    2. Segments reflected Dublin life
    3. Segment interviews were recorded on location (no in-studio or phone interviews)
    4. Segments eschewed musical intros and all bedding music
    6. Any featured music was recorded live on location
    7. There was no simulated or pre-recorded sound effects
    8. Segments had no post-production narration

    Segments included stories about: anti-road campaigners gathering at the Hill of Tara; members of Jitterbugs (the Irish branch of the Laurel and Hardy appreciation society, Sons of the Desert) chatting about their heroes; Irish hopefuls trying out to join the Jim Rose Circus Sideshow; a Dublin wrestling school holding open auditions for new recruits; record vendors at a record fair discussing vinyl collectors. Some Segments are below.

Segments: Record Fairs
This Segment was recorded at a record fair at the Marine Hotel in Dún Laoghaire.
It's a simple audio collage of interviews with record dealers and collecters, chatting about what records they're after and what sells well. It gives a unique glimpse into the mind's of vinyl collectors. Brian O'Kelly the organiser, also chats about what records people always ask for.

Segments: The Jim Rose Circus Sideshow
When Jim Rose performed in Dublin's Vicar Street with his Secrets of the Strange, I spent the afternoon chatting to Irish performers auditioning for the show. In this Segment I chat to Rose and a 19 year old Dubliner hoping to become part of Rose's touring troupe. The young Dubliner was Preacher Muad'dib, now an internationally successful fire breathing specialist with several Guinness World Records under his belt.