A Young Doctor's Notebook

Dialogue editing, Foley and sound design for the critically acclaimed Sky Arts dark comedy-drama starring Jon Hamm and Daniel Radcliffe.

Client Big Talk Productions

Broadcaster Sky Arts

Category TV Drama

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Overview

Set against the harsh backdrop of early 20th-century Russia, A Young Doctor's Notebook presented a number of creative and technical challenges, from large ensemble dialogue scenes to the creation of rich and authentic period soundscapes.

Raudio's Role

raudio worked as dialogue editor, sound designer and Foley artist across both series of A Young Doctor's Notebook, collaborating closely with the production sound team and director to shape the show's tone from script to final mix, and supporting ADR sessions where additional performance work was needed.

Services Provided

Project Summary

As with all scripted drama, extensive dialogue assembly and microphone selection formed a core part of the editorial process. Scenes frequently required careful boom microphone sourcing to maintain natural perspective as picture edits moved between close and wide shots. Alternative takes were regularly explored to overcome production issues and preserve the integrity of performances.

Large ensemble scenes featuring numerous cast members also required the considered use of plant microphones alongside traditional boom recordings to ensure clarity and continuity across complex edits.

Beyond dialogue, significant attention was given to the environmental sound design of the series. Particular care was taken in creating believable candle and gas lamp ambiences, harsh winter weather and the creaking interiors that helped establish the atmosphere of rural Russia.

Bespoke Foley recordings were created to further support the period setting, including recording sessions at St Patrick's Church in Soho Square to capture the heavy wooden doors, creaks and metal fittings that became an important part of the show's sonic identity.

The project also involved close collaboration with the director during spotting and ADR sessions. ADR requirements ranged from production fixes and additional lines through to performance refinements and accent consistency.

Challenges & Creative Approach

Extensive dialogue assembly and microphone selection
Perspective matching between close and wide shots
Alternative take sourcing and dialogue reconstruction
Managing large ensemble scenes using boom and plant microphones
Period sound design and environmental storytelling
Bespoke Foley recording for authentic production design
Director-attended spotting and ADR sessions
Accent continuity and performance refinement

Behind The Work

Working across two series, the sound team built a consistent sonic world for Muryevo Hospital — from the hush of a candlelit ward to the crash of a Soho church door standing in for turn-of-the-century Russia. It's the kind of detail that rarely draws attention on its own, but disappears seamlessly into the drama, which is exactly the point.