Radio handbook
Preparation and production guidance for Ticket Stub Talks contributors and guests.
Requesting a session, preparing a discussion, recording and episode delivery.
Join the programme
Ticket Stub Talks
Ticket Stub Talks is MFPC’s programme about film and filmmaking on CFMU 93.3 FM. This guide is for members taking part in the radio team and guests preparing for an episode.
The programme is listed for Sundays from 2 to 3 p.m. Toronto time. Recording appointments are arranged separately. The official show page provides the current listing and dated episode audio.
How the team works
Victoria Wesierski leads the programme's direction, episode plans, recording schedule and coordination with CFMU. The permanent team is 3-4 people in total, including Victoria. Regular hosts prepare and guide the discussion; guests join their agreed session.
Contributors may research films, prepare questions, record audio or organize episode information. Shows are not edited. Agree your task and availability with Victoria. Members receive team opportunities by MFPC email and can reply to express interest.
Request a guest session
The guest system is set up. Members can express interest in joining Ticket Stub Talks to discuss a film or filmmaking topic with the hosts. Guest spots depend on scheduling, topic fit and programme plans, so not every request can be accommodated. The radio team will confirm details when a suitable opportunity becomes available.
Include your topic idea and availability when expressing interest. For help reaching the radio team, contact @mcmasterfilm on Instagram. A request or waitlist place is not a confirmed recording slot.
Example request
“I’d like to join a guest session about how sound changes the mood of a scene. I could discuss two films and prepare a few questions. I’m available Wednesday afternoon or Friday morning. Would this fit an upcoming episode?”
Prepare and record
Confirm the session
Confirm the recording date, time, location, who you will meet and what to prepare. Ask which film or topic the episode will cover, who else is taking part and the role you will have in the discussion.
If your availability changes, reply in the same conversation as soon as possible. Identify the affected session and offer alternative availability so the team can arrange coverage or another date.
Bring useful notes
Ask the radio team what preparation is needed. Watch or revisit the agreed material and bring brief notes that help you explain your ideas clearly. Useful notes include the point you want to make, a scene or example, and a question for the other speakers.
Check names, titles and factual details you plan to mention. Mark any uncertainty for the team to check. Agree how to handle spoilers and any audio excerpts before recording. Share proposed material with the team so it can confirm suitability and station requirements.
Shape the conversation
A simple outline can include an introduction to the topic, two or three discussion questions and a closing thought. Share your proposed questions beforehand so the host can connect them with the rest of the episode.
During the discussion, speak clearly, explain references for listeners and allow time for other speakers. Listen to their points and build on the conversation. If you lose your place or need to correct something, tell the host.
Follow the recording arrangements
The radio team coordinates the recording setup and session. Follow the instructions of the person running it, and ask before changing equipment settings.
Will Chai will assist Victoria for the first few shows and help her get oriented with CFMU. Before your first session or a new task, ask Victoria which station orientation or training applies to your role. CFMU's resources page provides volunteer information.
Finish the episode
Agree the recording handoff
Shows are not edited. For each episode, agree who handles recording, the listening check and station delivery. The Radio Show Director coordinates the work and confirms CFMU's required length, file format and delivery deadline.
If you are contributing research or audio, agree when and how to pass it to the person preparing the episode. Include clear file names, relevant notes and any issue that needs attention. Keep the original recording available for review and station delivery.
Review before delivery
Listen through the recording from beginning to end. Check that speech is clear, speakers can be heard consistently, and the introduction and ending are complete. Check names, titles and any details flagged during preparation.
Check that the episode fits the arrangements confirmed with CFMU. Pass the reviewed file and episode information to the person handling station delivery. If a problem could affect delivery, tell the Radio Show Director promptly and explain what needs to be resolved.
Share the released episode
Once an episode is available, use its dated page in the official CFMU archive when sharing it. Check the episode title, date and link before preparing an announcement.
Agree participant names and production credits with the team when preparing episode information.
If something changes
Tell the radio team promptly when your availability or an agreed task’s timing changes. State what is complete, what remains and any timing issue so another contributor can pick up the work.
If you notice an error after recording or release, send the team the episode date, an approximate timestamp and a clear description of the correction. The team can then review the issue and coordinate the appropriate next step.