Post by Admin Roc on Jun 27, 2011 14:55:50 GMT -5
So, to continue from here...
Back on FS I had an idea: a forum-produced radio drama that could be put up on sites like YouTube and other places. The intention, at the time, was to (A) make a truly brilliant piece of media to express how awesome the community was and (B) create such a tidal wave of aspiring newcomers flowing into FS that the leading staff members would be forced to come to grips with the popularity of the thing they'd created and adjust their policies accordingly.
Needless to say, they killed FS before it could happen. Rather timely, that.
In any case, the radio drama idea actually works much better for Shades of Vertigo that it would have for FS anyway. The first episode script has been revised, Geno and I have brainstormed up a number of additional audio resources from somewhat unconventional sources, and overall I think our odds of success have vastly improved. Creating this radio drama will be a challenge, but it will also be a lot of fun AND there will be cameo spots for up to three (3) Weapon-Meister teams (or stand-alone weapons, where applicable) in future episodes. What better way to draw new people to the community than by having an epic voice-acted storyline as a teaser of what Shades of Vertigo can offer?
So, we're ready to begin pre-production. The major resource needed right now is voice actors. Experience is not an issue; if you're interested in a part then feel free to record and send in an audition (send auditions via email to MysteriousVoiceGuy@gmail.com).
Please note that if you apply for a recurring character -- especially a main character -- that you're taking on something of a responsibility in the project. We'd REALLY rather not change VA's for a main character halfway through the story or anything like that, after all.
Below are descriptions of each character's personality and suggestions on delivery. These aren't hard-and-fast rules by any stretch -- if you've got a voice for the character that YOU like, I want to hear it, even if it isn't the same as the description would suggest. An effective voice actor is someone who's invested in his or her version of a character, after all.
MAIN CHARACTERS
Jess is self-reliant and strong-minded, but despite her rugged posturing this isn't hollow bravado. She's been going solo on Missions for over a year now and has earned her confidence with sweat, blood, and one successful operation after another. She has a natural attraction to adventure and exploration, meaning she's won't hesitate where other people would and greatly enjoys visiting new places. Both of these have gotten her into trouble at times. Despite being fairly intelligent for her age her stubborn nature makes her the kind of person who's liable to press a button labeled 'DO NOT PRESS' if it seems like a sufficiently interesting button. She comes off as a through-and-through tomboy, especially in matters of appearance, but isn't quite masculine enough to be considered "butch".
Although American-born, Jess can have an accent if the voice actor can be convincing with it. Her sarcasm should come off as natural, not forced.
Detective Russ Foley (27, male, human)
Russ is the attentive, detached sounding board for Jess as she tells her story. Recruited three years ago into Interpol, Russ was there when the aftermath of Arachnophobia spurred the UN to assemble a special task force of investigative agents -- identified as "Exorcists" -- to support Shibusen in its activities worldwide. Although young, he projects himself as a consummate professional even when he doesn't have all the answers. Given an Exorcist position a year ago, Russ is eager to prove himself to the organization... perhaps a little too eager at times.
Russ' voice should come off as brisk and professional, although these traits should occasionally seem a bit forced. Initially he should seem like he's only hearing Jess' story out because he's obligated to, though in later episodes he can give the impression of developing a personal interest in what's happened to her. Any accent is acceptable for this character, as long as it remains consistent.
[/ul]
IMPORTANT CHARACTERS
Yes, Shinigami will be appearing -- not in this episode, but in episode 2. I realize that exact imitation of his anime voice (English or Japanese) may not be feasible, but a close approximation should be all it takes. The rest can be done in post-production.
[/ul]
MINOR CHARACTERS
Stereotypical criminal thugs. Any accent, within reason, is acceptable.
Thug Boss (middle aged male, Kishin)
Stereotypical criminal boss. Any accent, within reason, is acceptable.
TV Reporter (male or female, human)
Professional-sounding TV news reporter. Can be either gender. Accent should be minor; words should be clearly enunciated. You must also be able to say the lines below without giggling or seeming amused at all.
[/ul]
Back on FS I had an idea: a forum-produced radio drama that could be put up on sites like YouTube and other places. The intention, at the time, was to (A) make a truly brilliant piece of media to express how awesome the community was and (B) create such a tidal wave of aspiring newcomers flowing into FS that the leading staff members would be forced to come to grips with the popularity of the thing they'd created and adjust their policies accordingly.
Needless to say, they killed FS before it could happen. Rather timely, that.
In any case, the radio drama idea actually works much better for Shades of Vertigo that it would have for FS anyway. The first episode script has been revised, Geno and I have brainstormed up a number of additional audio resources from somewhat unconventional sources, and overall I think our odds of success have vastly improved. Creating this radio drama will be a challenge, but it will also be a lot of fun AND there will be cameo spots for up to three (3) Weapon-Meister teams (or stand-alone weapons, where applicable) in future episodes. What better way to draw new people to the community than by having an epic voice-acted storyline as a teaser of what Shades of Vertigo can offer?
So, we're ready to begin pre-production. The major resource needed right now is voice actors. Experience is not an issue; if you're interested in a part then feel free to record and send in an audition (send auditions via email to MysteriousVoiceGuy@gmail.com).
Please note that if you apply for a recurring character -- especially a main character -- that you're taking on something of a responsibility in the project. We'd REALLY rather not change VA's for a main character halfway through the story or anything like that, after all.
Below are descriptions of each character's personality and suggestions on delivery. These aren't hard-and-fast rules by any stretch -- if you've got a voice for the character that YOU like, I want to hear it, even if it isn't the same as the description would suggest. An effective voice actor is someone who's invested in his or her version of a character, after all.
MAIN CHARACTERS
Jess is self-reliant and strong-minded, but despite her rugged posturing this isn't hollow bravado. She's been going solo on Missions for over a year now and has earned her confidence with sweat, blood, and one successful operation after another. She has a natural attraction to adventure and exploration, meaning she's won't hesitate where other people would and greatly enjoys visiting new places. Both of these have gotten her into trouble at times. Despite being fairly intelligent for her age her stubborn nature makes her the kind of person who's liable to press a button labeled 'DO NOT PRESS' if it seems like a sufficiently interesting button. She comes off as a through-and-through tomboy, especially in matters of appearance, but isn't quite masculine enough to be considered "butch".
Although American-born, Jess can have an accent if the voice actor can be convincing with it. Her sarcasm should come off as natural, not forced.
It's not easy being a solo Demon Weapon. Sure, you don't have to bother with a whiny, bossy, headstrong partner following you like a shadow -- or expecting you to live in theirs, more often than not -- but it still isn't a cushy gig. The other Weapons get to transform, kick back, and let the Meister do most of the work, then get fed souls when the dust settles. Me, I'm the real deal -- a Weapon who can get her hands dirty and fight her own battles. When I become a Death Scythe the Kishin Eggs and Witches are gonna be quaking in their boots and running for cover.
Detective Russ Foley (27, male, human)
Russ is the attentive, detached sounding board for Jess as she tells her story. Recruited three years ago into Interpol, Russ was there when the aftermath of Arachnophobia spurred the UN to assemble a special task force of investigative agents -- identified as "Exorcists" -- to support Shibusen in its activities worldwide. Although young, he projects himself as a consummate professional even when he doesn't have all the answers. Given an Exorcist position a year ago, Russ is eager to prove himself to the organization... perhaps a little too eager at times.
Russ' voice should come off as brisk and professional, although these traits should occasionally seem a bit forced. Initially he should seem like he's only hearing Jess' story out because he's obligated to, though in later episodes he can give the impression of developing a personal interest in what's happened to her. Any accent is acceptable for this character, as long as it remains consistent.
You've probably gotten the impression from books and movies that police work is a glamorous, high-drama affair full of car chases, shootouts, and flashy high-tech forensics. Well, it isn't, especially at the lower levels.
Which is why I'm glad I don't work at the lower levels.
Being part of the Exorcists -- elite agents tasked with preventing Kishin Egg outbreaks across the globe -- is very seldom ever dull. Usually it's intel-gathering and field support for other operatives and the occasional strike team, but this job requires quick response and flexibility. I've sniffed out the trails of Kishin Eggs and Witches across three different continents all within my first year. But now I've got a real mystery on my hands -- this girl, Jess Gallegos. The story I've been told is she's a murderer, a rogue Demon Weapon who's consumed human souls. But that's not the story she's telling me...
... and the scary thing is, I'm starting to believe her.
Which is why I'm glad I don't work at the lower levels.
Being part of the Exorcists -- elite agents tasked with preventing Kishin Egg outbreaks across the globe -- is very seldom ever dull. Usually it's intel-gathering and field support for other operatives and the occasional strike team, but this job requires quick response and flexibility. I've sniffed out the trails of Kishin Eggs and Witches across three different continents all within my first year. But now I've got a real mystery on my hands -- this girl, Jess Gallegos. The story I've been told is she's a murderer, a rogue Demon Weapon who's consumed human souls. But that's not the story she's telling me...
... and the scary thing is, I'm starting to believe her.
IMPORTANT CHARACTERS
Yes, Shinigami will be appearing -- not in this episode, but in episode 2. I realize that exact imitation of his anime voice (English or Japanese) may not be feasible, but a close approximation should be all it takes. The rest can be done in post-production.
A sound soul dwells within a sound body and a sound mind. That's what we teach at Shibusen. Our Weapons and Meisters protect the world from those who've strayed from the path of humanity, whose souls have become Kishin Eggs, the seeds of madness.
MINOR CHARACTERS
Stereotypical criminal thugs. Any accent, within reason, is acceptable.
Almost done with the supplies, boss. Drugs're on the truck, and our boys down at the boat are loading up the guns and ammo now.
Thug Boss (middle aged male, Kishin)
Stereotypical criminal boss. Any accent, within reason, is acceptable.
(ANGRY) Ey! Less talk, more work! Do you want those souls or not?!
TV Reporter (male or female, human)
Professional-sounding TV news reporter. Can be either gender. Accent should be minor; words should be clearly enunciated. You must also be able to say the lines below without giggling or seeming amused at all.
And now for today's featured story: can mutant vegetables become Kishin Eggs? According to scientists, most vegetable mutations emerge as a result of pollution, overuse of pesticides, or the presence of genetically modified rats. Yet there is growing concern from the public that the monsters known as Kishin Eggs -- not to be confused with chicken eggs -- could leech madness into groundwater or even farmer's crops. As the 1978 film 'Attack of the Killer Tomatoes' clearly demonstrates, the effects of murderous self-aware garden produce on human civilization can be catastrophic. When questioned on this topic a Shibusen representative said, quote, "That has got to be the dumbest thing I've ever heard." Back to you Bill.