Teaser Trailer and Casting Call

[RickZarber]

So after sitting quiet on this for almost a year I've got an announcement to make!

Fenris and I are teaming up to bring you an animated series!


HERE IS THE TEASER TRAILER. (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Iqb908m8p0)


These will be Flash-animated sprite movies (although for the record the trailer was not done in Flash, and isn't indicative at all of the end look for the series--for example, the mouths will probably be animated). I'll be writing the scripts and helping with the spriting, while Fenris will be doing the actual animating, as well as scoring the soundtrack. Right now I'm looking at a mini-series of at least three episodes.

I've actually completed quite a bit of what you might consider the "Pre-Production" for this project, but I can't finish the script for episode one until I know who I can cast in the supporting roles.

That's where we turn to you, fellow NPFers! We need voice talent! The only conditions are that you have a microphone and that you have a sprite in order to portray your forum persona. If you really want to be in the movie as yourself and don't have a sprite, there are plenty of talented spriters here on NPF that can probably help you out. The other option is to play one of the non-NPF characters that will appear in the show. These will probably mostly consist of "extras", but there will occasionally be auditions for villains as well!

So let's have a show of hands. Who would be willing to be a supporting character (this has the potential to greatly affect the plot!), who just wants to be an NPC, who thinks they could do a good villain voice, who wants to but can't? These are not mutually exclusive, by the way.

Also, oh my god, I just spent four hours trying to get YouTube to upload that without screwing it up..... >.<

[FenrisWolf]

Thread has been validated.

It's about damn time I did something with this community again.

[TDK]

If you gimme a script (And coincidentally, put me in the movie I guess) I'll give it a shot. I have a decent microphone.

[Bells]

i do ok too, for narrations, voice-over or playing a part, if you need it, just give a shout

[Rokrin]

I'd be willing to do limited voice work...like some kind of extra.

[Loyal]

Well damn. Now I HAVE to get myself a microphone.

[Melfice]

I'm up for it.

[Ugainius]

Screw it, I've been looking for a reason to buy a microphone for ages now and I'll be damned if I miss this even if all I can do is be some extra of no real significance!!!

[Meister]

I do have this microphone that's only gathering dust here. But it's not a very good microphone. Still, I might be up for it, what the hell.

[B_real_shadows]

I have a microphone as well. However, I do not have a sprite, BUT I already have someone who said they'd make mine (anonomisity shall be kept to keep one person of many from getting flooded).

I think that as a "King" of burgers (and or shadows), I could be some sort of anti-hero that robs the world of burgers (or shadows) for x amount of time before realizing the error in my ways and sacrificing myself to right my wrongs...or you know, just be a villain/character.

[bluestarultor]

What the hay, I can voice this, too. :D

Unless someone is willing to fast forward my sprite sheet, though, y'all might have to make do with my 8-bit sprites. On my 16-bit sprite sheet, I officially have facing forward and backward, plus facing to one side (which is pretty much ambidextrous, anyway), and three of the same casting pose, only with differently colored shirts (blue, white and black, for Blue, White, and Black Mage modes. I'll explain later).

So, all in all, I need, well, walking sprites, at least. I already have a sheet of spell sprites, of which the small and large fireballs, spark, and lightning sprites might be useful, even if the snowflakes are no good.




Otherwise, if nobody is willing to help me with that and I don't get it done in time, I could always do a villain. I have a seriously evil laugh and can do poisonous evil. Not maniacal, but poisonous, definitely.

[FenrisWolf]

My question is who does bumbling and idiotic well?

Also, thrilled to see so much support.

[RickZarber]

I should mention that if you don't have a mic and/or sprites right now that's not really a problem. This thing is at least a month away from going into production.

I should also clarify that at this early stage I don't plan to use any pre-existing forum personas for the villains--for the first two episodes, in any case. It may change in the future.

Also thrilled by the support. This'll be fun.

[Steel Shadow]

You have caught my intrest good sir! I'm tottaly up for this. I have a mic (not the best in the world, but hey) and I have a sprite sheet lurking around in the sprite sheet thread somewhere. This looks fun.

[NonCon]

I would want to do a villain, but a hero or NPC would be fun too. I don't have a sprite though...

[Mac]

I'm in if ya need me

Also Fenris you're a jerk

[Rokrin]

Big Mac can probably vouch for me in that I can pull off idiotic. Dunno about bumbling, though. ;)

[Bells]

i'm pretty sure i can do bad accents, silly, idiotic, cartoony and deep-n-slow voices

[B_real_shadows]

My question is who does bumbling and idiotic well?

Also, thrilled to see so much support.

I've said enough dumb things around my friends and I mean SERIOUSLY dumb, like we were watching Dirty Dancing and I come to from a short nap and its at the scene where they're in the water and ask "Is this Tomb Raider?" I was fully serious. Among other stupid things like saying "JOKER!" while we were all looking at a fish." So if I don't cut it for Villain, I can do bumbling idiot stupid guy.

[peachypeach]

If ya need a girl with a silly scottish accent I'd be up for it, Fen knows what my voice sounds like, as far as I remember anyways =)

I also do not have a sprite.

ruru.

[Shyria Dracnoir]

Have the sprite, need to yoink one of my friend's mikes though.
No idea how you'd squeeze a dragon into a superhero epic though (unless the bank's opting for REALLY tight security the robbers never expected <.=.<....)

[grthwllms]

I has microphone, sprites, free time and interest! Sign me up!

[FenrisWolf]

Have the sprite, need to yoink one of my friend's mikes though.
No idea how you'd squeeze a dragon into a superhero epic though (unless the bank's opting for REALLY tight security the robbers never expected <.=.<....)This is not Harry Potter, there is no Gringotts.

[Mac]

Big Mac can probably vouch for me in that I can pull off idiotic. Dunno about bumbling, though. ;)

Yes, he is the perfect idiot :p

[Nikose Tyris]

I would willingly throw my hat into the ring. I appear to have several sprite sheets floating around and I'm buying a $40 mic tomorrow, so it should work fine.

[Mac]

I would willingly throw my hat into the ring. I appear to have several sprite sheets floating around and I'm buying a $40 mic tomorrow, so it should work fine.

you have 2 srite hseet's floating around. I'll post it later tonight.

[RickZarber]

This is not Harry Potter, there is no Gringotts.Not to say we can't use you anywhere though!

[FenrisWolf]

Not to say we can't use you anywhere though!

Yes it is. Get out.

But naw seriously basically the way I see it (And since I'm the guy animating it it's how it's gonna be) the race of your character, whether skintone or species, is irrelevant to where you can be. If you have a sprite (preferably FF6 style or at least 16-bit), I can place you in the setting of the Forum.

[Hatake Kakashi]

Well, I have a microphone, a sprite, and I'm willing to try out more than one role, if needed. I always liked playing villains in plays... maybe I still have something I can whip out...

[Mauve Mage]

My mic is pretty crappy, but I own one. I'd be willing to do lines or something, if you've got room for Mauve in the movie.

[Inbred Chocobo]

Eh, I'll jump onboard this shindig. See what happens. While no I don't have a mic if casted I'll buy one. Also, SK can probably be signed up as well.

[Toastburner B]

I'd be willing to help, but I have neither a mic or a full sprite sheet.

The mic thing I could solve by myself, but I have zero artistic skills, so the sprite thing might be more of a problem. I suppose I could bug the appropriate thread for that.

If you want to use Toastburner, I'd see him more as a NPC or supporting cast member than a main hero type. Heck, if you need someone to be killed by the villian, Toastburner would be a good choice, since he comes back to life, anyways. Not to mention I'd probably be a target of people abusing learning to use their new superpowers, anyways.

[Lady Cygnet]

I'd love to participate, as I've done theater work in the past, and I've been told that I have a face for radio. :p

Unfortunately, my sprite sheets never got put together, and I'm not sure how to make a sprite sheet, much less how I'll find the time to finish it.

[TDK]

Is it me or does Rick in the trailer sound like the guy from The Engineer's Guide to Cats (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mHXBL6bzAR4)?

[Red Mage Black]

Well, I guess I can lend out my voice and stuff. You'd have to use my old sprite sheet though since I have yet to get an new one. Gee, I wonder who I can bug for that.

Edit: Not to mention, you let me in your movie and I'll let you in mine. I scratch your back, you scratch mine. Catch me?

[Bells]

I scratch your back, you scratch mine. Catch me?

but like... simultaniously? because i would totally watch that...

[POS Industries]

I can fill whatever rolls you need filled.

[FenrisWolf]

Good news, everyone!

http://www.theage.com.au/ffximage/2006/01/05/futurama_0601_wideweb__470x330,0.jpg

My best friend will be assisting me with the scoring for the project. He's arguably better at it than I am, so the music in this will not bore you. Guaranteed. Also, POS, may I use your music as well?

Speaking of POS...

I can fill whatever rolls you need filled.
How about roles?

Good to know we have a bakery chef guaranteed, though.

[Bells]

Hey! Dont make fun of POS Spring rolls... The SIMPSONS crew would be better if they had those

http://www.companyscoming.com/images/freestuff/recipes/Ginger-Pork-Spring-Rolls.jpg

[RickZarber]

Good news, everyone! My best friend will be assisting me with the scoring for the project. He's arguably better at it than I am, so the music in this will not bore you.As long as it still retains that Faltermeyer vibe that I dig so much in your music! XP


*scribbles notes* POS... Industries.... caterer... Got it.

[BlackMageGirl!]

Since my honey is interested in it..I might as well. Most you peeps know what I sound like..I think? If you need my voicing services lemme know.

[Nique]

hmm. I can go for this. What do I need to do since I have both a mic and my sprites?

[Demetrius]

I would love to get in on this, as all the other voiced animations have fallen apart. I'll get a sprite sheet up sometime in the near future.

[POS Industries]

Also, POS, may I use your music as well?
Well, after this...

Speaking of POS...


How about roles?

Good to know we have a bakery chef guaranteed, though.
...No and fuck you. Jerk.

Actually, I dunno. Voice acting sounds fun but my music recording setup is still absolutely horrible.

[RickZarber]

What do I need to do since I have both a mic and my sprites?Nothing in particular. I'm going through this thread and making notes of all the people who are volunteering (and for what) and then I'll see how I can work people into the story. Other than broad plot points, most of the story isn't set in stone yet. So I'll get back to everyone individually.

But please note that there isn't room for everybody in the first episode, so just because I don't get back to you right away doesn't mean I won't use you; I plan to try to fit in everyone who volunteers. And, hey, as long as people like them we can always make more. :cool:

[FenrisWolf]

What'd be fantastic would be if people would send me their spritesheets once Rick asks for your voice. I tried digging through the spritesheet thread today and was greeted by a lot of dead links.

[As In Gems?]

My best friend will be assisting me with the scoring for the project. He's arguably better at it than I am, so the music in this will not bore you. Guaranteed.

I am his "best friend" he speaks of. I can find a way to let you sample my music, Rick. It's good.

[Khael!]

Sounds awesome. I have a spritesheet, I have a voice (full of madness though it may be) and a microphone. What I don't have is a predictable schedule, though most of that is past me currently.

I'd be happy with minor role if needed. Hell, a five second cameo of me falling off a building in the background would suffice if it came down to it.

[Shyria Dracnoir]

*forcibly volunteers Thadius for the Evil Overlord position if need be* We have sprites (including an awesome evil base!) and i know where i can steal a mike

[Thadius]

Let's see here. Evil + extortion racket + super powers. I'm not entirely sure what that equals, but I think it'd be something along the lines of a Mafia boss with the ability to shoot lasers out of his eyes. Or set things on fire with his mind. Something like that.

...I find the idea of a Mafia boss with laser eyes undoubtedly awesome, and I don't know why. I am now offering my traditional favor for anyone who makes me a sprite sheet of my character looking like a member of the Mafia. A FULL sprite sheet, mind. And the favor is good for almost anything.

So yeah, I'm up for it. I got an old mike here, and I've been practicing the evil voice. Plus I have sprite sheets from God knows when sitting on my brick of a portable hard drive, and my Google-fu is strong if you need me to find backgrounds or anything.

...Just no animation experience whatsoever. Maybe later, though!

[Loyal]

I'll give one free favor to whoever gets me a clip of Thadius trying to sound evil. Not counting Thadius himself because I don't feel like doing Mafia sprites.

[Thadius]

You would fail. I've only given voice clips to one other, and us evil overlords stick together, never betraying the other!

[Loyal]

For someone who claims to be an evil overlord, you clearly know neither much about evil, nor especially the value of a favor.

[RickZarber]

I should probably re-emphasize that as of right now, we're not planning on having any NPF characters as villains. Not to say we won't use your voice for a villain. I'll probably ask anyone interested in doing a bad-guy voice to send me an audition and decide that way.

I haven't really done any work on this project for nearly a month now, but hopefully my schedule should be stabilizing soon and I should be able to get back to work on this (and JAQ).

[Kerensky287]

I could do a bad-guy voice if you want. Just tell me what kind of bad guy you're looking for. Optionally, I could just try a whole bunch of random crap and you can sort through it.

Also, I don't have a sprite sheet, or any kind of "character" design, so I can't exactly play myself. But I have a microphone so I could probably do other voices if you want me to!

[Bells]

uh! If you come across any villains you need voices for, let me know... my voice is quite good for that. Plus, i have a good "Corny French" and Italian accent that i do

[phil_]

I'm just gonna throw in my support for Bellsouth getting a role, as "Come on, pretty chicken, let's fight for justice!" cracks me up every time I hear it solely because of his voice.

Actually, that's pretty much the entire appeal of FFU:A; hearing Bellsouth's goody accent.

[NonCon]

If you want someone who can pull off stoned or stupid well without necessarilly being either. Let me know.

[EvilFuzzy9]

Well, I have a "sprite" and a microphone, but that's about it. I have (I think) at least an iota of potential voice-acting talent, but my limitations are almost purely technical - meaning, in this case, that I more-or-less have the equipment but not the know-how to use it. :gonk:

Also, I don't even know if I have hard/soft/whatever-ware needed, and I am frightfully cheap and unmotivated. So any support I give will probably be in spirit. But, hey, you never know, right? :sweatdrop

P.S. Plus, if you ever need someone with an unusually wide vocal range then you could conceivably count on me. Maybe.

[NonCon]

I don't know if this is still going on now, but if it is, I have a sprite now.

[Solid Snake]

I'll assist in whatever way is deemed necessary.

[RickZarber]

Oh hey, yeah, this thread...

Update time, I guess: I'm working out the final few pages of the first script right now. I'll let ya'll know whose voices will be required for episode one via PM sometime in early January.

Everyone who doesn't get a part, I'll find room for you in episodes 2 or 3, I promise.

[Ugainius]

Another six months then?

[bluestarultor]

Wow. Just got my updated sprite sheet up. I guess this was a good excuse for it. Actually, Rick, if you could review it and tell me any new positions you might need (I have a lot of custom, but not necessarily all the basic ones), that would give me an excuse to get offa my lazy bum and do more of them. XD

[RickZarber]

Another six months then?At least.

While there were a few months there were I wasn't working on it (roughly August through October), I've been working at the script since then. I've got the ending all worked out and everything, it's just a matter of bashing the whole into some sort of cohesion. Lots of cutting. Basic second draft sort of stuff.

The next step will be getting all of the dialogue recorded and the audio mixed, which will probably run concurrent with finishing the custom sprites and backgrounds. And finally, Fenris will animate and score it. And yeah, this'll all probably take a long time.

But still, it is being worked on, bit by bit. Haven't forgotten about it or anything.