The Age of the Swords - Audio Casting Call


Hello fellow Tolkien-Fans. I'm sure you've probably clicked this topic out of pure curiosity, because the topic titles isn't very descriptive (due to the fact that I couldn't fit anymore words in it). Anyway, this is a Casting Call for an Audio Drama (trilogy).

Before I go any further, let me first say that this is all strictly non-profit. I'm not making any money off of it, and actors aren't making any money off of it. This is purely for the enjoyment of fans.

If you are unfamiliar with Fan-Made Audio Dramas, I would suggest that you check out StarWarsFanworks.com, a site dedicated to fan-made Star Wars audio dramas. In fact I just completed a series that is now available on the site (Star Wars: Conquest of the Empire, a Five-Part saga).

Now surely you Tolkien-fans must be familiar with the original BBC "The Lord of the Rings" radio drama. Well you might say this is an audio trilogy in that tradition. So hopefully that gives you an idea of what this is all about.

Now, "What is The Age of the Swords? Is it Tolkien-based?" some might ask...
To the second question: Yes and No. "The Age of the Swords" is based in a world called Etherealm, purely made from my own ideas (as is the story). Etherealm, though, was created greatly in inspiration of Tolkien's works, and of course, Middle-earth. It inhabits many of the same types of creatures as Middle-earth: Elves, Dwarves, Men, etc.; And others are Tolkien-Copies under different names: Etherealm's version of the Balrog is the G’rlok, and there are other copies/imitations that escape my mind right now.

The Age of the Swords itself is a three-part story about a company of heroes who have set out to try to find, retrieve, and destroy the Black Sword before the Dark Lord Ma’groth (I bet you can't tell which two names I used as a basis for his name :-D) takes it and, of course, covers the world in unending shadow. So, I'm sure you can see some hints of LOTR in there.

I wanted, foremost, to make it clear that this story has many Tolkien-based elements. I want to make that clear because I don't want you all to think that I think this is all 100% my work. About 90% of it is Tolkien-inspired.

My plan is to present a new world for Tolkien-fans to turn to when they have finished all Middle-earth related books and all the tales of that world are over. Because let's face it, we all want more stories like Tolkien's stories.

So now that I've bored you to death with explanations and descriptions, let me get to the main point of this topic.

The Casting Call. Now at this point I only need four actors (2 male, 2 female) for Part I of the trilogy. I had a full cast of almost 20, but four actors pulled out at last minute, so I have to replace them. Anyway, that is not to say that this casting call is LIMITED to four actors. I am going to need MORE actors for the next two parts in the trilogy. So I may as well begin scouting now.

REQUIREMENTS - SECTION 1
If you want to be a voice actor in this production, there are some catches:

1.) You need a computer & fairly good internet service (for sending files)

2.) You need a computer microphone (which can be found at like RadioShack and other stores)

3.) You need to be able to save your recorded lines as MP3 files (for small compression) - if you don't have a way of saving MP3s, let me know and I will point you toward a free program that will allow you to.

AND 4.) Obviously to record your lines, besides a microphone, you will need a computer recording program. MICROSFT SOUND RECORDER is prohibited, though. Because it tends to be of low quality (not to mention it only allows you to record for 60 seconds). Again, if you need a sound recording program, let me know and again I will point you toward a free program.


Also,

REQUIREMENTS - SECTION 2

In return for the use of Planet-Tolkien's forum, they required that I add the condition that under-age members must obtain parental permission before contacting me. However, as you will see below, this casting call is for adults.

1.) Must be at least 18 or 19 years old, and no more than like 40 years old.

2.) Must be able to speak clear/understandable English (this does not mean that people with accents are banned. Accents are acceptable, but your English must be understandable)

3.) Must have a mature voice (because, after all, this story is about adults)

4.) Must not sound like your dead asleep when your talking (Yes, I have had one or two actors like this in my audio drama pasttime)

5.) Must be willing to give it all he/she's got. Scream where needed, Yell where needed, Cry where needed, etc. NO HOLDING BACK. This may require those of you who are still living with your parents to wait until everyone has left the house (which is how it was in my case)

6.) MUST STUDY THE PROVIDED PRONUNCIATION GUIDE! This is a really REQUIRED rule. I have had many actors who do not use the Pronunciation Guide and simply try to say the fictional name in question on their own. It usually ends pretty badly :-D

and

7) Full names are preferred, but if you really don't want to provide your full name, a screen name or fake name of some sort will be acceptable.


And there you have it. When casting has been done, scripts will be sent to actors (along with the Pronunciation Guide) in Microsoft Word (.DOC) format.


So, now for the four actors I am currently looking for:

1 of the actresses will be required to talk in a scratchy, spider-like voice

Other than that, voices must be strong and not 'breakable' :-D

Now, for EVERYONE who is interested in auditioning, simply record the following line and send it to me as an MP3 file (check the end of this topic for my e-mail address). Either send it as an attachment to your e-mail, or temporarily upload it onto your webspace (if you have a website) and I will download it from there.

AUDITION LINE:
(First start off by saying your first and last name) The days grow dark, and the shadow draws near. There is no hope for this world if we do not take action!

And there you go! Before I leave you I'd like to thank Planet-Tolkien for allowing me to do this, and I hope placing the casting call here will prove a success.

Thanks for your time!

Joe Harrison - euiiaudiocorps@yahoo.com
Multimedia Fantasy
EUII Audio Corps
Lion's Mouth Pictures

Current "The Age of the Swords" Supporters/Associates:
RadioRivendell.com - http://www.radiorivendell.com
StarWarsFanworks.com - http://www.starwarsfanworks.com
GalacticSenate.com - http://www.galacticsenate.com
StarWarsAndBeyond.com - http://www.starwarsandbeyond.com
Planet-Tolkien.com - http://www.planet-tolkien.com
No Line Cinemas - http://www.nolinecinemas.com