Last chance to get a role in a Cold and Heartless Lullaby!
We are casting for some extras! If you still want a small role now is your chance! https://cstng.cc/projects/a-cold-and-heartless-lullaby-episode-1-extras
A Cold And Heartless Lullaby *PAID* (Sci-fi Audiobook)
Project Overview
(Headphones Recommended)
A human soul and a mechanical body were never meant to be combined, but he was desperate. Through ash and storm, he preserved, his body barely holding together. Even as the world collapsed around him he never left his post. If he waited long enough, he could be there when she woke up.
Read the Book: https://www.wattpad.com/833274917-a-cold-and-heartless-lullaby-chapter-1-awakening
Hello! Welcome to the casting call for A Cold and Heartless Lullaby. We have seen incredible talent come from this site, so we are eager to see how this turns out! Here is a list of rules to aid you in your audition process.
Rules
1. Every Audition must have clear, isolated audio. That means no background sound, no plosives, and no peaks.
2. You will be expected to act. Every part contains a believable, grounded, and emotional character. We will be looking for people who can make the lines feel natural, and bring the character to life. If your audition gives us chills when the lines get emotional, you've done well.
3. Communication is important. If we can never get ahold of you, then it becomes very difficult to work together. Actors must be dedicated!
4. Have fun with your audition! Even if you don't think you will be selected, give us your best! You never know!
Info
-The book will contain sound design, ambience, and music on top of the narration.
-We intend to hold live recording sessions so that we can direct you, but if our schedules cannot match, you may do it on your own time.
-Payment will come through Paypal, please have this set up so that we can give you money!
-The finished Audiobook will premiere on YouTube when it is completed.
-Word counts and rates are not final, as the book is currently being edited.
-There will be no casting until after the deadline.
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Latest Updates
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A Cold and Heartless Lullaby is finally being released!
The first chapters of A Cold and Heartless Lullaby are being released with more on the way! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L0MZ8ErLHT0
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New short story released!
Hello, all! Work on the full audiobook for A Cold And Heartless Lullaby is going well. We have almost completed recording the dialogue and soon various extras will be needed. If you would like to be considered for a small unpaid cameo role, please respond to this post with a demo reel. Most extras have only one or two lines. In other news I have released an audio version of my latest short story on my website. It is a great example of what the final audiobook will sound like. Here is a youtube link for those interested! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QK9BQrdeUg8 -
Update on Casting
As you may have noticed, most of the cast has been selected. Firstly I will congratulate those who were cast, but I want to thank all of you for your auditions and callbacks. I wish I could work with many of you, and hopefully one day I will! If you made it to the callbacks round (you know who you are) and you weren't cast but you still want to be a part of the project, contact me and I might be able to fit you in as an extra! -
Casting is reopening
I know it has been previously stated that the final cast would be announced on July 5th but there has been a change of plans. As the director I hate keeping you all waiting so long but the factors are beyond my control. During these times of change I was lucky enough to get a full time job. However it requires that I live/work all week on site and often on weekends. As a result there is no time for work on this project. By no means does this mean the project is cancelled or delayed. If the cast had been announced they simply would have had to wait for me until my work concludes in the middle of august. Therefore I have decided to put this time to good use. Casting will reopen from now until August 15th. If you missed the casting before, now is your chance. Of course if you are a finalist you are not being replaced. Just sit tight, you may have some more competition when the cast is decided, but we have not forgotten about you. I genuinely hope this does not inconvenience any of you. This project has proven to be of far larger scope than first anticipated and I want to take the time to make sure the final product is of true value. Several of the roles will be receiving an increase of pay so keep your eyes peeled. If you have auditioned before we will allow new auditions, considering many of you have improved a lot since february. However, I do not actually recommend leaving a second audition. During the process, if a voice caught my eye, I checked for improvement in more recent auditions from actors. If you were still rejected it probably means you simply don't fit with the project. That being said, I won't stop you. Thank you everyone for your patience and anticipation for this project! And to those of you who are new: break a leg!
Voice Actor
Graham
closed
Paid: Flat Rate 70 USD
Graham was a naive youth. He figured he was better than everyone else. Smarter, stronger, faster even. Eventually, that mentality got him caught up with the law. Now older, he has abandoned his black acts and lives on his own, letting his whim take him and his newfound love for music wherever it pleases. Bitter relationships in his past have left his palate marred, and he is convinced that he can live without love. Until he meets Jaylen that is. Soon all that matters is his love for Her.
His confidence and suavity only work to inflate his ego while stifling his compassion and sympathy. He is selfish, self-absorbed, and self-reliant. His voice is smooth and confident, his mannerisms seemingly careless. But when a child enters the picture everything changes. He is forced to think about someone other than himself. It is a child he never asked for, and a child he finds it hard to love. Regardless she would change the direction of his life.
~3500 words
(In the middle of a pleasant conversation. Relaxed, confident, casual.)
“Luckily, they don’t have quite enough power to sue me. Waylight knows they have enough money already. (changing subject) you haven’t touched your drink. Is there something wrong with it?”
(In the middle of a conversation that is heating up)
“I am only this way because I made it here on my own. If I depended on my parents to raise me I would have never had the courage to leave the house lest a gust of wind blow me over and shatter me on the sidewalk. Kia doesn't need to be sheltered, I don’t want her to have to face the world by herself as I did.”
(In tears, suffering immense grief)
“It’s just that… every day I’m at work I’m terrified I’ll get home and she’ll be dead too. The doctor doesn't how long she'll last like this. I have her on meds at least half of the day now. (Emotion peaks) I need her now more than ever.”
(Old man now)
(Explaining, tired)
“I don’t know Kia, but life is different now. There's no market, and there are no city streets for them to meet in, there is only survival. It's every man for himself, and I need you to trust me so that I can keep you safe.”
(Screaming in Anger) LOOK HER IN THE EYES ROMAN!
(Whispering a violent threat, still out of breath from combat) I have waited years for her to wake up. I don’t care if I die, but if you kill me you kill her, and I care very much if you kill her...”
Singer
Graham (Singing Voice)
closed
Unpaid
You may audition for both GRAHAM and GRAHAM (SINGING VOICE), in fact, it is encouraged if you are able. You will be paid for both. If you only want to play one of them, that is fine as well, we just need the two actors to match up as much as possible.
Graham is not a pitch-perfect singer, but he has a pleasing sound, like a busker who is just flawed enough to have some personality. You can tell through his voice that he is passionate about his music. When he sings he forgets everything else around him.
There are 3-4 short songs in the book. If you have the skill to produce the backing tracks as well as singing then that is welcome, please state so in your audition, you will be paid an additional 10 dollars.
Sing a lullaby
Sing whatever you are best at
If you can produce music as well please leave a sample (optional)
Voice Actor
Kia
closed
Unpaid
Kia is a clever child, perhaps more than her peers would have been. If she ever had a chance to have peers that is. She wakes into a desolate world, confused, disoriented, and afraid. She doesn't speak a lot, she mostly keeps to herself. She is always full of questions, but she is careful with them.
For her voice, I don't want anything cutsie. Rather I envision something grounded and realistic, even if that means she sounds a bit older than she is. Kia is close to nine years old and her voice matures a little as the story progresses. In order to excel in this role, you have to be convincing in more than one emotion. I foresee this being a difficult role to fill, so if you are willing, please be sure to keep an eye out for potential voice actresses. Do not worry about trying to copy the voice from the video, it is a placeholder.
~400 Words
(Extremely groggy and raspy)
“Father?” "Where is my father?”
(Sullenly)
“Nothing's gonna go back to normal is it?”
(Slightly hopeful)
“It’s not everybody for themselves, you have me.”
(Happy, she has had an unexpected surprise)
"Jerby!"
*Childish laughter*
(Begging and whining)
“Pleeeeeeease!”
(Crying out in disgust)
“Ew! Ew! Ew!”
(Wistful)
“Will you sing for me, like you used to every night?”
(Heartbroken, on the verge of tears)
“Why would you lie?”
(Throwing a fit)
“I don’t want a solo. I hate singing!”
Singer
Kia (Singing voice)
closed
Unpaid
You may audition for both KIA and KIA (SINGING VOICE) in fact, it is encouraged if you are able. You will be paid for both. However, if you only want to play one side you must match the voice actor as close as possible and you will only be paid for singing. (Just give me your best and I will do the matching)
Kia has a crystal clear voice that is impressive for her young age. Her singing is simple but well in tune.
Sing something soft and beautiful
Voice Actor
Jaylen
closed
Unpaid
Role assigned to:
Toni Jean
Jaylen was a strange youth. She always had her nose in a textbook or dictionary rather than the melodramatic romance everyone else was reading. She was quiet by necessity rather than choice. If she ever opened her mouth a torrent of words would come pouring out with no control, she couldn't help herself. She was the kind of person that almost becomes a decoration in the library. If anyone walked in at any time of the day, they would always see her in the same spot. In her adulthood, she has mostly learned to control herself, but she has not stopped in her fascination with science and technology.
Now an intern in the Discovery Council, she keeps herself very busy. The big city is still mostly a mystery to her, but she forces herself to brave it. She will make this work.
~600 Words
(Anxiously excited)
“I know, I’ve seen- well- I’ve heard you around here a lot and I really like that song you sing about the man from the Forest of Ash.”
(Holding back laughter)
“Don’t say that! You’ll get excommunicated!”
(Playful)
“I am great aren’t I?”
(Talking way too fast in her excitement)
“Andron is the greatest Etherologist of our time. His research of souls in the second plane is revolutionary! I can’t believe we are going to meet him in person! I have read all of his works. He’s like a modern-day Arameus!”
(Almost in disbelief, on the verge of joyful tears)
“Graham... It’s our child…” (gasp)“I can almost feel her heartbeat.”
(In an earnest conversation with a loved one)
“Just- tell her you love her sometimes, okay?”
(Getting emotional)
“But Graham, what if they were our children.”
(In tears)
“I’m pregnant.”
(Blurting out in desperation)
“I’m pregnant Graham!”
Singer
Jaylen (Singing Voice)
closed
Unpaid
Role assigned to:
Toni Jean
You may audition for both JAYLEN and JAYLEN (SINGING VOICE) in fact, it is encouraged if you are able. You will be paid for both. However, if you only want to play one side you must match the voice actor as close as possible and you will only be paid for singing. (Just give me your best and I will do the matching)
Jaylen is not a trained singer by any means, but her voice is naturally good and she loves music. Whenever she sings it's never for anyone, it's only for herself.
Sing something soft and beautiful
Voice Actor
Beatrix
closed
Unpaid
Beatrix has not always been the shoulder to cry on. She used to be adventurous and wild, but when she had a child that all changed. She is wise beyond her years and is always willing to lend out advice. her personality is vibrant and loud. When she finds a joke funny, everyone in the room will know. She loves good company and a good drink, but not too much drink... She has left that behind. She is getting too old for that anyway! She could talk forever, but she loves to listen. She gives the best hugs.
As for the voice, it's deeper, cool, slick, and dripping with personality. Like that waitress at that little diner down south, the family-owned one that has been around for generations. You know the place. "What can I get ya' honey?" she says. Maybe with less of a southern accent but hopefully you get the point.
~800 Words
(Casual Conversation)
“Mmmhmm, you have changed Graham. Being a parent really does that to you. All of sudden you have to be all responsible and right-minded.”
(Cracking a joke)
“You have no idea! I could have sworn my sweet boy had been abducted and replaced with a sassier look alike.”
(A good hearty laugh)
*Laughs* “You could say that couldn’t you!”
(More serious)
“Well, the last thing you should do is be overprotective. When they become teenagers they start to feel the need to be more independent, so give them some space. Let them get out all their mistakes before they become adults. From what I’ve seen, a cornered cat will often lash out.”
"She can’t love it if it's not her choice. I myself often forgot how intertwined love and choice is, so don’t you either.”
“Do you trust her?”
(60 years older, on verge of tears)
“Oh Graham, a parent should never have to outlive their child. It just isn’t right.”
"Graham I don’t know why you ever came to me for advice. I was the worst mother to ever live… Promise me this Graham, you will wait for Kia to wake up and when she does you will love her like every day is her last.”
Voice Actor
Roman
closed
Unpaid
Roman was born after the world ended. He grew up in a world of fear, fighting for survival. He was a coward, always on the run, but when he finally gained some protection under the New Reverants, he found his place. Empowered by the new situation he rose to positions of authority and grew very comfortable there. He became confident to point of foolishness, but inside he was still terrified. When that cursed andron* undermined his authority, he was filled with rage. He needs to prove himself again. He needs to be on top. He needs to know he is better. It is a childish ambition, but he doesn't care. He is controlled by hate and desire, and he thinks he is stronger because of it. his demeanour is casual, confident, cocky. He holds no respect for anyone but the High Reverant above him.
*An andron (Pronounced AnDrun) is basically an android.
Main Antagonist
~600 Words
(Confident)
“You know andron, that was the last thing I expected you to say,”
(Concerned and slightly amused)
“Sol’s wrath, That ain’t right. A talking andron, Light have mercy on your forbidden soul.”
(Getting annoyed)
“Look, buddy, we don’t have an infinite supply of food. I’ve got my own men to feed, and it's not going to last forever. If your ‘Master’ is too sick to show up, then his food had better go to someone else.”
(Biting words)
“Every word you say makes me sick andron. Don’t waste your breath.”
(Yelling)
“You’ve made a terrible mistake andron! A terrible mistake!”
“Search every nook and cranny of this place! I won’t rest till that machine is found!”
(Pure unadulterated wrath)
“ANDROOOOON!”
(Calling out)
“Reveal yourself andron! Every second you wait someone else dies!”
(An Intimate threat)
“Say. Another. Word,”
(Speaking to authority)
“This one was caught stealing from us your reverance."
"May I receive your blessing reverance?”
Voice Actor
Andron
closed
Unpaid
Being a Tryll, Andron would have to be brilliant to make it in the world of drywalkers. Luckily, he was. His people have lived underwater for thousands of years, and they seem content doing it. But Andron was fascinated with the walking world and he couldn't stay put. It didn't take long before he became one of the world's leading scientific minds. His work with souls was revolutionary. But under the fame and glory, he is a normal man, if only one with gills. Even with all of his success he doesn't feel good enough. He always has to keep pushing, balancing his work and his celebrity status. One day he will be appearing in front of thousands of awed spectators, exuding confidence, and the next he will be crying to himself in the corner of his lab. He has set the expectations too high for himself, and there is no going back now.
Andron has a deep voice; assured and confident when he is presenting, but unsure and self-conscious when he is alone.
630 Words
(A rehearsed speech to an audience)
“We have much to learn about souls, but they are what defines us. They are all around us, in everything. In you, in me, in the ants, in the clouds... Everywhere.”
“Our studies show that souls are tethered to our bodies from the second plane of reality. When we die that tether is severed as our body can no longer be an effective vessel. Ladies and gentlemen, while most scientists studied the soul or the body, I studied the tether, and it has lead to a great discovery.”
(One on one conversation. He seems different without a crowd in front of him.)
“My deepest condolences go out to you. She was a great assistant. One of the brightest women I ever met.”
(Greatly strained, breathing heavily)
“Blink if you can hear me, blink if it worked.”
(Serious and grave)
“Do you realize what you are offering to do?”
“Yes. With an augmented body, it would be far easier to replace and repair parts that wear down. But I am not saying there would be no downsides. You would have no pain, no sense of smell, no sense of touch. Your range of motion would be detrimentally handicapped. I could go on but listen, I don’t want to force you through this.”
Voice Actor
Cheat
closed
Unpaid
Cheat is an enigma. To those that don't know her, she looks like she might be insane. She's cracked, but she likes it that way. Even while probably being a head shorter than everyone in the room, she still intimidates everyone. She demands attention at any cost, fear for a little extra. Once a perfect child, now a psycho criminal she will accomplish anything she sets out to do. It's impossible to tell what she is thinking at any point and if you cross her... well... It's best not to think about it.
~400 Words
(In casual conversation)
“I’m still figuring that out… Do you think you could fit inside an andron? You are obscenely skinny right?”
(Excitedly)
“Holy Gods of Waylight break! Scam, Did that andron just speak?”
(Purposefully overdramatic)
“Well, I guess he doesn’t care about unimaginable wealth, *Dramatic sigh* Oh well… I guess we will have to kick him till he falls to pieces and use his parts for scrap. Drop him Brute.”
(overconfidently agreeing)
“Yeah, I’m the best.”
(Interrupting)
“NOPE! Sorry pal but I have to warn you, we don’t use real names around here. The circle of trust only goes so deep.”
*Slightly manic laughter*
“I like this guy! He asks the right questions, let me paint you a picture. Imagine never moving another muscle again for the rest of your life because you have hired servants to do it for you. That’s one servant for every muscle, and there is like a million of those!”
Voice Actor
Scam
closed
Unpaid
Role assigned to:
CoyoteNeutral
He's a scrawny little sliver, but what he lacks in brawn, he makes up in brains. You couldn't tell by looking at him, but he knows his way around a computer. He could hack the Grand Leader's account from three provinces over. he cares deeply about his looks and his hair in particular. he wouldn't be caught dead without his trenchcoat, and if you see him without a toothpick between his teeth he must be fuming a reed. He always finds the most absurd way to sit in a chair and somehow makes it look comfortable. If he ever bumps into you in the street, check your bank account, it might be emptied.
His voice is cool and laidback. It seems his face dons a perpetual smirk. You can never really tell what he is thinking, but it is probably something about women or technology.
~150 Words
(Familiar conversation)
“Cheat, nobody's that skinny,”
(Expanding on a previous statement)
"They own more banks than Mr. Ipsem would care to admit. And if she's planning what I think she's planning, it should be easy.”
(Explaining)
“The bug I planted in the back of the server should be transferring money into our accounts as we speak. I made sure that it was slow enough that nobody would notice. Give it a few months and we should be able to bribe our way out of here. After that, we just keep receiving money till we die. I have to hand it to you Cheat, I wasn't sure about this plan at first, but I'm beginning to like it. Using the terminal as a decoy was genius.”
Voice Actor
The Warden
closed
Unpaid
Role assigned to:
Walt Allen
The warden has been working in the prison for a while. You can almost hear the fatigue in his voice. Despite the conditions of the prison, he is not a bad guy, just a guy doing his job.
~400 Words
(Making an announcement)
“As you know, Torus has been falling apart for a while. The faults in the oceans were here long enough to become part of our culture. We always knew this day would come. We just never thought it would be in our lifetime. We have tried keeping the pieces of our world in place, and it worked for a time, but nature must always follow through in the end. Our only hope is to escape the planet before it collapses and kills all life on Torus. Much of the economy has already been pulled apart to pay for our evacuation.
(Trying to make things work)
“Listen, Graham, it’s like I said. There can be no possessions. I’m sorry.”
"Graham, I’m pulling enough strings already just to let them bring you. They don’t think a prisoner is worth taking,”
(Cautiously)
“Graham I will have to work under the table. But I will do what I can.”
Voice Actor
Arron
closed
Unpaid
Role assigned to:
WilliamEnglishIII
Everyone expects him to be the leader of the neutral camp, despite the fact that he never wanted one. Nevertheless, he stepped up and did his best. Maybe he will never live up to the legacy of his father, but he will try.
~200 Words
(Commanding)
“Halt! What business does a revenant have in this neutral zone?”
(Sneering)
“Then you have brought their fury upon us! You should leave, Immediately.”
(fuming)
“Mother! He is a criminal!”
(Cautious)
“Get inside this tent and hide. We will redirect them, but as soon as they leave, you’re gone. Understand?”
(Commanding)
"You are forbidden to enter the neutral camp under our treaty! Take another step and face war!”
Voice Actor
Aaron's Mother
closed
Paid: Flat Rate 8 USD
The only voice of reason left in the Neutral camp. She is welcoming to any refugees.
~150 Words
“Arron, give him a chance!”
“See Arron, he's a refugee, just like the rest of us.”
(Incredulous)
“Are you going to share andron?”
“There are rumours of a Holy Land.” (Leaning in close)
“The only place protected from the collapse they say. Many travellers have come through here claiming they are going there. Enough of them have come through that I’m starting to believe it myself.”
*Horrified scream*
Voice Actor
High Reverant
closed
Unpaid
An elderly religious leader. He holds himself with great respect, and he demands it from others. He looks down his nose at everyone, considering himself the most righteous among them.
~50 Words
(Like a teacher would speak to a child)
“What have you brought me, Roman?”
(Noble)
"A terrible sin indeed, stealing from us.”
(Great Surprise)
“An andron with a sentient soul! What great blasphemy is this? You have done well to bring it here Roman.”
(Emotionless and brutal)
“Stone them.”
Voice Actor
Reverant Extras
closed
Unpaid
This is more than one part. Please choose one of the three options to audition for. If you want to audition for more than one include them all in one audition. I will message you personally if you get a part.
The Reverants are members of the Church of Sol.
487 Words (Between 4 characters)
(Sermon)
“Sol compelled us to lend a helping hand to you unfortunate people. When you were condemned to the surface we were heartbroken. But it will be safer for all of us if you remain here. And as the resources here are slim we leave you an offering.”
“We will leave you with enough food to last for decades. We would, of course, encourage you to find your own way of getting food as these bags will not last forever."
(Old man)
(Fury)
“What is this? What is this andron doing in the house of Sol!”
“I don’t care what happened! Just get this abomination out of our place of worship!”
(Young Man)
(Surprised)
“Your reverence! Don’t worry, he’s probably just gotten lost,”
(One on one, sympathetic)
“Believe me, I want to. I want to help you, but if the reverence finds out where the money is going it would not end well for either of us… I’m sorry.”
Voice Actor
Guard Extras
closed
Unpaid
This is more than one part. Please choose one of the three options to audition for. If you want to audition for more than one include them all in one audition. I will message you personally if you get a part.
Generic guards for various factions.
94 words (Between 6 characters)
(Angry and confused yelling)
“What are you doing? Don’t bring them here!”
“On your feet andron! Hands in the air!”
(Gruff)
“You have no weapons?”
“Come in, and be quick about it, it’s bloody freezing out here!”
“I’ll take you to Roman. This way. Don’t try anything,”
(Impatient)
“Out!”
“Hurry it up!”
(Uneasy)
“We don’t mess with the Alley boss, we’ll get killed for sure.”
Voice Actor
Doctor Extras
closed
Unpaid
This is more than one part. Please choose one of the three options to audition for. If you want to audition for more than one include them all in one audition. I will message you personally if you get a part.
Elderly Doctors.
293 Words (Between 2 Characters)
(Anticipation)
Are you ready?”
(making a note)
“A girl."
(Worried)
“The baby is out... But she is not healthy. When she came out she wasn’t breathing...”
“We have only seen this once before, it is a very rare disorder. The last child did start breathing again, but only after we had him on support for months. You should come in and see your daughter.”
(Trying to defuse an angry screaming client)
“I’m sorry sir, there is no other known treatment. But if we can keep her alive long enough for her inheritance to kick in she might live. The pod will keep her in a stasis where her cells won’t age. It will be like she’s frozen in time, she won’t remember any of it.”
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