THIS CASTING CALL HAS BEEN CLOSED. PLEASE STAY TUNED FOR FURTHER INFORMATION REGARDING CALLBACKS AND ROLE CONFIRMATIONS.
BIONICLE is a toy line originally produced by the LEGO group. Throughout 2001-2010 it featured a storyline where legendary heroes known as Toa worked together to revive their creator, Mata Nui. They would unite against the forces of evil, led by the traitorous Makuta Teridax, who aimed to take over the world as they knew it.
BIONICLE: Iliad is a small group of members in the BIONICLE community who are joined together by one goal; to retell the story of BIONICLE through a fully CGI 3D animated web-series.
To finish casting for the first arc of the show we're gonna need more voice actors. That's where you come in! We're looking for skilled voice actors to bring this project to life! In addition, we are looking to bring on additional artists and technicians to join the project in our various open departments.
Familiarity with BIONICLE and its characters is not required to participate, we're only looking for the best talent available.
This casting call currently covers Episodes 3 - 6.
The Casting Call is open from now until March 11th at 11:59PM EST (UTC - 5).
You may direct any and all questions to the Bionicle: Iliad Fan Discord Server. [https://discord.com/trnBJnA]
OVERVIEW:Bring your energy and enthusiasm to the role. We are NOT looking for impressions or imitations of any existing BIONICLE Media. This includes voicing the Matoran with higher-pitched voices like they’re children. Barring the Turaga characters, who should sound older, all characters will fit in the generic adult voice range.
You may notice that some of the characters speak in a pattern different from common English, this is due to their specific dialect, Treespeak. Treespeak is a fictional dialect that the people of the jungles of Mata Nui speak. They compound nouns and adjectives and shorten their sentences to achieve efficiency of speech. We’ve adapted the fictional dialect to better suit voice-acting and comprehension. If you would like to hear a sample of what the dialect may sound like, you can listen to the following audio cuts.
[https://bit.ly/treespeak_sample_frustrated]: A frustrated matoran spills his heart.
[https://bit.ly/Treespeak_Sample_Hushed]: A hushed turaga explains the situation.
[https://bit.ly/Treespeak_Sample_Plea]: A matoran pleas with an ally.
Regardless of speech patterns, we do not have set accents in mind for any given role. We invite everyone to bring their own unique, enthusiastic take to bring the characters to life.
We also have open positions for other aspects of the project. These range from concept artists to audio engineers. You will find information about each role in their respective section below.
Most importantly, above all else, we hope you have fun!
These aren’t just suggestions. If you don’t follow these instructions, you’re not likely to be cast.
Applications for roles other than voice actor must include a sample of previous work. Further information will be available below per role.
We’re looking for solid mic quality, you don’t need to have a $1000 Microphone or anything, just preferably not a tin can.
No Background noise or reverb. Pretty self-explanatory, we don’t want to hear your whole house or neighborhood, just your lovely voice.
No Slating. Don’t say your name before the takes, we can read it. Just go straight to the lines.
3 takes maximum for each line and read each line at least once. Make sure each take is unique.
Ad-libbing to change a line is allowed so long as you give us a take of you not ad-libbing alongside it. If you don't, we'll consider you as having not read all the lines.
You may attach a demo reel as part of your audition.
Auditions must be sent in by the deadline, we may grant exceptions if reasonable. We reserve the right not to grant exceptions.
We will not send individual rejection emails. If you don't hear from us within a week or two of the deadline, sorry, you did not make it.
All Roles will be Live-directed.
Discord will be required for live-direction during recording sessions.
If we enjoyed your audition, but think you could fit a different role better, we may contact you with an invitation to audition for said different role.
Feel free to audition for as many characters as you'd like, auditioning for one won't disqualify you for another.
PRONUNCIATION GUIDE:Ahkmou - OHK-moo
Boreas - BOR-ee-us
Gukko - GUH-koh
Hafu - HAH-foo
Huki - HOO-kee
Jala - JAH-lah
Kapura - kah-PUR-ah
Koli - KOH-lee
Kongu - KON-goo
Kopaka - Koh-PAH-kah
Koro - CORE-oh
Le-Koro - LEE-CORE-oh
Lewa - LEE-wah
Makuta - Mah-KOO-tah
Mata Nui - MAH-tah NOO-ee
Matau - MA-tau
Matoran - Mah-TOR-an
Matoro - Mah-TOR-oh
Nuju - NOO-joo
Onepu - OH-neh-poo
Onua - Oh-NOO-uh
Onu-Koro - Oh-NOO-CORE-oh
Po-Koro - Poh-CORE-oh
Rahi - RAH-hee
Rama - RAH-mah
Shu - SHOO
Taipu - TAI-poo
Tamaru - Ta-MAH-Roo
Toa - TOE-uh
Turaga - Too-RAH-gah
Ussal - UH-sohl
Ussalry - UH-sohl-ree
Vakama - Vah-KAH-mah
BIONICLE and its characters are property of THE LEGO GROUP. AFTER PARTY ENTERTAINMENT and its affiliates claim no legal ownership over any of the copyrighted materials featured in BIONICLE: ILIAD. BIONICLE: ILIAD is a non-profit fan project made from the passion of BIONICLE's community. LEGO does not sponsor this project in any way.
Thank you everyone for auditioning for the project. We have started our first wave of callbacks and reached out to several voice actors to join us for the first wave. If you have not yet received an invitation so far, it does not necessarily mean you haven't been cast, so please stay tuned for future news regarding casting and future waves of callbacks.
The Iliad Team
You must have experience with editing and a willingness to adjust to constructive criticism. You will balance edits for short-form (reels/shorts/tiktoks) content, along with edits for long-term projects (episodes, animatics, etc.) Please attach a sample of previous work. Any software is allowed, so long as you are capable of exporting your project work.
*Say something you think would fit*
You will balance the sounds of the show. Your primary focus will be on long-term projects (episodes, animatics, etc.). Preference will be given to those that have access to a sound library/experiance with foley.
*Say something you think would fit*
There are many creatures and weird characters in the world of Bionicle. Your role will be to conceptualize them. Primary work will conceptualize creatures and characters featured in season 1 with a focus on mechanical animals and insects. Art can be in a physical or digital form, so long as you have a way to upload it to the project database. You must be able to adjust work as necessary based on Constructive Criticism. Please attach a sample of previous work.
*Say something you think would fit*
The world of Bionicle is filled with many awe-inspiring environments.. Your role will be to conceptualize them. Primary work will involve conceptualization of environments on the Island of Mata Nui with a focus on jungle/tropical landscapes.. Art can be in a physical or digital form, so long as you have a way to upload it to the project database. You must be able to adjust work as needed based on constructive criticism. Please attach a sample of previous work.
*Say something you think would fit*
Skilled in the art of motion, you will be focused on long-term projects (cuts, scenes, etc.). You must have experience working with Blender. Please attach a sample of your previous work.
*Say something you think would fit*
These are the artists that set the ground-work for animation. Primary work will focus on blocking actions and simple environments. Art can be in a physical or digital form, so long as you have a way to upload it to the project database. You must be able to follow a shot-list and adjust work as needed after constructive criticism. Please attach a sample of previous work.
*Say something you think would fit*
The heavy-lifters of the project, without them, everything is a blank canvas. Primary work will focus on creating detailed 3D environments with an immediate focus on tropical, jungle, and desert environments. Blender is the preferred software, but so long as your work acceptably exports to Blender, any software is fine. You must be able to adjust work as necessary based on constructive criticism. Please attach a sample of previous work.
*Say something you think would fit*
The fun loving Turaga of Mata Nui. He enjoys dancing, singing, and most of all partying. Yet, when his village is in need of guidance, they could not ask for a more inspiring voice.
MATAU (GIVING ADVICE): Time waits not for the wind. Each day brave Matoran go fighting the Rama-swarm. Each day less return. You be the Toa of Air: the Air follows the Toa, not the reverse. If you save us, then I’ll join your song-dance.
MATAU (STRESSED WHISPER): Please hush-speak, Kongu, lest we shout-draw all the hive…
MATAU (DOWNCAST): Toa Lewa… He be no prisoner. Bad-worse now. His mind be not his own, a puppet of-
The most serious and organised of the Turaga, Whenua makes sure the unsleeping city of Onu-Koro is always gathering resources to trade with the rest of the island. He is not as blunt as his brother Onewa, but he has little time for riddles or bureaucracy.
WHENUA (REASSURING): Everyone in this village has their Duty. Sometimes it is difficult when that Duty does not seem useful, but take heart that you have done your part. No one individual can shoulder every burden - it is something we all share, equally. When the time comes that we need defending once again, you will be called upon, but until that time...perhaps it is our strong Toa who deserves a well-earned rest.
WHENUA (THOUGHTFUL, QUICKLY BECOMES URGENT): This is not natural. This reeks of Makuta’s wicked touch. But why here? Why us? Why not go after… (realizes the danger) We need to get everyone into their homes, away from each other. Now.
WHENUA (EXASPERATED): Impossible!? Don’t be ridiculous: we had to mine for our lightstones long before we had access to them! But enough of this, we are here.
Kongu is a realist. He doesn’t sugarcoat and always prepares for the worst. It turns out when you’re leading the charge against Makuta’s endless swarms of Nui-Rama, those qualities prove to be quite useful. But unlike his carefree, easy-going brothers in Le-Koro, Kongu also feels the weight of that responsibility with every soldier lost.
KONGU (ANNOYED/EXHAUSTED): Okay, alright! I clear-see… Look: I be a wind-flier, a leaf-runner, not a village-leader. I be not wise-manage food and water, I be not raise Le-Koro spirits like sing-song Turaga Matau. I be just Kongu. And I… I want this all to stop.
KONGU (IMPASSIONED): Brothers, we are the last defence of Le-Koro! If we fall, then our Koro be lost. I see precious few wind-riders left - so I take but one leaf-brother. Others tight-circle Rama-nest, and deep-watch for next Makuta-strike. If we are not back in an hour, then fly Koro-way. Shu will village-guide and Gukko-lead in my place. But whatever happens, brothers, I be honor-lifted when I fly by your side.
KONGU (EARNEST APOLOGY): I be deep-sorry. If I fool-thought not, we could have quick-saved you long ago. I had not courage.
The certified champion of Koli, Huki is adored across the island, and he knows it. He doesn’t let it get to his head, but he is used to the attention and will often find himself navigating his way through signings or parties. He can sometimes be oblivious to others frustrations, but he has a good soul and does his best to spread positivity wherever he goes.
HUKI (SICKLY): Get…(Coughs)... help… Comet…(Coughs)...rid…
HUKI (ENTHUSIASTIC MORALE BOOST): Let’s go. Can’t be a top Koli star if you don’t exercise!
HUKI (TALKING ABOUT HIS RELATIONSHIP): Some people say that it’s a weakness. Something that gets in the way of our Duties. Ahkmou practically said it’s not real. I just thought… I didn’t know if people would think it was bad, for both of us. Like we’re wasting our time.
The unparalleled architect of Mata Nui. His originals are known by all, and he takes great pride in his craft. He has no time for attention or fame, though: he has the dreams of an artist. And he will not rest until those dreams are realized.
HAFU (DISAPPROVING): Well that’s just shoddy craftsmanship. Who made this?
HAFU (SLIGHT ANNOYANCE): We don’t just carve these statues of you for fun, y’know. I put hours of work into each one, toil for days to make sure everything is perfect, because you’re the Toa. You’re the one who’s going to save us.
HAFU (ADMITTANCE): I don’t have an answer for you on that one. I’m good at doing things by myself. No other carvers around here are enough to get the job done. But something tells me there is enough talent between the six of you that you’ll figure something out.
The sweet and helpful, if somewhat gullible, Taipu, has a simple dream. To see the surface. He works hard so one day he can gaze upon the leaves of the trees. But beware of his great strength, in case he gives you a back-breaking hug!
TAIPU (INTRODUCTION): I’m Taipu, by the way.
TAIPU (ECSTATIC; DREAM FULFILLED): Thank you! Thank you so much for helping!
TAIPU (OVERTAKEN BY WONDER): Even taller. You can see… the sky?
The friendly chatterbox of Le-Koro. Tamaru can sometimes be difficult to follow, but he is always looking out for his fellow matoran. His main challenge is his fear of heights, which can be problematic in a village suspended in the trees.
TAMARU (FRIENDLY): Happy-greet, friend! Sorry for Kongu, he be worry-think since Rama took our Turaga…
TAMARU (FORGETFUL INTRODUCTION): Oh, uh, I forgot my name-share! I be Tamaru. Nice-meet, Chronicler!
TAMARU (FEARFUL BUT BRAVE): Makuta, please, take me… take me and safe-return my friends!
Kopeke is a Matoran of few words. He prefers solitude: the thrill of hunting Rahi in the drifts, or the delicate and deliberate work of an ice carving. But when with others, you would struggle to find a more capable or dependable ally.
KOPEKE (DEFENSIVE): Who are you?
KOPEKE (SOCIAL BATTERY DEPLENISHED): Enough questions. We should go to Matoro. He will have your answers.
KOPEKE (DISCONTENT): The traitor is likely out of reach now. We should have reported what we found and let Kopaka go after him.
The slow talking, deep-thinking Kapura of Ta-Koro has a unique way of seeing the world. He can see places where he is not, and travel great distances by moving slowly. With these abilities he proves a great asset to the people of Mata Nui.
KAPURA (STRANGE INTONATION): I am Kapura.
KAPURA (STRANGE INTONATION): You are where you are, if I practice, I can be where I am not. It is hot here, where I am, but where I am not is very cold.
KAPURA (STRANGE INTONATION): You can’t move quickly to get anywhere. Vakama says even though I move slow, I may be faster than the others. Perhaps I may travel far. Jala says I’m being silly. But I practice often.
Captain of the Ussalry, right hand to Whenua, experiment tester for Nuparu, Onepu is a matoran of many roles.
ONEPU (ORDERING): Chronicler? What are you- nevermind, we need to get you out of here now, the Ussulary are preparing to move out. All civilians are to leave Onu-Koro.
ONEPU (ADDRESSING SUPERIOR): Sir!
ONEPU (UNDER PRESSURE): I told you, we’re expecting a war here. The only thing I have to spare is a single Ussal Crab.
A proficient scout of Le-Koro, always ready for danger. A sudden emergency means he/she will have to fight for their life.
LE-MATORAN 2 (REASSURING): No… my wounds hold less importance than your duty… I can still limp, we’ll home-walk ever-quick.
LE-MATORAN 2 (GRATEFUL): Many-thanks, Toa-hero!
LE-MATORAN 2 (FEARFUL): Toa Lewa… I… our brothers!
Captain of her own boat. She ferries guests across the island.
MARKA (GOOD MOOD): Alright, this is your stop. See you in the morning.
MARKA (TEACHING): Purity is what we strive for in Ga-Koro. It's our job to keep the waters Pure. If your mind is Pure you can have Visions, like Turaga Nokama and Toa Gali. And most of all, Purity grants Ga-Matoran great Speed!
Leader of a ground-walking scout patrol.
LE-MATORAN SCOUT-LEADER (GIVING ORDERS): Answers will come on the breeze. You two- (Le-Matoran 1 and 2) follow the right path. You- (Le-matoran 3) soft-step left. I’ll be following behind.
LE-MATORAN SCOUT-LEADER (REJOICING): Thank Mata Nui, Lewa comes to quick-save us.
A scout of Le-Koro.
LE-MATORAN 1 (WARNING): Watch the wetlands: Deep-striking Rahi can come anywhere, anytime.
LE-MATORAN 1 (VICTORIOUS): Hah! Now they be fleeing!
The leader of one half of Onu-Koro’s most important assets, the Guildmaster seeks to have the markets undisrupted.
GUILDMASTER (EMPHATIC): We cannot afford to have trade disrupted like this: the Great Market is Onu-Koro’s greatest asset!
GUILDMASTER (ANGER RISING): And what of the Le-Koro highway? It was supposed to be finished months ago! There’ll be no safe way to travel to the south until it’s complete.
The leader of one half of Onu-Koro’s most important assets, the Foreman fears for the safety of the Onu-Matoran miners.
FOREMAN (in the background): This is reality, Turaga. It is not safe, and it will continue to be unsafe until-
FOREMAN (DESPERATE): Can’t you stop him? He’ll work himself to death!
One of the miners of Onu-Koro. He supports the miner’s strike.
AIYETORO (SOMEWHAT SHY): Er. Mr. Chronicler, sir. I don’t mean to disturb you, but you two won’t be able to break through to Le-Koro. Especially with that form of yours.
AIYETORO (PASSION SPARKING): What do you think we’ve been on strike for? A vacation? We need light to protect us.
Vira is the lookout and light-stick guy. You know the one from the cutscene. It had Flight of the Valkyries which was pretty funny I think.
VIRA (URGENT): Captain!
VIRA (URGENT): There be a raid come near! A hundred-many buzz-fliers - Makuta slaughter-seeks!
Kongu’s second. After an accident mid-flight he is stranded in the jungles of Le-Koro.
BOREAS (REASSURING & CURIOUS): I be fine, no Rama-worry now. Le-Koro near. But why be Toa Onua here? Did not Onu-Koro need you?
BOREAS (GRATEFUL): You came, for all us here. That be what true–matters.
Guard of Ko-Koro. Intent on apprehending a Matoran traitor.
PAKASTAA (RESTLESS): Have you finished your depiction of the traitor Matoran you encountered yet?
PAKASTAA (YELLING): Stop right there, criminal!
A scout of Le-Koro.
LE-MATORAN 3 (CONFUSED): I have never seen these tracks before. A sea-beast?
Keahi is a jerk who doesn’t like adventurers.
KEAHI (WHISPER WITH CONTEMPT): Ssh, the good-for-nothing “adventurer” can hear you.
A wise scholar of prophecies and Matoro’s whereabouts.
KO-MATORAN SCHOLAR (WORRIED): Chronicler! Nuju’s translator has gone. He took a patrol out to the Flame. We too were concerned about the North March. If you want to talk to Nuju you’ll have to find Matoro in the drifts.
