[Feature-Length Animation] "Queen of the Bugs"
Project Overview
SYNOPSIS
After traveling down a mysterious hole in the woods, four friends discover that humans aren't the only ones in Vespertine...
OVERVIEW
Howdy, everyone! My name's Givasti Hawking. I'm a self-taught animator, musician, and the cofounder of Only Ghosts Studios. After finishing my last project, "Magnolia Manor", in the spring of 2021, I wanted to do something bigger... a feature-length film!
Working on a team of two (myself included), we've been making slow (but steady) progress ever since. While some of the roles have already been filled, we're accepting auditions!
The final expected runtime is 1hr 20minutes, so we'll be working for a while! Featuring the music of HOME, 猫 シ Corp, Larry and His Flask, and Dan Mason, submit your auditions by June 28th to join the "Queen of the Bugs" team!
THE NEXT STEPS
(Stay tuned for more information!)
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Latest Updates
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Due to the amount of awesome auditions I've received, the deadline has been extended to Tuesday, July 5th. After I've had a few days to review everyone's tapes, I'll be casting roles on Friday, July 8th. Stay tuned, and have a fun Thursday!
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Queen of the Bugs: Amazing Auditions!
Wowee zowee: to everyone who's auditioned so far, thank you! I'll be starting the short list tomorrow afternoon. Once the deadline's been reached, I'll finish casting roles and reach out with the best next steps. Stay tuned for more updates, and have a wonderful rest of your day!
The youngest of Damiana’s orphaned princesses (15 years old). She’s more carefree than her sister, Evangeline, and a little less mature.
Sweetclover’s a terrific cook, a caring friend, and truly believes the world can be united through song.
That’s none of your concern. You’re starting something you don’t understand.
And… they pair nicely with candied yams!
Mother used to make them on those chilly, autumn nights. It’s been passed down for… (to EVANGELINE) was it five generations?
The thoughtful, elder princess (17 years old). Still grappling with her mother’s sudden death, she is eloquent, reserved, and aloof when excited.
Having grown-up in the palace, she’s dedicated herself to protecting the ones she loves the most, Clover, from outside influence.
They’ll never know we’re gone. Like they care, anyway.
Picture, if you will, handcrafted, refurbished panel molding, with pasted floral print, the essence of an autumn grove.
Of all the places… of course she had one last surprise.
The unscrupulous, “lawful evil” leader of the bishops, the true rulers of Lemon Grove.
Truly, Xavier’s greatest attention goes to protecting what remains of his queen’s legacy. He’d go through any length to protect his children, but the very hand that holds them close may be the same one that drives them apart.
Welcome back. I hope you’re comfortable.
I’m impressed. In the face of death, you still have the gall to speak of Damiana.
Don’t worry- we’ll kill you slowly, and parade your corpses throughout the city. (leaning close) And I can’t wait to watch.
The stoic, dismissive bishop.
I can’t look at them anymore. Can we get rid of them?
You tried, and that’s noble, but you can’t handle the pressure. We’re only doing what’s best for the colony.
Start with that one.
Disgusted by his own lavish lifestyle, The Fool rejected his status and fled to live in the boggy forests. Yet, for all the care he claims to have, he has done nothing to improve the lives of the poor, instead cobbling together his own makeshift manor from goods stolen from the rich.
Last time I checked, humans can talk, right? (beat) Huh? Ya understand? Am I speaking ya language?
You folks aren’t much for talkin’, are ya? Don’t worry, I can work with that. Talk enough for two, anyways, what’s three more?
I’m an old fool, nothin’ more. Now eat up… stew’s gettin’ cold.
A confident, easily excitable, socially-awkward water bug.
Did you say ‘giant water bugs’?!
Ah, that’s what I like to hear, my man! (beat) Where’s your spot?
Wow, I have no idea what any of those things are!
An elderly noble, completely disconnected from the common bug’s world and suffering from “main character syndrome”.
Oh, Xavier, you’ve outdone yourself this year, darling…
Yes, yes, the atmosphere, the theming! But curious music. I don’t quite enjoy it.
Can you believe the nerve?
A first-time small business owner, quirky and kindly.
Whoa-ho! Okay! Alright! (beat) Lemme see what I can do.
It’s actually been worse! Ten years ago… yeah, that was bad (chuckling).
Alright, let’s trade! And give me something good, these weren’t cheap!
The lead bartender of The Sideways Bar. He’s a lover of the finer things in life - like cubes of sugar, fruity drinks, and mango slices - and runs the most successful dive in all of downtown Lemon Grove.
Ever had a “Creme Tangerine”? Honeybell froth, little bit of cinnamon…
Hey, easy with the dew! Bugs can’t swim, ya know!
Take your time, let me know if I can answer any questions for you folks.
The local police chief and parent of Sky and Celeste (two of the four main characters). While stern at times, she’s understanding and will defend her family until the end.
She likes fruit peach rings, hikes, and listening to the same albums she heard in high school over and over and over again.
Celestine, I don’t wanna hear it. And your dad’s been calling all night, and I’ve been trying to- (spent) Where are your phones? Give me your phones.
We’ll talk in the morning. And you two - you’re staying with us tonite. Scary movie, apple cider - sound good?
Sometimes it sprinkles, or, um… (to herself) I’m glad it’s not snowing. I’m so glad it’s not snowing.
A beautiful, albeit self-absorbed noble, who trivializes the princesses as “children”,
Where do we find them?
This… thing… (faux cough, vindictive) it isn’t fit for the mites!
What can they do? (to the gang) What can you do?
A smooth-talking, snooty noble with archaic views.
How much is, uh… (tapping glass) one of those these days?
Don’t be modest, Xavier... It would’ve been much better!
So, try them once. That always does the trick, doesn’t it?
A frantic dirt salesman.
Fresh-ly made! Trade right now, for my, uh-special! Two-for-one… special!
Oh, shut up- He’s not certified, either!
Bag o’ dirt! Bag. Of. Dirt!
A full-time Starlight Express employee. Being in the service industry, they’ve dealt with adult tantrums, ridiculous requests, and a complete lack of respect - all while barely earning above minimum wage.
In their free time, Train Bug likes to skip stones by the train tracks and tends to his pet mites.
You guys want some free drinks, right?
Yeah, by the, uh… um… it was this far-out, uh- (collecting himself) Need anything, chase me down!
So, where ya stoppin’?
A lackadaisical drunk and a regular of The Sideways Bar.
No… no… we’re going to the ball!
(tipsy) I’m - what? (serious) What? (tipsy) I’m serious, I’m…
Like, why can’t we?! (almost in SKY’s face) Why. Not.
A typical businessbug, day-drinking in a local bar.
There’s no time for silly stuff.
I’m a busy bug! (beat, more sullen) I’m a busy bug.
(fearful) I heard they want a revolution.
The fun-loving father of Sky and Celeste, two of the four main characters. Try as he might to stay hip, he’s lost his youthful energy to the daily drag.
Hey… (with realization) hey that’s a bug! Write your report on that!
Sure I can’t give you a ride? It’s no cop car, but it’s got a… bunch of… JD Power Awards.
C’mon, I would’ve loved an assignment like that! So, where ya gonna find your miracle bug?