Oh the Horror - An Original Audio Drama
Project Overview
THE KICKSTARTER IS NOW LIVE: Oh the Horror: Season 1
INTRODUCTION
Modern Japan has no place for monsters.
With fewer and fewer humans believing in yokai, these beings are fading out of existence. As a last ditch effort to survive, a small group of misguided monsters flee to America – the land of opportunity… and hopefully the easily frightened.
Oh the Horror is a comedy horror audio drama about the struggles of yokai immigrants as they learn how to navigate the unfamiliar culture, the different styles of horror (Japanese psychological compared to jump scares, etc.), change versus tradition, American cryptids, and their dysfunctional camaraderie.
ABOUT THE PROJECT
This will be a paid project which will work on creating a demo/first episode and launch on podcast players and on Kickstarter for the continuation of the series and future projects.
I have ran successful Kickstarter campaigns since 2018 that focus on Japanese folklore, such as this campaign and this campaign. Yokai and folklore hold a very special place in my heart, and I would love to bring this story to life with your help!
REQUIREMENTS
- Quality audio recordings
- Applicants must be 18+
- Prefer XLR microphones, but USB mics also work
- Please provide your email address when you audition
- Must have PayPal or Venmo to receive payment
NOTEWORTHY INFORMATION
- This may become a long-term project. Keep this in mind if you audition for a role.
- No NSFW content, but there may be mature themes, violence, gore, character deaths, etc.
- More characters will be added at a later date or in a new project (Yuki-onna, Karasu-Tengu, Baku, and others) so keep an eye out!
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Latest Updates
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Hello, everyone! The deadline has passed and this project has received nearly 1.2k submissions! So many amazing voices and a range of interpretations for each of the characters. I have been managing the Kickstarter campaign (which ended around the same time as the casting call) and will use this coming week to review the auditions, chat with the team, and make our selections during the middle of this coming week. Friday at the latest! We may still reach out to certain voice actors even if you were not selected for an intended role. Some new roles are created based around unique voices (Zashiki Warashi, Amabie, etc)! I also want to include that we will continue to use CCC for future casting calls since there are still several other yokai (Yuki-onna, Karasu Tengu, etc) and cryptids (Sasquatch, Mothman, etc) that were not included in this current project. Please keep us in mind in the next few months as we continue to develop this audio drama!
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Kickstarter is now live!
For those of you following this project, the Kickstarter campaign for Oh the Horror is active! Link to the project: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/knewlore/oh-the-horror-season-1 The Kickstarter was created to assist with funding voice actors, composers, writers, and audio engineers. It has digital perks, physical rewards (pins, buttons, and apparel), and opportunities to be part of the creative process through updates or even providing feedback that shapes some of the stories! Regardless of the level of perk selected, backer names will be forever added on our official website: https://www.knewlore.com/ If you are unable to participate as a backer, that's completely fine! I would appreciate it if you could share it with anyone interested. The more we earn through the Kickstarter, the more opportunities we can provide through additional episodes and hiring necessary voices or services. -
Oh the Horror Trailer Uploaded!
For anyone interested in this creative project, a trailer has been created to set the tone of the series: https://youtu.be/iR7IrCKcbE0 This is also viewable in the CCC project page. The next month, September, we will leave the remaining roles open until the deadline hits. If you want to revise your submissions (after listening to the trailer) or send them to anyone interested, feel free to do so! We plan to launch a Kickstarter campaign during this month to get more eyes (and ears) on this project. With a campaign that does well, the more paid opportunities will open up for this first season! I want to add another note to this update: even if you do not get cast for a specific role in this project (there are SO MANY talented people here), I may still reach out to you for another role that potentially fits your voice or in anticipation for another character that is currently being developed. This may sound ambitious, but I want to provide opportunities for people whether it be as a stepping stone into something bigger or as someone's first paid part in the creative field of work. Please keep doing the amazing work you do! I appreciate all of you. Until next time, Yokai Yuri
A shapeshifter, typically disguising himself/herself as a human almost all of the time. He/she is extremely adaptable and typically feels sorry for the more ancient yokai that have a hard time acclimating to their new life in the States. He/she has the most neutral outlook on the situation and just wants to focus on surviving.
Please submit your rendition of him/her.
Hey! Stop following me! This is MY spot. Go find your own!
That disguise won't last long at all. Have you ever been around humans before?
[Improv what you believe he/she would say.]
His/her two tails sometimes accidentally materialize while in human form. He/she enjoys dancing and playing the shamisen when he/she is not finding ways to manipulate or blackmail humans. The very unfortunate people become his/her next meal.
Please submit your rendition of him/her.
Whoops! You weren't supposed to see that. Are you going to tell anyone or do I need to shut you up for good?
Looks like you just ran out of time. *laughs*
[Improv what you believe he/she would say.]
This yokai loves spending time with humans, finding companionship with them more interesting than with others like themself. They have a mischievous streak to them but generally approach situations with good intentions. If necessary, they can possess humans and feed off their lifeforce.
Please submit your rendition of them.
I like spending time with you. It's refreshing compared to what I'm used to.
Hmm? How long have I been staring at you, you ask? Long enough to tell you've got something else on your mind.
[Improv what you believe they would say.]
This yokai was originally a human and is easily mistaken as a mortal. Her presence startles other yokai when she shows up to their gatherings. Though her personality is super sweet, she has a strong hatred for certain types of mortal men. This role has the potential to feature a LGBTQ+ relationship.
Please submit your rendition of her.
Ah! No, I'm sorry, didn't mean to startle you! Can't help I look like a normie. Well, not 'til later at least...
What? Human flesh? No thanks. I grabbed a Caesar salad before I got here.
[Improv what you believe she would say.]
A stunningly attractive woman with sharp wit. This yokai lives a solitary yet luxurious life. Understanding what it means to come from nothing, she takes advantage of situations so she’ll come out on top. She can ensnare her victims in webs, which she occasionally uses for kinbaku. Her favorite food is himbo.
Please submit your rendition of her.
Is this a bad time? Seems you're a bit tied up...
My tastes in food are... eclectic. Italian, Chinese, classic American... so long as it's beefy.
[Improv what you believe she would say.]
A masterful shapeshifter that loves drinking and playing tricks on people. During his time living with humans, he learned to adopt practices such as holding multiple jobs and gambling away his hard earned cash. He moved to America earlier than most and uses a lot of 1980s-1990s equipment in his daily life.
Please submit your rendition of him.
Goddammit, that's all I've got on me... Care to take an IOU instead?
Can't catch me if I'm in the air!
[Improv what you believe he would say.]
One of the older and more traditional yokai. He is fairly clumsy on land, sometimes tripping and spilling the water in his head, but excels in bodies of water. It takes him longer to understand modern concepts and technology. He appreciates politeness and is a fan of cucumbers.
Please submit your rendition of him.
Is the monthly yokai committee meeting up this street or down this alley? Anyone got a map? No? *grumbles*
Hey, wait! Don't take off so fast, I can't keep uuu--ah, shit!
[Improv what you believe he would say.]
This oni was kicked out of hell for being a shitty demon. He/she has a terrible attitude but has a stellar work ethic with terrifying (and sometimes eating) mortals. Unfortunately, he/she cannot disguise himself/herself and has to be cautious on when to venture out in public. He/she is not a fan of the human world and wants to find a way back to hell.
Please submit your rendition of him/her.
What the hell are you lookin' at? Never seen a demon before?
Get your ass back here and die like a man!
[Improv what you believe he/she would say.]
This entity is looking for his other half and traveled from Okinawa to find them. He has a sense of duty and belonging, caring for others and defending humans from evil spirits. This role will feature a LGBTQ+ relationship.
Please submit your rendition of him. Priority is given to Okinawan voice actors.
[Haisai is an Okinawan greeting.]
Haisai! It's good to finally meet you. Sorry it took so long to get here.
Don't you dare take another step closer to him.
[Improv what you believe he would say.]
Improv a yokai/spirit (talking, making noises, etc.)
Improv a human (talking, etc.)
Assist with developing the script for each episode. Preference is on writers that know a bit about Japanese folklore/yokai, cryptids, or are open to learning! Having experience with comedy and/or horror is a plus.
Please provide samples.
Say something you think would fit
Assist with adding sound effects, editing, and mixing.
Please provide samples.
Say something you think would fit
Assist with creating the intro/theme song and other pieces.
Please provide samples.
Say something you think would fit