Pokémon: Of Ember and Cinder (Pokémon Audio Drama)
Project Overview
Introduction
From the creators of "Skyfell: A Smash Bros. Story" comes "Pokémon: Of Ember and Cinder" an all new story set after the events of Pokémon Black and White! The story follows a young girl named Ember, the niece of Professor Juniper and a reluctant Pokémon researcher in training. After moving from her peaceful home in Nuvema Town, Ember finds herself adjusting to life in the busy streets of Castelia City. However, things are suddenly turned upside down when a mysterious supernatural rift transforms Ember into a Pokémon! With the help of a rookie trainer named Liam, Ember must now find a way to control her newfound powers and set things right if she wishes to return to her human form and protect the people she loves.
Project Overview
As mentioned above, Of Ember and Cinder is a spin-off story as part of the Smash Bros. inspired audio drama series Skyfell: A Smash Bros. Story. Originally, this story was meant to be a part of Skyfell's second season, but it was ultimately decided to have it be its own stand alone story so we could have more time to flesh out and explore the new characters we wanted to introduce. With this story having connections to Skyfell and the Super Smash Bros. series as a whole, there is a possibility that characters introduced here may become mainstays of the Skyfell cast, but nothing is currently set in stone.
The project as a whole is going to be a five episode audio drama, spanning the length of what would be a full length feature film. The story takes inspiration from many aspects of the Pokémon series, mixing elements of the mainline games, Mystery Dungeon, and Detective Pikachu for a unique storyline that pays loving tribute to the long-running series!
Deadlines and Auditions
The current deadline for this project is June 30th, 2021. All actors/actresses must have a clear microphone or decent enough microphone so any unwanted noise can be removed during post production. Make sure to have a pop filter to avoid any pops, clicks, or hissing! Because of the nature of this project, a lot of emotion is required from our cast. This means, you should be able to yell, scream, cry, shout, or be as flexible as possible when it comes to your emotional range. If you are cast and would like to set up a live recording session, we can make accommodations to help you!
When auditioning, please make sure your auditions are saved via .mp3 or .wav format!
Reaching Out
The team and I communicate via our own Discord server. If you're cast, having a Discord account would be greatly appreciated but isn't necessary. Being able to email lines and recorded dialogue will also suffice. But if you'd like to get to know your fellow cast members, having Discord will benefit you greatly! Should you have any questions about the project as a whole, feel free to DM me and I will respond as soon as I can!
Have fun and best of luck to you all!
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Latest Updates
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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Oby1JWQjSo0 Its finally time, everyone! Chapter 01 is out now! Thank you to everyone who's supported the project! I hope you all are looking forward to the rest of the story!
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Auditions Are Closed!
It’s finally done! We’ve filled in all of our roles! It’s been a tremendous casting period and I can’t thank you all enough for the support you showed this project! To all the neurodivergent people who auditioned, Liam was by far the hardest for us to cast and in the end, we ultimately had to choose the person who performed the best. So do not feel discouraged as you all absolutely floored me and I promise to include more characters like him in the future!! Thank you once again and I hope you all are looking forward to the final product!! -
Regarding Liam
Hey, everyone! Corrin here! I just wanted to reach out and say thank you once again for all the auditions and support you've given the project! As I continue to trickle down on casting the remaining roles, there is one role that I'm going to leave open for the remainder of the casting period: Liam. As someone on the spectrum, I want to get this role cast right and there's been a staggering amount of great auditions from people both on and off the spectrum that it's too difficult to make a decision right now. I ask that you all hold out a little longer so we can find the best person for the role. Thank you for understanding! Keep those auditions coming in! You're all doing amazing! -
Selects Roles Have Been Cast
As the title suggests, auditions have poured in and I cannot thank you guys for all your support so far! I've received enough to begin casting for some of the roles. There are still plenty open though, so be sure to spread the project around with your friends as there are still some roles we need cast! -
Shortlisting + A Quick Thank You!!
Hey gang, Corrin (Project Director) here! I just wanted to give a shoutout to everyone who's been following the project and auditioning! You've all blown me away with your talent so far! For those of you who've auditioned for Liam, as someone who's on the spectrum, seeing you all has truly made my heart full and its great to see so many of you trying out for the character! I'm glad to have written someone that you all can identify with! Lastly, one thing I do wanna make mention of is that there are still some characters we're severely lacking auditions for. Juniper and Fennel are two characters who are vital to our project and we could definitely use some more auditions. If you have friends who are fans of Pokémon, be sure to send the project to them! Thanks again for all of support! It truly means a lot to me!
Ember is the lead heroine of our story and the niece of Unova's Pokémon expert Professor Juniper. Having lost her mother at a young age, Ember lives with her aunt but struggles to connect with her emotionally due to her aunt's business as the region's professor. After the two move to the busy streets of Castelia City, Ember accidentally comes in contact with a powerful rift that transforms her into a Cinderace. Blessed with a slew of new powers, Ember must now rely on the guidance of an up and coming trainer named Liam, the only human who can understand her! Ember has a lot of insecurities at the start of the story, a lot of them stemming from the fear of being stuck in Juniper's shadow. But through her sudden transformation, she learns to become more confident in who she is. Ember is good-hearted by nature and always sticks up for those in need, going so far as to stick up for Liam when a group of bullies harass him.
For Ember's voice, we're looking for someone who sounds about 16-17 years old with a medium-high to high range. She's the classic underdog with a heart of gold and we want someone who can really embody that!
(rolls her eyes, sighs) You just wanna see my aunt, don't you? That's all anybody wants. No matter where I go or who I talk to, I always feel like I'm living in Aunt Juniper's shadow. I'm not a trainer. I'm no expert. I'm just... me.
[You've woken up to discover you've turned into a Pokémon] (frightened sounds as Ember surveys her new form) H-huh?! W-what? What's-? That's... that's me! I'm... I'm a Pokémon?!
Look here, Liam. I'll agree to this on one condition! I'm not something you can play "Pokémon Trainer" with. Just give me a rundown of the basics so I can defend myself until I can find a way to change back!
Liam is a young trainer who dreams of one day becoming a Pokémon master, but ultimately struggles to make the cut. A frequent target for bullies, Liam is a socially awkward, but well-meaning boy who has a strong passion for Pokémon. Early on, Liam becomes friends with Ember and after her encounter with the rift, mysteriously gains the ability to understand her even as a Pokémon! Much like Ember, however, Liam also lost his father when he was young. When his family refused to understand him, he ran away to Castelia and currently lives in an abandoned warehouse on the outskirts of the city. In his spare time, Liam works as a cashier at the local Poké Mart and trains with a Hitmontop. Using his knowledge of Pokémon across many different regions, Liam teaches Ember how to defend herself in her new form.
NOTE: It is HEAVILY implied that Liam is autistic or on the spectrum. While it is preferred that we would like to cast someone on the spectrum, we welcome others to audition for Liam regardless! We're looking for someone who knows how to play the Peter Parker type role. A nerd/geek who doesn't quite fit in but wants to do good and help others in return. Think of Finn from Adventure Time or Tom Holland's Spider-Man from the MCU.
[Liam says something that offends Ember] (profusely apologizing) No no! Ember, I swear! I can't tell you the last time I actually had a normal conversation with someone. Up until today, you were the only one willing to actually say something to me, let alone tell me I was good at something! Just give me a chance. Please?
[In the middle of a Pokémon match] (to himself) Wait a sec. If I remember right, Incineroar is a Fire/Dark type Pokémon. It should be weak to fighting-type moves! Ember!! Use your Double Kick!!
Ember... what were you thinking?! Travis is one of Castelia's top trainers! He's been battling to get into the league for years! You've only been a Pokémon for a couple of days! How're we gonna win this?!
Professor Aurea Juniper is the Unova region's Pokémon expert and a major character from Pokémon Black and White. In this story, Juniper is Ember's aunt and caretaker after her mother tragically passes away. Despite trying her best to be a good parental figure for Ember, Juniper's status as the region's professor causes her to become distant from her niece. All of that changes when Ember runs away after her sudden transformation into a Cinderace. Juniper makes it her mission to locate her niece and return her to safety without raising suspicion from the authorities. While it may not seem like it on the surface, Juniper cares deeply for Ember and will go the distance to get her back.
Ember, I know that starting a new life in a new town is hard, but you'll see! Castelia City is full of wonderful opportunities!
[You're reeling from the fact that your niece has run away] (shaken up, distressed) You don't understand, Fennel. A wild Pokémon appeared from Ember's room. It looked like it was trying to say something to me. It was scared. Like... like it didn't even know what it was. I... I think it was Ember. No. I KNOW it was Ember! I could feel how terrified she was! But... none of this makes any sense! Why couldn't I understand her?
Ember! I was so worried about you! Ohh, I've missed you so much!!
Police Chief Brody is the head of Castelia City's Police Department and one of the antagonists of our story. While he signs on initially to help Juniper investigate the rift and find Ember, he quickly becomes suspicious of Juniper's intentions and believes Ember to be the cause of the rift's strange activity. Despite his sudden heel turn, Brody tries his best to be a caring and understanding police officer. For Brody, we'd like someone who can provide a firm and commanding voice. Think Hopper from Stranger Things. Even when he's doing something that is morally wrong, he personally believes its for the benefit of Castelia's people.
Thank you for coming, Professor Juniper. We got a call a couple nights back about some sort of strange phenomenon that occurred during the studio's closing hours. We thought it was a Pokémon at first. But, well... I think you should see for yourself.
The public is growing suspicious, Juniper. The global leaders are demanding answers. As your friend, I'm giving you this warning. You're running out of time. Whatever secrets you're keeping about Ember's disappearance, it's best to come forward now.
[You're interrogating Liam and Looker] After what happened at the arena, are you seriously gonna try and look me in the eyes and say Ember's not a threat? I got testimony from bystanders at the match that said she had enough power to nuke the whole building!
Looker is the enigmatic police officer from Interpol. As part of the world-patrolling unit, Looker investigates many different cases across the world of Pokémon and has appeared in many games. In this story, Looker joins Interpol as part of an ongoing investigation with the rift and finds himself looking into the disappearance of Ember at Juniper's request. Looker is also a master of disguise and constantly uses them to go incognito. For Looker's voice, we're aiming for the standard gruff, detective voice that gives him that "seen it all, done it all" kind of vibe.
[Meeting Juniper for the first time] Agent Looker, at your service. Though that's just a codename. I'm part of the world-patrolling unit. How can I be of assistance, professor?
A human becoming a Pokémon? Considering the other types of cases I've heard happening in the other regions, I wouldn't put it out of the realm of possibility. But in light of recent events, if we want to know the truth about the rift, I'll help you find your niece.
[Trying to sneak into a sold out stadium] (mutters to himself) Hmm. Backstage? Looks like it's time for one of my famous disguises.
Fennel is a scientist who studies the dream world and is also a recurring character from Pokémon Black and White. She is also good friends with Juniper and assists not only in the investigation on the rift, but also in helping Juniper find Ember. She's brilliantly minded, constantly inventing new gadgets to help people better understand Pokémon and event comes up with a device to help translate their thoughts into human speech.
Juniper! Oh it's so good to see you!
No way... it looks like a quantum rift! I can't recall a single Pokémon being able to create something this powerful!
Juniper, are you alright?! You look like you just saw a Gengar! What's wrong?
Riolu is the pre-evolutionary stage of Lucario. Despite being a small canine-like Pokémon, Riolu possesses incredible power. In this story, Riolu is rescued by Ember after a rift summons a monster. Thanks to Ember's transformation, she can understand other Pokémon, thus Riolu is given a voice to communicate to the audience. Much like Lucario, Riolu can sense the aura of other beings around him, albeit not as strongly. He also has a strong disdain for humans; he states that many Pokémon end up lost or trapped in the Castelia City sewers due to having no trainers. Thus, Riolu makes it his mission to help other Pokémon in need and despite knowing that Ember is human, he agrees to help her because she saved his life.
Riolu's voice should be that of a young boy, sort of akin to something like Tails' voice from the Sonic the Hedgehog games.
[Annoyed] You gonna keep asking questions or are you gonna move?!
Humans are bad news. They capture Pokémon like us. The ones who don't have trainers. That's why I was at the arena! I was looking for pokemon who might need help. But then those monsters came...
I believe you, Ember... and I wanna help! I don't care if you're human. You saved my life! We're a team now, whether you like or not!!
Corphish is an absent-minded water-type Pokémon who resides with Riolu in the Castelia City sewers. Corphish is meant to be the comic relief of the Pokémon characters, channeling actors like Seth Rogan and Patrick Warburton with his mannerisms and voice. He often lives in his own little world but possesses brutal strength with his claws and can often come in handy when he sets his mind to it.
Ahhh, home sweet home! Once you get past the smell of rotting chesto berries, it's not so bad!
Ooh! Ooh! What can I do? Does it involve food?! I love food.
You kidding?! My claws are so sharp, I could make a scizor cry!
Pumpkaboo is a charming ghost-grass type Pokémon who could easily fit in during the spooky season! Much like Corphish, Pumpkaboo was abandoned by her trainer and ended up befriending Riolu. Despite looking rather spooky on the outside, Pumpkaboo is quite skittish and can often become frightened easily. With Ember's help, Pumpkaboo learns to become more brave and help her in her mission to stop the rift alongside Riolu and Corphish. Pumpkaboo is obviously meant to be cute and friendly, with a little hint of ghostly-mannerisms present in her voice. We wanna get across the idea that Pumpkaboo has the potential to be a frightening Pokémon, but is just too cute to achieve that kind of image.
(yawns, wakes up from a nap) Must you be so loud? You woke me up!
(gasps, begins to shiver; to Ember) Is... is s-she a monster too?!
Ember, I don't know if I can do it. What if I'm not scary enough? I don't wanna let everyone down!
Mayor Windham is the mayor of Castelia City. In the beginning of the story, he personally calls Professor Juniper to investigate the rift with Chief Brody overseeing the investigation. An older gentleman, we're looking for someone who can channel the over-the-top J. Jonah Jameson type of attitude for him. Someone who very clearly enjoys his position of power, but not the responsibility that comes with it.
Brody!! Why aren't you producing results?! Do you understand how many calls I've been getting about the incidents around the city? My reputation is at stake! So you better have some good news or I will PERSONALLY see you fired!
Alright, alright! But keep the investigation private. I don't want news of this leaking out.
Travis is one of Unova's youngest Pokémon trainers and the head of the Castelia's Sports Club. While he may be a talented trainer, Travis is incredibly full of himself and often picks on others including Liam. To this end, Travis is considered Liam's rival in the story. Travis specializes in Fighting-types and often partakes in the Unova P1 Grand Prix with an Incineroar as one of his main teammates. In one episode, Travis tricks Liam into getting Ember signed up for a match in the P1 Grand Prix against Incineroar, leading to a harrowing and intense Pokémon battle. While Travis is written to be a somewhat stereotypical bully, we don't want him sounding like one. Travis has an entourage of supporters, showing that he does indeed have talent, so his voice should be cool, confident, and collected, but still have a bit of menace to his demeanor.
Alright, loser. You win this round. But we'll be back... and that cute little bunny pal of yours won't be around to save ya (chuckles).
I want a rematch! You've been acting far too smug now that you've got that flop-eared freak on your team. How about we raise the stakes? Winner gets a spot for the sports club tryout.
That's right, loser! You think I don't have an ace up my sleeve? Normally, a same-type matchup like this would be pointless, but my Pokémon have years of superior training! Incineroar! Let's teach this hop head a lesson!
Professor Rowan is the Sinnoh region's Pokémon expert and one of the recurring characters from "Pokémon Diamond and Pearl." In this story, Rowan makes a brief cameo after appearing on a television broadcast showcasing the rift spreading across the world. Given Rowan's incredible amount of experience, we want someone who can sound firm and knowledgeable.
[Conducting an interview on television] In the many years of study I've had with Pokémon, I've never come across something such as this. Scientifically, we don't know much now. But what we do know is this. Whatever this rift may be, it is dangerous. I would heavily advise trainers to postpone gym challenges at this time as we still don't know what effect the rifts may have on domesticated Pokémon or those living in the wild.
The energetic MC that oversees the match between Ember and Incineroar. We're looking for someone who can channel the energy of Pokémon Stadium's announcer from the Nintendo 64 game.
A new challenger has arrived, folks! Give it up for Cinderrrrace!!
I don't believe it folks! Incineroar has taken a stumble! But he's back on his feet and ready for more! Looks like this battle's just getting started!
What a comeback!! Cinderace unleashes a double kick! It's super effective!!
A news reporter who gives a televised update on the global phenomenon regarding the rift. You can take inspiration from other news channels and such to get a feel for how these should be read.
In our top story today, numerous sightings of a mysterious rift have been reported. Locals in the Johto and Hoenn regions are said to have disappeared after coming in contact with the rift, but officials have neither confirmed nor denied this claim.
The source of the rift remains unknown as Pokémon professors around the globe remain stupefied by the sudden phenomenon. Professor Rowan of the Sinnoh region had this to say, encouraging citizens and trainers alike to remain indoors.
Public officials in the Unova region have been tightlipped regarding details, including that of Professor Juniper, who has yet to comment on the phenomenon.
A young lass who speaks to Looker outside of the stadium where Ember's match is being held.
[Speaking to Looker] You mean you don't know? It's Unova's P1 Grand Prix!
The match's sold out cuz they've got a Cinderace in the lineup.
Hey Mister, aren't you gonna watch the match?
A youngster who accompanies the Lass and speaks to Looker outside the arena where Ember's match is being held.
Yeah, the strongest fighting-type Pokémon go up against each other in the ring to see who's the best!
One of Travis' lackeys. Nothing particularly special.
Woohoo! Way to go Travis!
Woah, hold up a sec, Travis. You know what that is? That's a Cinderace!
Another of Travis' lackeys who aid in bullying Liam.
Better luck next time, loser!!!
[Sees Liam leaving with Ember on a motor scooter] Hey, was that Liam? Yo, he picked up a chick!