I posted a call for my upcoming series "AI Mafia" during June of 2020, and today I am back to hold brand new auditions for the main characters, Michael Maloney and The Puppeteer. Both of these characters received roles in the previous call but I would love to hear more from people who may be interested or even could provide as backup roles. If after the casting call is over I decide to use your voice, I will be contacting you so please leave some places I can contact you with your audition.
Please be aware this is currently and unpaid production, I currently have some things up such as Patreon to help me with the expenses and do plan on doing much more as the story gains traction. You cannot be paid now but hopefully the pilot does well and going forward there will be payment for your hard work!
I have provided a video for you to look at and study these characters voice claims as they are key components in the story, specifically Michael. The video has some small breakdowns available for you already as well, I apologize if the video itself is a bit long, it was the best way to get the point across of what I really need out of their voices and give you inspiration. The character descriptions have important notes as well, it's recommended you look at everything before making the audition.
Thank you so much for reading and taking interest in this project. I truly look forward to hearing all the auditions and seeing any support gained for the show and much more!
Here is a quick rundown of the story/show itself that was in the last call, if it'll help you:
The story is called "AI Mafia" and follows a gang of rouge robots and their plot to destroy all of mankind. These robots have been cast away by the human society for having ideas above their station and they want revenge. The humans treat robots like garbage and they act like their slaves, no matter how much more advanced and sentient they become over many years. Michael Maloney, once a man betrayed by the people he thought he knew, is the one to stoke the flames of the robot rage. Michael is the leader of the AI Mafia, our main character and mastermind behind a very large movement. The series will follow Michael and his ever growing band of misfits. They don't get along with each other at first but must grow into a team if they are to complete their plan. But just when they're finally starting to get along they are met with a robot like no other who's been in Michael's head for many years. Will they help Michael in completing his mission or will they try to take over and give them all another problem on their hands. What will happen afterwards? Will the robots begin their revolution? What will be the outcome. Who will win.
Through out the story you will also find out about Michael's tragic past and what happens to the man he used to be.
Michael Maloney is a robot, once a man, who is bent on the destruction of all man kind. A vile and dangerous being who won't let anything stand in the way of his plans.
Michael in public puts on a stern and stoic mannerism, he's mysterious and quick to the point. Publicly he's a gang boss, he has to make a lot of deals and with that, is very cunning and resourceful. While a very angry individual, his voice shouldn't always convey this, he talks as if he's always planning something. Michael has been through a lot, he's tough and cold, he should never have a hint of care or concern in his voice.
Among his employees Michael is very loud and vocal, always speaking his mind and letting it be known whether he likes something or not.
Michael is also not exactly ageless, Michael is canonically around 55 years old but due to his robot body can essentially no longer die, therefore his voice is permanently more of a middle age, you can try if you are younger of course, but do not give him an old man voice.
Pay very close attention to his voice claim of "Black Hat" from Villainous, think of what he sounds like and how he talks. Go for something similar, again its not recommended you try out for this if it is too hard for you to replicate. Try to go for raspy and spitty but not as deep as Black Hat's voice, just try to very slightly lower the tone. Black hat has moments where he rises to become monstrous, Michael does not, he just gets louder. Michael's yelling voice is when he is most similar to Black Hat. His speaking voice is softer in comparison.
Spanish speaking notes: As said in the video Michael is half Mexican. Michael will mainly speak English throughout the whole series but English is not his first language, he tends to yell and mutter to himself in Spanish when he's extremely angry or frustrated, even in the rare occasions where he cracks a joke. You can try out to be just his English voice or only his Spanish voice, I'd love to open it to a wider range this way so you are welcome to make two auditions (One in all Spanish and the other in all English).
Other Important Notes:
- You are free to come up with more voice lines or use others from the voice claim references, this will give me an idea of some other ways you can handle it. More voice lines can also be given to you upon request if you do enjoy the role as well as improvement suggestions before the call is closed
- Michael's voice claim "Black Hat" is not meant to be an exact copy, play with it more and send the results, its fine if this requires more takes
- I myself do not speak Spanish, the translations in the video come from already made videos who translated where I got the audio from. It is preferred that if you attempt Michael's Spanish speaking roles, you actually speak Spanish that way you can translate your script or help me in doing so
[You're discussing a business proposition with a client who doesn't seem to know his place] (A calm conversation turns sinister)
"See there's something here you're not getting.. (pause and lean in) I own every place in this part of town, and with that, I own you. Not to mention I have access to every security point in this city. So you either give me a slice of everything, or I take it all and the police get an easy job"
[Talking to yourself with an inner monologue] (Muttering)
"There was no hero in my story, even the robots I trusted deceived me and took me for a fool. I will not be taken advantage of."
[Yelling at your idiot employee, Puppteer in spanish]
"You fucking idiot I will show you what's funny when I shove my foot up your ass!"
"¡ Maldito idiota, te mostraré lo que es gracioso cuando te meta el pie en el culo! "
"If you don't shut up I swear I will riP YOU FROM THE INSIDE OUT"
"¡Te juro que si no te callas te desgarraré de adentro hacia afuera!"
The Puppeteer is a very wacky individual similar to his voice claims and how they behave when presented with stupid situations or situations that seem big. He has a wide range of emotions but usually dumbs them all down into comedic fourth wall breaks, yknow, the classic villain sidekick. He is far from comedic relief but he does take his job considerably less serious than most of the characters that appear in the show.
The Puppeteer, also referred to as "Puppet", is usually talking smack or having fun on jobs that go wrong. However he can play the part of a hardy body guard to Michael, he has the ability to shoot metal tentacles from his back and pop off his head for some reason. Both these things give him an edge on being able to instigate fear into the hearts of anyone Michael does business with. His craziness makes people wary and he can be visibly seen playing many roles in Michael's narrative. He's a wildcard so to speak.
If given the part you need to be able to portray both a serious side and wacky side, he likes to play with his victims but if they aren't giving him the information he needs, he's happy to put on the serious face until they talk.
The voice lines here give you a general idea of his common portrayal amongst Michael and the rest of the team, still in the show it will vary, so play with other lines that aren't listed here if you wish.
You can also use lines from Invader Zim that he says in the claim video or any from the show in general, I'd love to hear it! Any Richard Horvitz character you may be fond would be cool as well. If you have any questions or want to request more lines then please feel free to ask! I apologize if it's not very clear, I tried to describe him best I could.
Side note: If the dynamics of him and Michael's relationship would help you discern anything, think of them as Roman Sionis and Victor Zsasz from "Birds of Prey".
[During an argument Puppet begins complaining to Michael about his cowardice, along with a slight a fourth wall break] Every time I go out on a job with you, you runaway like a coward! That's my job! You're the all powerful gang boss and I'm the comedic side character to your life!
[Muttering to himself after Michael gave him a scolding] You wouldn't know anything about power if it hit you in the back of the head.. (slapped by Michael who definitely heard that) OW you fucker! I said if it hit you in the back of the head!
[Out on a job with Michael where they get into a heated fight likely as the result of a failed job] (laughter and loud shouting) HAHAHA! Now this is my favorite part of the job! World domination and I can shoot worthless humans!!
