PROJECT OVERVIEW:
I am turning every novel in The Sims into short machinima stories. Episode 2 will be based off of a well-known in-game novel "Crisis Barn" and is the story of Ira Strauss, a humble man who left his high-paying job at Landgraab Enterprises to start a farm. When he was exploring the abandoned property he had just purchased, he found the body of a dead French diplomat face-down in the hay. New to the area, he has to try and use his knack for detail, and his way with livestock to help him catch the killer before the FBI destroys everything. In the process, he finds himself, finds good friends, and finds his heart opening up to love. He also finds a Llama named Harold. This is a mix of puns, Sims lore, and a lot of cheesy fun [don't forget the lactose tablets].
This project has a relatively short timeline, as I want to get it up and published within a good window of the new pack coming out on July 22. However, I can be flexible, because we all have lives!
I have not developed the characters/do not have the pack to take photos of the townies/characters I will be using. I will be adding those soon. Some specifics below:
All roles are in the English language.
All roles are voluntary and unpaid. However, full credit and showcasing will be given to all voice actors via multiple socials, such as Twitter, Instagram and within the video credits and description on YouTube.
DEADLINES AND AUDITIONS
Ideally, I would like to cast all roles by July 27. I would like to have all lines recorded and sent to me via email (provided once cast) by August 15th. However, this can be flexible if life gets in the way. This is a shorter production, so the lines should not be too excessive.
WHAT I ASK OF YOU
First and foremost, have fun -- I take pride in bringing together talent to create something truly phenomenal, but none of it means anything if the people involved aren't passionate about their craft.
Please submit clean recordings on prosumer mics (no air conditioners in the background, no fans -- I don't mind performing noise reduction on your files, however too much clean-up reduces the quality of your voice). And speaking of clean-up -- please let me handle the post-production. Don't add effects to your lines.
Feel free to cut your lines to your best/favorite takes. Three is the gold standard. I have a few voice actors that would rather give me more takes, and that's okay, too. However please at least remove the takes you don't want to be used.
You will submit your recordings as one .wav file per scene via email, which will be provided to you after casting. If a file is too large to submit via email, I prefer to use Dropbox, Google Drive or Discord.
I do occasionally ask for line re-dos, but we do this sparingly and only after great consideration - I realize your time is valuable, and we won't ask for anything we can't work around in edits.
Speaking of Discord, it is the preferred mode of organizing the team. You will be added to the channel for this project as appropriate. However, if you are adverse to this, the second best method will be to communicate via email.
Ira Strauss is a humble business man, highly educated and had worked his way up in The Landgraab Empire as their lead Chief Legal Advisor. He got to the point in his life where he was unhappy and gave it all up to start a farm and live a simpler life.
[Irritated] Make your coffee? I have an MBA and a doctorate in business law. Certainly you can find someone else to do that for you Nancy.
[sigh] I hate my life. I hate my job. I can’t do this anymore.
Uh, sir, you can’t sleep here. This is my barn and . . .[gasp] oh my god, he’s dead!
Nancy Landgraab - The "Karen" of The Sims, and the one everyone loves to hate. She and her husband Geoffrey own the lions share of the Sims Universe.
Ira, my assistant didn’t show up again today. I’m going to need you to make my coffee, and call my plastic surgeon to book my next appointment.
You will do what I say Ira, or you’re fired!
What do you mean you quit? You can't quit! Don't you walk out of here Ira! Your career is over!
This detective is investigating multiple mysterious deaths in the area, including the death of a French Diplomat in a barn. He probably wears a tupee and smells like peppermint. He's an undeveloped role, so have fun with this one.
Mr. Strauss, the gentleman you found dead is a French Diplomat. We will need to seize your barn until further notice.
Ms. Crumplebottom, I’m going to need you to put down your purse, which is known to be used as a weapon.
Another death, this one by one of the male chickens in the area
She just wants to hit you with her purse. A comedic side-role, minimal, but sure to get chuckles.
Now you listen to me Mister, I don’t care if you have a badge or not, I’m NOT putting down my purse!
It's about time someone bought that old run down farm. The foxes and rabbits were starting to take over and they're ruining my garden!
[getting ready to hit someone with her purse] Don't you dare try to steal from me! Take that, you thief!
A kind neighbor, married to Derek McMillan. Also lactose intolerant. Bad thing to be as a dairy farmer.
Don’t listen to her, she’s just a crotchety old hag. But stay away from her purse, it’s dangerous
Tell us about you Ian. What made you leave the big city and move out here to this nothing town?
[Not feeling well] Derek! Please tell me you didn't use the full lactose cheese on my pizza. Oh, oh no. Excuse me, but I have to . . .
Dereck McMillan is the more level-headed of the couple. His family has a rich history in the area, and he's always wondered about the mysteries surrounding the deaths on that property.
Ian and I are making some organic pizzas later today. Come on by later and we’ll tell you more about the property you purchased.
There's some mystery surrounding the place. Rumor has it that that French diplomat is not the first person to die there, and somehow the family of Princess Cordelia have something to do with it.
[bickering with his husband] Ian, it's not my fault you didn't take your tablets again. Also, you didn't have to eat five slices.
Cecilia is Ira's neighbor, who also moved to the area recently to escape the big city and big corporations. She is very educated, very self-confident and knows what she wants and deserves in life. After a series of unfortunate dates with locals, she has sworn off relationships for good. She is quite happy on her llama farm, with her best friend, the very overly confident diva of a Llama, Harold.
[Referring to her Llama] Sorry about Harold. He has a mind of his own. I’m Cecilia. You’re new here.
[Irritated] I’m Not a Damsel in Distress. You need not worry about me.
[Anxious] Ira, can I come in? I have some information about the death in your barn. We have to act fast before the FBI finds out what I know.
