![EC:Monster-Training [An Original Fiction Podcast]](https://shortcut-test2.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/tmp/1645871759-317959552842342-0817-2354/thumb_383349ECMTlogo.png)
LOGLINE: A quiet, chicken-hearted monster named Pluto tries to survive as a hero in a terrified and bloodthirsty city that wants him and his kind dead.
The story is set in a world where the human race has evolved into something more... unhuman. The SCMN33-gene caused humans to develop in unnatural ways, developing unnatural abilities. Humans are turning into monsters that only used to live in folktales.
Monsters are shunned. Monsters are ostracized. Monsters are tamed and barely feared. Everyone is out for monster blood. It's part of the culture. If you’re old enough to skip stones across ponds, you’re at the age that you can chuck that stone in the face of a monster. If a child were to show monster-like abilities, they are required to take The Monster Evaluation to see if they can live in the civilized world with their oddities, or without their emotions.
Follow Otillia Shield, Pluto Zero, and Margo Morté, some monster-kids?— creature-people?— whatever they are, as they trek the world, trying to fix something. But they cannot hope to do anything alone. They will find others like them, an entire society of hidden monsters just like them, in a safe haven. Maybe Otillia could learn to hope in a better world... a less bloody... less restricting world, a world that remembers its previous humanity.
DETAILS:
PRIORITY goes to auditioners who are 13-19 because this story was written for youths and I only think it fair that it be youth-driven! But, of course, the casting director will select based on excellence, even if the auditioner is above the age group.
For Season 1, there will be roughly 10 EPISODES (about 15-ISH MINUTES EACH).
PODCAST WEBSITE: ecmtlisten.com
1-2 EDITORS FOR THE ROLE -- we plan to have 10 episodes (roughly 15ish minutes each)
Any editor confident in their abilities to edit dialogue to be crisp and clear, add/create sound effects, and mix in original or non-copy-righted music may audition! The editor(s) will work closely with the director for the beginning episodes to ensure proper timing and that the episode is working true to the vision of the project. However, as the episodes go on, however much independence or support the editor(s) wish to have will be up to the editor(s).
In your audition, please link your portfolio.
In your description, please add:
Say something you think would fit
The main vibes for this podcast are dystopic, action, and family adventure. Since the timeline is futuristic, digital music will be preferred, but ANY type of music is acceptable! The Score Composer will mainly be responsible for creating the theme of the podcast (aka. the intro/outro). How much independence or support the Score Composer will have is up to the composer themselves! However, it's encouraged for the composer to also create soundtracks based on the characters— to create a more dramatic effect in the final product! We hope you'll have fun with this story, these characters, and with our crew!
Here's a link to the podcast story summary and characters: https://www.ecmtlisten.com/characters
In your audition, please list your portfolio or a piece that you think best matches what this audition requests.
In your description, please list:
Say something you think would fit
once she sets her heart on something, she will work like a thing possessed to get it
*talking to a young kid, who is hating his own power*
"Don't call yourself an irregularity. You were meant to be who you are. I created the Underground to shelter people like you. We are not a mistake. We deserve to be saved."
*walking up the steps to her twin brother's apartment, muttering to herself* (she hasn't seen him in almost 20 years)
"Please don't let him be taller than me. Please, God, he's always been the small fry, don't let him be taller than me! Please, please, please, please, please."
*Arguing childishly with her brother after seeing him for the first time in 20 years*
Nova: "I don't know why I came here to take this abuse."
Claes: " You're the one who broke into my own home."
Nova: "You let me in, idiot."
Claes: "Well I take back my invitation— now you're here without invitation, therefore you're here without my assent, therefore you have broken in."
Nova: "Oh no! Will you cry?"
Claes: "I will."
Nova: You wouldn't.
Claes: *screams bloody murder like a wife in a 1950s horror movie*
Nova: Shut up! Shut up! People are going to call the cops!
Claes: *stops screaming* (dead serious) Then get out of my house.
hides the rest of his normal emotions
*Nova calls Claes*
Claes: WHY ARE YOU CALLING ME SO EARLY?
Nova: It's 12:32 in the afternoon?
Claes: JESUS! I'm hanging up now.
Nova: What even is your sleep schedule?
Claes: It's NOW!
*Arguing childishly with his sister after seeing him for the first time in 20 years*
Nova: "I don't know why I came here to take this abuse."
Claes: " You're the one who broke into my own home."
Nova: "You let me in, idiot."
Claes: "Well I take back my invitation— now you're here without invitation, therefore you're here without my assent, therefore you have broken in."
Nova (clearly sarcastic): "Oh no! Will you cry?"
Claes: "I will."
Nova: You wouldn't.
Claes: *screams bloody murder like a wife in a 1950s horror movie*
Nova: Shut up! Shut up! People are going to call the cops!
Claes: *stops screaming* (dead serious) Then get out of my house.
*During a Monster Revolt, she's hiding in a playground tunnel and calling her older brother, Don on the phone*
Don: RUN HOME!
Otillia: I can't! It's... (looks around and whispers) I can't.
Don: Okay. Okay, just STAY THERE! Okay? I'm coming.
Otillia: Wait, but— (he hangs up) Don? Donny? Oh God, oh God, oh God, oh — (she hears a noise)
*a metal pole taps harshly on the tunnel, laughing in the background*
Human: Come on out! We know you're in there!
*She stays quiet, whimpering*
Human: GET OUT!
*She gets out*
Human: You're a pretty ugly monster.
Otillia (softly, barely any sound): I'm not...
Human: WHAT? Speak up! I can't hear you!
Otillia: I'm NOT one of them.
Human: Yeah right! You look just like them! Nasty, disgusting, savage—
Otillia: I'm NOT one of those THINGS!
*the city is burning, monster revolts are rising, people are yelling. DJ is filming*
DJ: Hey guys! Welcome to my vlog! There is a PROTEST in Boston! Not just ANY PROTEST, but A MONSTER REVOLT! You heard it here, a MONSTER REVOLT IN BOSTON! Check it out!
*pans the camera around*
DJ: What should this thumbnail be— there's too much to choose from. Oh my gosh! Wait, the title will be: MONSTER REVOLT IN BOSTON, or, RUN FOR YOUR LIVES! MONSTER REVOLT! Hmm, wait, CRAZY MONSTER REVOLT IN BOSTON GONE WRONG!
Male — Mid-Teens
Pluto is a semi-narrator for this series. Most of the time he is living in the moment, but his thoughts are what help listeners understand the world around him.
(internal narration lines, but they involve more emotion)
CONTEXT: Pluto's about to use his powers on someone by possessing them
What I do may be a coward's way of solving problems. (beat) I hate my... irregularity. But it's so addictive. (beat) This is all necessary. I'm doing my part and... getting rid of jerks like these. I'm— I'm helping—!
(Please only say Pluto's lines for this dialogue. Use the other lines to provide context. Do not leave long pauses in between your dialogue.)
(Note: You do not have to voice the actions/sounds. Please just focus on the dialogue and how the action affects the speaker voice)
PLUTO: Who's there?
BOB (surprised): You can hear me?!PLUTO: Who's talking?!
BOB: I guess that's me. Down here, stupid.
PLUTO: A... blob—thingy— no, a wisp?!
BOB: Yep— wait did you just call me a "blob"?
PLUTO: But... you're supposed to be a non-sentient monster. Not even supposed to talk.
BOB: But somehow I am. And "monster" is a harsh word, no? You humans... mean.
PLUTO: I'm not human—
BOB: Well, I guess that make you understanding me understanding each other make a lot more sense, hmm?
PLUTO: But that's not possible.
BOB: Well it's either I'm talking to you or you're so sad and lonely that you imagining a blob-like wisp is talking to you.
PLUTO: I'm not lonely. I have a friend— friends—!
Bob chuckles.
PLUTO: Alright, bye.
Pluto stands and starts to go.
BOB: Little brat, I thought you were running away from the police?! Got into serious trouble, huh? Hurt a human that bad? (huffing) Wild animal...
PLUTO: Don't judge me for that—! I can feel you judging. I didn't directly hurt them... I didn't have a choice. This was to stand up for myself, and— Hey— Aren't you supposed to be on my side or something? You're a monster too!
BOB: Tch— No one gives a damn about me. Humans squash me. Sentient monsters think they're better than me. I'm on my side! You're on your side too!
PLUTO: I'm not! I'm trying to fix this world! I- It's so—
BOB: So what? Cruel? Ugly?
PLUTO: (tsking) You're awful.
(Context: Margo is beating a punching bag early in the morning)
MARGARIDAMargo, it's 5AM?! What are you doing?MARGARIDAHave some respect for your aunt, Margo, honestly. With the way, you're punching that bag... sounds like you're still hung up over that test.Still punching and kicking.MARGOI'm not.MARGARIDAThen why so angry at the sack?
(Please only say Margo's lines for this dialogue. Use the other lines to provide context. Do not leave long pauses in between your dialogue.)
(Note: You do not have to voice the actions/sounds. Please just focus on the dialogue and how the action affects the speaker voice)
(CONTEXT: She is in the practical part of her exam that requires her finish a race. Only a select number of applicants can pass before the rest are cut. Whether she passes or fails this will determine her life and her place in society for the rest of her life.)
ANNOUNCER: 15 spots remaining!MARGO( to herself): Move! Keep going!
ANNOUNCER: 5 spots remaining!
MARGO: (out of breath) I see it! The line! Only a few feet!
ANNOUNCER: 4 spots! 3 spots!
MARGO: I'm right in front of it!
ANNOUNCER: 2! 1!
MARGO: Yes!
A SPAZZ of a taser. Margo SCREAMS. A KID SHOUTS & PASSES right next to her.
ANNOUNCER: THAT'S THEM ALL! All those who failed please stay on the field. Those who passed, you will be escorted to the building.
MARGO (panicked): He removed his brace! He— he shocked me with his own—!? AHHHH!
ANNOUNCER: I repeat, those who failed please stay on the field until further instructions. We appreciate your cooperation.
MARGO (slightly hyperventilating): He cheated. I was— I was— so close- It's not my fault. I- I-
ANNOUNCER: Please stay on the field until further instructions.
MARGO: Screw this.
She runs.
(Please only say Hector's lines for this dialogue. Use the other lines to provide context. Do not leave long pauses in between your dialogue.)
(Note: You do not have to voice the actions/sounds. Please just focus on the dialogue and how the action affects the speaker voice)
HECTOR: (whisper shouting) Hey! Hey!MARGO: Why are you talking to me?
HECTOR: Heh. I'm nervous. It's what happens! I talk to much. I get all antsy and stuff. Haha— ah! Sooooooo.... How'd you get caught, anyhow? School? Neighbor rat you out? Accidently get a store product stuck to yourself and bring it out of the store, the alarms start beeping, it looks like you shop-lifted, and then guards come, but you can't get rid of the stupid thing, and then you get arrested and they find out you're a monster, haha! All hypothetical, I totally didn't get a piece of ugly china stuck to my elbow with like the most stubborn human-made glue the doctors' ever seen. Haha!
(internal narrative)
Most of the time... I know when I'm dreaming. And this is one of them. When I dream, it's usually about things that are true. I get premonitions. I can see the bad things about to happen. Sometimes my dreams are good, but most of the time they're not.
*The thug yells and screams, terrified, bleeding on the ground.*
CLEM: Picture your worst fear. I am that.
*Thug continues screaming.*
That's it? Is that all? I lose my bus back home to dinner... for this?
No particular gender in mind (despite the name) — I had the idea that Bob was between YA and Middle Aged (but go with whatever!)
BOB: Little brat, I thought you were running away from the police?! Got into serious trouble, huh? Hurt a human that bad? (huffing) Wild animal...
BOB: Tch— No one gives a damn about me. Humans squash me. Sentient monsters think they're better than me. I'm on my side! You're on your side too!
IMMATURE
(Please only say Quinn's lines for this dialogue. Use the other lines to provide context. Do not leave long pauses in between your dialogue.)
QUINN: And make you lots of money, right?
QUINN'S FATHER (snorting): It's barely about the money, Quinn, don't say stupid things.
QUINN: Then what's it about.
QUINN'S FATHER: It's about... dignity.
QUINN: Yeah sure.
(Please only say Margo's lines for this dialogue. Use the other lines to provide context. Do not leave long pauses in between your dialogue.)
Pluto: How about The Underground Club.
Margo: That's an awful name.
Quinn (cheerily) : I think it's great! We'll go with it!
Any Gender — 14-15
(Please only say Beau's lines for this dialogue. Use the other lines to provide context. Do not leave long pauses in between your dialogue.)
Clem says nothing.
BEAU: Were... you fighting again.
CLEM (smiling into the phone): No. Not anymore, Beau.
BEAU: Hmm... Next time you're absent I'm not making any excuses for you. Mom's not convinced when I tell her that it's just your senioritis acting up to the extreme.
Clem gives a huff of laughter.
BEAU (awkward laughter): I will definitely be letting Dad sick the dogs on you next time, too.
acts melancholy/solemn/mature for his age— of course, some people tease them about it!
RAFA: I'm going to the store! Anything else, besides what's on the list?
(Please only say Margo's lines for this dialogue. Use the other lines to provide context. Do not leave long pauses in between your dialogue.)
RAFA: Of course. (internally) You've been worrying ever since I got my tamed stitch. You act if I just passed the Monster Eval yesterday...
(out loud) I can go to the store, y'know. I won't get in any trouble. It's been a while since I've been ten.
RAFA'S MOM: Don't criticize me about being too careful! You never know what will happen. So much can happen...
RAFA: (soft) Sorry. Bye Mom.
He's a bully, but feel free to bring whatever you want to the character !
JERRY: Disgusting little things. Did you see the slime of that freak?
JERRY: Hey check this kid listening to us. What are you looking at me like that for, am I spooking you? What's even your name again?
CONTEXT: after getting hit by Pluto's powers):
*Jerry hurls and pukes. He coughs and hacks. He cries out, absolute agony, torture.*
DEREK: I think I might just get some cash from that little freak too. I'll run by him sooner or later.
DEREK: Hey, Jerry— what's wrong man? (at Pluto)What are you doing to him? I knew you were a monster freak! Get over here.
DEREK(panicking, a claustrophobic stuck in a locker): Jerry? JERRY! HEY! GET ME OUT!
NEWS REPORTER 3:(panicked) You can't be so serious as to say that people are turning into Boogie Monsters? How are we supposed to stay safe?
CIVILIAN 2:My kid has been really into clowns recently, is that a sign, doctor?
ANNOUNCER(coming through loud speakers): The practical exam starts in 5 minutes. Test-takers please stand by the start area. Make sure you are ready. And remember to do your best!
AGE: Between a CHILD and TEEN
Whatever the character calls for!
*Sniveling and scared kid, making crying sounds.* (Any sort of kid sniveling, whimpering, crying etc sounds)
STRANGE Kid(whispering): Come in. (whisper-yelling)You must! Come on! It's for your own good!
KID(nervous): Oh man! I am so screwed! I didn't even get to use the bathroom before this test!
Whatever the character calls for !
TEACHER: What the HELL is going on in here? (sees Jerry hurt)Jerry! Are you okay? I'm calling 911.
ANNOUNCER: Place your bets ladies and gents! Which creature do you think's gonna come out alive? The Man or the MONSTER!!!3, 2 1! And the match HAS BEGUN!
NEWS REPORTER 3:(panicked) You can't be so serious as to say that people are turning into Boogie Monsters? How are we supposed to stay safe?
CIVILIAN 2:My kid has been really into clowns recently, is that a sign, doctor?
ANNOUNCER(coming through loud speakers):The practical exam starts in 5 minutes. Test-takers please stand by the start area. Make sure you are ready. And remember to do your best!
THUGWhat's that kid doing? Hey! What do you want?
THUGYou think you can take on me?Heh— every boy's pride grows a little too big at this age. They think they can take on a man. You seem to be one of those monster-thingys. Always wanted to fight one, though this isn't how I imagined it to go down. Alright, I can deal with you.
