Hello! My name is Penelope, and with your help I am hoping to produce a full fandub of Hamlet (2009)!
I have produced many original and semi-original voiceover television series in the past, but never a strictly fandub before, so though I have plenty of experience editing voiceover productions, this is still a new venture for me that I am excited to work on with you!
You can watch the full original film here: https://youtu.be/pEv7hxSnze0?si=LfcfMJvTc1EpJ6W1
- What is Hamlet?
Hamlet is a play originally written by Shakespeare about 400 years ago.
- Plot summary please?
A ghostly visitation prompts Denmark's Prince Hamlet to feign madness and avenge his father, who died at the hands of Hamlet's uncle.
- Why Hamlet?
I grew up reading Shakespeare at a very young age, and was specifically always drawn to the story of Hamlet (I was kind of a morbid kid haha). To this day, it still resonates and sticks with me.
- Why a Fandub?
I love fandubs! I have been part of the voiceover community for over ten years now, and love hearing all you talented folk! I think it would be amazing to hear a fandub production of Hamlet, so I selfishly want to be the one to create it. I would love to pick apart this script to really dissect the story, in the hopes of better grasping every aspect of the play.
- Why this Hamlet?
This Hamlet, released in 2009, was produced by the Royal Shakespeare Company and released by the BBC. It stars David Tennant as Hamlet, and Patrick Stewart as Hamlet's uncle. This was the Hamlet I grew up with, and in my mind at least, remains to this day the golden standard for how Hamlet could be portrayed.
- Why your production channel?
I have a lot of experience in the voiceover community, first releasing my series The Unsolvable Puzzle in 2011, and I'm still active in the community to this day. I also went to The Evergreen State College for film, and have done contracted videography gigs, so I have professional experience in this industry. I have a personal love and passion for the play that I believe will translate to the quality level of the final film. For more examples of my work, please refer to my YT channel https://www.youtube.com/@PenelopeHawthornTV! You can also find interviews on there from actors I have worked with in the past, if you'd like some references! I believe I am easy to work with, and I hope my passion and excitement for the project gets you excited too!
- What are you looking for?
I'm looking for (18+) actors who can really pick apart the words of Shakespeare and make them their own. You do not have to do an impression of David Tennant to get the role of Hamlet, for instance, you just need to embody the role of Hamlet! I want this interpretation to feel fresh, while still respecting the original. With that being said, anyone is welcome to try out for any part, regardless of gender identity! Microphone quality will be considered when listening to auditions; you don't have to have a professional set-up, but minimal background noise is appreciated.
-How will this be organized?
Through Discord! If casted, you will get a server invitation.
Lines will be recorded individually, and sent in to me.
-What are the deadlines?
I AM DOING ROLLING CASTING!
This means that if I find the right fit for a role, I may assign it before the deadline listed! Please audition as soon as you're able. Once you are casted, you will have three months total to get lines in -- two months for initial lines to be recorded, with another month allotted for any re-recording that needs to be done. I want this to be a fun experience for my actors, not a stressful one! If a deadline needs to be extended, all I need is to be notified. I do not have a strict release date planned for this project, just in case my actors experience a personal emergency or for one reason or another can't get their lines in on time. My actors' personal safety, mental health, and general wellbeing always come first.
- What do I include in my audition?
Please include your discord name, and be open to DMs from me (I am intheblackwood on Discord).
If you are doing an accent or character voice, please slate so I can hear your natural voice as well! Otherwise, don't worry about any specific format. Do whatever feels right for you! I like hearing multiple takes, but if you feel like you nailed it in one, that's okay too! I know that some of the audition lines are long, so if you need to, please feel free to just record your favorite part of the speech instead of the whole thing!
I MAY ASK FOR CALLBACKS!
Here are some behind the scenes videos of Hamlet (2009):
https://youtu.be/G1MoJGRnmdA?si=MNv5nLjiLaphJCyZ
https://youtu.be/0uSFxusXm1E?si=kB0pzfLBl_IMhKjI
https://youtu.be/iAthy73PLpY?si=gw8q_FnbC0WQ8xXv
A documentary about Hamlet https://youtu.be/i7ivyMFsw-w?si=2SPb-3Ec1tbajRLH
And here's an interview from Benedict Cumberbatch about his production of Hamlet that may help you better understand the character of Hamlet: https://youtu.be/l0ky_tQxwgo?si=MWyIncW98xEOa89w Though it isn't from the 2009 production, most of what he says rings true for any production of Hamlet, in my opinion -- I personally found it largely very helpful and informative.
None of this is required to watch! Just supplementary viewing :)
Thank you all so much for your time, consideration, and support! I really appreciate it ♡ I'm excited to hear your audition!
"Doubt thou the stars are fire; Doubt that the sun doth move; Doubt truth to be a liar; But never doubt I love." -Hamlet
I am excited to say that we officially have all our main leads casted! I have created a new page specifically to look for the rest of our supporting cast (because of the way CCC is, it will be easier for people to find the posting if I copy and paste the current project into a new link). Please refer to my CCC profile for the new link! Thank you!
After multiple people expressed interest in smaller roles, I decided to post them right away! I look forward to hearing your auditions! ♡
Hello! Just wanted to update and say I moved the deadline to the first of November, because I just noticed that that's when the listing was going to expire anyhow. If I end up needing to extend the deadline I will, but if casting goes well, we may actually wrap it up by then! I'm excited to hear your auditions!
"Who is Hamlet? Well, whoever is playing it at the time, I suppose." -David Tennant
The Prince of Denmark, the title character, and the protagonist. About thirty years old at the start of the play, Hamlet is the son of Queen Gertrude and the late King Hamlet, and the nephew of the present king, Claudius. Hamlet is melancholy, bitter, and cynical, full of hatred for his uncle’s scheming and disgust for his mother’s sexuality. A reflective and thoughtful young man who has studied at the University of Wittenberg, Hamlet is often indecisive and hesitant, but at other times prone to rash and impulsive acts.
"He has to be gentle, witty, sensitive beyond belief (to others), and then he has that dark side in him, which must frighten the audience... There's something diabolical in him. And, unless the actor has all those qualities, and is able to call on them, then he is not a complete Hamlet." -Christopher Plummer
Here are a few interviews with David Tennant discussing the film and his role in it:
To be, or not to be: that is the question: Whether 'tis nobler in the mind to suffer The slings and arrows of outrageous fortune, Or to take arms against a sea of troubles, And by opposing end them? To die: to sleep; No more; and by a sleep to say we end The heart-ache and the thousand natural shocks That flesh is heir to, 'tis a consummation Devoutly to be wish'd. To die, to sleep; To sleep: perchance to dream: ay, there's the rub; For in that sleep of death what dreams may come When we have shuffled off this mortal coil, Must give us pause: there's the respect That makes calamity of so long life; For who would bear the whips and scorns of time, The oppressor's wrong, the proud man's contumely, The pangs of despised love, the law's delay, The insolence of office and the spurns That patient merit of the unworthy takes, When he himself might his quietus make With a bare bodkin? who would fardels bear, To grunt and sweat under a weary life, But that the dread of something after death, The undiscover'd country from whose bourn No traveller returns, puzzles the will And makes us rather bear those ills we have Than fly to others that we know not of? Thus conscience does make cowards of us all
O, that this too, too solid flesh would melt... Thaw, and resolve itself into a dew! Or that the Everlasting had not fix'd his canon 'gainst self-slaughter! O God! God! [HAMLET SOBS.] How weary, stale, flat and unprofitable seem to me all the uses of this world! Fie on't! Fie! 'Tis an unweeded garden, that grows to seed. Things rank and gross in nature possess it merely.
What piece of work is a man, how noble in reason, how infinite in faculties, in form and moving, how express and admirable in action, how like an angel in apprehension, how like a god! The beauty of the world. The paragon of animals. And yet, to me, what is this quintessence of dust?
Polonius’s daughter, a beautiful young woman with whom Hamlet has been in love. Ophelia is a sweet and innocent young girl, who obeys her father and her brother, Laertes. Dependent on men to tell her how to behave, she gives in to Polonius’s schemes to spy on Hamlet. Even in her lapse into madness and death, she remains maidenly, singing songs about flowers and finally drowning in the river amid the flower garlands she had gathered.
But, good my brother, Do not, as some ungracious pastors do, Show me the steep and thorny way to Heaven Whiles, like a puffed and reckless libertine, Himself the primrose path of dalliance treads And recks not his own rede.
(Crying) He took me by the wrist and held me hard; Then goes he to the length of all his arm, And, with his other hand thus o'er his brow, He falls to such perusal of my face As he would draw it. Long stay'd he so. At last, a little shaking of mine arm, And thrice his head thus waving up and down, He rais'd a sigh so piteous and profound As it did seem to shatter all his bulk And end his being. That done, he lets me go, And with his head over his shoulder turn'd He seem'd to find his way without his eyes, For out o' doors he went without their help And to the last bended their light on me.
There's fennel for you, and columbines. There's rue for you, and here's some for me. We may call it herb of grace o' Sundays. O, you must wear your rue with a difference! There's a daisy. I would give you some violets, but they wither'd all when my father died. They say he made a good end. [Sings] For bonny sweet Robin is all my joy.
[THESE ARE TWO SEPARATE ROLES, PORTRAYED BY THE SAME ACTOR]
The King of Denmark, Hamlet’s uncle, and the play’s antagonist. The villain of the play, Claudius is a calculating, ambitious politician, driven by his sexual appetites and his lust for power, but he occasionally shows signs of guilt and human feeling—his love for Gertrude, for instance, seems sincere.
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The specter of Hamlet’s recently deceased father. The Ghost, who claims to have been murdered by Claudius, calls upon Hamlet to avenge him. However, it is not entirely certain whether the Ghost is what it appears to be, or whether it is something else. Hamlet speculates that the Ghost might be a devil sent to deceive him and tempt him into murder, and the question of what the Ghost is or where it comes from is never definitively resolved.
Oh, my offence is rank. It smells to Heaven. It hath the primal eldest curse upon ’t, A brother’s murder.
My words fly up, my thoughts remain below. Words without thoughts never to heaven go.
(The Ghost): Now, Hamlet, hear. 'Tis given out that, sleeping in my orchard, A serpent stung me. So the whole ear of Denmark Is by a forged process of my death Rankly abus'd. But know, thou noble youth, The serpent that did sting thy father's life Now wears his crown.
Horatio is a loyal and honest friend of Hamlet in William Shakespeare's tragedy Hamlet. He is described as a scholar. Horatio is one of the few people who see the ghost of Hamlet's father. He is the one who tells Hamlet about the matter, but he warns Hamlet not to follow the ghost, for fear that his friend will go mad. In this production, it is Horatio who comforts Hamlet, and Horatio who holds Hamlet in his arms as he dies. He is the only emotional anchor of Hamlet, though it tragically proves not to be enough.
Two nights together had these gentlemen, Marcellus and Bernardo, on their watch, in the dead vast and middle of the night, been thus encounter'd. A figure like your father, Armed at point exactly, cap-a-pe, appears before them, and with solemn march goes slow and stately by them. This to me In dreadful secrecy impart they did, and I with them the third night kept the watch where, as they had deliver'd, the apparition comes. I knew your father, these hands are not more like.
(Begging Hamlet not to follow the Ghost) What if it tempt you toward the flood, my lord, or to the dreadful summit of the cliff that beetles o'er his base into the sea, and there assume some other horrible form, which might deprive your sovereignty of reason and draw you into madness?
The Queen of Denmark, Hamlet’s mother, recently married to Claudius. Gertrude loves Hamlet deeply, but she is a shallow, "weak" woman who seeks affection and status more urgently than moral rectitude or truth.
Do not forever with thy vailèd lids Seek for thy noble father in the dust. Thou knowst ’tis common: all that lives must die, Passing through nature to eternity.
The lady doth protest too much, methinks.
What wilt thou do? Thou wilt not murder me! Help, help, ho!
The Lord Chamberlain of Claudius’s court, a pompous, conniving old man. Polonius is the father of Laertes and Ophelia.
Though this be madness, yet there is method in ’t.
Therefore, since brevity is the soul of wit And tediousness the limbs and outward flourishes, I will be brief.
Marry, well bethought! 'Tis told me he hath very oft of late Given private time to you, and you yourself Have of your audience been most free and bounteous. If it be so- as so 'tis put on me, And that in way of caution- I must tell you You do not understand yourself so clearly As it behooves my daughter and your honour. What is between you? Give me up the truth.
Polonius’s son and Ophelia’s brother, a young man who spends much of the play in France. Passionate and quick to action, Laertes is clearly a foil for the reflective Hamlet.
Fear it, Ophelia, fear it, my dear sister, And keep you in the rear of your affection, Out of the shot and danger of desire. The chariest maid is prodigal enough If she unmask her beauty to the moon. Virtue itself scopes not calumnious strokes. The canker galls the infants of the spring Too oft before their buttons be disclos'd, And in the morn and liquid dew of youth Contagious blastments are most imminent. Be wary then; best safety lies in fear. Youth to itself rebels, though none else near.
(seeing Ophelia has gone mad with grief for their father) O heat, dry up my brains! Tears seven times salt, burn out the sense and virtue of mine eye! O rose of May! Dear maid, kind sister, sweet Ophelia! O heavens! Is't possible, a young maid's wits should be as mortal as an old man's life?
I need someone willing to add the sound effects for this film - this includes every little swish and clang of the sword, security footage static, footsteps, and crowds applauding, etc. etc. I believe these small details are crutial to the overall experience of the viewer, to fully immerse themselves in the experience. However, I do not have the abilitity to accomplish the task at hand due to some technical difficulties on my end. Thus, I hope to deligate this important role to someone talented and eager to assist on this project.
*Say something you think would fit*
Though Hamlet (2009) already has an excellent score, I think adding a new layer of original music onto the project would help give this fandub its own identity. Looking for a composer who can help interpret the play musically. This is a passion project, so this is (unfortunately) an unpaid role, but one that I hope will bring you some acclaim and recognition amongst the fandub community. This role is perfectly suited to someone new to composing, who would like to bolster their resume, before taking on paid gigs. Please leave samples of your work in your audition and let me know what your vision for the project would be, thank you!
*Say something you think would fit*
Then let us once again assail your ears, that are so fortified against our story what we have two nights seen.
Last night of all, when yond same star that's westward from the pole had made his course to illume that part of heaven where now it burns, Marcellus and myself, the bell then beating one...
Castle guard who appears briefly in the first scene of Hamlet.
(pointing a gun) Nay, answer me! Stand, and unfold yourself.
For this relief much thanks. 'Tis bitter cold, and I am sick at heart.
Castle guard. Gets to say the infamous line, "something is rotten in the state of Denmark"
Something is rotten in the state of Denmark.
(about the ghost) … We do it wrong, being so majestical, to offer it the show of violence. For it is, as is the air, invulnerable, and our vain blows malicious mockery.
Respectful servant of Polonius.
Ay, very well, my lord.
My lord, that would dishonour him.
Ambassador for Norway
In that and in all things we show our duty.
Ambassador for Norway
The which he thought proposed against the Poles, but, better look'd into, he truly found it was against Your Highness and our state.
One of Hamlet's old friends who ultimately betray his trust by spying on him for the King and Queen.
Then thus she says, your behavior hath struck her into wonder and astonishment.
My lord, you once did love me.
One of Hamlet's old friends who ultimately betray his trust by spying on him for the King and Queen.
O, my lord, if my duty be too bold, my love is too unmannerly.
He considers himself a standup comedian, as he's standing in an open grave.
Cudgel thy brains no more about it. [he CHUCKLES] Go, get thee to Yaughan. Fetch me a stoup of liquor. [he pours out his tea and LAUGHS, then SINGS] In youth, when I did love, did love Methought it was very sweet...
Just trying to do his job.
(is she getting a Christian burial?) I tell thee, she is. And, therefore, make her grave straight.
Loyal courtier to Laertes. Cheery, even though Hamlet's jokes are at his expense, and go right over his head.
Nay, good my lord, for mine ease, in good faith. Sir, here is newly come to court Laertes, believe me, an absolute gentleman, full of most excellent differences, of very soft society and great showing. Indeed, to speak feelingly of him, he is the card or calendar of gentry, for you shall find in him the continent of what part a gentleman would see.
(telling a story to a crowd of listeners) Anon he finds him, striking too short at Greeks, his antique sword, rebellious to his arm, lies where it falls, repugnant to command. Unequal match'd, Pyrrhus at Priam drives, in rage strikes wide, but with the whiff and wind of his fell sword his unnerv-ed father falls. Then senseless Ilium, Seeming to feel this blow, with flaming top stoops to his base, and with a hideous crash takes prisoner Pyrrhus' ear for, lo! his sword, which was declining on the milky head of Reverend Priam, seem'd in the air to stick. So, as a painted tyrant, Pyrrhus stood, And like a neutral to his will and matter, did nothing. But, as we often see, against some storm, a silence in the Heavens, the rack stand still, the bold winds speechless and the orb below as hush as death. Anon the dreadful thunder doth rend the region, so, after Pyrrhus' pause, arous-ed vengeance sets him new a-work. And never did the Cyclops' hammers fall on Mars, his armours forged for proof eterne with less remorse than Pyrrhus' bleeding sword now falls on Priam.
a comedic actor, whom basically just grunts and chuckles evilly when playing his role as "the Uncle" in Hamlet's play
*grunting sounds*
*evil laugh*
A crossdressing actor, portraying the Queen comedically, with grunts and unintelligable noises. I need someone who is comfortable with comedy, and specifically with a bit of improv. This role also requires a scream, and crying.
Oh no! (Finally, the “Uncle” releases the slinky in his pants, with a BOI-OI-OING! The CROWD LAUGHS, and the “Queen” gives a thumbs up of approval. The “QUEEN” makes UNINTELLIGIBLE NOISES, gesturing towards the crown on the floor. The “UNCLE” gladly picks up the “King’s” crown, CHUCKLING. The “QUEEN” SHOUTS with approval, grabs his hand, and the pair walk off stage together.)
“THE QUEEN” enters and SCREAMS and then SOBS.
Comedic role, consisting of cartoonish noises, screaming, shouting, and motorboating noises.
The actors do a skit, where the “KING” appears from under the “Queen’s” skirt, SCREAMING. The CROWD LAUGHS, as HE SHOUTS UNINTELLIGIBLY.
(The “Queen” reveals her nipples to the “King”. ) “THE KING” Boobies!! (The “”KING” MOTORBOATS the “Queen.” The CROWD LAUGHS. )
(“The KING” makes PAINED SOUNDS, and then yells- ) “THE KING” I’m dead!
A dramatic (crossdressing) actor, portraying the Queen.
O, confound the rest! Such love must needs be treason in my breast. In second husband let me be accurst! None wed the second but who kill'd the first. A second time I kill my husband dead, when second husband kisses me in bed.
Dramatic actor portraying the nephew of the King.
Thoughts black, hands apt, drugs fit, and time agreeing. Confederate season, else no creature seeing. Thou mixture rank, of midnight weeds collected, with Hecate's ban thrice blasted, thrice infected. Thy natural magic and dire property, on wholesome life usurp immediately.
The priest that oversees the funeral of Ophelia (and denies her ceremonies because he believes she off-ed herself)
Her obsequies have been as far enlarged as we have warranty. Her death was doubtful. And, but that great command o'ersways the order, she should in ground unsanctified have lodged till the last trumpet.
A soldier Hamlet encounters while leaving home.
Go, captain, from me greet the Danish king. Tell him that, by his licence, Fortinbras Craves the conveyance of a promised march over his kingdom.
A soldier Hamlet encounters while leaving home.
Yes, it is already garrison'd. Two thousand souls and 20,000 ducats will not debate the question of this straw.
The messenger that delivers the news of Laertes starting an uprising against the Crown (after the murder of his father by Hamlet's hand).
Save yourself, my lord. Laertes, in a riotous head, o'erbears your officers. The rabble call him lord. They cry, "Choose we, Laertes shall be king." Caps, hands, and tongues applaud it to the clouds. "Laertes shall be king, Laertes king!"
