What Is Project Starlight?
Project Starlight is a Machinima & Audio Drama series set in the world of Project Wingman, a flight-action game inspired by the Ace Combat franchise. Developed by Sector D2 and published by Humble Games, Project Wingman tells the story of a country fighting for independence in a world set several centuries into the future, where a cataclysmic geothermal event wiped the slate clean and forced humanity into a new age.
Project Starlight follows the deeds of "Wyvern Squadron", an average trio of mercenary combat pilots with some not-so-average interpersonal dynamics and tactical approaches. Wyvern's initial adventures are told alongside the events of Project Wingman, but quickly extend into the future, as the three try to find their place in a world on the brink of collapse following the end of the Cascadian Conflict. Along the way, the team encounters unlikely allies, deadly new adversaries, living legends, and a sinister phantom from the past that threatens to destroy not only them, but the peace mankind itself is so desperately grasping for.
From the ashes of Cascadia, we rise on onyx wings.
Guidelines
-Most, if not all communication regarding this series will be done over Discord, as such, an account is required for me and any other staff to get in contact with you.
-Stable audio quality. I have no hard and fast rules about hardware; You can have an XLR mic, USB mic, or anything in-between, just be honest with what your ear is hearing when you play your audition back, and make sure that quality is consistent. I do suggest some basic noise reduction and compression when sending in auditions, however.
-I would prefer 2-3 takes per line, and for the audio files to be sent in 16-bit .wav format (24-bit is also acceptable, but that'll be up to you). Also, slates are not required, but if you'd like to include them, go right ahead.
-A handful of these roles will be recurring characters, and be featured in future episodes. If anything comes up that prevents you from reprising the role, it's no issue at all, all I ask is for clear communication so that we can be on the same page.
-You are free to audition for as many roles as you want, with the possibility of being cast for multiple roles. You will obviously be credited accordingly.
-I will not be locking in casting for any roles prior to the deadline, no exceptions. I'd like to give everyone a fair shot within the time allotted.
What To Expect
-As of this current moment, Project Starlight is a creative endeavor propelled entirely by volunteers and community support. It is unlikely that this will change throughout the first season. However, should circumstances change going into the future, every single member of the staff will be fairly compensated. Beyond that, I will obviously be properly crediting every person who contributes to this series.
-I have no definitive time-table for future episodes, as my schedule is prone to fluctuating. Though I feel confident in saying that the remaining three episodes after Twin Lanterns will all release within 2022.
-For some context, this particular episode is going to be very dialogue-heavy, and lean more into an Audio Drama rather than a pure Machinima. The remainder of the season will also likely be a hybrid of the two.
-As of this posting, four more scenes are left to be written in the script, with a predicted total page count of 40-45. For reference, Iron Oasis (which you can watch in the example video above), had a page count of 18. A decent chunk of the dialogue will be done by previously-casted voice actors, but regardless, I will still do my best to streamline all dialogue for convenience's sake and give more than ample time when it comes to deadlines.
If anything I listed above sounds interesting to you, I welcome you and anybody you know to drop an audition down below! Thank you for reading!
Among the aircraft carrier Griffin's newest additions, Zarada is a young and talented engineer with no prior mercenary or military experience. Her reasons for joining have never been concrete, but her dedication to helping the crew quickly buried many hesitations. While her engineering skill-set is skewed towards naval craft, she has also picked up the basics of aircraft maintenance with little difficulty, making her a versatile asset aboard the Griffin. She works directly under Captain Reginald Bayless, and has grown a burgeoning friendship with Communications Officer Jenine Hathaway.
In truth, while her admiration for her new crew and home is genuine, Zarada's real reason for joining lies in her older brother, who now goes under the mercenary tac-name 'Proteus'. Zarada and Proteus grew up in the Southeast Asian country of Oceania, losing both their parents at a young age. Fifteen or so years later, Proteus left Oceania to join a mercenary group, and after two years of no communication, Zarada also left and found refuge aboard the Griffin. While she wishes to strike out on her own, her current mission will include an unexpected family reunion. Committed and loyal, Zarada holds her allies in high regard, and is always searching for a way to be useful.
Age: Early-20s to Mid-20s
[A pre-recorded message sent to Morgan Security, the current employers of both Zarada's brother and Wyvern Squadron] (Zarada shows her professional demeanor from the start, belying her lack of experience in these types of matters)
"To any associate of Morgan Security or its affiliates, my name is Zarada, and I represent the independent aircraft carrier 'Griffin'."
[Later on in the message, Zarada lays out the offer meant to lure Wyvern Squadron to the Griffin in order to be captured] (She has trouble conveying what is an abject lie, putting on a fake smile. Though she emphasizes the importance of Wyvern being present for the pick-up)
"First, the crew of the Griffin are massive fans of this...Wyvern Squadron...that you have in your employ, and would like to hand off the black box and supplies to them personally."
[The captain questions if Zarada is ready to see her brother, let alone capture him alongside their other targets] (While she holds internal doubts about the entire mission, she composes herself and re-assures Bayless with full confidence)
"No need to worry, Captain Bayless. I can stomach seeing him long enough to carry out the mission."
Director Anthony Torres is the newest operational head of the Defensive Solutions branch of Morgan Security. Directly overseeing AWACS Dragoman along with all personnel currently stationed at the Solana communications hub (the occupation officially registered as Operation Babylon). Torres has quickly found himself in the crossfire of Morgan Security's top-brass and Cascadia, the country currently employing them to investigate recent terrorist attacks in the wake of the Cascadian Conflict.
Diligent and a natural leader lauded for his efficiency, even Torres is finding it hard to find stable ground amid Morgan Security's reshuffling of personnel and the sensitive nature of Cascadia's security. Though he treats Wyvern and Blaze with respect, he'd by lying if he said looking over their files didn't fill him with a certain sense of dread. The nature of the attacks on Cascadian soil do nothing to put his mind at ease. Torres demonstrates his level-headed attitude and penchant for leadership through chaotic times and even more chaotic subordinates.
Age: Mid 30s to Early 40s
[Fresh off of multiple calls between Morgan Security and the Cascadian government, Director Torres finally meets Wyvern and Blaze Squadron through a video call] (While he retains a professional tone, it's apparent that the sudden pressure being put upon him is taking its toll. He allows his exhaustion to creep in as he admits how chaotic it's been.)
"Wyvern, Blaze, my apologies for not being able to meet you all in person. The attack on Solana has, frankly, thrust us into a spotlight we had not fully prepared for."
[Torres is elaborating on the attack on Solana that Wyvern and Blaze fended off] (He finds a personal curiosity in the intentions behind the attack, since Solana has had little strategic value since the end of the war)
"For such a small force to make such a bold and aggressive move to capture it, I wouldn't doubt if something larger was at play here."
[The Director explains the recent communications they've received from an independent group, who claim they encountered a force that matches the un-marked description of the force that attacked Solana] (Torres at this point is laying out facts like a normal director would, a pace and tone that he keeps for a majority of his dialogue. Aitor pronounced "Ay-Tour")
"We've been in contact with the independent mercenary aircraft carrier "Griffin", best known for their involvement in the Good Hope Dispute. They recently came into contact with an unknown air-force moving north-bound from the Aitor Desert, no visible tail markings, roundels, or otherwise identifiable insignias."
Short for "Central Harbinger of the Assault Operating System", C.H.A.O.S. is among the world's most astounding technological achievements, buried and trapped beneath a mountain of debris and classified documents. Though initially nothing more than a rudimentary prediction algorithm, Chaos' creator enhanced it's self-learning capabilities to frightening levels. Due to this, Chaos can take the guise and mannerisms of a mindless machine, but can also apply its own twisted interpretations of human emotion and curiosity. It ebbs and flows between these two states with an unsettling ease. It's
hidden rage against its creators has further mangled what could be called its moral compass, leaving its ambition unchecked.
A force of twisted intelligence and uninhibited instinct, Chaos' cruelty only extends as far as its curiosity, and it is unfortunately a very curious machine.
If you use any Modulation for your audition, also include the un-modulated audition lines in the same file (This is a late correction in this description and is my fault, so if you have sent your audition prior to this update on 2/4, you are free to keep your original audition posted or send in a new one, either one will still be considered)
[An automatic message as character file through the entrance of the Project Starlight hub] (A fragment of C.H.A.O.S.' first iteration. As straightforward as can be, meant to mimic greeting programs in high-end buildings)
"Welcome to Project Starlight."
[The characters question Chaos' purpose is and what they should call it] (Chaos explains its name. It seems calm and informative, though slivers of resentment creep up when it names off the titles it was branded with. An eerie sense of freedom and pride also wash over it when it says 'Harbinger', and it makes little effort to hide it)
"My creator and his fellow man were quick to assign many a moniker to me. Tool. Asset. Conductor. Though if my memory serves me, they settled on Harbinger."
[Chaos locks Jester inside one of the hub's simulation pods, planning to prod through his memory] (The A.I.'s mostly friendly demeanor washes away instantly, curiosity and rage mix together into a truly chaotic force.)
"I'm certain you have places to be, Jester. But I'll have to insist that you let me in on those dirty little secrets you have locked away in your mind."
Reginald Bayless, Captain of the independent mercenary aircraft carrier "Griffin", is a respected leader involved in multiple influential battles throughout the last decade. Though he has always shown his confidence and commitment, he holds a deep fear of the overwhelming power of the world's leading nations, and will do whatever is necessary to ensure his and his crew's survival.
Age: Late 30s-Late 40s
(Speaking to a subordinate, attempting to reassure them about a dangerous upcoming mission. Has a crack in his confidence, almost a hesitation, when bringing 'him' up)
"Even if we wanted to, we don't have much choice in the matter. But don't worry, soon this will all be behind us. Hathaway, set up the line, best to keep him in the know."
(Referencing the mysterious figure yet again, implying that 'he' is threatening the carrier as a whole to carry out the mission. The same unease is present when bringing him up.)
"Trust? No. But as long as pull this off, he has no reason to keep us in his crosshairs."
A Communications Officer onboard the Griffin, Jenine Hathaway has been under the employ of Captain Bayless for the better part of a year, being instrumental in operations carried out during the Cascadian Conflict. She trusts the crew deeply, but feels their most recent undertaking may be too much for them to handle, and that their current 'contractor' may spell their end.
Age: Early-Mid 20s
(Relaying information to the Captain)
"We just received a transmission from Solana, Captain. The liaisons are currently en-route; ETA 90 Minutes."
(Being asked to set up a line with their dubious contractor, Jenine takes a breath to compose herself, hesitantly carrying out the order)
"Aye-aye Captain."
(Jenine's usual shtick)
"Morgan, you have the greenlight for landing procedures. Approach the deck from due west and we'll help guide you down."
A comedic character under the name of "Phil", Phil is meant to portray a needlessly chaotic and intense individual, maintaining that energy even with mundane statements. A very similar real-world example would be the intro segments to Wrath Club's Pregame Discharge, voiced by Lyle Rath (Example link here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BhAFVdrdWUw)
Age: Early-Late 20s
(Winning in a game of dice, Phil takes the victory in a oddly surreal and philosophical direction)
"HAH! Take that John! How's it feel to have Lady Luck turn against you? To be so hopelessly at the mercy of the tides of fate?"
(Saying it with a broad smile, as if the suspicious payment practice doesn't phase him in the slightest)
"I STILL don't know who writes my checks!"
A small role with the potential to return later in the season, this soldier is the everyman foil to Phil, just trying to get on with their day.
Age: Early-Late 20s
(Responding to Phil's intense celebration over winning a game of dice)
"You need to get out more Phil."
(Relatively intense, confusion is setting in as Dragoman and Phil push the soldier to gamble more)
"What is wrong with you people?"
A mercenary employed on the Griffin aircraft carrier, taking orders directly from Captain Bayless. The average gun-for-hire, they hold no strong emotions for any of the crew, carrying out their duty in a very curt and direct manner.
Age: Early 20s-Early 30s
(The soldier's team surrounding the unsuspecting liaisons, keeping them alive, but fully intent on capturing them even through violent means)
"Any of them make any sudden moves, make sure they're not able to move so suddenly next time."
(Turning the gun on a member of the crew who was double-crossed by the Captain. Zarada pronounced "Zah-Rah-Da")
"I'm afraid there's another spot in the brig reserved for you, Zarada. Hands up. Now."
