The Assassin's Blade - Audiobook: The Assassin and The Desert
Project Overview
Hello Everyone ^^
My name is Renara Hawke, and I am looking for enthusiastic and passionate people to help me with a voice acting project over on Youtube. I'm in the prosses of producing an Audiobook series of the award-winning Throne of Glass series, to not only bring it to a wider audience but also to make these stories more accessible for those who may not be able to afford premium services.
I am starting with The Assassins Blade. This is the Prequel to the Throne of Glass and is a collection of Novellas.
Now because of the nature of this project, I will be auditioning on a Novella by Novella basis, and then later on with the bigger books, Chapter by chapter basis, so there will be more roles available in the future.
I have already completed the first two Novella's: The Assassin and the Pirate Lord, and The Assassin and the Healer which you can check out at the link below:
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLwaz6NKL6NXYORviAAUfo0WB6kU1V8LYk
This is NOT a paid project, due to the way the world is I cannot afford it. I hope you can be understanding in this.
2-3 takes of each line will suffice, I like to see variety in an audition as It helps me get a good idea of an actor’s range.
No more the 3 takes of each line please.
There is no limit on how many roles you wish to apply for, I welcome people auditioning for multiple roles.
Rules:1.) You must have your own good quality microphone and set up OR have access to a studio or external recording centre.
2.) No background noise! and all audio must be clear and understandable.
3.) No Audio Artifacts! EG pops, peaking or microphone blowouts, each of these characters has a high dynamic range and so raised voices and whispers must be of equally good quality.
4.) If you are given a returning character (RC), this means you will be asked to come back for later parts of the project, this may be weeks, months, or years apart depending on how this project develops. Please make sure that when you are auditioning, that you understand this, and that you will be just as enthusiastic as you were when you first joined.
5.) You MUST have Discord, if you are successful in your audition I will be adding you to a private server where finer details about the project and characters will be discussed.
6.) Have fun with it! and really give it your all.
Thank you for taking the time to read this through.
Good luck with the auditioning!
Latest Updates
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Hey everyone ^^ It's great to see so many auditions! I've made it a point to listen to every single one of them so far as they have popped up, and I would just like to say everyone has done a fantastic job ^^. I'm taking this opportunity, with the deadline looming over the horizon, to inform you as to the process after being selected, what you can expect and what you will need to do. 1.) The 31st will be the last day to get your audition's in, it will end at 23:59 GMT. 2.) On the 1st of April, I will review everyone's audition's again and will be contacting each person I cast Via CCC first, so please keep an eye on your inboxes. 3.) Upon being cast I will invite you to the discord server. You will need to introduce yourself in the relevant tab, while I sort out the relevant permissions for you. 4.) Then if you have any questions or wish to speak to me directly about something, I would like you to hop into the 'TAATD' Voice channel in "The Studio" section. This will be the main audio channel for the project where more details can be shared and it will allow me to work with you in developing your role into a character and performance that is your own. Good luck to you all! and keep your eyes open for any more developments ^^
Ansel of Briarcliff is the wild child of the Western Wastes. The youngest child to Lord and Lady Briarcliff, she is headstrong, vivacious and cunning. A jovial and cheerful individual to all those who meet her, but one with many dark secrets she is not ready to share with anyone just yet.
Having lived with the Silent Assassins for over five years now, she has perfected the art of manipulation, gathering information and knows how to use people to her advantage. Being a warrior with sword and shield, she has a militantly quality to her mannerisms and the way she moves, which can some times come off as a tad abrasive.
Deep down, she is an angry woman, this warriors pain and torment has become hate. She is easy to anger and quick to be irrational and spontaneous. She lives in the moment and finds joy when she can. Never truly allowing herself to let anything or anyone in.
Her voice is that of a low to mid range, she speaks with a BRITISH/ ENGLISH accent, and speaks with a playful confidence, Ansel is very used to putting up a mask of confidence and is very skilled at manipulating those around her into believing her.
Returning Character:
Ansel is one of the many roles within The Assassins Blade Novella's in that we find in the later books, so If you apply for this role you must be willing to be on the project long term. She plays an instrumental part in helping Celaena in the later books, (saying any more would be spoilers).
IMPORTANT:
Please check out the link below BEFORE auditioning for more information on Ansel:
Time Codes: (0:43 - 5:05)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pCdFzwhmTUo
[This is the first time you're meeting Celaena, your new roommate, she a bit younger then you, this will be fun.]
[Pronounced: Ann - Sul](Brightly, Amused)
" I'm Ansel … Looks like we’re sharing a room while you’re here."[You're giving Celaena a tour of the Keeps grounds, she's asking you a lot of question, and you're not 100% comfortable with her yet so your guard is up.] {Pre-line from Celaena: "Has training with the Master been efficient?"}
(Rueful Response)
"I wouldn't know. I've been here for five years, and he's still refused to train me personally. Not that I care. I’d say I'm pretty damn good with or without his expertise. "
[Both Ansel and Celaena have stolen some horses and are riding them like the winds to get away from the guards hot on your heals, you’re shouting back to Celaena as you ride on. You're having so much fun with this.]
[Pronounced: Sa-ra-dough-thin](Full of Glee)
"Live a little Saradothin!"
Mikhail is one of the few Assasins at the Red Desert Keep who has yet to take his vow of silence. There are only a handful, and he is not the type to give up his voice so willingly. He is a young man in his mid-twenties, with a boisterous attitude in his off time, and a dedicated steeliness during training. At heart, he is a softy, and he cares about people in general, giving his time willingly to help anyone, including Celaena. He has been in a relationship with Ansel for over three years now and cares deeply for her. Giving her extra attention whenever they are together, publicly or privately.
His voice is that of a low to mid-range, he speaks with a light ARABIC accent and speaks with kind confidence, He cares deeply for his brothers and sister at the Red Desert Keep, and though he has matured in his year's training, Ansel will always take a prime place in his heart.
IMPORTANT:
Please check out the link below BEFORE auditioning for more information on Mikhail:
Time Code: (5:05 - 7:49)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pCdFzwhmTUo
[You are chiming in on a conversation between Ansel and Celaena, Ansel is explaining about the local tyrant that rules Xandria]
(Charismatic and friendly),
"He's the villain, no matter who’s telling the story."
[You are explaining to Celanea, why there are lots of non-Assasins eating with them in the dining hall]
(Softly, Wanting to help)
"They come here from foreign courts to offer us positions. They make offers for the Assassins that most impress them- sometimes for one mission, other times for a lifelong contract. Any of us are free to go, if we wish. But not all of us want to leave."
[Your Master has given you orders to give to Ansel, you wish you could spend more time with her but you've been told to pass this message on to her, and that she must leave immediately]
(Neutral tone, with a hint of sadness)
"You're to go to Xandria today and give him this. Masters Orders"
This merchant is one of the many merchants we find in the city of Xandria, but this one is different; This one is selling Spidersilk, the rarest and most sought-after fabrics in the land. Though we do not know his name in The Assassin and the Desert, we come to find out just how close he is to one of the main characters in the books later on. He divulges that even though he looks and sounds to be in his mid 50's, by purchasing the Silk, he paid for it with twenty-five years of his life, and so truly he is actually in his mid 20's. Being quite a greedy yet relaxed individual, he hopes to find someone who can help him retrieve his years back, whilst still keeping hold of the Siders silk so he can sell it for even more profit.
His voice is that of a middle range, and he speaks with a BRITISH/ ENGLISH accent. He speaks with a calm certainty as he is a businessman, and in TAATD his only interest is to further his own needs.
Returning Character:
"The Spidersilk Merchant" is one of the many roles within The Assassins Blade Novella's in that we find in the later books, so If you apply for this role you must be willing to be on the project long term. his family ties lead him to help another member of the group much later in the story. (Saying any more would be spoilers)
IMPORTANT
Please check out the link below BEFORE auditioning for more information on "The Spider Skill merchant":
Time Code: (7:49 - 10:00)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pCdFzwhmTUo
[You are sat at your stall when a young woman walks up to your stall, wide-eyed looking at your wears]
(Slight disbelief)
"You know, you're the first person today to recognize it for what it is."
[Now over your disbelief, you enter into businessman mode]
(Confident, with a hint of charm)
"I try. So tell me, Girl from the North, when have you seen Spidersilk?"
[ The young girl is inquiring why a man from Ardalan is here in Xandria]
(Said with a wink, less businessman, more honest merchant)
"My ship to the southern continent doesn't leave for two days; why not set up shop? Xandria might not be Rifthold, but you never know who might approach your stall."
Arobynn Hamel (Ah-row-bin Ham-el) is the King of the Assassins in the Northern Territories, he a is shrewd and ruthless leader, whose cunning mind and brutally cold-hearted tactics have got him to where he is today. He sees himself as the primary caregiver to Celaena, having taken her in when shes was only eight years old, and had her trained to be the most effective and deadly weapon he can use to shape his kingdom. He does not tolerate disobedience lightly and brings swift and harsh judgment down upon those who defy him. He provides for Celaena a lavish lifestyle, full of opulence having spent a fortune on her wardrobe alone, BUT it comes with a heavy price, in that he has made Celaena indebted to him through it, making her have to pay him back every coin he spent on her, before she can leave to live her own life. He is an abusive master to Celaena, revelling in the hold he has over her. He considers Celanea to be his and his alone to do with as he wishes. In his own deluded way, he sees his actions as just and that it is his way of showing that he cares for her. When in truth, he cannot bear the thought of losing her to anyone she wishes to love.
His voice is that of a middle range and he speaks with a BRITISH/ ENGLISH accent. He speaks with a cultured elegance and sharp coldness, this is a man who has worked and schemed and killed to get to the top and he will stop at nothing to not only keep his position but to expand his territories until he is the King of all the Assasins in the realm.
Returning Character:
Arobynn Hamel is one of the many roles within The Assassins Blade Novella's in that we find in the later Novella's and briefly in the later books, so If you apply for this role you must be willing to be on the project long term. He continues to plague Celaena well into the book series as this man is not so easy to get loose from.
IMPORTANT:
Arobynn Hamel is a key character that turns up in the remaining Novellas and in the book Queen of Shadow, be it in a flashback or in person. In TAATD he only appears in a small flashback with some lines but will be needed in all of the remaining Novellas after that as well as some parts of the main books. So know, when you audition for this role, that you will have a small part in TAATD but have much more in the Novella's to come.
Please check out the link below BEFORE auditioning for more information on Arobynn Hamel:
Time Code: (10:00 - 13:18)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pCdFzwhmTUo
[In the Flashback - Sam and Celaena have just come back from Skulls bay, and have told you what they have done, they destroyed one of the best business deals you worked tirelessly on perfecting. You feel betrayed by Celaena. This disobedience will not go unpunished, there is an Ice cold rage in you.]
(Cold fury, sinister)
"Do you know how much money you've cost me?"
[You are still sat in your chair facing away from them, letting your anger slip a little bit to put Sam in his place, you don't like how close Sam is getting with Celaena. Best to make a point to him as well.]
(Snapped sharply, growling)
"Don't lie to me Sam Cortland! The only way you became involved in this was because she decided to do it-and it was either let her die trying or help her."
[This is right before you begin to beat Celaena bloody, you are making sure to emphasise each and every sentence, you want to make sure that she will know to NEVER betray you again.]
(Quietly, right up close in her face)
"You are not going to enjoy this. You will not forget this. And I don’t want you to."
Sam Cortland is Celaena's oldest and closest friend. They both grew up together in The Assasins Keep back in Ardalan and have known each other since childhood. He knows her tricks and together they have worked on many jobs and make quite the accomplished pair. When they aren't butting heads or at each other's throats. As they've grown up, Sam has developed a crush on Celaena which, as the story progress, turns into love. He is a loyal and courageous young man and has even dared to stand up against Arobynn Hamel.
Sam Is a sweet young lad with a heart of gold and a loyal spirit, he can be childish and jealous when it comes to Celaena. But other times he is quite mature, often getting Celaena out of the messes she creates (See The Assassin and the Pirate Lord).
His voice is that of a mid to high range and he speaks with a BRITISH/ ENGLISH accent. He speaks with a playful mature undertone. While both Celaena and Sam are quite young in the Novellas, being an assassin has forced the two of them to grow up quickly. However, they both do still hold onto the childish playfulness that comes with being a young adult, and that comes with never truly having a childhood to enjoy.
Returning Character:
Sam Courtland is one of the many roles within The Assassins Blade Novella's in that we find in the later Novella, so If you apply for this role you must be willing to be on the project long term.
IMPORTANT INFO:
Sam Cortland is a key character that turns up in every one of the Novellas, be it in a flashback or in person. In TAATD he only appears in a small flashback with only three lines but will be needed in all of the novellas after that. He is one of the main supporting characters to Celaena in 'The Assassin and The Underworld' and 'The Assassin and the Empire.' So know, when you audition for this role, that you will have a very small part in TAATD but a much larger part in the books to come.
Please check out the link below BEFORE auditioning for more information on Sam Cortland:
Time Code: (13:18 - 16:19)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pCdFzwhmTUo
[TAATPL - You have just destroyed a massive tower and chain that hung across the mouth of Skulls Bay, the tower has come crashing down and you along with it. As you are moving the debris and rocks off you, you see Celanea frantically calling out your name and beating her fists on a massive stone slab, crying as she thinks it has crushed you, it warms your heart to see she cares.]
(Softly, with a warm smile, with a hint of joking)
"For some reason, I don't think that's going to make the rock move."
[TAATD - In the flashback, You are being held against a wall by two huge assassins, as Arobynn Hamel forces you to watch as he beats Celanea half to death, there is blood everywhere]
Pronounced: Ah-row-bin Ham-el(Shouting with all you have, voice raw, full of rage and pain)
"No! I'll kill you Arobynn Hamel! I'll kill you!"
[TAATU - For the first time in almost 3 months, you see Celaena back at The Assassins Keep, You've missed her so so much]
(Softly stunned, full of joy to see her, then seeing the small cut at her neck, full of caring and concern for her)
"You're back ... How was the desert? ... (Sees scar) What happened? ... Are you hurt?
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