The Hanging Balloons Junji Ito Manga Dub
Project Overview
Looking for voice actors to create a fan dub (not for profit) of Junji Ito's "The Hanging Balloons". The dub will be in English, and no accent is required, but your pronunciation of names will be a deciding factor. I am looking for actors experienced, or interested in, the horror genre, and I may ask you to demonstrate your screaming in the audition. Screaming should sound genuine, and avoid peaking or distortion. Please be familiar with gain, and use a microphone capable of adjusting it, if you are auditioning for one of these roles.
I typically voice act in my own projects, but this time I will only be producing, directing, and editing audio. All roles are open!
Note: there are many extras in this story. Some roles many only have a few lines, so you are welcome to audition for multiple roles.
Before auditioning, please be aware that this manga IS horror, and contains elements of body horror, death, and su*cide. Please use your judgement and do not audition to be a part of this project if you find the material uncomfortable or triggering. I am asking that all actors be 17 or over.
Requirements:
- 17 or older
- Quality microphone with little to no background noise
- Knowledge and application of mic gain for roles involving screaming
- Sound dampening
- Basic knowledge of Japanese pronunciation
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Latest Updates
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Hi everyone! Most of the casting decisions have been made, but I am extending the deadline an additional week for several roles that are missing or undecided. Thank you!
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Deadline pushed back one week
Hello everyone! Thank you all for your auditions! We are still missing auditions for two roles, so I'll be extending the deadline another week.
Kazuko, a high school student, is the main character as well as narrator of the story. I'm looking for someone experienced, who can handle a lot of lines, and can narrate as well as scream. The actor should also be able to capture genuine emotion throughout, as Kazuko spends a lot of the story in fear, grief, or anger. Despite this, she tries to remain level-headed and comfort others.
Actually seeing her belied my expectations of what a ghost should feel like. It had a sense of realness, like I could touch it if I only reached up. The scene playing out before me was monstrous beyond words.
[Shouting] What do you hope to prove by ganging up on him like that? Shiroishi's our classmate. Let go of him!
[Screaming] AUGHHH!
Shiroishi is Kazuko's classmate, and the boyfriend of Terumi, the girl who died as a precursor to the main story. He is grieving, and suffering from visits from Terumi's "ghost". The voice I envision for this character is emotionally exhausted, somewhat bitter, and stubborn. Eventually, Shiroishi falls victim to the hanging balloons himself in attempt to reach out to Terumi. This role involves crying.
It keeps coming to my backyard. Just staring at me...with those hollow eyes...I think those eyes are calling me. Those siren eyes mean to pull me in. But I've stood strong, so far.
Terumi! Terumi! Forgive me Terumi! Don't look at me like that!
[Sobbing] Terumi...
Yosuke is Kazuko's younger brother. He is aggressive, confident, and takes on a role as protector of his family. I am looking for an actor who can shout, and put the necessary energy and emotion behind it, as many of Yosuke's lines are loud and/or yelling. Yosuke should sound fairly young.
Sis, telephone! It's a boy. I won't tell dad.
They won't get me without a fight! I'll stab 'em with this! Don't worry sis! I'm not gonna die. I'll be back with food. Take care of mom til then.
[Shouting] Dammit! Come get me! You like that!
Chiharu is Kazuko's friend and classmate. She is skeptical of Kazuko's claims about the balloons, and I interpret her normal speaking voice as calm and analytical. However, this role also includes screaming and frightened shouting, and I am looking for an actor who can perform both effectively.
Those are definitely ropes...it looks like the ends are tied into loops. And they do look like human heads...
[Shouting] Why! Why would they do that! We haven't done anything!
[Screaming] EEEK! Taeko and Miyuki!
Similar to Yosuke, Kazuko's father is a bit arrogant and underestimates the situation, leading to his demise. He only has a brief appearance, but in that time the actor needs to capture his cocky attitude, and a good scream.
Well, I'm off to work! There's some things I need to take care of by tomorrow.
[Shouting] There you are!
[Screaming] UWAAGHH!
Kazuko's mother is cautious, and met her demise when she went looking for her son. Her voice would be warm and motherly, and while she doesn't scream, she has some shouting lines that the actor needs to put energy and emotion behind.
Welcome home, dear. Did you give your condolences?
[Shouting] No, you're not!
The leader of Terumi's fan club. He is grieving the loss of his idol, and takes it out on Shiroishi by picking a fight. This role should sound angry, and involves shouting.
We're from the Terumi Fujino fan club. You Shinya Shiroishi?
[Shouting] We've looked into you! We know you two were dating before her debut! And that you were opposed to her career and never gave her the credit she deserved!
Miyuki is one of Kazuko's friends. She seems easily frightened. This role involves shouting and screaming.
NOTE: this translation, as well as the wiki page, didn't specify which friend was Miyuki and which was Taeko, as far as I saw. We're working under the assumption that Miyuki is the friend with short, dark hair.
Kazuko! That's enough! You're creeping me out!
[Shouting] Why do they look like us!
[Screaming] EEEEK!
Taeko is one of Kazuko's friends. This role involves shouting and screaming.
NOTE: this translation, as well as the wiki page, didn't specify which friend was Miyuki and which was Taeko, as far as I saw. We're working under the assumption that Taeko is the friend with pigtails.
Hey...look at that. What could it be? There.
[Shouting] Why? Why towards us!?
[Screaming] EEEEK!
For this role, a classic reporter voice would be perfect.
I'm at the apartment of television personality and model Terumi Fujino who passed away last night. Look at the crowd of mournful fans that has gathered after hearing the tragic news!
I'm here at Toaru Park. You can see the thick woods behind me. While this may appear to be your normal neighborhood park--we have received reports that Terumi Fujino's ghost haunts the premises!
I would like a classic reporter voice, however, this role involves frantic shouting as a terrifying story unfolds before the public's eyes.
[Shouting] Japan is under attack by bizarre flying objects! You can see the victims in the sky being hung by their necks!
[Shouting] I've confirmed my own face amidst the flock! It is believed to have come to this station to hang me!
Witness of the ghost sighting in the park. Can be teen or young adult. This character seems calm and seems to lack enthusiasm despite the subject at hand.
Yeah...about 12 at night.
After awhile it floated away to the north and disappeared.
A witness to the ghost sightings in the park. Can be teen or young adult.
So uh...it was about a week ago, right?
It was floating in the sky right over those trees.
Well, regardless of if ghosts exist or not, I can think of a logical explanation from a psychological standpoint.
Young man, presumably on television, discussing the ghost sightings.
Here we have the picture in question...it would have to be quite elaborate.
A police officer that Kazuko reports a ghost sighting to.
Now just calm down. These giant heads are doing what?
So where's your friend?
A civilian who attempts to shoot down the balloons from his window. This role involves shouting.
What's going on? Are you alright?
[Shouting] Whoa! It's a monster! Ho...hold on!
This role is split between two background characters, and I would like someone versatile who can demonstrate two distinctly different voices. One is a second reporter/interviewer, and the other is a younger woman on what appears to be a talk show.
[Reporter] Professor, what do you make of this "ghost mania" that's been making headlines?
[Younger woman] Her neck was nearly torn off by her noose...is that why the ghost is a disembodied head?
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