Wastefarers: Audio Drama
Project Overview
Introduction:
Wastefarers is an original audio drama project following an episodic ‘adventure of the week’ style of structure, akin to shows like ‘Cowboy Bebop’ or ‘The Mandalorian’ where every episode is almost like it’s own mini movie.
The audio drama is set in a dieselpunk style post-apocalyptic world and aims for a tone of pulpy fun without going too far toward parody.
Other inspirations include, Spaghetti Westerns, Indiana Jones, Samurai Jack, Mad Max and the Fallout series. If you're familiar with those you should have a general idea of the project's tone.
Story:Set long after the world 'gave up', we follow the travails of a disillusioned bounty hunter – Harker Delstrand.
On the run from the ‘Watchman's Agency’ for which he once served, Harker finds his path intertwined with ageing luckless mechanic, Viatrix Rhodes.
The pair forge an uneasy alliance as they both decide to seek their fortunes in the perilous wastes of the world that once was.
Additional Notes:
There’s a lot of action sequences so there will be some yelling and grunts/efforts/breathing sounds along with the dialogue. All will be clearly highlighted in the scripts.
As there are a lot of minor roles with only a few lines, I would welcome people to audition for more than one role, especially if you’re able to perform different sounding voices.
As Wastefarers takes place in a sort of otherworldly post-apocalyptic Britain, I’ve noted most characters have UK based accents, however don’t feel beholden to that. If you think a character could work with a different accent please feel free to try it out.
Please format auditions as ABCABC and ensure recordings are of a high quality, no background noise, glitches, static, clicks and pops. If selected, I would prefer files were delivered as WAV mono files if possible.
Probably goes without saying but no AI generated content will be considered for this project.
Feel free to ask any questions about this project and I’ll try to answer as best I can.
When you are logged in, you can comment, add submissions, create projects, upvote, search open roles, and way more. Login here.
(Main Role – 6 Episodes - £40 per Episode)
Bio:
Harker was once a city bounty hunter but found himself at odds with the agency he worked for...now he's on the run from them.
A sort of classic gunslinger archetype, Harker is a rugged, taciturn individual but keeps a dry sense of humour. This sardonic facade attempts to hide the strong moral compass that keeps getting him into trouble.
Harker seeks a new life in the wastes, far from any sort of authority – any risks be damned.
Voice:
Early 30s, a stoic voice with gravitas and a slight touch of gruffness to it while still sounding youthful.
I kind of picture this voice/accent from the English dub of Corto Maltese (https://youtu.be/f48s-EqMxnY?si=IzW4P9clf-OJ_0Sq) with a little bit of that Solid Snake gruffness to it.
- male adult
‘I’m not looking to get roped into another promise of heroics. Just here for work. If the Guild is where business is, then so be it.’
‘It's that easy for you is it? Trading lives for profit? (*scoff*) It’s funny how the rules always work in favour of the Agency's pockets.’
‘We came from Gravelocke, you can imagine why we'd want to leave. But...we bring no trouble to your town, not unless you aim to give us some.'
(Main Role – 6 Episodes - £40 per Episode)
Bio:
Viatrix is a down on her luck mechanic, who finds herself dragged into the wastelands when she crosses paths with Harker. A confident mechanic, Viatrix is self-assured, very blunt and quick to fallback on a sarcastic comment but remains reliable to those she can help...or make a profit from.
Voice:
Middle aged – a slightly nasally or croaky voice, preferably with an English accent. Indira Varma’s voice from both the Discworld audiobooks and Creature Commandos has a similar voice type to what I’m looking for (https://youtu.be/GUzR8SF3cag?si=2WU-LRPvBLijaU-B).
Edit: Just a heads up, the 'Vi' in Viatrix is pronounced like 'Violin' or 'Violet', not a big deal but realised I probably should have mentioned that here.
- female adult
- Middle Aged Female
‘Don't play coy with me, sonny! I know your sort! And I've had it with you Watchmen hounding my yard! Now, you tell the Baron or the Agency or whoever sent you that VIATRIX RHODES ain't selling!’
‘You're capable in a fight, I've seen that. But you can't use that gun of yours to keep this truck in running order, can you?’
'(*clicks teeth*) Okay then, head through those salvage piles. I’ve got a back entrance for less savoury deals. Go straight, then take a left, keep going pass the old computer carcass and then it'll be on your right. Got that?'
(Supporting Role – 2 episodes - £20 per episode)
(Minor Role – 1 Episode - £10 per episode)
Bio:
Benson is an opportunistic, overzealous blow-hard looking to make a name for himself in The Watchman’s Agency – a high end mercenary group. He’s recently taken up a contract to hunt Harker down and his loyalty to the Agency means he’ll take pleasure in doing so.
Voice:
Mid 30s, a sort of sneering English accented voice.
- male adult
- english (british)
‘Rather apt wouldn't you say? Catching you in the muck like the rat you are! (*dark chuckle*) Wait until the Agency hears it was I who cashed in when Harker Delstrand's luck ran dry…’
‘Come on...What? You want me to grovel and beg forgiveness? A contract is law - you know that! I was just playing by the rules!’
‘You'll find we're the official authority here. You won't give us Delstrand? We'll take him from you.’
(Minor Role – 3 Episodes - £10 per episode)
Bio:
A voice heard on the Gravelocke City Radio – basically a propaganda mouth piece for the Baron who rules there.
Voice:
A sort of old-time British voice – something akin to those heard on an old vintage radio reel. Reference: (https://youtu.be/8PQ5HbLospE?si=vBgW4vJHabjke179)
Basically a small monologue for the first 3 episodes roughly about 60 – 70 words.
- female adult
- english (british)
‘It is thanks to the benevolent MIGHT of the SALVAGE BARONS – we endure the ruin of the old world that once was. In CITY GRAVELOCKE, anyone can earn a profit!’
‘Denizens of Gravelocke: an AGENCY ORDER has been put forth – all exits and outside trade from our fair city are halted until further notice.’
'The wastes, a pitiful haven for the condemned and uncivilized. Everyday one must face the harsh reality of survival. No one is to be trusted.'
(Minor Role – 1 Episode - £10)
Bio:
Very small role, (these are pretty much all of his lines) Decker is another opportunistic member of the Watchmen’s Agency, who tries his hand at fulfilling the bounty contract.
Voice:
Any UK based accent – young, brash and tries a little too hard to sound tough.
- male adult
‘Even if that was true, my contract outranks your...'rights'. That's your rusted heap on wheels over there, isn't it?’
‘You must be the scrapper, eh? My ticket to the big time. Now...you're gonna tell me where Delstrand is…’
‘You’re whatever I say you are! And I say you won't be anything unless you start talking!’
(Supporting Role – 1 Episode - £20)
Bio:
A ruthless veteran of the Watchman’s Agency – he’s been in the bounty hunting game for a long time but still seeks to make a legacy for himself. Obsessed with status, Scanlon covets known figures in the Agency, like Harker’s old mentor.
Voice:
Early middle aged, with a deep and gravely voice. English accent, maybe something like Sean Bean.
- male adult
‘Decker!...Answer man! I said to maintain radio contact! If I find you turned off your radio again! I'll put you down like the lazy-mutt you are!’
‘Name’s Scanlon. A name to be regarded well within the Agency soon enough. The other two? (*scoff*) Nobodies. ’
‘So, you’re Vandermere’s protege, huh? Have to say, I'm sort of a fanatic of his. So, this is actually an honour!’
(Large Supporting Role – 1 Episode - $30)
(Minor Role – 1 Episode - £10)
Bio:
The proud Watchman (pretty much a Sheriff) of a wasteland town, Monro feels duty bound to keep her people safe no matter what dangers may face her. She’s open to newcomers but can be a little suspicious due to the current troubles plaguing her town.
Voice:
Late 30s – any UK based accent – firm, confident and authoritative.
- female adult
‘You've seen what I'm dealing with right now. Out there's fiendish lands. So, I don't have time to deal with evasive strangers.’
‘I suppose it's a comfort to have 'official' help out here. Perhaps a little old-fashioned for the Agency but at least out here I can do some real good.’
‘I asked for his help and he couldn't even follow through. (*sigh*) But either way, we still need to find where that thing's ran off to.’
(Supporting Role – 1 episode - £20)
(Minor Role – 1 Episode - £10)
Bio:
Wolff is a relaxed veteran of the wastes and spends his time seeking out lost relics of the old world, particularly old music tapes in the hopes to restore them and share them with his fellow wastefarers.
Voice:
Late 40s – sort of smooth in tone, American accent, I kind of picture him like if Three Dog from Fallout 3 he was a cowboy and had a sort of weathered gravel to his voice.
- male adult
‘Ahoy there, Soldier! How about a drink? A good deed to a stranger and a stiff drink might just calm those nerves of yours.’
‘I’m a fixer and a collector. I’ll fix up busted tech like, say, a jukebox. But also I make a habit of collecting music. Those old tunes sure make the wastes a little less desolate, no?’
‘Wait...you're with the 'Guild'? Looks more like you sling lead than haul cargo. Maybe you and I should go somewhere and talk this misunderstanding out...’
(Minor Role – 1 episode - £10)
Bio:
A tough wasteland mercenary who has a serious grievance with Wolff and is willing to get violent if things won’t go his way.
Voice:
Early 40s – gruff hard edged voice – open to any UK accent.
- male adult
‘Yet, you found what you wanted but our interests came up empty. Bet you made a real profit off those old tapes, eh?’
‘Some nerve for a delivery boy. How about you mind your business, eh?’
‘(*chuckle*) You're quick...but you shouldn't have done that, my lad.’
(Minor Role – 1 Episode -£10)
Bio:
A respected organiser of the Hauler’s Guild, a service running throughout the wastes to deliver cargo between settlements, the representative is proud of her job and works hard to keep a good relationship between their freelancers.
Voice:
Professional and business-like voice – open to any UK accent, though I do picture a Northern English accent for this role.
- female adult
‘The haul is to be made at these prior agreed upon coordinates. This is a high priority contract but bandit activity in the area raises concern.’
‘Payment will be organised and ready upon your return. With proof of delivery, of course.’
‘Ah. Before I forget, this message came for you from...uh, can we clear the room? And have this off the record?’
(Supporting Role – 2 episodes - £20 per episode)
Bio:
A young engineer prodigy, Elinore seeks to find ways to restore power to the many settlements peppered out in the wastes. The pressure of the task can weigh on her little, so she can act quite anxious. However, when push comes to shove she can steel herself when needed.
Voice:
Late 20s – open to any UK based accent – I’m in favour of something more northern English or maybe Scottish.
- female adult
‘What- what do you want? I-I don't hold palaver with...bandits! Wait...A- a Guild Seal? You're a hauler?’
‘Wait! This wasn't a solo operation, what about my people? I won't just leave them here!’
‘Huh? Oh, no problem. I just...well, this is sort of what I've been working toward for a long long time. So, it's...this is kind of a big moment for me.’
(Supporting Role – 2 Episodes - £20 per episode)
Bio:
A proud leader of a group of wasteland bandits, Rathstone was once a Baron of a large Salvage City but found himself exiled when the people under his rule had enough of his iron grip. Now he ruthlessly seeks to reclaim his lost status by any means he can.
Voice:
Early 50s – Elegant but with underlying insecurity that has a tendency to boil over. I think a sort of Gary Oldman type voice would work.
- male adult
‘You hear that, gentlemen? That quiet? That is the sound of untapped potential. Just waiting to be filled with the hum of power….Raw power. Power that is so craved by all in the Wastes. And it is ours! We, who were cast out! Exiled! Underestimated! Ours!’
‘We match you gun for gun, trooper. Why don't you surrender that weapon? Lest my man shoot yours.’
‘Ah, all in good time, my friends. First, I must invite you to tour our operations. A full detail of what we have to offer Gravelocke. That is still the arrangement, is it not?’
(Supporting Role – 1 episode - £20)
Minor Role – 1 episode - £10)
Bio:
A legendary bounty hunter and Harker’s mentor, Vandermere presents himself as a gentlemen gunslinging professional. He keeps a cool levelled exterior, focussed on task and still believes himself to match up to the reputation his past has built for him.
Voice:
Early 60s – A strained yet elegant voice but stern when push comes to shove.
English Accent, I picture him as a Bill Nighy type.
- male adult
- male senior
‘Come now, if you were to break free, just how far do you imagine you would get? Relax. You are safe.’
‘You must forgive my brash associate here. Your recent and may I say, commendable feats have caused him to act...rather rash.’
‘A Watchman considers all tactical advantages when presented. And you Benson, could stand to learn that after your last attempt at this contract.’
(Minor Role – 1 Episode - £10)
Bio:
An engineer part of Elinore’s team of Wasteland and de-facto leader of the band of hostages held by the Baron. A little mistrusting of those he doesn’t know but trusts Elinore enough to follow her lead in whatever scheme is in play.
Voice:
Mid 40s, a sort of croaky voice with any UK based accent.
- male adult
‘Hey! HEY! We still need food and water in here! You said we'd get it hours ago! What's going on---?’
‘And just who are you? One of them...? We’re not talking to any more bandits, thanks!’
‘Miss Elinore? You’re okay! What’s going on here? Do you have a plan?’
(6 Minor Roles – 1 Episode - £10 each)
Bio:
This group of bandits are made up from people from all over the wastes, former small town militias, failed bounty hunters or simply opportunistic wastelanders hoping to try their luck in this outfit. Baron Rathstone has taken these men given them a common goal and the munitions to best serve him.
Voice:
Looking for actors to cover essentially the different types of voices to reflect the different origins of this bandit hoard’s members, the three lines below pretty much reflect the different personalities. Open to any UK accents.
A sort of whiny voice of someone who’s in over his head.
A wannabe tough guy who puts on a gruff voice to match his desired persona.
And then a more level headed sort of regular practical worker.
All these guys are your typical henchmen types all there for their own reasons and not particular about their morals as long as they get their job done.
‘Stuff the Watchmen! We don't need their kind out here! It's all tavern tales! I tried to join up a while back – and what I saw weren't all that special.’
‘The prisoners, sir! (*sputter*) They've broken free! (*breathes*) They're heading to the upper levels!’
‘(*scoff*) Another one? Thought we weeded out all the weak stock. Did you at least get the loot from those wasters?’
(Editor Role – 5 Episodes - £200 per episode
Editor Role – Finale Episode - £300)
I’m looking for someone to essentially edit each episode together fully: I’ll provide the dialogue stems, cut together in sequence. Then it’s the case of to sound designing sequences, mixing the dialogue, sound effects, ambience and music into a finished piece.
Each episode has a script of around 25 to 28 pages and should have the finished runtime of around 25-30 minutes. Save for the final episode which currently stands at 47 pages and will approximately have a runtime of 45 minutes.
Episodes do include a number of action sequences, having sound designed audio dramas myself I recognise the work these intense sequences require and have tried to clearly outline how they should go each script’s scene direction. However there are still those quieter moments and scenes that will require more minimal sound design.
Wastefarers is very much set in it’s own world, desolate and grounded but yet kind of ‘otherworldly’, so the sound design will reflect that. I would say think the sort ambience you’d hear in the quieter moments one of the Fallout or Mad Max games.
If you’re interested and have experience in editing audio dramas, let me know and I’d love to hear any examples, reels or portfolios you may have.
*Say something you think would fit*
I’m looking for someone to compose a theme song for the series that can sort of be split into being used as an opening theme and then play at the end of each episode under the credits.
Essentially a theme with an opening that builds and builds until hitting the main theme around 20 seconds. Which continues for another 20 seconds which can fade out and/or then continue into an extended version of that main theme for roughly another minute for the credits.
For the opening, I’m thinking something like the opening of the Sharpe television series, with it’s dramatic build up to the main title.
[https://youtu.be/0Odqg6_k5E8?si=6ggrGiv_tP5B4cwT]
As for the main theme itself I’m looking for something grand and sweeping, almost like something out of an old Wild West film, maybe even with a heroic fanfare thrown in somewhere.
Something that stands on it’s own but also won’t suffer with the narration of credits playing over it.
I think something like the opening 2 minutes of this piece I found on YouTube is very much in the same vein of what I’m looking for.
[https://youtu.be/NXRn4BcVvmU?si=AVHCHnjwI9UTH_ZT]
For a less obscure references I would have for a main theme are:
The Mandalorian.
[https://youtu.be/xXp4GnC1Z3Q?si=3FzpGBCq83ENnCIN]
Indiana Jones:
[https://youtu.be/dX-y4uN30R4?si=qi7pKBCYFwlT_8HK]
Robin Hood Prince of Thieves:
[https://youtu.be/maA5bCx3_Jk?si=eHuYjhXoQXIkKX1z]
If this sounds like a project you’d be interested in let me know, I’d love to hear any examples of previous music composition and we can see if your approach matches up with this project.
*Say something you think would fit*
Comments
Public Submissions
