Voices- an audio drama (Non Star Wars) : Official Discussion

[jerrodd]

Jeff Roney Designs and jrdonline.com proudly present a new, bold Internet Audio Production called “True Tales.” After doing Tatooine TV parodies for 6 months, we wanted to go deep into dramatic audio. We considered many different story possibilities, and then came back to the greatest set of stories known to mankind- the Bible. We feel that we can bring these timeless stories to life in a new way. These stories will definitely not be your Grandmother’s Bible stories. To give you an introduction, here is a brief interview with Jeff about this ambitious project.

What is True Tales? True Tales will be dramatic Bible stories told to today’s audience of high school age kids to adults. They are stories about real people in the Bible, who wrestled with the same struggles and moral dilemmas we wrestle with today, and how they made choices during those times. Some made good choices, and others made bad choices. We can do well to study these people in situations of faith, fear and failure to learn from them. The stories will relay what is written in the Bible, so they will be gritty, action-packed and honest. Most people who are casual Bible readers will be very surprised at the stories we have in store.

Will these stories just be dramatic interpretations of what can be read in the Bible? Partially. Each True Tales episode will begin with a family; The father, son and daughter getting together to read a Bible story. As the story is read, the actors, sound effects and great music bring it to life all around the listener. During the dramatic reenactment of the story, the family will break in from time to time to ask questions and explain certain aspects deeper. At the end of the episode, the family will discuss the story in a didactic sense.

Will this family be a religious ‘Brady Bunch’? No, they will have problems and struggles like everyone else (Honest, you’ll see). Sometimes the stories will shed light on the families’ problems, and sometimes the problems will go on unresolved.

What will be the first few True Tales? David and Goliath will be the first, and the book of Hosea will be the second. We are also thinking about the book of Judges, as well.

Do you have any final words? Of course. True Tales will be real stories for real people. We will touch on and discuss issues that people struggle with on a daily basis, or ask questions that people ask about God and the Bible. We believe that these will be fun to produce, fun to listen to, and give people many things to think and talk about.

Casting Call notices will be coming soon for those interested.

[jerrodd]

::True Tales Tidbits::

With the recent hard drive crash and other personal sadness around the Thanksgiving holiday, I have devoted much more time into completing the fitst True Tales script.

The first script is called, "Meet the Casays". We will meet the family and find out how they have dealt with the death of Mrs. Casay (Kelli) one year after it happened. Mr. Casay (Jeremy) has many skeletons in his closets, and they rattle out as he is forced to stay home and reconnect with the rest of his family. We focus on one of his secrets, in which he thought no one ever knew, but as well all know, secrets have a way of being found out.

This episode will take a very sensual edge very quickly, and the subject matter of the story will continue in that vein. I say again, "This ain't your Grandma's Bible story hour".

I am very happy with the script, even in its first draft state. It is multi layered, edgey, and hot. It is some of the most unfettered writing I've ever done, and I can't wait to mix this.

I have also decided to drop the by line, "Bible stories with an edge," because although there will be Bible stories as a part of the episodes, the subject matter has grown to include the family as more of a focal point.

Again, I know that this will not be everyone's cup of tea, but even if it isn't, I still ask you to listen- just listen. You will (I promise you) be surprised at what you hear.

[leandar]

Let me know when this is going to be soon to release, and I'll mention it on SWAB.

[jerrodd]

Thanks man. I'll do it.

[jerrodd]

:: True Tales Update ::
True Tales #1 "Meet the Casay's" First Draft script is officially complete. The draft version is now being reviewed by friends of the project and innocent by-standers alike. The script tweaking will begin when they are done reviewing it. When we have a production version, I will have the difficult task of casting this project. I will need the best (and gutsiest) audio actors I can find. I will post a formal casting call when the time comes. The bottom line is, that the script is done. Whew.

[jerrodd]

::True Tales Update::

True Tales #1 "Meet the Casay's/Hosea" has passed the first round of approval and reviews. There will be minor tweaking in the next round or two, but casting will occur soonafter a final version has been set. The more I explain what this project is to people, I get very good response and anticipation. And this is coming from people with varied religious beliefs (and many, none at all). I am very happy about that. That's exactly what I'm going for.

True Tales #2 "The Story of Job" is coming along very well. Satan will have a voice, as well as God. This should be a very interesting one on that alone, but wait til you hear about the Casay family's story as these episodes unfold.

Buckle up people, 2005 will be quite a ride! You heard it all here first.

[jerrodd]

I've emailed Nathan, but who;

1. Is interested in being involved in True Tales? Now, keep in mind, there are only two 18 year old characters (male and female), and the rest around 20 to around 40 (Some male, some female).
2. I am pleading for great mics on this. Please, no crackly computer headset mics.
3. Can act reasonably well.

Please let me know. Thanks, Jeff

[Nathan Butler]

Absolutely, I'm interested in being involved if there's anything I can do voice wise.

[jerrodd]

I may have a bigger recurring role for you. I'll let you know.

[Alhon]

Will you be doing anything with the New Testament down the line? The life of Christ, that sort of thing?

[jerrodd]

I love the New Testement, but I do want to just cover the Old Testement for a few reasons. One is there are alot of great stories, and Two, it can have a wider acceptance from more religious groups. Thanks for asking.

[Nathan Butler]

Jeff, I'll shoot those lines off to you probably tomorrow night while D is at work.

[jerrodd]

Sounds good.

[jerrodd]

:: Auditions have commenced ::

I have heard some incredible auditions so far, but still have parts to cast. I have really raised the bar this time. I plan on creating a total aural experience that will put you right in the middle of all of the action. 'True Tales' is really shaping up to be quite a very different audio drama.

[Nathan Butler]

Jeff: You should have the Marcus lines/audition/whatever now. style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/smile.gif

[jerrodd]

Got it. Thanks. I'll get back to you on it.

[jerrodd]

:: Dusts off thread ::

I have decided to do all the voices I can for the project. Colleen will help were she can (on the female voices, of course), and we will get this out.

My short term goal; I am recording the opening scene, and will release it soon as I can, as a teaser for the project.

A bit of recrding geekness. I was thinking of recording the lines live (Mini Disc recorder around my neck catching real ambience as I 'walk through the lines", as well as say them. It could be really cool and different or be dumb and silly. Hey, maybe a little of both-

Anyway, that's some news.

[Grand Admiral Thrawn]

Wow, I'm sorry I missed this thread. Jeff, if you ever need any help on it again in the future, I am always up for a chance to act (and doubly where God is concerned style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/smile.gif )

This is a very very interesting idea and I look forward to it's release.


~Joe

[jerrodd]

Always can use the help. Yes, there will be alot of activities from this project this year.

[Grand Admiral Thrawn]

Great. I look forward to it!

[jerrodd]

Hmm, how can I say this delicately. It would seem that the title (and webpages that go with it), True Tales already is taken for stories that are, well, much different than I have envisioned, so I will be coming up with a new title for my religious/reality drama.

[leandar]

Why not just add back the subtitle that you had initially, "Bible Stories with an Edge?"

[jerrodd]

True Tales, a Reality/Bible Story audio drama now has the working title of "Voices". Casting will soon follow.

[Jaina_Fel_Solo]

I guess this must have dropped by the time I joined in '05. :( Do you still need any female voice(s)? I would absolutely love to be involved in some way. It's not often that I've seen audio stuff to do with the Bible. Though I just got a full-cast unabridged NKJV Bible-on-CD thing and that makes me want to get involved with True Tales even more. ;-D

Do you have any audition lines, since you said casting will follow soon? :)

[jerrodd]

I'll send you some audition lines. Thanks.

[SuperPalpy]

I'm available to help in any way I can, Jeff.

[jerrodd]

Awesome, awesome. Check your PM box. This project will finally see the light of day! It's been long time, and a few false starts, but its gonna go now. Thanks.

[SuperPalpy]

I've not recieved anything, Jeff. Did something go wrong?

[jerrodd]

Patience, soon lines with be with you.

[trebor gahkor]

I would be interested in being involved in this project if you need me Jeff. I can play both a young boy or young male role if you need me to. Just send me a script for an audition. :yes:

[jerrodd]

Cool, I'll PM you some lines, as well. Just to let you all know, we have great people (not on these boards) coming aboard the project, too. This will be one humdinger of a project. I'm speechless on how its coming together. Thanks all.

[Grand Admiral Thrawn]

Hey Jeff, I just can't seem to get the right emotion with the lines. Every time I do them... I sound too nice :huh:
So I guess if you need any help in the Crew (Mixing, etc.) area, I can always tryout for that.

:shots:
:yoda:

[jerrodd]

You got it, Joe.

[jerrodd]

We are still on schedule, but obviously, when we are dealing with a drama of this scope, it will take some time. The actors that are working on this still blow my mind. This will raise the bar, for my work. We have a very diverse (As far as many different religious beliefs or non-beliefs) group working on this production. That was an early decision of mine to offer the opportunity to work on this production to a wider (more quality) acting group, and not limit it to "people who believe just like me". This will be one humdinger of a production, so be on the lookout as it comes together. I will post teaser files and rough mixes of scenes as time goes on. Thanks for your support.

[leandar]

Let me know when it comes more to fruition and we'll start pushing it on SWAB.

[dukey13]

Hey Jeff!! Just wanted to say that I really admire that you want to share your Religion. If you still have any small parts, I could help.

[jerrodd]

Thanks, I'll let you know.

[trebor gahkor]

Jeff,
Just wanted to let you know I'll be recording the girls' lines today for your audiodrama. Should have them to ya by tonight.

[jerrodd]

Very excellent. This will be a great production. Wait'll you guys hear it.

[Nathan Butler]

Sounds awesome. If you need another actor at any point, I'm very much game, as you already knew. heh

[jerrodd]

Thanks. I wanted to start out with a blockbuster scene (That really becomes the crux of how the story unfolds. In a way, you guys have heard the most important scene first.) to give you the scope of the rest of the story. I already have some great test lines from some folks, and I will use.

Nathan, I'll send you some lines soon.

Robbie, I'll send you some lines and some direction. Trust me.

Bob Crissman, I have some other ideas about the lines you were struglling with. Thanks for your hard work. I'll take care of it another way.

[jerrodd]

A little tidbit on Voices. Not to sound too heady or whatever, but my goal has always been to build a group of artists to take on bold, fresh and exciting projects, and sometimes the artists that perform them need time, money and equipment, and that's where we are at this point. We are on hold, until they can get equipment so we can blend separate lines seamlessly with the same type of mics, etc.

We are building actors, writers, etc, and not just projects. You will love what you hear when its done- I assure you, but for now we wait, a little longer. Thanks for your patience.

[dukey13]

Jeff, I might be able to do a few small voices. Just send me an e-mail:
dukey13@iname.com

[jerrodd]

I'll do it. Thanks so much.

[jerrodd]

Even with all the activity, Voices will still emerge. It's as if all the other projects had to come first, so RZP could pay the dues necessary to bring something as personal as this, to the earwaves.

Voices is coming. I'll throw out Winter 2009. If I ever was nervous about a project, its this one, but I gotta get it out. All I know is-

I'm ready to do it now.

[Nathan Butler]

Interesting. I'd been wondering whatever happened to this one.

[leandar]

Yeah me too. I've been hoping this one would for sure get resurrected at some point.

[Grand Admiral Thrawn]

All I know is-

I'm ready to do it now.

Exactly what I say every darn day when I look at all the dramas I have lined up.

[jerrodd]

In some further thinking about the project, I've decided to split out the Bible story portion from the present day family story, and release the Hosea portion, to see how it plays on it's own.

I have parts that have been recorded a long ways back, so I will put it together, and let you know when its ready. Thanks for your support.