We finally wrapped up our audio recording on Sectarian Wave tonight. Finally!!! It's been a four month odessy trying to get it all down on tape (actually digital). The script is 300 pages -- 303 with the epilogue. That's about 6 hours.
The story: A young woman, Kaiya discovers she's part of a race of superbeings called Sectarians. The backdrop: The universe is imploding and along with her A.I. and sexually charged ship, Kaiya goes on a journey across vast galaxies to stop it. Adventures along the way of course, but with a tongue and cheek approach to the dialogue and story line. Closer to Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy than the schlock overly serious sci-fi's.
There were a lot of trials and tribulations throughout it. Mainly casting one specific role which we laboured over and went through 4 actors before settling on the wonderful Robert Levine. Although he wouldn't admit it, he had it easier than all concerned with just a two week recording schedule -- the rest have been there for the long haul -- which as the author of the project I hope reflects the script quality.
This will also mean (wrap party pending) that I can finally actually start getting to know the actors on a personal level, something that's been hard because I had to delve into the production manager aspect of it shortly after the start. Thus I really wasn't afforded the time to get to know anyone in depth. Then again that's part of the whole process and what I like about film (although this was audio) -- if there's someone you don't like -- you really don't ever have to deal with them again after a project. But fortunately we had a great cast and they were all a pleasure to work with.
The actors and actresses did a fantastic job all around -- I've lost count but there's about 40-odd speaking parts in this epic. Many of the actors covered a variety of voices. A lot of Olets (those are the bad henchmen in the production). Now I'll dip into my adjective bag and try to express my thoughts on the people involved.
Ramona Katigbak did a terrific job in the lead as Kaiya. She was real trooper despite fighting colds -- miserable nasty coughs and sounds I don't ever want to hear from a woman again. But then nobody said saving the Universe was going to be an easy task. Casting a film? Ramona's your girl.
Dana Clarfield who played LOK, the uh-umm lesbian ship -- was absolutely marvelous in the role. Several girls were up for the part, but Dana had a great mix of mother and sister that we wanted for LOK. Great orgasmatron scene, Dana. Unforgettable. I'm smoking an after-sex cigarette right now just thinking about it.
Simon Craig played TOS-5000. Now Simon was originally considered for the part of the male lead, Kel but during the audition I had him try TOS in a high pitch voice and it really connected. There was no doubt after that who should be TOS. If I had to admit: I think I liked his character the best mostly because he went through a lot of emotions being the Ford Pinto of A.I.s in this little Universe.
Together these three were really the linchpin of the series. Their chemistry fuels the saga. This last night of recording it was highly evident. We had to re-record one scene (no. 2 of 184) and at this point it was old hat. All the takes were great. And I think TOS and LOK could eventually take their part next to the great squabbling couple pantheon of history: Ralph and Alice, Lucy and Ricky, oh yeah they were that good.
Richard Todd played Kel. Kel is Kaiya's love interest but unfortunately as first loves go it doesn't really work out, especially when the guy's an ass-****. Not that Richard is one, just the part he plays... well you know what I mean. Richard did a superb job in the role. He also threw in some great work on the opening scene in a skanky bar in the nether regions of space as an Olet. Olet by day, juggler by night.
Robert Levine: 72 and still going strong, Robert brought the stoic charm of Master Pial to life. It was a long time finding him, but he had some awe-inspiring deliveries on many lines, especially the softer moments during the last days of recording. Glad you came on board, my friend. But enough with the Yiddish accent. I kept my Indian accent in check during the recording... and if you know me, you'd know how hard that was... fantastic job.
The Sectarians:
Bob Thompson plays Addis the lead Sectarian. Yes Bob is a producer with Red Fort Films, but he has a lot of talent for voices as well. He's narrated a couple of films I've done and did some fine work here with Addis, but also as an Olet and a bunch of Yurgis (pixie-like flying cannibals).
Lloyd Penney is a self-professed sci-fi nut. So this was right up his alley. Not an actor by profession, he did exemplify one of the qualities of professional actors -- being on time. Damn it was a chore to show up before Lloyd to a rehearsal or a recording session. The boy is punctual. Lloyd, confess: you were one of those kids who got those perfect attendence certificates at the end of the school year.
Larry Rex should be in porn with this name. In fact I think he is -- but they're all short films (get it?). Larry did the part of Victor, an obnoxious, self-indulgent, skilled but reckless Sectarian. He did a stunning job staying in character throughout the scenes adding the occasional reactions that really made scenes pop.
Jeff Orchard is insane. Okay, he's not, but I'm running out of adjectives... let me go get my thesaurus... (long pause)... let's start that again: Jeff was good. In fact he was super good (all right it's a pocket thesaurus it doesn't say much). Orchard has a very commanding voice, very deep, very rich -- made for radio. He did the part of the Indian Sectarian. Yes I love my people and they belong in space. With one billion of us, there's just not enough room for them in India... we should be exploring new territory... ah, hum.
There were a couple of people really in the running for Lulliput. But Shawn Beatty went all out in his audition, actually getting on the floor and delivering his lines lying down. "A" for effort -- although effort does begin with an "e" (never understood that saying). I hope Shawn's nasal passages clear following all that high-pitch squealing.
That's it. Oh, wait, I feel like I'm forgetting someone... who am I forgetting... ah... let's see said Ramona, Dana, Richard, Robert, Bob, Larry, Lloyd, Shawn, Jeff, Simon... so who am I forgetting here....
nobody.
Oh, wait, Jackie -- yeah, yeah there's Jackie or Jacqueline to her minions. Jacqueline Leung played Dronicess. The mother of all mothers. She milked the part, so much so that she's become lactose intolerant. Jackie also did a dual role as Vonya, a highly neglected ship who gets a short-lived renewal on life with the arrival of Wan (played by Lloyd), a Sectarian who appreciates the finer points of lonely space travel. Jackie was splendid to work with even if she did attempt to try and put together a book of quips to come-back to my strangely crafted put-downs. It never worked but "A" for effort -- and you already know my feelings on that saying.
And her co-conspirator in the meelee to build a collection of insults to me -- Johnathon -- the producer of the series. I know I picked on you to no end and will continue to do so -- but your efforts were and still are appreciated.
And of course David for putting up the cash and Eva for putting up the goodies. The food was terrific. Loved the chili. You should give me the recipe. Who am I kidding? Just make it for me when I tell you to.
You were all wonderful. Thank you for putting up with all the delays and headaches that came along with a gigantic project like this. We went twice over budget, but in some ways it was worth it just to spend a little extra time with you.
Plus you got to bask in my glory, so I'm assuming it was good for you too.
God (of your choosing) Bless,
M.
There has been so much going on at Red Fort Films that you sometimes forget that an update is in order. So quick rundown:
