For more questions, please email Meg Miller

MORENA AND THE MECHANICAL WHALE VOICE AUDITIONS

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Deadline: February 5th, 2025

Payrate: $125-$200 depending on the amount of lines

What is this story about?

Plagued by an eternal winter and questions surrounding the end of the war, the children of the village have never journeyed far beyond the tree-line. One day, they find a war machine abandoned on the edge of town which holds powers beyond their comprehension.

Directed by Meg Miller and Blake Rabodzeenko, this is an exploration film about the trials of growing up in a war ridden world and dealing with things way beyond your maturity level. It's a hybrid animated short using 2D characters and 3D backgrounds and assets. If successful, this project may develop into a longer series of episodes posted to Youtube.

Last year, we did a test music video with these characters that you can find at this link: WANDERFAUST (Animated Short Film)

Setting

This first episode takes place in the small village of Solntse. A fishing town on the edge of a lake that has suffered from the effects of the everlasting winter. Most of the townsfolk consist of the elderly, women, and children as war has taken all the young men far away. At the edge of town there is an abandoned barn that holds a secret soon to be revealed.

Main Characters

Morena Seitz (14) (she/her)

Morena is an outgoing girl straight from a big city. Being the daughter of a politician, she’s been relocated to Solntse for her protection and is currently living with her uncle Henrich and cousin Cyrus. She’s not too keen of a rural lifestyle and often finds herself bored and looking for a new adventure. She's a talkative kid and a bit spoiled but has a heart of gold.

Total lines: 20

Example lines:

Ya know, you’re the first girl I’ve met since moving to this town.

Booooo! You’re no fun Cyrus.

Okay… Sooo… What are you doing living out of this… thing? What is it by the way? Did you drive it here? How fast does it go? Is it-

Cyrus Kokoschka (14) (he/him)

Having lived in Solnste his whole life, Cyrus is a cautious kid to say the least. His father being the head of the church has had a religious impact on him, leading him to learn how to make talismans. He’s a rule follower and feels responsible for the other kids of the village and keeping them safe.

Total lines: 14

Example Lines:

I don’t think we should be here.

What am I even doing? I should be in church right now.

Not fighting off some…I don’t even know what to call it.

Were you… already here before?

Rumen Wolenska (13)(he/him)

A skilled engineer and all around jokester, Rumen is the life of the party. Having built his own wheelchair (or should I say, treadchair) he’s taken up a huge interest in the inner workings of machines. He’s a resilient smartass and is always prepared to take something apart and put it back together. He’s also Cyrus’s best friend.

Total lines: 13

Example lines:

Tank treads, but a ship hull.. And a .. big wheel?

But you have a boiler right there! I can fix it for you if ya like.

When a tank and a submarine love each other very much… *kissy noises*

Natalya (Nat) Kroll (12)(she/her)

Having run away from a military school, Nat takes up refuge in the tank found in the barn. She believes herself to be mature for her age despite her deep down sensitive nature. She takes a more combative approach to conversation usually as a means to protect herself. Morena greets her with open arms leading to the two forming a close friendship.

Total lines: 12

Example Lines

What? I’m fine. But uhhh you guys aren’t doing so well on firewood.

I’m tryna lay low ok? Don’t tell anyone I’m here. To answer your question It's a tank, I think. Although…I’ve never seen one like this before.

Pu-leese not right now, Luka.

Luka Tkachuk (10) (he/him)

Luka may be the youngest of the group but has the deepest connection to the otherworldly. He’s always been a wanderer and free spirit which can lead him to trouble or solutions. Despite his wandering, he’s never lost and always knows which direction is north. His navigation skills are freakishly impressive.

Total lines: 7

Example Lines:

Woah! Nice one Rumen!

I wonder if anyone was drivin that other tank.

It's ok, Morena, we got this.

(shouting)You’re all clear!

Minor Characters

Henrich Kokoschka (50s)(he/him)

Head of the church in Solnste and Cyrus’s father. He’s a quiet man who yearns for peace and order. He’s a little overprotective of his family since he’s aware of the war just beyond the forest.

Total lines: 1

Example line:

Just… just get rid of it. Take it to the edge of the forest and leave it be.

The Figure (????)

A cryptic and allusive creature. Not much is known about this being other than it seems to resemble a human. It appears to Cyrus in the realm in between.

Total lines: 2

Example lines:

So you’ve crossed the threshold. You know, there’s no going back after this, right?

I can finally rest

Either way, I have faith

Supporting Cast

These are characters that may not have written lines but might need background noise and chatter.