Spirit Blade Productions

Entertainment and Resources for Christian Geeks!

SPIRIT BLADE PRODUCTIONS exists to equip, encourage and inspire Christian Geeks to live in the freedom and purpose Christ offers.

Wednesday, May 20, 2009 Spirit Blade Music Remix

As some of you may know, in addition to developing our next audio drama, I'm also working on a music project that will include remixes of the songs from "Spirit Blade". Yesterday I spent some time listening to all of them (as painful as that was for me) and made some quick notes on how I want to remix each one. Although these ideas are likely to change quite a bit over the next several months of mixing, here are the notes I've jotted down so far for a few of them. Please note that some terminology means one thing to me that it may not mean to others. A few other notes may not make sense at all. Happy decoding!


 

 

Destiny Remix Notes

 

This is a "trailer song". Distort/rough-up main synth loop, possibly adding octaves. Add much more percussion from the start. hard rock feel. This song should EXPLODE at the start, be moderate for the verses, build in pre-chorus and rage during chorus (with all silence just after "listen to his voice" and during "go on and take it cuz its") only to drop off again after chorus and rebuild.

 

Major beats of measures punctuated with monosyllabic choral stuff and orchestral pounces.

 

 


 

 

Soldiers Remix Notes

 

This is an industrial/percussion song. Remove techno pulse-beat and insert more industrial sounds, like the crazy beat used in Necromancy. Preset automated melodic material should be either re-recorded from keyboard recording (if one exists) in stereo, reperformed and recorded in stereo, or played with extensivey using pan envelopes to make a more stereo effect. This just sounds small, stifled and boring.

 

 


 

Deadly Game

 

 

In General, this may not need much.

 

First, polish the orchestral/choral elements by bringing them up in the mix and adding reverb or other effects where needed. Then add additional orchestral choral materia las needed to fill this out and make it work as a orch/choral/organ/harpsichord peice.

 

Record some REAL guitar for this song. Then find a unifying electronic sound (this may actually be the guitar, depending on how much your guitarist wants to play.) to add over the top to unify this with the rest of Spirit Blade.

 

There may be a place for electronic/distorted rhythmic elements as well.

 

Default reverb is Taj Mahal 3


 

 

Fly Remix Notes

 

Remove Techno pulse beat. This song needs a beat overhaul. Something harder edged, rock-oriented?

 

Also an active bass part.

 

Use an "ascending effect", sound effect or musical effect.


 

Golgotha's Tale

 

This song you can actually keep!

 

Give it the same treatment you gave "silence". Soothing, Electronic and Epic. Keep the piano, but it can't be the core instrumental. Add some layers, at least one of which is a "dirty" sound electronic amidst the expansive beauty, reflecting the ugliness of this beautiful act. Add some vocal layers, too, especially at the climax. Use other swelling sounds to build the drama of this song.

 

See how you feel about your vocals after all this is done to decide of you want to re-record.

 

 

 

-Paeter Frandsen

Friday, May 15, 2009 Spit Prep

In addition to a wonderful recording session earlier this week, a second highlight has to include the preparation I made for a "drowning sequence" that will appear in "Pilgrim's Progress".

 

If you've listened to Spirit Blade and Dark Ritual, you may have noticed that I like putting water in actors' mouths while they deliver their lines. Well now I'm going a step further and looking for ways to have actors cough and spit up water like never before, without damaging our microphone. After some experimentation yesterday, I discovered that one of our bedsheets actually does a very good job of letting sound through, while halting any water that may be flying through the air.

 

Next week, when Krystopfer James VanSlyke returns to finish recording with the "Swamp Of Dreadgloom" scene, I think we'll be finding all new ways to have fun with water.

 

-Paeter Frandsen

Wednesday, May 13, 2009 Great Recording Session!

Last night I had the pleasure of working with Kristina Rogers, an actor I met for the first time at her audition a couple months ago.

 

She came and recorded her lines for "Pilgrim's Progress" in which she plays an elven sage named Sophia.

 

I get a great sense of creative fulfillment when I work hard with an actor to discover and then fine tune the right performance, but it's a treat of a different kind when an actor like Kristina comes in, armed with the same instincts for her character that I have, or even BETTER ones!

 

We had a great recording session and even finished a little early! Woohoo!



 

-Paeter Frandsen

Friday, May 8, 2009 Commentary, Recording and Audio Book

I was very happy to do some more creative work this week.

 

First, I recorded, mixed and released part one of the "Dark Ritual" Interactive Commentary! I'm still taking questions this month for Disc 1, Track 2 (The Enemy Strikes). If you'd like to be a part of the commentary for this section, e-mail me a question about it or leave me a recorded message by calling 206-350-1226! (Recorded questions will even be included in the commentary!)

 

Second, I had a second recording session with Krystofer James VanSlyke that was a ton of fun! We will be finishing up his last session next Friday morning.

 

Lastly, I was able to do more recording for the "Enhanced Audiobook" presentation of "Spirit Blade", the novella. I plan to release it for free at podiobooks.com later this year, but they highly recommend that you release a new part of your audiobook every week. Since I can't control my schedule enough to keep that pace consistant, I'm waiting until the entire project is finished, after which I will release a new 20-30 minute chapter every week.

 

It's been really cool to revisit the source material for the Spirit Blade world. There are some fun subplots and action scenes that I'd forgotten about. Those familiar with the audio dramas will find many familiar elements, but they will also be yanked away from familiarity on a regular basis as this story often follows a significantly different path from the audio dramas. Can't wait for you all to hear it!

 

Have a great weekend!

 

-Paeter Frandsen

Wednesday, May 6, 2009 The "Dark Ritual" Interactive Commentary Is Here!

New this month on the "Media" page of www.spiritblade.net is the first part of the "Dark Ritual" Interactive Commentary!

 

I've had alot of fun recording this and have enjoyed getting questions from you all as well! I only had one question to answer in this installment, but keep your ears peeled for more of your questions in future installments!

 

 

 

Enjoy!



 

-Paeter Frandsen

Friday, May 1, 2009 A Week Of Recording

Although my days this week have been filled with all the things you HAVE to do to run a small business and few of the things you LOVE to do, I've also had three great recording sessions this week.

 

It's great to have three actors finished already and nearly all other actors on the recording schedule! My goal is to be mixing full-time starting the first of June and that looks to be more than possible.

 

I'm finally all done catching up at this point and ready to make time for a few creative endeavors. Hopefully I'll have more to say on what those are next week!

 

-Paeter Frandsen

Friday, April 24, 2009 Pligrim's Progress Cast!

Hello Everyone,

 

Thank you all so much for the wonderful auditions you turned in for this project! My final decisions were EXTREMELY difficult to make and that is a testament to your great efforts.

 

The Cast for "Pilgrim's Progress: Similitude Of A Dream" is as follows-

 



 

KAPHAN- Krystofer James VanSlyke

 

OVERSEER- Beth Frolich

 

VANGER- Randy Hesson

 

AZER- John Sipple

 

DESPAIR, CITY GUARD, SYTHEN- Stephen Weese

 

SOPHIA- Kristina Rogers

 

WILLIAM- Michael E. Bryce

 

KYBER- Brandon Butler

 

SHAYRA- Megan Fletcher



 

I want to invite everyone who auditioned for this project to join us at "The Spirit Blade Underground Alliance" (www.spiritblade.net/allianceinfo) to be a part of the other audio dramas we're developing there. We are currently still auditioning for a futuristic supernatural crime drama called "The DSI Files: Unlucky Seven"! For audition information, join the SBU Alliance at www.spiritblade.net/alliance !

 

You can keep up to date on Spirit Blade Productions project development and future casting calls by subscribing to our mailing list at www.spiritblade.net ! I hope to connect with each of you again soon!

 

Thanks so much!

 

Paeter Frandsen

Thursday, April 16, 2009 Time to "Retreat"!

I'm leaving tomorrow morning to go on a weekend Men's Retreat that my church has organized. This will be the first one I've gone on, because in the past they have been geared toward the competitive, athletic, "outdoorsy" type of guy and I'm... well, I'm not that guy.

 

But this year, with a new emphasis on individual study and optional freetime activities, the idea of getting out of my routine to do some study and reflection sounded very valuable to me.

 

You can help me by praying that I'll make good use of the time all weekend and that it will result in my being more on God's page, instead of trying to get him on mine.

 

Thanks! Talk to you on Monday!

 

-Paeter Frandsen

Wednesday, April 15, 2009 Finding The Sound

While this week has been mostly administrative, rather than creative, I have found the time to work on the remix for the song "All and Everything" from "Spirit Blade". I'll be releasing it, along with songs from Spirit Blade, Dark Ritual and a few other stand alones, in a music project I hope to have finished and available in early 2010.

 

Coming back to this song and Mike Tully's recording of it has been a real treat for me. I've grown so much as an artist and have a much wider spectrum of sounds to choose from now. For days I did very little on this song, trying to figure out what the new sound for it will be. I didn't want to divorce myself from the original, so the song is still very much a soothing reflective sound. The major element that I finally added that brings the whole process into focus for me is a monastic men's chorus, produced by recording my own voice in various tonal qualities and on multiple parts. I used the same trick for the Sanctafi theme in "Used" from "Dark Ritual".

 

The men's chorus here is much more subdued, but it gives a strong sense of mystery to the sound, which compliments the lyrical theme. The remix is still only midway through development, but I'm excited about the new direction this song is headed in and think it will capture much more effectively the feel I wanted to convey in the original mix.

 

-Paeter Frandsen

Friday, April 10, 2009 Casting Nearly Done!

Today I have reviewed all auditions for "Pilgrim's Progress" and have begun notifying actors who have been cast. I will post the final cast list here before the end of April, but not all casting has been finalized yet.

 

It's an exciting time as I already find myself scheduling recording sessions with actors again. I got some wonderful auditions and I'm excited to work with many actors that I have never worked with before!

 

-Paeter Frandsen

Wednesday, April 8, 2009 Experience "Dark Ritual Origins"!

If you missed it on the podcast last weekend, you can now download the latest behind the scenes look into "Spirit Blade: Dark Ritual" on the Media Page ofwww.spiritblade.net. "Dark Ritual Origins" is a combination of vintage audio clips from the first read-through of the script, and the finished product that each scene evolved into. Be part of the fun as script flaws are discovered and everyone tries to get a grip on some of the "stranger" moments of "Spirit Blade: Dark Ritual". 

 

Enjoy!

 

-Paeter Frandsen

Monday, April 6, 2009 Doesn't It Just Figure...

Just after getting done with two weeks away from my office, I've caught a crippling flu, worse than any kind I've had before. I'll spare you the gory details, but it's bad. I'm through the worst of it now, but still have only just enough strength to get this post out. "In Search Of Truth" will be here on Wednesday if my recovery continues as it has so far.

 

Thanks for your patience!

 

-Paeter Frandsen 

Wednesday, March 18, 2009 Out For A Bit

Hey Everyone!

 

Just wanted to let you know that I won't be posting regularly for the next two weeks. I'm heading out of town tomorrow, and although I'll be back on Sunday, I will be working for two solid weeks doing High School substitute teaching.

 

This is a great news because the district has been cutting back on their use of subs for the second half of this semester, and I was expecting to have no subbing work. The down side, of course, is that it will keep me busy enough that keeping up with the regular routine of posting for the Underground and Paeter's Brain will just be too much for me during that time. The podcast will continue, but will be a little shorter for just two weeks, since "In Search Of Truth" will be on hold.

 

However, I will still be checking my e-mail faithfully and responding as quickly as possible. And after these two weeks of subbing, I will be able to give my full attention to Spirit Blade Productions until September!

 

So please bear with me during this little break and things will be back on track before you know it!

 

Thanks!

 

-Paeter Frandsen

Friday, March 6, 2009 Staying Above Water

Seems like it's all I can do these days just to say above water! I've had four auditions here this week, I've been reading script submissions for The Spirit Blade Underground Alliance and e-mailing their authors. I've been editing an audio book project I'm producing in collaboration with another studio (more on that soon!) and trying to stay ahead of the mountain of emails I've been getting lately regarding auditions for "Pilgrim's Progress"!

 

Don't get me wrong, it's a great way to spend my days, but throw in the stuff needed as a husband and daddy (with a little extra this week) and I'm barely keeping up!

 

Nothing like the weekend and a last minute audition cancellation to help me out, though! Maybe I'll get some free time yet!



 

-Paeter Frandsen

Friday, February 27, 2009 Auditions and URLs!

It's been a great week for auditions! While I've been working on the remix for "All And Everything", more people have contacted me to submit or schedule auditions than I ever imagined for Pilgrim's Progress!

 

It's very encouraging and I'm excited to get new people involved in what we're doing!

 

I've also learned how to create new URLs that forward people to the sites of my choice! This may sound like a no-brainer to some and like a pointless excercise to others, but what it means is that I can make locations for the blog page, paeter's brain and the podcast all much easier to remember!

 

Although it will take people to the same places as always, you can now get to all three of our supplemental pages by going to:

 

www.spiritblade.net/blog

 

www.spiritblade.net/paeter

 

www.spiritblade.net/podcast

 

Who KNOWS what I'll learn next week!

 

-Paeter Frandsen

Friday, February 20, 2009 Join The Interactive Audio Commentary! (Part 2)

This week I've started getting "Pilgrim's Progress" auditions from various folks on the "interwebs" and can't wait to get some more! Remember that the audition deadline is Friday, March 20th! 

 

March 20th is also the deadline I'm setting up for your commentary questions about "Spirit Blade: Dark Ritual", Disc 1, Track 2! The questions I got for Disc 1 Track 1 were great and I'd love to keep the ball rolling! Just take another listen to Disc 1, Track 2(The Enemy Strikes) and send me any questions you'd like to have answered on the upcoming audio commentary I produce for www.spiritblade.net . You'll get an immediate response with an answer from me (so you won't have to wait for the commentary to get your question answered) and your question, along with a "shout out" to YOU included in that segment of the audio commentary, for all fans of Spirit Blade to hear!

 

So whether you sent me a question last time or not, I'd love to supply your answers and get in touch with you! Hope to talk to you soon!

 

-Paeter Frandsen

Friday, February 13, 2009 Audition For Pilgrim's Progress!

Auditions are now open for our next project- "Pilgrim's Progress: Similitude Of A Dream"!

 

Here's all the info you need:


 

Project Title: "Pilgrim's Progress: Similitude Of A Dream"

 

Synopsis: Based on the classic allegory by John Bunyan, this re-imagined version takes place in a fantasy setting, with strange creatures and unusual characters.

 

Christopher Pilgrim is plagued by an evil curse and has discovered his city will soon be destroyed in a storm of fire. Despite opposition and rejection from those around him, he embarks on a quest to find the Mystic City, where he will be safe from prophesied destruction. But who can he trust on this perilous journey? And how will he reach his destination?

 

To hear a trailer of our most recent project, visit www.spiritblade.net.

 

If you are unable to record your own audition, and you live in the Phoenix area (Arizona), you may contact Paeter Frandsen at info@spiritblade.net to set up an audition in person.

 

Please send all recorded auditions in mp3 format via YouSendit (www.yousendit.com) to info@spiritblade.net and label your files "FullName_PPAUD_Character.mp3" using a different file for each role you audition for. Files must be a minimum of 128kbp, or higher if possible.

 

Be sure to set your recording levels so that your performance volume does not cause distortion. A pop-filter is also advised. Any distortion, "popping" or blowing on the microphone will reduce your chances of being cast.

 

All auditions are due no later than Friday, March 20th. Direct any questions to Paeter Frandsen at: info@spiritblade.net


 

If you'd like to include an accent in your audition you may. The general speech pattern in this world is defined as "clearly articulated", though not necessarily British.

 

Listed below are the roles available, with the appropriate audition lines:


 

KAPHAN- (Male)

 

University faculty member. Well-meaning friend of Christopher who doesn't see eye to eye with him, but is friendly and likes to go with the flow.

 

Kaphan: I may not think the same way that you do, but I don’t see a reason to bring the Overseer into this. He's excercized enough power already. And you don't need any extra trouble in your life. How are Tiana and the children?

 

Kaphan: Christopher? I was on rounds tonight and heard a noise in here- Have you been up all night? What are you doing?

 

Kaphan: Christopher, you’re making me nervous. I want to help you.

 

Kaphan: Come with you? I don’t even know where you’re going! Or why!

 

Kaphan: Gods preserve us. I’ve never seen power like that!

 

Kaphan: (Playful, while racing a friend) C'mon, leadfeet! You’re moving slower than a stone-beast!


 

OVERSEER- (Male or Female)

 

Stubborn head of university department. Proud of his accomplishments and likes the authority over others that his position gives him.

 

Overseer: Master Pilgrim. What is going on here?

 

Overseer: I will NOT have you uttering that ridiculous intolerable nonsense as a member of the Circle. You will report to the inner chamber immediately for emergency session and penalization.


 

VANGER- (Male)

 

A Woodsman. Friendly and unassuming. His quiet smile puts others at ease. Genuinely cares about Christopher, but also knows when to be firm and speak the truth. (This role may return in a future episode)

 

Vanger: Whoa, there! You alright? Here, sit down.

 

Vanger: No need to apologize. I travel these lands alone and have much time to think. One in my position can't help but become a philosopher. In fact most others I've met outside the city enjoy discussion as much as I do.

 

Vanger: Here. (Takes book) You are not directionless on this journey. There is a power in this book. When you feel lost, open the Chronicles and a light will emerge. Watch.

 

Vanger: It is the curse you feel. The power to break it lies ahead. Push through the weight and pain of it. You must live, Christopher. You must embrace life!

 

Vanger: The choice is yours, Christopher. It has always been yours. And you are living now the outcome of your choices. Go back the way you came! The fire may burn you, but you will live!

 

Vanger: Christopher, you must pay more attention to the things I'm trying to tell you. Taking council from others is wise. But you must weigh their words in light of their character.


 

AZER- (Male)

 

A Holy Knight. Heroic and strong sounding, yet also wise and helpful.

 

Azer: Don't give up, Christopher! They don't have you yet!

 

Azer: Unhand him, creature! You face Azer, Knight of Salvara!

 

Azer: Silence, evil shade! Look upon my sword. You know this weapon and its power. Leave now or I will destroy you with it.

 

Azer: You're not the first to read the Chronicles. Others have taken this journey, and like you, felt the despair of their own exposure. It flows down and trickles off of them, given form by the same curse that rests upon you now. That darkness gathers here, creating this swamp, inviting cruel denizins of the Otherworld to dwell here and feed on victims. For nearly 2000 years, the Absolute has dispatched craftsmen, day and night to Dread-Gloom, but the work never ends. The swamp is continually re-filled with the slime and stench of despair, pulling in one victim after the next.


 

DESPAIR- (Male or Female)

 

An evil spirit that lives in the swamp. It desires to seduce, corrupt and consume its victims.

 

Despair: Come back to us, Christopher. You belong here. You can go no further.

 

Despair: And we SHALL become one with him. He is afraid.

 

Despair: One drop of my essence upon your flesh will bring about your downfall!


 

SOPHIA- (Female)

 

Sage of an Elven village. She has settled into her opinions about life and feels very qualified to advise others. She takes her role seriously, with only a touch of pride evident.

 

Sophia: I come from a bloodline of Elves dedicated to wiping this curse from the land. Our entire culture is purposed to destroy it. For generations we have devised methods of removing this curse and have become quite proficient. As the Sage of my people I have collected much knowledge, gained through our efforts, and offer wisdom to all who may benefit. Would you mind if I gave you a little?

 

Sophia: Well someone ought to silence that fool! This road he's put you on is the most dangerous one in the world! I mean, look at you! You've still got Dread-Gloom dripping from your clothes! And that's just the beginning. If you keep going this way you'll find pain, hunger, and danger like you've never seen. You'll have swords at your throat, dragons at your back and in the end, death. I'm sorry, friend, I wish it were not true. But please do not march to your death at the word of some foolish woodsman.

 

Sophia: Oh, you'll like it in Moralin. A wonderful place. I'm sure you could get word to your family to come and join you there. Expansive homes of beautiful Elven architecture. Food and supplies are plentiful at little cost. And you'll share your days with some of the kindest individuals you'll ever know.


 

WILLIAM- (Male)

 

Robust and jolly dwarven guard. Tough as nails but quick to laugh. (Scottish accent if it's really solid. A likeable character performance is much more important.)

 

William: Who's there?

 

William: Rings of Sheol, its a dragon brood! Four of them. Not much bigger than horses yet, but trouble enough. Now stay behind me!

 

Willaim: Not just any dragon. Zebool is the dragon Lord. Sworn enemy of the Absolute. Cursed with unholy immortality, his existence is a wretched mockery of life. His only pleasure is in killing those who wish to find the Mystic city. Resurrecting them to an eternal living death. He wants all life to share what he has brought upon himself.

 

William: Ha ha! I've done this a few times my boy. Dwarf or no dwarf, it's The Incarnate that keeps pulling me through.

 

William: Your past doesn't matter here. We don't turn away anyone that really wants passage through the gate. Now who told you of this place?

 

William:(Pause and deep breath. He places an encouraging hand on Chris' shoulder and pats him twice.) Hold on a little longer. I don't have the power to remove it.


 

CITY GUARD- (Male)

 

Firm and serious, though not a bully.

 

Guard: Halt! Who goes there!

 

Guard: Hey. You alright?

 

Guard: Step back, sir. I will not ask you again.


 

KYBER- (Male)

 

Student(Late Teens or 20's)

 

SYTHEN- (Male)

 

Antagonistic Student(Late Teens or 20's)

 

SHAYRA- (Female)

 

Student(Late Teens or 20's)

 

Use all of these lines when auditioning for any of the "students".


 

Kyber: Master Pilgrim. What about the marks? I haven’t heard any teaching on them yet from The Order and have been hoping all year that you might bring them up.

 

Kyber: I’ve heard… rumors, sir. That you don’t always agree with the circle of mages and ask questions they would rather you did not.

 

Shayra: We’re sorry, Master Pilgrim. We were scared. We thought the overseer…

 

Kyber: I can feel the power. Spirits, we’ll be killed!

Wednesday, February 11, 2009 Polishing Pilgrim

The read-through for "Pilgrim's Progress" over the weekend went very well and I got some wonderful feedback from those involved. As a result, I'm now making another pass through the script. It's not an exhaustive re-write, but I'm "cleaning up" quite a bit.

 

My problem, as I've approached this project, has been deciding what kind of story it is. I knew I didn't want to simply reproduce the allegory in different wording. But I didn't want to add so much material that the original work is hidden. I wanted the story to be enjoyable on its own as a fantasy quest, but in pursuit of that end, I weighed down the front of the script with too much world-building and characterization.

 

My readers felt that the beginning was a little confusing and that in general I could shorten some of the longer lines of dialogue, saying the same thing with fewer words. I was also given a comment on my use of the word "magic" in the script, and was advised to use a different word. Not to avoid offending people, but to avoid the nebulous baggage that comes with a vague word like "magic". The point made was that if I create the name (for magic), I can define the term and my audience can more easily understand the concept, or at least not bring ideas to it that are not meant to be there.

 

I resisted this idea at first, but have come around to it (partially because I found a cool word for "magic") and am making adjustments to the script. This simple change has also brought a new tone to the story that I really like! (Amazing what changing one little word can do!)

 

I'm already finding that the script is more focused. It maintains needed character layers to avoid being a straight-up allegory, but also keeps the story moving forward. I'm hoping to have the polished version done by the end of this week, or early next. As soon as it is complete, I will select lines to use in auditions and post a casting call here and elsewhere online.

 

Stay tuned!

 

-Paeter Frandsen

Friday, February 6, 2009 Pilgrim's Progress Read-Through This Weekend!

I'm finally finished with the script for "Pilgrim's Progress: Similitude Of A Dream"! This weekend I'm having a few people over to read through the script with me and give their feedback. Unless I see the need for considerable re-writing, I'll begin audition preparations next week and announce auditions soon after!

 

I'm also beginning to collect music for the various scenes in this project and have found a main theme that perfectly captures the spirit of adventure and exploration I hope the series will contain.

 

 

Have a great weekend!

 

-Paeter Frandsen

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