Chapter Text
“Welcome every stick, to another episode of ‘Production Process’! Where we look at different parts of theater and film production.”
The screen follows a lime coloured stick, as they travel down a street side walk, and talk to the camera.
“Today we’re looking at the audition process, and as you can guess from the video title… we’re looking at the second round of Freedom Guy auditions!”
The lime stick holds their arms up and does jazz hands in their excitement. “I can’t wait to see who’s applying, and we’ll ask if any of them will agree to an interview.”
The stick turns a corner and when the camera follows, a long line of animations and sticks are revealed, waiting outside a building.
“Woah! Looks like there are still a lot of applicants. Let’s take a quick look at the job posting, or role call, for the character these sticks want to apply for.”
The lime stick pulls out a sheet of paper and the screen switches to a close up so the viewer can read the text.
“Here is the posting.” They flap the paper to get it to lay a little flatter, then start to point out different sections. “First, we have the studio who posted the role call, in this case Film Studio. Then we’ve got where auditions are happening, what time, etc.”
“Next.” The drag their finger down the page to the next part, “We have a basic description of what, or who, they’re looking for. Usually this would be a certain age, colour, style, height, etc. In this case, their only requirement is that the actor is a Black Hollowhead.”
The camera switches back to the lime stick for a second. “Now, you’re probably thinking, ‘Squeeze. That’s gonna be a hard role to fill! There’s so few Hollowheads out there, and to narrow it down even further than that by colour? How are they ever gonna find someone?’ Trust me, I hear you guys. Everyone’s thinking the same thing.”
The lime stick, Squeeze, keeps their smile on but shakes their head. “But the person funding the film generally gets a big say in how they want roles filled, followed by the writers or director next. Since this project is being funded by Rocket Corp CEO Vic, and we’ve all seen their interview on Night Brew with Carmine, they clearly aren’t willing to accept anything less than a Hollowhead for the role of Freedom Guy, and they’re willing to wait for the right stick to show up.”
Squeeze shrugs their shoulders, “It is what it is. Sorry Infill Freedom Guy truthers. Maybe in another timeline…”
The camera switches back to the paper.
“So here’s where we get more info. The role is for a full length feature film, and is in the action genre. Fighting skills, which are a given for most sticks, less so for other animations, are listed as an advantage, as well as experience on a PC, and powers.”
Squeeze skims their finger down the page and reads out a few more items on the list before wrapping it up with the salary being negotiable and a few other things expected for the role.
“Alright, now that we’ve gone over that, let’s see who looks like they’d suit the role!”
The paper drops out of view and looks back up at the audition line. There’s a quick transition where the camera quickly passes over the line, some people wave and smile at the camera, some strike a pose, others ignore it.
They clip to a black Infill in the line, Squeeze holds a small mike in one hand and a list of questions for reference in the other.
“Hey! Thanks for agreeing to interviewing with us while you wait Sir.”
The Infill, Sir, smiles at Squeeze as they hold the mike towards him “No problem, man. I have nothing better to do right now.”
“They didn’t give like, a sample script or practice lines to go over while waiting at all?” Squeeze asks.
“Not yet. Guys towards the front of the line are saying they’re being given something though. Guess they don’t want anyone running off with their rough scripts before they’ve committed to the audition.” Sir says with a shrug and a laugh.
“Fair enough.” Squeeze says with a half shrug of their own. “So, we’ve all seen the casting call for a Hollowhead, what make you think you’ve got a chance as an Infill?”
Sir nods along as they listen to the question, then perks up as Squeeze tilts the mike to them. “Well, if they don’t end up finding a Hollowhead and run out of time and resources for casting calls, then as an Infill, we’re next best.” He presses a hand to his chest.
“Showing up for early casting calls shows your serious about the role, and may be more likely to be taken into consideration if they do have to go that route.” He rolls one hand through the air as he explains.
“There’s also the opportunity to be considered for other roles pertaining to the main character as well. Stunt doubles, body doubles, things like that. At the very least there’s the possibility I might be considered for a supporting character, minor character, background character. Something is better than nothing you know?”
“Oh! Are you an actual actor by trade?” Squeeze asks in surprise, and interest.
Sir laughs, “Kinda! I was animated to be a supporting character for movie star animation, so I’ve decided to try it out for real. See what its like.”
“Interesting! So you might actually have more acting chops than some other guys here today, and also a bit more built in knowledge too, now that I think of it. That’s cool.” Squeeze compliments.
“Thanks!” Sir grins, “I’m really hoping to get something, so wish me luck!”
Squeeze does, then they wrap up that interview, and move on to the next.
A solid black stick with a large head, proportionate to a Hollowhead, is next. They’re also wearing a red scarf, as seen on more recent iterations of Freedom Guy.
“Hi Tank! Thanks for interviewing with us today! What got you interested in the role?” Squeeze gets right into it.
“Oh, come on! Who hasn’t wanted to be Freedom Guy at some point?” The black stick laughs with a big teasing smile. “But honestly, I really would like to get the chance to play such a hero. They mean a lot to me and my family and it would be an honor to get the role.”
Squeeze gives them a big smile back, “Yeah, you and almost every other stick here today. What thinks you’ve got the edge over other applicants today?”
Tank puts on a big grin and poses in a typical strong man pose, arms curled up, showing off their physique. “I may not be a Hollowhead, but I’ve got the strength, durability, and looks.”
Squeeze raises an eyebrow at that, and waves at their head.
“Yeah, yeah. Not including that.” Tank drops their arms to cross them instead and rolls their eyes. “Besides that, I’ve religiously studied all the cannon Freedom Guy stuff and know popular fandom theories and ideas.”
“Ah, so you think you have a better idea of the character?” Squeeze asks, tilting their head to one side, as they hold the mike out for a response.
“More or less, yeah.” Tank confirms with a solid nod.
“What if your perception of the character is different than what’s on the script?” Squeeze wonders in genuine curiosity.
“Pfft. Like that’ll happen.” Tank snorts, then strikes another pose, one hand up in a fist, big toothy grin, and scarf flopping to the side. “Freedom Forever!”
Squeeze claps politely, “Well, good luck! You’ve got a lot of competition out there.”
Tank thanks them, and they wrap up that interview with a wave goodbye. They go through a few more interviews and then Squeeze transitions onto something else.
“Hey! So fun surprise… Some people are here for a second audition!” They gesture to a shorter line on the other side of the building. This one has more Infills, and a few other sticks, as well as a single red Hollowhead. “Let’s ask them how the first round was!” Squeeze smiles at the camera in excitement.
The first stick they interview is a unique black Off Model with the upper half of her face being transparent and the lower half being white infill.
“Wow! You look like you have a better chance than most at getting the role. How hopeful are you for getting the casting?” Squeeze point the mike at her.
Her voice comes out a little muffled, like behind a mask, “Honestly, I was surprised to get a call back.”
“Really?!” the lime sticks eyebrow jump up in shock, “But you’re half way to a Hollowhead. What did you think would hold you back?”
Doc sighs, holding a hand to her white cheek, “Its that,” She says referring to being halfway to a Hollowhead but not full there, “and well, they’re Freedom Guy, y’know?” She gestures down at herself. “I’m more Girl than Guy, yeah?”
“Sure.” Squeeze agrees with a few nods, “But there are plenty of actors who have played opposite gender roles before, don’t give up yet!” The they pause, “Well clearly you haven’t as you’re here for a second audition. But, you have a chance! They called you back! That’s got to be exciting!” They hold their hands out at her.
She laughs, “Yeah, it is! I was shocked. Like ‘Am I dreaming?’”
“Totally!” Squeeze agrees, “So have they said anything about what you can expect for this second round? And how was the first?”
“Ah, the first was about what I expected." She shrugs casually, "They asked some questions, then had me go through a script. Pretty typical. I usually do medical drama’s.” She waves at the lower half of her face, then continues. “I’m actually a little nervous cause they said this second audition is going to be more hands on physical stuff, like uh… mock fighting?” She trails off with an anxious half-smile.
“Oh, kinda the opposite of your forte huh?” Squeeze gives her a sympathetic smile back. “Well good luck! You’ve made it farther than hundreds of other candidates so far! You're that much closer!” They try and pump her confidence back up.
“Yeah! Thanks!”
It seemed to help, and Squeeze waves her goodbye as they move on.
“Ok, so we saw one Hollowhead in line and I really want to talk to them. We saw they’re red, but they clearly got the call back, so I gotta ask them what they think got them the call back.” Squeeze says to the camera.
As the lime stick approaches the red Hollowhead, it seems he'd already noticed Squeeze. Maybe he'd been watching them this whole time, and a wide, sharp smile spreads across his face as they get closer.
“Well, hello.” The red Hollowhead greets Squeeze with a predatory grin, suave voice, and casual posture, as they come up to him.
Squeeze keeps up the peppy attitude, despite their senses quietly screaming danger. They couldn't bail out now! “Hey!” oops that came out a little nervous. “Would you mind being interviewed?” Please say no, please say no.
The red stick hums as if in thought, but they clearly have already decided on their answer, with their never disappearing grin. “I certainly wouldn’t mind.” They finally conclude.
“Awesome!” Squeeze chirps, nervous undertone still there. Ok, hang in there, it's fine! Nothing's gone wrong. They look down at their papers to regain some confidence for a second before looking up, going right into the first question, and blurting out what was on their mind. “So, for a Freedom Guy casting role, you uh... no offense, strike me more as a villain type right off the bat. What got you the call back for a second audition?”
That has the red Hollowhead laughing hard for a full minute. “Me? Hahahaha!- No-Haha!-No offense taken!” They giggle for a little longer, before finally calming down, “Yeah, no. If I was applying for an acting role, I would absolutely make a fantastic villain. I was practically made for it.” He smiles proudly, showing off all his sharp teeth.
“Um…” Squeeze isn’t quite sure where to go with this, and when they do come up with something to say, the red Hollowehead is already cutting in again.
“Yeah, I’m not here for the role of Freedom Guy as you can guess.” He spreads his arms out in gesture to himself, still somehow villain like in presentation, before clapping his hand back together. “I’m actually here to support my friend who got the call back.”
“Oh! That’s so nice of you!” Squeeze squeaks out, “Would they mind if I asked them some questions?”
The red Hollowhead snorts, “It'll be rather hard to do, since they’re not here right now.” He jerks a thumb over his shoulder, “They ran over to the bookstore to get something to read while waiting in line.” He sighs theatrically. “I told them to bring a book with them, but noooooo, they already have to drag a book around with them wherever they go.” He says the second part in a mocking, whiny, falsetto tone.
“HEY!” They both jump and look over as someone from security start jogging over. “No filming on the premises!”
Squeeze curses, and the camera view suddenly slips into darkness, lining of a pocket just barely visible, but keeps recording.
There’s the sound of shoes on the sidewalk increasing in volume as the security guard approaches. The red Hollowhead jumps in defense for Squeeze.
“They’re just doing audio. Is that ok?” They sound so innocent despite the lie and potential crime they might be aiding.
“Not doing anything about the auditions right?” The security guard asks.
“Uh, No! Not at all!" Squeeze cuts in, "I interview Hollowheads and thought this would be a great place to try and find some today.” Whew, good save.
“Hmm…” The security guard hums their suspicion, “Only audio?” They let out a sharp huff of breath, “Well I’m going to have to ask you to leave the premises regardless. I can’t take any risks.”
“I understand, I’ll go.” There’s disappointment Squeezes voice, but thankful they weren’t searched, and wasn’t having anything taken from them. “Thanks for the interview. Tell your friend good luck for me?” There’s some shuffling and a muffled ‘will do’ from the red stick.
The camera clips then to a small home office like setting. There is a desk with a computer set up, a mike, and a professional camera. In the background there is a shelf full of movies, and above that several posters.
“Whoops!” The lime stick, Squeeze, pops into view from under the desk, and plops onto the desk chair, “Well that could have gone better. But hey! What a great opportunity to meet some potential future actors today!”
“Extra thanks to the red Hollowhead, sorry I never got your name, for giving me a quick 'out' there. Appreciated.”
"In other news..." They laugh, “If there is someone out there looking to cast a good villain, I got someone just for the role.” They snap their fingers.
“Anyways, Thanks for watching this weeks video. As you can probably guess I won't have it up for long. In the meanwhile,” They look shiftily from side to side, “I'm going to do my best avoiding getting caught for posting my recording.”
“Good luck out there everyone!” They wave at the camera, and then sink under the desk slowly, keeping the shifty eyed look, as credits, thanks, and contributor names run on screen before the video ends.
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