P3 Special Edition, This Sunday 8/5

So I previously mentioned something about a big special edition of the P3, our Post-Production Podcast. It's still on. It's still going to happen. Real life and scheduling and what not just tends to get in the way. It's a pain, but it's true. 3DF is sadly not our day job.

With some free time opening up, we are proceeding as planned. This Sunday, August 5th, some of 3DF's Black Butler/Kuroshitsuji fan-audio cast will be gathering to record a special post-finale edition of the P3. Memories, reminiscing, derailed conversation by the first subject, you know, the usual!

But free time isn't the only reason. August 5th is also the first anniversary of our first audio, His Butler, Able. We officially debuted the project on 8/5/11, and it's been a wonderful year since. So what better day to get together and celebrate the project that started it all?

Currently RSVPed the affirmative and scheduled to attend are the following: Jason Marnocha (Sebastian, Drocell, Eric Slingby), Rina Adachi (Ciel, Luci from Stella), Curt Rose (Grell, Finny), Dylan Spencer (William, Baldroy), Samantha Ylagan (Lizzie, Alois, Stella Brooks from Stella) and Pam Larson (Mey-Rin, Kat from Stella). Denise Kelter (Paula) is also planning to step in for an appearance. Please be aware, any of this can change at any time.

"The First Month of Red"

* Photo from the Kuroshitsuji Comic Anthology fan-manga

THE FIRST MONTH OF RED

A BLACK BUTLER Mini-Sode

Based on“Red Theater” from the Kuroshitsuji Comic Anthology fan-manga

Translated by Selene Broers

Directed/Adaptation by Faith Kelter

CAST

GRELL SUTCLIFF ... Curt Rose

MADAM RED ... Faith Kelter

~ Download the full audio here!

RUNNING TIME: 8mins

RATING: T

MUSIC

~ "Die Hasen!", "Diabolic Waltz", "Home Again" from the Kuroshitsuji Original Soundtrack.

SOUND

~ Various from the anime

~ freesound.org

~ sounddogs.com

DISCLAIMER: 3DF is non-profit. We are not associated with Yana Toboso, Square Enix, A-1 Pictures, FUNimation, or the writer of this story. We do this for fun and the love of the series, no money whatsoever. If you enjoy what you hear, PLEASE show the original sources support! The manga is available at your local bookstores and the anime is on DVD or via streaming on most major video websites under FUNimation.

Thoughts and Prayers to CO

On behalf of 3DF, I would like to take this time to send continued thoughts, prayers, well wishes - whatever suits best - to those who fell victim of the shootings last Thursday night in Aurora, CO. What was supposed to be a wonderful night at the movies turned into a most unfortunate event that has reminded many of us how precious life is. As always, in the worst of times, all of you have the support and good vibes behind you from your fellow citizens.

All my best
~ Faith Kelter
Director/Creator, 3DF Productions

3DF Honors Dave Kelter

So, today's a very special day for a very special person. And on 3DF, that's a pretty big deal.

I'm very fortunate to have the most loving family in the world. In a time when a lot of imagination and creativity has become suppressed, my family has been very supportive and encouraging in many of 3DF's endeavors. I know of few parents and siblings who would take time out of a busy schedule to record a guest spot. You've heard all of the Kelter household at some point or another. My brother has played a few small roles, including Timber in Black Butler: The Spider's Intention. My mother is a regular with 3DF, being the "narrative" voice of Turnabout Reminiscence and Paula in Black Butler: My Fair Lady. I guess those you could kind of expect. My brother's always wanted to be an actor, and Mom's been doing voices for me since I was a kid and she read me bed time stories.

And then there's my Dad. :) He was a cop for 29 years, a big guy with a very tough reputation and a heart of gold. Long and short of it, not someone you would expect to just get behind a microphone and record a couple of lines for a radio-play. And yet, he's done it. I tried to make it easy for him, casting him in roles that he's played in real life, mostly police oriented. You can currently hear him in Act 3 of Turnabout Reminiscence, where he has a one-liner as a courthouse baliff.

But he's had a bigger role before, and with The Dark Knight Rises coming to movie theaters next week, I think it's an appropriate time to let this be heard. Those who have been with me since Day 1 remember an unreleased project that started it all, Batman: Chronicles of Arkham. Well, I couldn't imagine anyone better for the role of Commissioner Gordon than my own father. He only had a short 20 second scene, but he did a wonderful job.

Thus, in honor of his birthday this weekend, I release this for the first time to the public. A rough original cut from Chronicles, featuring the voices of P.J. Simmers as Batman and Dave "The Commish" Kelter, Sr. as Commissioner Gordon. If you would like to see the lovely original trailer, made by our very own Jason Marnocha, be sure to check it out here!

To Dad: Thank you for everything. I don't say that as often as I should, and I know I'm not always the easiest person to deal with. But know that everything you do is appreciated more than you know. Love you and happy birthday! <3

PREMIERE - BLACK BUTLER: From the Ashes

[3DF Fan-Audio #5] BLACK BUTLER: From the Ashes by 3DF2

3DF PRODUCTIONS 

presents 

BLACK BUTLER: From the Ashes

~ Click the above link to download the file.
~ Adapted from the Black Butler/Kuroshitsuji anime & manga series by Yana Toboso.
~ RATING: T (language, some mild content)
~ RUN TIME: 1hr 2mins


CAST
(In order of appearance)
NARRATOR ... Faith Kelter
TANAKA ... Jason Marnocha
BALDROY ... Dylan Spencer
FINNY ... Curt Rose
MEY-RIN ... Pam Larson
SEBASTIAN MICHAELIS ... Jason Marnocha
CIEL PHANTOMHIVE ... Rina Adachi
FRENCH PASSERBY ... TheZoni
ANGELA BLANC ... Krystal Donahue
QUEEN VICTORIA ... Samantha Ylagan
ASH LANDERS ... JohnofOrdo3
MAN with a CART ... Curt Rose
CLERK at the INN ... Krystal Donahue
PLUTO ... Faith Kelter (Human), Sandy (Hound)
SAILORS ... Steven C. Phillips, Curt Rose
UNDERTAKER ... James Hall
GRELL SUTCLIFF ... Curt Rose
RONALD KNOX ... Gabriel Clarke
SERVANT ... Faith Kelter
GUARDS ... James Hall, Vick Valentine
WILLIAM T. SPEARS ... Dylan Spencer
FALSE QUEEN ... Pam Larson
VINCENT PHANTOMHIVE ... Dylan Spencer

MUSIC
~ Black Butler/Kuroshitsuji soundtrack
~ "Yes, My Lord" Theme from Kuroshitsuji: That Butler, Friendship (Intro/Credits)


SOUND
~ Various from the anime
~ SoundDogs.com
~ FreeSound.org


DISCLAIMER: 3DF is a non-profit voice acting group. We are not associated with Yana Toboso, Square Enix, A-1 Pictures, or FUNimation. We make NO money off of this; this is solely a group of folks who love the series and what we do. Please, show the original sources some love and support. The manga books are available at your local bookstore; the anime is available on DVD and via streaming on must major video websites.

ASHES Tomorrow (6/27); P3 Special to Follow

3DF's BLACK BUTLER: From the Ashes will be released tomorrow, 6/27. As this is the final "main line" Kuro/Butler project in the works, everyone take a small moment of silence.

[...]

However, I want to reassure that this is not the final project all together. This is simply the end of the era that was our beloved fan-audio series based on the series itself. In the future, 3DF hopes to bring you some more Kuro/Butler projects along the line of original works (i.e. stories like Stella), perhaps some of the manga arcs, etc. We're just putting to rest the line based directly off of the anime. While we've loved every minute, we want to do some more things that won't have direct comparison from the show.

Just to be reassuring, my upcoming story, Date Night (a small follow-up to Stella), is being considered. But we don't know just yet, as it hasn't even been finished. And on a recent trip to California, I purchased a Kuroshitsuji manga anthology with short stories and artwork by readers and fans in Japan. I currently have a friend of mine translating a short one for me, and the awesome Curt Rose has agreed to join myself in voicing this tiny tale. (Take that as a full-fledged hint to which characters are featured in the story.)

Now, following the release of "Ashes", we're planning on doing a special edition of the P3 (the Post-Production Podcast, 3DF's official behind-the-scenes chat with our VAs). This may be happening this week; we're looking at Thursday or Sunday (most likely the latter). We would LOVE to have some questions this time around for our voice-actors. We're still in deliberation on the who's and such, but please, if you have any questions at all, leave a comment down below or note them to me.

If you've never listened to any episodes of the P3, they can be downloaded via the links in the left hand sidebar. We currently have three episodes: Ep 1 centered on Will the Reaper, #2 featuring Jason Marnocha and Rina Adachi as a pre-"Ashes" release sit down chat, and #3 centered on Spider's Intention.


NOTE: Due to scheduling, Jason Marnocha (Sebastian, Drocell, Eric) will be unable to attend. If you have any questions for him, please send them to me, and I will message them along to be answered as soon as possible.

As one final note, I thought I'd share what's currently scheduled for 3DF in the days ahead:

1) SHANGRI-LA: The Palace of Water, based on the play by the Takarazuka Revue, will finally make its debut. This project has sadly taken far too long to put together due to casting issues, and was supposed to be the debut of Dylan Spencer and Samantha Ylagan. It will finally see the light of day very soon.

2) PHOENIX WRIGHT: Turnabout Goodbyes Part 3 is also long overdue. That will be following S-L, featuring Erik Copper u/s Phoenix Wright. Following that, Vick Valentine and Curt Rose will be taking over the roles of Phoenix and Larry.

3) That surprise manga story I told you about will creep up when least expected.

4) CLUE: An Audio Mystery was announced a while back as our newest "big" project in production. Based off of the 1980s film, which in turn was based on the famous board game (Cluedo in the UK), 3DF is going to take you on a wild and wacky murder mystery starring some of your fave VAs as everyone's favorite crazy suspects. Stay tuned.

And finally, I have some plans to decide on for Christmas this year. I still have an old project in mind that I may prepare in order for it to be ready by Christmas, which is always a busy time for our group.

Thus to conclude, "Ashes" tomorrow; P3 in the coming days, leave questions/feedback for the actors in a comment or message them to me privately.

Final 3DF "Butler" Fan-Audio Complete!

**

I'm very happy to announce that the long-awaited 5th and final fan-audio in our Kuro/Butler main line is complete as of today. BLACK BUTLER: From the Ashes is based on Eps. 22 - 24, the finale episodes of Season 1. It is our longest "proper" production to date (i.e. not counting Stella as part of that group), clocking in at 53mins without intro or credits added in.

We'd really like to do a live premiere for this one, as its our current last project from the series. A release date and decisions on that are still being determined. This, of course, doesn't mean we're finished with Kuro entirely. In the future, I'm planning to write our own productions, as I did with Stella. But for now, the cast is in need of a well-earned break.

BLACK BUTLER: From the Ashes closes out the tale of Ciel Phantomhive and his Demon butler, Sebastian Michaelis. On a trip to Paris, Ciel discovers the remaining identities of those who killed his parents. But loyalty is called into question on all sides, and the contract of the boy's soul is threatened. Everything you've heard until now is put at risk, and it all leads to the last great journey in the Black Butler/Kuroshitsuji story.

From the Ashes brings back leads Jason Marnocha (Sebastian Michaelis) and Rina Adachi (Ciel Phantomhive). Rounding out the cast are Dylan Spencer (Baldroy, William T. Spears), Curt Rose (Finny, Grell Sutcliff), Pam Larson (Mey-Rin), Samantha Ylagan (Queen Victoria), JohnofOrdo3 (Ash Landers), Krystal Donahue (Angela Blanc), James Hall (The Undertaker), Steven C. Phillips (Sailor) and Gabriel Clarke (Ronald Knox). Special appearances include director Faith Kelter, Kuroshitsuji fan-fiction author Zoni, and Vick Valentine, fan-favorite Ronald Knox from 3DF's For the Love of Stella.

Release date and information to follow.
** - Image from Season 1, Episode 24; © A-1 Pictures

3DF Live! CIEL IN WONDERLAND Read-Through

(Image © A-1 Pictures)

UPDATE: The read-through is ON for THIS SUNDAY, JUNE 3RD, at the following times: 1:30pm (US West Coast), 3:30pm (Midwest), 4:30pm (East Coast), 9:30pm (UK). Please be aware that this will be the time the cast goes live, read-through to proceed following some pre-show time to allow all to arrive in time. :)

Have you ever wondered how the process goes when 3DF first decides on a project? What goes on behind the scenes? Is there such a thing as a rehearsal?

The answer is "Yes." And now, through the magic of the internet, you too can have the chance to see how that happens. The idea of doing read-through rehearsals over Skype was first introduced to me by Krystal Donahue, who has beautifully voiced the role of Angela Blanc in our fan-audios of Black Butler/Kuroshitsuji, and I'm very glad she did for a few reasons.

For one thing, 3DF's troupe of actors are spread out all over the country, and in some cases, the world. Thus, like many professional voice acting instances, we never record at the same time or in the same place. I send them the script; they send me the lines. Doing the read-throughs, however, gives them a chance to hear what they might be playing off of in the finished product. As a director, I have a better opportunity to give them better direction (i.e. "Maybe try the line this way." or "That's good! Do it just like that!") instead of it running the risk to ask for re-dos.

On a more technical aspect, these read-through recordings have saved my butt in times of mixing. XD There has been at least one instance where a line was missed in the final batch. When I checked the read-through recording, the line was said perfectly and with little interference. With the mere addition of a well-placed sound effect, I was able to use it the final product at the last second, a real life-saver.

But what does this have to do with the listeners? Well, we're booting up our Justin.tv channel to broadcast a special read-through event LIVE. This won't become an official project, but the majority of the cast has seen the CIEL IN WONDERLAND OVA and just want to have a relaxed bit of fun with it (God help you all). XD

CIEL IN WONDERLAND is a fun, little bonus tale, featuring everyone's favorite characters from Black Butler. One ordinary afternoon at the Phantomhive estate because extraordinary when Ciel finds himself in a dream-world, much resembling the stories of Alice and her friends. Follow him along his way to find Sebastian the White Rabbit, as well as many other familiar faces taking over the realm of Wonderland.


Please be aware that, like many of the episodes, these were no different in the ratings department. It features some content that is better suited for older audiences.

So come by the channel, sit a spell, get ready to have a lot of laughs because this episode set is pure ridiculous fun at its finest. :D By using the chat feature, you also have a chance to give feedback and talk to the cast of some of your favorite audios. As of this moment, those POSSIBLY in attendance include Myself XD (Madam Red), Dylan Spencer (William T. Spears, Baldroy), James Hall (The Undertaker), Vick Valentine (Ronald Knox in Stella), Jason Marnocha (Sebastian Michaelis, Drocell Cainz, Eric Slingby in Stella), Rina Adachi (Ciel Phantomhive), Pam Larson (Mey-Rin), Curt Rose (Grell Sutcliff, Finny), and Krystal Donahue (Angela Blanc).

Again, mark the calendars! We'd love to see you guys here!

Upcoming Productions & Update

Enough with the downer news dominating the blog. Time for some good news!

~ First order of business, our beloved Butler will be winding down by the end of this month. I have four days off from the "day job" coming up (see: the job that pays bills :)), and I intend to work on From the Ashes over that time. We do have one more fun Butler event planned, but more on that in the future when the details are ironed out.

~ Following that, the long-awaited Shangri-La WILL BE COMPLETED. No other project will be started until it's finished. It's time for it to see the light. Leading the cast are Black Butler's Dylan Spencer (William T. Spears) and Samantha Ylagan (Lizzie and Alois Trancy) as leads, Sora and Miu.

~ Our Pre-Production Announcements has changed. Two previously announced productions are on hold due to circumstances. PW: Turnabout Goodbyes has had some casting issues that we'll get figured out soon. The long-awaited Part 3, however, should be released following Shangri-La, featuring Erik Copper (For the Love of Stella/Shangri-La) understudying Phoenix Wright.

Now, before we announce the new project currently listed under Pre-Production, I'd like to make some things official. We currently have two voice-actors who have attained "Legend" status among the group, both for having been with me since the beginning, Jason Marnocha and James Hall. Today, I have made the decision to expand that. Two of my voice-actresses have been with me for a long time now, and performed in just about every project that I've put out there for the masses. Please join me in wishing well to our newest Legends, Rina Adachi and Pam Larson. Rina and Pam have been with me since I debuted our very first project, Turnabout Reminiscence. Rina first joined on for that project. Pam was actually cast as a replacement in the unreleased Chronicles of Arkham. They have been there for every project since, sometimes playing multiple characters and on a moment's notice. Well done, ladies, my thanks and best to you always.

Finally, break out the trumpets! It's time for the new project official debut! Ladies and gentlemen, 3DF Productions is proud to present it's newest production...

* - Belongs to Parker Brothers/Hasbro

Based on the Paramount 1985 film, 3DF Productions will be taking on a fan-audio production of Clue. Casting decisions are currently underway, and many of your favorite VAs from past productions are in talks, including James Hall, Jason Marnocha, Dylan Spencer and Curt Rose. Further casting notices and announcements to come. As always, 3DF is not associated with the original creators, Parker Brothers, Hasbro, Paramount Pictures, et all. We're fans, a group of fans who love what we do and make no profit off of our work.

3DF Downtime Update

Hey there, 3DF fans.

It had been brought to my attention tonight after someone tried to listen to For the Love of Stella that the links had become unavailable. This is due to many of our projects being turned off by 4Shared, due to the music that was used in the Black Butler projects.

The issue has been taken care of and all projects are now currently up and running. I want to once again make clear, however, that I'm running a non-profit group. We make absolutely no money off of our projects. We are not out to hurt anyone. I credit all sources and point listeners in the direction of finding those sources to support them. Music in our projects is turned down low and constantly has sound and voices playing over it. However, if anyone has a specific issue, please come to me about it. I will gladly adjust anything that needs to be so. Anything to keep the hard work, time, and love put into this group's work available for all.

Once again, all projects are working again. Streaming is currently unavailable on the majority of projects outside of the Post-Production Podcast. Only the main Black Butler projects and In French can be streamed. The Story of Will the Reaper can still be seen over on YouTube. I once again thank you for your understanding.