Good day everyone, and might I say I’m happy to introduce Whisper! Whisper is a multi-talented script writer, and someone I was quite eager to interview. Enjoy.
Opening questions are boring, so let’s start with something different. You’ve seen Battle Royale, right? What do you think would be your chances of surviving? How and why?
It really depends on the environment. I’m used to forests, so I know what does and doesn’t make sounds. I could be very stealthy if I wanted to. I’d probably be one of those people who survived awhile just by avoiding conflict. I’m also fairly handy with a rifle, and alright with a bow.
I tend to be cerebral, but also very anxious. And both of those could come in handy. I think my smarts would probably be the most useful.
My hand-to-hand combat is weak though, so that’d be a problem. I’d likely try to find a hill or some overlook and pick people off if they got too close. Then again, I tend to be quite empathetic and I’d want to team up; so I’m not sure if that would be the end of me. I’d probably have a low to medium chance of survival.
Whisper (it’s okay if I call you that, right?), something that drew me to you right away was your ardent support of script writers in the community and abroad. What difficulties do you think script writers-who are undoubtedly a backbone of the community-face daily?
Probably the biggest issue is script theft. Script fills are largely meant to be collaborative, and people forget that. So you see some voice actors using scripts without crediting writers, putting scripts behind paywalls without permission, or altering people’s scripts without permission. And this can be really discouraging to a scriptwriter.
To see your name erased from your work, or to have someone do something with it not in your interest; it can make a person feel helpless. Especially since these scripts are out there free to use. Voice actors get to do fills, but there’s no fear that someone is going to steal their audios. It’s just a really different experience.
There’s another larger issue at play as well. I think scriptwriters in SFW and NSFW communities alike have similar issues; namely, the same issue that most writers have. A lot of people brush writers off as unimportant. And if you’ve ever seen a poorly done movie, it was likely the script that killed it. That’s why I think writers deserve more respect in the voice acting community as a whole. There’s a lot of invisibility that comes with being a writer; since the listeners only hear your words coming through a voice actor.
But fundamentally, the writer always creates the characterization and the tone. The voice actor can improvise, but largely the script is what it is.
I think the other part of the struggle is just how much time and effort goes into a script. People never end up seeing it. They only see the finished twenty minute product of that. Whereas, it can take me hours at a time to finish an eighteen hundred word script. And then it takes a few days in between to reset my brain so I can edit it with fresh eyes. The quality is translated to the final thing, but it’s just misleading to listeners how much time went into the script alone.
In sum, a lot of these issues compound to make script writers invisible to listeners. I have yet to see someone who’s famous for their scripts alone. And honestly, one day I’d like to see someone become popular for their scripts.
While some of those may seem arduous, script writers persist and defend their craft (as they should). What is something that, as individual creatives, script writers should be on the lookout for?
If you’re finding that someone is filling your scripts posted on reddit, but they don’t have a reddit account linked to their social media, and they aren’t tagging fills on the same or related subreddits; be suspicious. I’ve seen this happen before. It’s a tactic that allows people to steal scripts without repercussions.
If you see someone posting audios that have no credits, ask them where they’re getting their scripts from. Ask them where their art is from (if it’s on YouTube or in video format). If they don’t answer within a reasonable period, it might be useful to broach the topic with the community as a whole. But do try to do so from a good faith position; don’t assume malice immediately. There are new voice actors who don’t know certain things.
Last thing, if someone asks for you to write a script for them. If it’s a favour or a gift for a friend, it’s fine; as long as you want to do it. If it’s a specific type of script for a person you don’t know well, that’s a commission, make them pay for it. You are 100% worth the money, don’t let anyone tell you otherwise. And having a portfolio helps with people not being disappointed at the quality; just make sure your folio doesn’t just include your absolute best, but your average quality scripts.
What could the community itself do to help?
More accountability honestly. I’d like to see more VA’s sticking up for writers and calling stuff out when it happens. I’ve seen this happen before, and it turned out really well. The person got called out by a VA with at least 10k followers, and has started to try to make amends with the writers.
If they don’t change? Best thing to do is name and shame. Let people know that someone is a thief, because they will continue to profit off of the labour of others.
The fine line of course is to do initial call out posts gently as possible. Callouts can quickly become toxic behaviour, especially when done in ways that assume the worst from the start. No need to assume malice until the person explicitly shows unapologetic anger, a lack of remorse for script theft, or an unwillingness to fix their mistakes.
Another aspect is that voice actors should share more script posts from writers. The more scripts shared, the more writers get attention from listeners and other voice actors. Big voice actors can use their platform to boost writers they like. Which can lead to fans getting the scripts they like most; and everyone generally being happier.
Alright, total fantasy-land situation: what do you personally believe would be the appropriate action to take for script writers for professional projects? How much should they be paid, etc? Personally speaking, I’m thinking at least half with additional revenue (like royalties) on every sale.
I think it’s a hard call, since this is the arts. People need to make enough to survive, and thrive. It’s hard to gauge supply and demand. Possibly, writers who have a lot of commission requests should charge more than the average, since their work is clearly in demand.
A third to a half of the project’s overall cost would be sufficient. If the script continues to be in the creative’s library, royalties should also be paid for every sale; or per month (if on a Patreon or something like that). I do know that editing things does take additional time and effort, and is effectively another job altogether. Which is partly why I suggest somewhere between a third to a half with royalties.
What’s something you’re working on right now you’re passionate about? Any WIP that you’d like to discuss?
I’ve been writing a possessive catboy script [M4A]. I spent a while trying to learn how to properly make purring sounds for it. It’s mostly done, but it’s definitely rough and there’s going to need a lot more editing. But it’s a friends to lovers script, the listener comes home after going out with a friend, and their catboy roommate is upset at them. Catboy is possessive of their roommate because they’ve caught feelings, and their roommate hasn’t noticed.
I’m really enjoying writing a script with breeding and pheromone kinks. I’ve previously written a short story involving a naga with those kinks as well. It’s fun trying to write a character who obviously wants to be soft with their crush, but is so possessive they get very rough and dominant. And it’s a bit of a fine line trying to make sure people are aware that this isn’t an unhealthy sort of possessiveness. Overall it’s a fun script.
Lastly, where can people find you? (plug your stuff)
My linktree has my links to twitter, reddit, and AO3 (where I write fanfic smut, including “A Naga Called Iska”). You can find all my stuff here.