The funny thing about this business we like to refer to as ‘entertainment’, is aside from the fact that we all enjoy the hell out of our jobs 80% of the time, the ends really do tend to justify the means.

Despite the long hours, the repetitive and at times tedious effort that goes along with creating something for mass consumption, despite the disagreements and the sometimes cranky temper that comes from replacing sleep with Red Bull...despite all of that, if at the end of the day you find yourself with something unique, something special, something ‘good’, then it was all worth it.

3 Months ago, my team here at Blind Ferret Entertainment, including Marie, Nancy, Nat, Maxime, Eric, Martine, Lar, Randy, Dave and Ryan started production on an animated short that I am proudly, finally, able to show you folks today.

Without further ado, allow me to present Slaughter The World:


(To rate and comment on this video, please follow this link to YouTube)

If you watched that to the end, you’d have noticed that card regarding a certain feature film. I won’t talk about it much at this point, except to say, that yes, it’s true. Looking for Group: The Movie (working title is ‘Looking For Group: The Origins of Dick’), a full 75-85 minute feature film is currently in production here in our studio, with a target release of late 2008.

More on that in the coming months.

For right now, I want to mention a few things about the short, a teaser if you will, that you just viewed.

Casting any role, whether it be in traditional, live or voice form is never an easy task to take. It’s even harder when the role happens to be an existing character, one whose voice already sounds through many people minds.

That said, there was never any doubt that Dave Mitchell would not be Richard. I’ve worked with Dave many times over the last few years, and aside from being one of the most talented and professional guys in the business, he’s also one of us. Beyond that, Dave and I have developed a relationship where we simply get each other personally and creatively. He’s always come through.

If you have a moment, please head on over to Dave's MySpace page and tell the voice of Richard that he did right by us.

While 4 minutes may not seem like a long time, let me assure you that in the world of animation, it is indeed, a very, very long time.

For a studio the size of Blind Ferret to take on this project would be impossible if not for the dedication of our people. I am ridiculously proud of my team, for every hour, every minute they put into this, for every night they slept in the office, for every meal they ate at their desks.

That’s impressive in itself, but consider the fact that they also had to work very closely with me. That ought to rightly increase your admiration of their skills...and patience.

So for now, folks, I ask that you take a look at our short, pass it around to every single person you know and do let us know what you think.

As for us?

We’ve got a feature film to make.

-Because I Can.

Tres bien. I was afraid that it was going to be choppy and the voice out of place, but it was reeeeeallllly good.

This should be avaliable as an mp3, as I want it on my ipod.

Dave Mitchell is a voice-over god. He sounds exactly like the Richard in my head. You know what they say: it's not the voices in my head that worry me, but the ones in yours.

At any rate, I just about hurt myself when he booted that puppy. Seriously. Hilariously well done, guys, and thanks a million for sharing.

Rise up, all ye Disney-weary! Our hour is at hand!

I am so god damned proud of you guys. Words cannot express.

That was 7 different shades of awesome. Nice work

Wow that's the best parody of "Part of our World" i've heard in my entire life lol.

Any chance you could post the song in a link to download?

Great work all around and i can't wait for the movie!

*bows before the awesomeness that is Blind Ferret Entertainment*

You guys all..freaking..rock! And Richard's voice is perfect. I just love a guy with a deep voice. Thank you! I really, really needed this today.

That was really amazing. I have done some very very simple animation and it is amazingly hard to do well.... or at all. Can't wait for the movie!

Holy Mary, Mother of God, and her skanky sister Sally, YES.

YES, Sohmer, yes.

Great animation.

I enjoy this comic a lot and am very impressed by all the work you put in.

You make sure that it's on time and never misses an update along with making nifty maps and cartoons.

I was wondering though if you's post your cartoon on Newgrounds.com too. It's a great place for animations and I'd bet you'd win a monthly prize which I believe is 250$ plus prizes. I know Youtube is the most popular place for user content but newgrounds has a huge audience as well. Many hits originated there such as "The Numa, Numa Dance".

Just a thought. Keep up the good work.

I kinda agree with the above poster. Wanna spread the word on LFG? Post it on newgrounds as well.

Amazing work guys, can't wait for the movie. I'd also like to have the song on an MP3 =P

That just made my day. Glee! And please tell me you'll be releasing a soundtrack with the movie. That would be amazing

I had to register for the forums just for this. This is, on a scale of one to ten epic-ness, a fifty. I agree that an MP3 would be nice, and will go on the music player as soon as possible.

Regards,
Kapyrna

I thought that was absolutely hilarious. Top-notch. I don't know if it was deliberate or not, but there's a kind of 80s-cartoon feel to the whole affair, but with a better script and better voice acting. I thought the bird at the end was predictable, but instead of being bad about it, it was kind of like the cherry on top of the sundae.

On an unrelated note, I'm looking to break into voice acting one day and I'd love to work on this project in any way shape and form I can in that respect. I don't know that you really want my unsolicited offer of help, but if you're looking you can find my amateur internet radio show at http://www.talkshoe.com/talkshoe/web/talkC...2686&cmd=tc .

Thanks, and best of luck with the 'Feature Film',

-Ragnarok

That was amazing!
I'm afraid I'll have to be another to say "I'd love the mp3 file".

The voice is what gets me. It's just so close to what I had imagined!
In fact, it sounds virtually identical!
I had imagined a slight ringing echo to his voice, due to 'dark magic' or something, but otherwise exactly the same!

Blind Ferret entertainment... I can see that becoming a household name...
Well, I'd love to... So keep up the incredible work, guys!

Best of luck with the project - from what I can see, it's going to be absolutely terrific!
Will it be a direct to DVD movie?
Seconding the motion for soundtrack.
=)

If it didn't bring a smile to my face watching Richard slaughter a slew of villagers I'd shed a tear of joy at finally seeing him brought to life. Well..in as much as an undead Warlock can be brought to "life" as it were. Especially endearing to me is the fact that dear Richard seems to be something of a BoomLock as is my WoW Warlock.

Well done all around to everyone involved in this effort. So far the proposed Movie for 2008 is the only entertainment I am looking forward to for next year.

The short didn't really do it for me...

I always thought Richard's voice was higher... perhaps with echoes or resonance or some other mystical effect to it, particularly during casting (for pony!), but he just doesn't have the well... deep voices are for those of less intellectual power and stockier build in my mind.

And well... in the comic richard constantly surprises me. Basically in the short he killed what was convenient to kill using a convenient (though) comical method... but well... he was so Blas'e about it.

The Richard I remember from the comic took great pleasure in killing and would often go to extreme lengths to do it in insane and interesting ways...


But all that being said - it was still good (animation & song especially), it'll probably grow on me, and I'm definitely looking forward to the movie.

And hey, I'll get used to the voice and from the comments it looks like you picked a voice that makes sense to most of the readership, which is impressive.

As i said at your Comc-con premier, "This is the Best ****ing thing I've ever seen!!"
the song and animation were great! the only thing that i worry about fo rthe movie is that I hope you will keep with the comics version of him having a similar reaction to 'a kid in a toy story' when he kills people. Other than that i give you made props on this short animation and hope for the best for the movie in 2008!!

P.S. hopefully, LFG will have spread a lot more (with the post of this video) so that next year more people will bring red bull so you guys can build an even bigger tower of cans at comic-con!!

I particularly liked the Ariel-esque slow-motion hood turn (to Ariels hair flip) right at the end; that sealed the deal for me.

I'll be visiting the Youtube and Mr. Mitchell's page in just a moment. He was a wonderful match for Richard. I have to say I was hoping for something a bit more gravely, but perhaps it was because he was singing. Not an insult, by any means, just comparing it to the mental version I always had of Richard's voice which, as stated, can't always be identical with everyone.

Best of luck with the production!

Gaah? BUDDABAAH! ESHADA... WHA!!! AND THEN HE KICKED THE PUPPY!

You guys... that was... oh my... BAAH!

I can't wait. THANKYOUTHANKYOUTHANKYOU!

oh... goodness... there are tears of -joy- in my eyes as I write this. That was incredible. It just captures Richard so perfectly!

I liked it quite a bit. Wasn't really the voice I heard in my head but it was good none-the-less. I guess I always heard Richard sounding a bit more like Zorak from Space Ghost/The Brak Show. But as someone said above, you seem to have picked the voice that most people heard and that's pretty impressive.

The animation/voice acting itself was amazing though. No choppy video, it flowed very well. Kudos. I'll be looking forward to seeing more things like this, especially the movie.

Perfect, I laughed my ass off when he kicked the puppy

I'm so looking forward to that full lenght film

I've watched this 8 or 9 times since yesterday.

So, you know, I hate this crap. Do it better next time!

*starts humming "Slaughter Your World"*

that was oh so great
oh my... still over one year left but I'm confident the whole film will be as funny as this clip
*looking for some puppies to kick and incinerate*

That was was freaking awesome.

The voice for Richard was spot on too!!!

Absolutely loved it... keep up the great work and always ask yourself... W.W.R.D.?

While I have a small amount of time to type this.....YAY A LFG MOVIE!!! I think I need some good stout restraints to keep me from bouncing off the walls with excitement! Also I laughed so hard I cried when I watched Slaughter the World.

Well that was a nice surprise to my early morning but I got to say his voice wasn't quite like I imagined it however it did work. I always pictured something more Jeremy Irons-ish, with that whole deep and raspy voice you can't help but want to listen too. Yet as someone else stated, maybe it was because he was singing that hid that commanding voice I expected him to have.

Anyhow, the short in itself was top notch. I was actually rather surprised at the follow through on some of the killings he did. I was expecting a before motion, sound clip and then aftermath shot but no, no! You actually see him lop someones head clean off, lol. I laughed pretty hard when he gouged someones eyes out and then paraded them around in front of his before squishing them. Awesome stuff, looking forward to more goodies that BFE has to offer.

That was absolutely fantastic, I think my Undead Warlock in WoW is now an avid worshipper of the Cult of Richard, having found someone so very very close to his heart. Great job guys, I await the full movie with glee and suspense.

I didn't like this as much as I thought i would For me it's one thing to hear or read jokes about someone killing children in a comical manner, but it' something entirly different to watch some one do it. I found that things like the dead baby on the plate with the apple in it's mouth disturbed me more than amused me. Some of the other killings and... well i guess there were only killings, were funny (even cute cuddley cartoon animals) but actually showing him kill kids just ruined the hunor for me a bit.

Good choice on the voice though. i pictured it a bit deeper and raspier but that worked.

Add me to the list of people who registered for the forums purely because of this. I'd just like to curse everyone at BFE, since I will now be singing this over and over until either my brain implodes or my loving family are driven to beat my head in with a shovel. I HOPE YOU'RE HAPPY.

Seriously though, kudos. Gives me a reason to look forward to 2008, which I was formerly dreading as graduation year and therefore the year I need to actually get a job and grow up.

Aww man that was gruesomely bloody and awsome!
Seriously, when i go on homocidal rampages in wow with my rogue...Richard is my rogues hero... except she doesn't have fire and ice magic...;.;

which reminds me i need to get firey and ice enchants on my wepons ....hmmmm possibilities.

ANYWHO..

yes that guys voice is fantastic for richard. I always thought "hm.. richard should have a somewhat deep, nice voice.. the kinda that almost makes you think he's refined, dignified, maybe even sexy.....then.. he slaughters your whole family and bbq's your cat"

So yeah... this is great

Oh dear...
The artwork and voice worked perfectly together, kudos all around
Though I think the short needed a PG-17 rating... As I am not sure I would want a child to watch it. Repeatedly watch it,
as my daughter tends to watch DVD's over and over and over... I can just picture trying to explain it to my daughter (3), that the bad man killing bunnies and babies is a good thing :/
That said, it was in character for Richard and I enjoyed it, but then I am a jaded 42 yo Army Vet.
So thus you could say my sense of humor has been shaped by 10 years of military oddness, wars and the like.

Note that I am not saying to change it or tone it down, just slap a PG-17 warning on it

Moshpet

Slaughter the world, it's what Richard would do.

This is freakin GREAT! I'm on about my 2184689125695812nd time of watching it. Any chance of getting lyrics and an mp3?
Dave = Perfect voice!

Also another to sign up now just to comment on this!

That was FARKING AWESOME

Add me to the litany of howls for an mp3

That was absolutly amazing, guys.

The Blind Ferret team is so incredibly talented; I can't (well, I can...lol) imagine how much work goes into making a film. All the blood, sweat and tears...but to finally see your creation come to life, well...it's a great feeling.

Keep up the fantastic work, guys!!

And don't worry...25 seconds a week doesn't sound like a lot...*sob*

~Cady

YES!

This is made of win.

You guys are made of win.

I'm gonna be listening to this song FOREVER. @_@

Wow man! I never really had a voice in mind for Richard, but when I heard Dave singing I was like 'Yup, that's definitely it!' Great animation, loved how graceful Richard is lol. Good job you guys!

25,000 views in less then 24 hours.

Richard/LFG for the win!

Freaking. Fantastic.

Like. I was left speechless. Laughing my face off, but speechless.

You guys are the best.

And LfG Movie? Best Idea ever. Good luck on that project, I will be gladly and patiently awaiting its arrival

Wonderful stuff, as always. Twelve thumbs up. Just, um...don't ask where I got the other ten thumbs.

Absolutely freaking amazing. The Netherlands totally approve of this film!

I will definitely be keeping an eye out for this website even more then I already did. History in the making right here folks.

I posted a link in the general thread of the European WoW forums. It's high time we spread the word. http://forums.wow-europe.com/thread.html?t...422&sid=1#4

Absolutely gob-smacking. Fantastic!

Dave did a spot on job of Richard, loved it!

how odd...

i posted a reply before there was even a second page in this thread with a link to a site i setup that has a downloadable MP3 of the song but its still pending an administrator to accept it probably because it has a html link in it

well its a site at (worldwideweb) . freewebs . (completely annoying forum thing /nightelfspankers /lfg.(hyper text markup language)

anyway i hope u can understand that if u want the mp3

This is GREAT, loved the animation and the idea for the movie. I can't wait!
The voice is good even though I always imagined it something like Clint Eastwood's whispery 'evil' voice
or the kind that Acolyte's have in Warcraft III, but if he had one like that he probably wouldn't be able to
sing this song like he is.

Anyway, good job guys, keep it up!

Am I late to say I loved this and I really would like that as an .mp3?

Oh my sweet and furry lord, on a scale of 1 to 10 on the Awesome-o-meter I think that scored a 58. *bows* I show my respect before the true masters.

Also, are there going to be any auditions for this feature film? I've been looking to do some voice acting, and I would love the chance to work on such an awesome project.

Ok... I discovered this web comic quite some time ago by recommendation of a friend of mine and.... HOLY AWESOME!!!!

man, since I started reading it Richard has been my favorite character, He's like an attachment to my brain now, and I find myself using the words "Richard FTW!" a lot.

but this... short.... there are no words to describe how awesome it is to see Richard in motion... with a voice that suits to boot!!!

Totally awesome guys, and I look forward to the movie ^.^

Well.... that youtube clip is alredy on my Favourites list...

The Movie..... hmm... we gotta wait for 2008? oh well... at least its deffinetly wort the wait

This is why the internet exists. All you need to do now is have Sir Mitchell of Manslaughter record a series of ringtones consisting of every Richard line thus far. I'd buy that album, possibly several times.