What follows the title card isn't the usual jaunty music, but the somber tones of a song. A music video from Starberry Studios follows, featuring a handsome young man with jet-black hair. And as the music fades out, the familiar set of the Studio fades in, along with the cheers of a crowd of fans.
"And that was 'Black Sorrow', a new single from our own Idol In-Demand from Starberry Productions - IVAN! Tell 'em you love 'im, folks!"
The raucous applause begins anew!
"Thank you for having me, I appreciate that my fans have enough questions for me that it warrants an interview."
"Boy, I heard you were modest, but I didn't expect you to be this modest! Look at you--what can't you do! Singing, modelling--heck! Aren't you in a casting call right now? You've been BUSY. The fact that you're not a local, either! That's some serious talent and fame talking, Ivan!"
"I appreciate my fans, and the opportunity my management company, Starberry, and my manager, Ishmael, have given me here. It really is like nothing I've ever experienced before."
"Spoken like a guy who practiced hard for this interview!"
There's a chuckle among the live audience.
"I'm just playin' around, folks--he's a sweetheart, really. Treat to have on-set. So, tell us...!"
"Your new single, 'Black Sorrow', took about a year to produce--at least, that's what they tell me. It's a deeply emotional song, but it's not like you don't write those anyway. Why did it take so long to come out?"
"Oh, that is because it is something we had to recreate in the studio. 'Black Sorrow' is a song I sang back in my own world, so the tracks were not here, and it was something we had to make from scratch and memory."
"You're kidding! All from memory? Scratch that 'year' part; would've taken me two! But I'm surprised you didn't take advantage of some of the tech they've got in the city. Why's that?"
"It felt good to help form it. I'm not an expert in any instrument, but I am familiar enough with music beyond singing to work closely with some very talented musicians. After I replayed from memory, we then worked on refining the backing, the timing - the specifics. It was meticulous work, but I enjoyed the process more than I thought I would."
"Sounds like you've got an interest in producing, too! Better not pick it up too soon, I'm sure the fans would hate seeing you go."
There's a groan in agreement! But the idol only laughs it off.
"I have no plans to stop my current career, so there's no concern over that."
And the crowd cheers again!
"But Miss Ishmael is absolutely happy to allow us to expand to any work or opportunity, so there's no saying what the future holds."
"LOVE the optimism! So are you planning on releasing any of your older works, too?"
"Yes, we have two more singles in production right now. Please look forward to it."
Even Tenna seems to have a genuine laugh at the screams from the fans in the audience--that's what he loves to hear!
"Folks watching at home, be sure to thank our sound girl! I'm glad I'm not the one having to balance this out."
There are a few 'WOO's from the crowd as the host makes a 'hush' gesture with an arm.
"Alright, movin' right along. It's real nice that you've been able to produce music from your home, but is there anything you and your team may not be able to bring to the island? That special
"From someplace beyond?"
As the rainbow-coloured text phases out, though, the idol seems to hesitate for the first time.
"Of course there are some tracks that would be difficult to reproduce. One in particular, well," he laughs, "I was unable to finish singing it. Reproducing it now would be… Complicated."
"Psh, you're a talented guy! I'm sure you can figure it out!"
"It was a duet."
There's a lot of interested 'ooooo's from the crowd.
"Is that right? Your partner not on the island or something?"
"No, no, he's here, but I doubt he would want to recreate that song. It may be best to leave it unfinished, in that case."
"But would you want to finish the song in the future?"
"I would, but in the meantime, I plan to focus on what I can give to my fans."
"Aw, what a guy. What! A! Guy! Hey, Mystery Man, if you're out there--! I know a looooot of people who'd love if you had a change of heart! WAITER! More IVAN, please!"
As the audience woots, it almost stifles a laugh from Ivan.
"I don't think he's watching, but thank you for your support."
"And thank YOU for the real inside-scoop!"
A chime rings!
"Great timing, Ivan--we're all out of time! That concludes our interview hour--"
Tenna tries to give the outro, but the cheers and screams from Ivan's fans completely drown him out. But if you can't beat 'em, join em! So instead, he gestures to his interviewee once more as the camera pans up and away, as if in flight. The screen darkens as it pans over the audience...
That concludes our interview with the musical artist, IVAN! 'Black Sorrow' is available now on streaming services island-wide.
......................................
Thanks for reading this collab post! Special thanks to @foreverembrace, who wrote Ivan's dialogue and directed where they wanted the interview to go!
If you'd like to do this kind of thing for your own muse, or your muse's business, feel free to reach out!
Requested Position: Set Coordinator (I, uh, can run really fast. As fast as a horse so. I’d be very useful to get stuff done quickly. And I like helping out!)
Part time or Full time?: Full time
Daytime or Late Nite?: I can do either!!
Please provide an RP icon to use as your character’s portrait!:
Do you agree to the terms of the Contract stated in our About Us page?: Yes! I’ll even make sure to bring extra carrots and hay just for you, Mister Tenna!
“Set coordinator!? Heck, with legs that fast, you’ve got to be part of our camera crew! If we’ve gotta film something fast, you’re our gal! I’ll set you down for both.”
That red text on the page that says “DISCLOSE POTENTIAL DANGERS OF SITUATIONS TO ALL APPLICANTS” is... well, you know. It’s in tiny print, and he can’t see as well, and that red colour is so bright! Who even put that there! Whatever nothing bad will happen anyway so there’s no point in--
“Welcome aboard!”
“And I won’t say no to a carrot! Gotta be one of my favourite veggies.”
Unfortunately, old habits die hard, and Tenna has a hard time letting go of the past (or anything, really.) Going from a world where he controlled everything to somewhere where he had almost no power, he still needed to find some semblance of control here. And though his contracts for Studio CRT aren't as... rigid. As they were in TV World, they're still plenty ridiculous.
While he can't force his employees to stay and obey his every whim anymore, the contract is straightforward in one way: This is his studio, and his word is law. Thankfully, the majority of his employees are Lightners, so the penalties stated in the contract are light. So long as The Boss gets what he wants, everyone is happy! Let's keep it that way!
Good luck taking another look at what you've signed yourself up for, too! Everyone's signed contracts are kept under lock and key in his office.
While "Obey Tenna" seems to be the general theme of the contract, there are a couple other silly misc. rules to follow:
You're allowed to disagree with Tenna, but are contractually obligated to give him at least fifteen minutes to explain his point of view, in which you cannot leave the room the disagreement was held without permission. After time is up, you may walk away without incurring a demerit.
Tenna is allowed One (1) bite of any tasty treat of anyone's possession on the premises.
No "wife eye" shall be installed in the building. Use your own phones to do Internet things
Under NO CIRCUMSTANCE is the Internet allowed to be discussed, unless it's to say how uncool it is compared to TV. Don't even use the WORD e-mail (social media coordinator exempt)
All work uniforms must have SOME amount of red and yellow, unless it's a theme night. (You must participate in theme nights if you work that shift.)
If you have a criminal record, Mr. Tenna knows nothing about it, and cannot be used as a witness in court against whatever crimes you've committed.
Diehard is a holiday movie.
...But nobody has any problems with this, so it never comes up, so everything is fine and you'll keep working here, right? You won't abandon Mr. Tenna, right?
Name: shadow
Age: 15
Requested Position: costuming and makeup
Part time or Full time?: part time
Daytime or Late Nite?: evening/night time preference XP!!!
Please provide an RP icon to use as your character’s portrait!:
Do you agree to the terms of the Contract stated in our About Us page?: argue with the wall. >XP!!!!!
"Are you trying to get me in trouble with the Labor Board, kid??"
What a sneer! But after a while, his shoulders slump in defeat.
"Well, I suppose if anyone knows how to make someone look good, it's a mirror. Right?"
...
"Good thing I don't know any lawyers. If it's only at night, it should be fine..."
Begrudgingly, the television does... not take a contract from him. Interesting.
Name: Zooble
Age: 22
Requested Position: Sound Crew
Part time or Full time?: Full time
Daytime or Late Nite?: Late Nite
Please provide an RP icon to use as your character’s portrait!:
Do you agree to the terms of the Contract stated in our About Us page?: I guess. I need a job, so….
“Well, the position’s open, but you don’t really sound happy about it.”
(”Get it?”)
“Still! Takes the burden off me, so, I guess it’s worth a trial run at least. But you’re in a Television Studio! Put a little pep in your step! C’mon, I’ll show you the ropes.”
Name: Alphys
Age: 30
Requested Position: Social Media Manager (B... But I can help with anything backstage as needed...!)
Part time or Full time?: Um... M-Maybe just part-time for now, so I can learn the ropes, heheh...
Daytime or Late Nite?: Daytime! But, uh, I guess... I guess I could work late too, some nights.
Please provide an RP icon to use as your character’s portrait!: (See below!)
Do you agree to the terms of the Contract stated in our About Us page?: S... Sure?
"THAT'S the confidence I like to see!! I'll take that~"
Alphys' contract is swiftly taken into his coat pocket.
"Welcome to the Studio CRT Team, Doc! I'm HAPPY to let you do... whatever it is you do on the Internet!"
"Now THAT'S what I call a turn of events! Looks like most people in this city... are celebrating love and friendship! In the same world where everyone TOTALLY wanted a guy dead on live T.V, there are also well wishes!"
"Friends and family! Newly weds! Oldly weds! And one guy who REALLY wants you to play his tabletop game! This year, it's-- Valentine's Day!"
"You
"People have a good time tomorrow! Goodnight, Spirale! And tune in next week forrrr:"
@twohundredpower wrote:
This goes out to my husband, Zelos! I know he's gonna think it's corny, but I just want him to know how happy I am to be home with him, no matter where that ends up being. Love you, Z!
"Love across entire dimensions, everybody! It's great how love can just happen in a place like this! The idea of finding that same person in any dimension! It's--"
--
"I'm sure between the upcoming wedding and stories like this, it's a perfect last letter!"
@blightsbite wrote: Whoa, it's my wedding day!!! It's kinda surreal, huh... Good things like this just don't happen to me. But if there's anyone on this cursed Earth I'd want to be allowed to spend the rest of time with, it's you. See you at the altar, Sebby.
(P.S. I am hitting up that discount chocolate the day after!)
"Oh, folks, that's beautiful! Two excited lovebirds, being sweet and romantic! Vanth, sweetheart, you're giving everyone a sugar rush!"
(There are two asks left, but I do have work in the morning, so I'm going to stop there for the night! If I don't have plans of my own, I'll be back to answer asks!
You have until 11:59 EST this friday to submit your own valentines/villaintines, if you'd like! Thank you to everyone who's played along so far!!)
@bitemedotmp3 wrote: Dear N, I don't know how to do this dumb mushy stuff. You're the best or whatever. Really cute, even. I like you. Let's eat people together. Happy first Valentine's day together. From, Uzi
"Uzi!!! That's so SWEET! You really missed an important comma there, but I'm a television, not a teacher! Congrats to your first Valentine's, kids!"
("Maybe 'let's eat, people together' is some kind in-joke?")
@scrybeast wrote: A message to all challengers: I will be hosting an Inscryption campaign at the Comics & Board Games Emporium on the 14th. Woe be unto those unready for heartbreak... for this challenge will not be an easy one.
"...Uh? Okay? Well, tabletop-enthusiasts, you could spend Singles Awareness Day over at the CBGE. I guess if you flirt with him, you lose and get your heart broken, so don't bring flowers and candy to this monster."
("I've never actually played anything like Labyrinths and Leviathans, just watched the cartoon.")
@stungunmillie wrote: This is a message for Mr. Vash and the other Mr. Vash and Mr. Priest and the other Mr. Priest and Chara and Miss Digital and all the hard workers at Cafe December and everyone who's ever been nice to me ever!! I hope you have THE BEST Valentine's Day!! I am manifesting chocolates raining down from the sky for everyone!!!! (That's how manifesting works, right?) Love, Millie Thompson!
"Some people have so much love that it takes up the whole front and back of the card! And the envelope! Mr. Vash and Mr. Vash and Mr. Priest and Mr. Priest and Chara and Miss Digital and the workers of Cafe December--someone sure is thinking of you!"
@charmingsecretary wrote: To everyone who works at Susie's Scoopsies, our regular customers, and those who just stopped by, thank you for making Susie's Scoopsies a great place to work! I love you all!
"Talk about a sweet message, folks! And Susie being a real sweetheart aside, it's hard not to love ice cream..."
It looks like in lieu of the usual set, the whole place... is covered in pink, red and white! Very festive!
"It's here, folks! The day we declare the love and affection we all share--and the loathing and resentment! It's the Valentines vs Villaintines Special! Don't worry--we'll still be reading YOU well (worse?) wishes to the city of Spirale. Live: From Studio CRT!"
There's a complete shower of rose petals that fall from the screen, blanketing the set.
"But before we begin, this episode is sponsored by our very own, our very favourite Glucose Guardian: Aventurine! LOVE that guy! So without further ado..."
