My good friend and VO colleague DB Cooper was in town a couple of weeks ago for the Austin Game Developers Conference. We've worked together long-distance, via phone and e-mail, but this was the first time we've actually met up in the "real world". DB and other conference-goers wrapped up the week at Guero's, so I happily crashed the party. With permission, of course.
Earlier in the week, DB shared her expertise for technology company Level 3's Red Couch interview series:
I'm late in posting this, of course, but I'd be remiss in not mentioning the passing of Wayne Allwine, the voice of Mickey Mouse for the last 32 years. Our fondest wishes to his friends, family, and all whom he entertained as the thoughtful caretaker of an animation icon.
You may change your mind after reading this excellent article from gaming site 1up.com.
Hardcore gamers are notorious for attacking "bad" voice acting in games; some of the vitriol is deserved, but a sub-par voice performance usually isn't due to a lack of talent. Working videogame actors discuss the challenges presented in this unque genre of VO.
Bang Zoom! Entertainment has been running a series of voice acting workshops around the country, answering the eternal question: “how do I become an anime voice actor?”. Anime News Network sat down with workshop teacher Tony Oliver, a longtime voice actor, director and producer, to find out what it's all about.
Link
Even if you're a fan of both fast food and videogames, you've probably never spent much time wondering just what connection exists between Spyro the Dragon and the Taco Bell Chihuahua. For those of you who have, this article will put your mind at ease.
The piece takes popular characters from games and other media, and reveals the voices --- sometimes with surprising results.
(Hat-tip to voice talent Doug Turkel for mentioning this via Twitter. Thanks!)
(From IGN)
Actor Michael Rudder, who was shot three times in the Mumbai terror attacks, returned home to Montreal yesterday:
Montreal actor Michael Rudder, who was shot in last month's attacks in Mumbai, returned home late Wednesday after spending several weeks in an Indian hospital, saying he received a "great gift" from his experience.Rudder was greeted by a cheering crowd of friends, fellow actors and supporters as he arrived at Montreal's Pierre Trudeau International Airport after travelling with the assistance of a nurse.
Speaking to reporters from a wheelchair, he said he owed a debt of gratitude for the "enormous outpouring of love" he received from people all over the world after the attacks.
"I'm going to get a sign that says 'World's luckiest guy,'" a beaming Rudder said.
He also offered a prayer for the people of India still reeling from the deadly series of attacks that rocked the country's financial capital and left more than 170 people dead.
"I hope they're protected," he said.
Rudder has voiced characters in Prince of Persia: Warrior Within and several other videogames. He's also a TV and film actor.
Another pun? Mea culpa. Sometimes I just can't help myself. If we're still friends, though, let me tell you what's up:
In an earlier post, I mentioned the mobile-exclusive animated series The Hyrde. The first episode is now available for public consumption, no phone required. I confess to being a fan of the series, and happily admit my bias for its voice cast: DB Cooper brings the sassy to the role of Ghoul Gal, while Philip Banks is perfectly cast as the group's wizened leader, Inspector Spectre. Show creator Robert Feldman rounds out the cast.
Check out Episide One for yourself:
I confess I know relatively little about the vast world of anime, but I'm also somewhat fascinated with it. One aspect of the genre that lends to that fascination is the fan support; not just for the films and TV shows, but for the voice actors. While actors like Chris Patton are far from household names in the entertainment mainstream, you'd never know it to observe the adoration heaped upon him and other anime actors like Monica Rial.
Given the skills necessary to be a successful anime voice, this adulation is well-deserved. This Interview with Patton is worth reading for any fan of voiceovers, or acting in general. Here he discusses his latest role as Sho Fukamachi in a new production of Guyver. (Note how the conversation is geared toward the characters and story moreso than about mic technique or voice inflection.)
