Post by Blast Processor on Aug 3, 2016 23:42:01 GMT
People behind the Marauder Shields comic interview..... yep that's right.
Extra! Extra! "Local Jackolyte" interviews Courtenay Taylor.
Extra! Extra! "Local Jackolyte" interviews Courtenay Taylor.
yorkj86 wrote...
Here's Ms. Taylor's entire response. Gimme a bit, while I format it, because these forums don't like copying-and-pasting, and formating.
1) What description were you given about Jack's character?
When we audition for things, we usually get a paragraph of information about the character. It often includes their attitude, if they have an accent, their pitch, social status, age, etc. It's usually accompanied by a picture. I actually don't remember the original audition for Jack because it was a few years ago now, which is kind of a bummer since I would love to see what we got for her!
2) What was your reaction when you found out you were voicing a badass chick who's covered in tattoos and has a shaved head?
As a kid I was really into punk rock music so I was psyched! I ran around with girls who had shaved heads and tattoos (although not to Jack's extreme) so she looked very familiar to me. And she was so original looking in the world of games - I loved that she didn't have long hair, thigh boots and huge boobs...although from reading the boards upon her initial release, I was in the minority of thinking she was hot! I couldn't believe people hated her so much before the game even dropped - especially because of her looks. I was happy to see some people changed their minds once they played ME2, but still - note to self: Don't read the boards!
3) Were you able to find Jack's voice quickly, or did you have to experiment with a few different types of accents, dialects and enunciations before it sounded right?
I'll let you in on a little secret - there was no experimenting with her vocal sound. Jack is just me - sometimes on a very bad day. The director immediately asked me to use my own voice which was a bit of a relief. Jack had so much emotional range that it allowed me to just concentrate on that stuff and not worry about an accent or attitude that was further from my own.
4) Jack has quite a few emotional scenes. Was it difficult to nail that perfect tone for those scenes?
Because in video games we generally record separately from other actors, certain material can be a challenge. When she was describing what had happened to her as a child standing in her old room - that was a bit tricky. You have to live those memories in the first person and not get caught standing outside of it, feeling badly for your own character. Torture and experimentation are things I've not experienced so I instantly default to being horrified and obviously that doesn't work for Jack. So I had to work to stay away from that. Her rage, her disdain for Miranda, and her sensitive moments came easier. I understand what it's like to be a tough girl with a gooey center!
5) Were you able to hear the lines of other characters while you were recording lines?
Not the actors' spoken versions. In most games the director will help us sort out what is going on in the moment, and read the previous line to us so we know who we are talking to and the tone of the scene. The gorgeously talented Ginny McSwain directed me on all my Jack sessions, and she gives a killer read and gave me a lot to work with. She is a ****** jack actor and director and she can coax a great read from just about anyone.
6) Have you seen a lot of footage of Jack with your voice coming from her mouth?
I've seen the trailers and the clips on YouTube. I absolutely loved the trailers - I was gobsmacked to see the final product. She's so cool and real and looks amazing. I loved howcandid that one was where she is talking into the camera - they did a brilliant job. Although after the initial trailer I did get a lot of messages on my cel from friends, saying "Who's the bad-ass biotic now, ****?" So I think that was the favorite line!
7) How do you feel about the about the end result of the character Jack? Is there anything you would change about her?
I am really proud of Jack, not just the work I did but her whole persona - she was so distinct on the page. The writers should be commended on creating a complex, layered character that represents a different kind of real girl out there who really does exist and deserves to be heard. She was the first character I've voiced in a game where I was like, "Oh yeah, I totally get this girl..." She has no governor over what she says or feels but she is no bull**** either. And I'd rather hang out with people who are a little socially awkward and will tell you the truth of how they feel than someone who's "nice" and tells you what you want to hear.
The only thing I didn't love was something visual, and the Bioware guys changed before the release. Initially I wasn't mad about the leather strap across her chest - but they changed it to a regular top. I'm not puritanical at all - Jack just didn't seem like she would lead with something so sexy - she's too guarded to show that much skin even though she loves her tattoos. I felt they were for HER though, not to show off. I thought the final look was great and her tattoos were especially amazing.
8) Did you do voice work for other characters in the game?
I did, Kalara Tomi. I was credited with another character in the press, but it was a mistake.
9) How were you chosen as Jack's VA?
That you would have to ask the lovely people at Bioware! I assume they listened to a million auditions so I was very fortunate to get the role. Having a deeper voice probably helped since Jack simply could NOT sound squeaky, and I have worked with and auditioned for Bioware before so perhaps that was a factor? I'd like to think it was my *sparkling* personality and toothy grin, but I doubt it
10) And last but not least, cake or pie?
That is easy. CAAAAAAAAAAAAAKE! I don't like hot fruit much so pie is last on the list. I love cupcakes and really good scratch cakes. My best friend is an epic baker so I've been known to knock out a few cupcakes with some strong coffee and call it breakfast!
I would just like to say a big fat thank you to all the Jackolytes out there! What a talented, smart, creative bunch you guys are! I am constantly blown away by the gorgeous art and writing you guys craft. Thanks for all the kind words on the boards, in the mail and on Facebook and Twitter. I am thrilled that you love Jack as much as I do and I hope to stay connected with you guys!
Much love, Courtenay
Here's Ms. Taylor's entire response. Gimme a bit, while I format it, because these forums don't like copying-and-pasting, and formating.
1) What description were you given about Jack's character?
When we audition for things, we usually get a paragraph of information about the character. It often includes their attitude, if they have an accent, their pitch, social status, age, etc. It's usually accompanied by a picture. I actually don't remember the original audition for Jack because it was a few years ago now, which is kind of a bummer since I would love to see what we got for her!
2) What was your reaction when you found out you were voicing a badass chick who's covered in tattoos and has a shaved head?
As a kid I was really into punk rock music so I was psyched! I ran around with girls who had shaved heads and tattoos (although not to Jack's extreme) so she looked very familiar to me. And she was so original looking in the world of games - I loved that she didn't have long hair, thigh boots and huge boobs...although from reading the boards upon her initial release, I was in the minority of thinking she was hot! I couldn't believe people hated her so much before the game even dropped - especially because of her looks. I was happy to see some people changed their minds once they played ME2, but still - note to self: Don't read the boards!
3) Were you able to find Jack's voice quickly, or did you have to experiment with a few different types of accents, dialects and enunciations before it sounded right?
I'll let you in on a little secret - there was no experimenting with her vocal sound. Jack is just me - sometimes on a very bad day. The director immediately asked me to use my own voice which was a bit of a relief. Jack had so much emotional range that it allowed me to just concentrate on that stuff and not worry about an accent or attitude that was further from my own.
4) Jack has quite a few emotional scenes. Was it difficult to nail that perfect tone for those scenes?
Because in video games we generally record separately from other actors, certain material can be a challenge. When she was describing what had happened to her as a child standing in her old room - that was a bit tricky. You have to live those memories in the first person and not get caught standing outside of it, feeling badly for your own character. Torture and experimentation are things I've not experienced so I instantly default to being horrified and obviously that doesn't work for Jack. So I had to work to stay away from that. Her rage, her disdain for Miranda, and her sensitive moments came easier. I understand what it's like to be a tough girl with a gooey center!
5) Were you able to hear the lines of other characters while you were recording lines?
Not the actors' spoken versions. In most games the director will help us sort out what is going on in the moment, and read the previous line to us so we know who we are talking to and the tone of the scene. The gorgeously talented Ginny McSwain directed me on all my Jack sessions, and she gives a killer read and gave me a lot to work with. She is a ****** jack actor and director and she can coax a great read from just about anyone.
6) Have you seen a lot of footage of Jack with your voice coming from her mouth?
I've seen the trailers and the clips on YouTube. I absolutely loved the trailers - I was gobsmacked to see the final product. She's so cool and real and looks amazing. I loved howcandid that one was where she is talking into the camera - they did a brilliant job. Although after the initial trailer I did get a lot of messages on my cel from friends, saying "Who's the bad-ass biotic now, ****?" So I think that was the favorite line!
7) How do you feel about the about the end result of the character Jack? Is there anything you would change about her?
I am really proud of Jack, not just the work I did but her whole persona - she was so distinct on the page. The writers should be commended on creating a complex, layered character that represents a different kind of real girl out there who really does exist and deserves to be heard. She was the first character I've voiced in a game where I was like, "Oh yeah, I totally get this girl..." She has no governor over what she says or feels but she is no bull**** either. And I'd rather hang out with people who are a little socially awkward and will tell you the truth of how they feel than someone who's "nice" and tells you what you want to hear.
The only thing I didn't love was something visual, and the Bioware guys changed before the release. Initially I wasn't mad about the leather strap across her chest - but they changed it to a regular top. I'm not puritanical at all - Jack just didn't seem like she would lead with something so sexy - she's too guarded to show that much skin even though she loves her tattoos. I felt they were for HER though, not to show off. I thought the final look was great and her tattoos were especially amazing.
8) Did you do voice work for other characters in the game?
I did, Kalara Tomi. I was credited with another character in the press, but it was a mistake.
9) How were you chosen as Jack's VA?
That you would have to ask the lovely people at Bioware! I assume they listened to a million auditions so I was very fortunate to get the role. Having a deeper voice probably helped since Jack simply could NOT sound squeaky, and I have worked with and auditioned for Bioware before so perhaps that was a factor? I'd like to think it was my *sparkling* personality and toothy grin, but I doubt it
10) And last but not least, cake or pie?
That is easy. CAAAAAAAAAAAAAKE! I don't like hot fruit much so pie is last on the list. I love cupcakes and really good scratch cakes. My best friend is an epic baker so I've been known to knock out a few cupcakes with some strong coffee and call it breakfast!
I would just like to say a big fat thank you to all the Jackolytes out there! What a talented, smart, creative bunch you guys are! I am constantly blown away by the gorgeous art and writing you guys craft. Thanks for all the kind words on the boards, in the mail and on Facebook and Twitter. I am thrilled that you love Jack as much as I do and I hope to stay connected with you guys!
Much love, Courtenay