Post by Lady1Venus on Sept 16, 2009 17:39:49 GMT -5
On Aug 18 2004 - R. Peterson had the fortunate opportunity to have a one on one interview with Michael Bell famous for Lance.
Here is what Michael had to say.....
Question 1: First off, you've done a lot of voice acting in your career, both in games and cartoons and even commercials. Why did you choose to be a voice actor predominantly? What inspired you to be so prolific?
I didn't choose to be a voice actor...it was one of the avenues left for me to continue working. I got very bored with on camera work. After 50 or so episodes as the guest heavy I was anxious to break into 3 camera sitcoms. Got a couple, (Mary Tyler Moore, Diana Rigg Show, The Munsters...or something like that) and that was it. I love playing weird characters and using dialects. There was no chance of ever employing those skills the way I was being cast. Soooo, voices were the next level.......... UP! Been working at it since...over 35 years.
Question 2: How did you first become involved with videogame voice work?
Subscribing to the adage 'Chance favors the prepared mind'; I found myself amongst a very few actors, prepared to do dialects as well as create characters QUICKLY! My range for dialects was extensive and my theatre and T.V. background allowed me to jump into a role honestly and with alacrity.
Question 3: How is acting in a videogame different than say, a cartoon? Are there any special considerations for the interactive market?
Both demand the same skills, although you have to be very attractive and physically magnetic to act in the games since most of them are recorded in the nude. This is why I have been so successful at it.
(ed. As of today, I have found no photographic evidence to back up his statement, but believe me, I'm still looking)
Question 3a: Is there any appreciable difference when recording dialog for a PC game as opposed to a console (PS2, Xbox etc..) game?
No difference at all...except how I wear my hair.
Question 4: Technical limitations have forced voice acting to be a relatively new addition to gaming. What do you think having the spoken word in videogames adds to the experience, as opposed to the traditional text?
I don't play the games so I am not sure I am the one to ask that of..at..uh..to! Never mind getting to the first level, I have never been able to get Raz up on the friggin' cliff in the beginning of the game in Legacy of Kain. Poor sucker is still hopping.
(ed. I so feel your pain, Mr. Bell.)
Question 5: What is your favorite role in a videogame? I mean you've played everything from a journalist, to a security system, to a vampire. Were there any roles you didn't particularly care for?
That is the hardest question for an actor to answer publicly. It's akin to asking which of your 3 kids do you like better. Frankly, I enjoy the task of breathing life into all the roles I am fortunate enough to be cast in. I am presently playing a character on a videogame (can't disclose which one, sorry) who would feel very comfortable on Queer Eye for the Straight Guy. I am having a fabulous time doing this guy...no pun intended.
Question 5a: I know you can't say you have a favorite character, but are there any in particular that you felt you really got into and enjoyed being?
I loved doing Handy, Lazy and Grouchy Smurf, and really get off on doing Grandpa Boris and Chas. I also like doing Duke of GI Joe because he had more hair and a bigger puffy place then me.
Question 6: I noticed in your extensive resume that you are often listed as 'additional voices'. What exactly is an additional voice? Do they just call you in for a day and have you grunt into a microphone?
Grunt, moan, cry, yell, puke, fall and die...and that's before we record. Additional voices means, I have been called upon to play a minor villain who dies early or a construction worker who discovers the creature nibbling on a bridge or frozen in ice, etc…
(ed. I just wonder how many times he's been called on to do chimp sounds. After all he did start out as Glick the monkey…)
Question 7: In traditional animation the voices are usually recorded first and then the feature is animated. Is that true for games? Where in the design process does your work fit in?
Same…same. Tape the voice, then animate (unless it is a Japanese import that needs to be lip synced). The actor has the luxury of creating the character's energy and is imposed by the nature of his desire to enrich the character, adding quips, gurgles, grunts, chuckles and more. If the Producer/Writer/Director is loose and trusts his/her actor, he/she will also allow them to improvise dialogue that may color the character even more. Often, if allowed, the actor will add a signature laugh or word that will be identified with the character for ever.
Question 7a: You mentioned that since the voice acting is usually done before a character is animated, that you get to put your own special stamp on each character. Are there any improvised quips or mannerisms that you've added that have become notorious aspects of a character?
Three that I can think of: Lazy Smurf dozing off in the middle of a sentence, Chas Finster of Rugrats having a stuffed nose and Grandpa Boris of Rugrats lapsing into Yiddish when frustrated. Other then that, I usually try to embellish a role with a signature laugh or wheeze. Once I worked so hard, I wet myself. I sold those shorts to a really committed fan for big bucks.
(ed. Yeah, I got a really good deal on them too. Hee hee!)
Question 8: Which do you prefer to work on, videogames or cartoons? Why? (I should also add the options of commercials, feature films, TV… man you do everything!)
Truth? My first love is the THEATRE. Unfortunately or fortunately, I am unable to live on 2 Chiclets and a Fig Newton so I must seek some more remunerative avenues of employment. It has not been my fate to gauge a successful sit-com (My second choice) but I cannot rail against the heavens since the voice world has been especially kind to me. It's difficult to decide which is a more rewarding gig creatively...Games or Animated Cartoons. Of course, by being a regular on a well-written and successful animated series like Rugrats gives me the chance to continue to develop my 3 characters each year the show returns. How much leeway the actors are given to enrich their now familiar characters varies with each new producer and those vague figures of power in the dark tower at Paramount who the actors almost never get to meet. Guest starring on an animated show or film is similar to doing an interactive game in that you must dig deep into the same bag for all the tools to instantly create that character(s). The major difference in working on a game is that your character in the game may get slammed in one take and win in another...depending on the player and his choices and skills. This gives the actor an extra opportunity to dine on any left over scenery…burp!
Question 8a: Have I ever heard your voiceovers on documentaries on the Learning Channel? I thought i heard you once or twice, but I never got to see the credits.
Yup. Did lots of 'E! True Hollywood Stories' ( Brady Bunch, Sandra Bullock, Elizabeth Montgomery and more ) Discovery Channel, Learning Channel 'Earth's Fury series ', The History Channel and more.
(ed. Yay! I win the bet! He sounds so cool talking about volcanoes, by the way…)
Question 9: You've inhabited such a variety of characters over the years. Is it ever difficult to switch modes between lighthearted characters such as the ones on the Rugrats, and darker fare such as much of your videogame work?
Naw! Inhabiting is what I trained for and what's expected of me. Besides, who else (except the world's crazies and most politicians) get a chance to expose the dark side of their nature and get paid for it?
Question 10: In the past few years, movie and television stars have been muscling their way into voice actor's turf. Now even videogames are starting to feature the likes of David Duchovny and Ray Liotta. Why do you think they are so eager not to be seen? Do you feel threatened at all by the change?
Let's get real. They are not eager not to be seen. They are just eager to 'Work'. Above all…they are paid biiiiig bucks (unlike us comparatively invisible actors, the really talented grunts who continue to bid through auditions for a job that demand we do many voices at a hell of a lot less then da stahs get for doing just themselves), and yes I am pissed off about them even being offered that work since I do not believe for one minute that any hard-core gamester buys the games because Ray or David or any celebrity is featured voicing off. I feel the same way about those humongous Disney animated features with stars voicing the leads. I hope the failure of some of their most recent major releases with the likes of Brad Pitt, Kenneth Branagh, Kevin Kline, Demi Moore etc shows them that stars do not a successful animated feature make.
There! I feel better! Also, I wish our STARS would commit to working in the U.S. instead of Canada. That would give our American actors (and ancillary crafts and businesses) who are so desperate for work, a shot at those supporting roles that have gone North with our STARS in the past several years. Enough with the baby seal bashers already!
Bring movies and TV back to Hollywood.
Question 11: I've noticed that several Star Trek alumni have dabbled in voice work over the years. There seems to be some sort of conspiracy among the actors to all been in works together. (Gargoyles ring a bell?) I then did more research and realized that you've been in both Star Trek: The Next Generation and Deep Space Nine. Furthermore, you starred in Soul Reaver 2 with Rene Auberjonois, who of course played Odo in Deep Space Nine. Do you care to expose this conspiracy once and for all on MyGamer.com?
Tell no one what you know!
(ed. I thought he was kidding… until the black Lincoln Town Cars started showing up.)
Question 12: Ever since playing all those Smurfs do you feel as if you've been typecast to play blue characters?
I once played a large grey mucus monster in 'Inhumanoids'. Playing blue is easier, although puce would be fun.
Question 13: I've also noticed that several voice actors are all in the same productions together. Are you and Tony Jay in a club or something?
We share a locker at TUB CITY and occasionally on twofers night, we do Geritol together (but not in a bong because Tony is claustrophobic).
Question 14: The voice acting outtakes provided on the Soul Reaver disks are both hilarious and informative, but they did leave me with a few questions.
1. Did you ever get any better actually playing Soul Reaver? Personally I always get stuck about halfway through and have to call in an expert player to help me advance the story.
As I said in an earlier answer poor Raz still hasn't had a chance to use his wings. I would think that this kind of problem would create a great job opportunity for some clever entrepreneur.
Are you Lame in the Game? Sticky stuck? Can't get it up? Need action relief?
Call GAME PLUMBERS!
2. Why didn't you read all of Raziel's lines like a little old lady or a Smurf, or any of those other stunning voices?
I did in the foreign version!
3. How on earth did you get through those recording sessions? You guys seemed to be nuts all the time.
One session took so long, the talented Amy Hennig (writer, producer) had a spider web attached to her head by the time we were finished. We were never sure whether the spider wove the web during the lengthy taping or if Amy smuggled the spider into the studio in her bouffant.
(ed. Hey, that spider-bouffant rumor was disproved on that Urban Legends show…wasn't it?)
4. I've heard rumors that you once read one of Raziel's monologs in the voice of Grouchy Smurf? Is this true, and if so, do any copies exist?
They are in a safe with the lost C.H.I.P.S tapes.
Question 15: Has there ever been a line that has been so silly that you just haven't been able to say it?
Once, when Prowl (Transformers ) thought some of his parts were getting rusty and he asked Optimus Prime to give him a lube job.
(ed. … … …oh dear…)
This article was found at mygamer.com
Here is what Michael had to say.....
Question 1: First off, you've done a lot of voice acting in your career, both in games and cartoons and even commercials. Why did you choose to be a voice actor predominantly? What inspired you to be so prolific?
I didn't choose to be a voice actor...it was one of the avenues left for me to continue working. I got very bored with on camera work. After 50 or so episodes as the guest heavy I was anxious to break into 3 camera sitcoms. Got a couple, (Mary Tyler Moore, Diana Rigg Show, The Munsters...or something like that) and that was it. I love playing weird characters and using dialects. There was no chance of ever employing those skills the way I was being cast. Soooo, voices were the next level.......... UP! Been working at it since...over 35 years.
Question 2: How did you first become involved with videogame voice work?
Subscribing to the adage 'Chance favors the prepared mind'; I found myself amongst a very few actors, prepared to do dialects as well as create characters QUICKLY! My range for dialects was extensive and my theatre and T.V. background allowed me to jump into a role honestly and with alacrity.
Question 3: How is acting in a videogame different than say, a cartoon? Are there any special considerations for the interactive market?
Both demand the same skills, although you have to be very attractive and physically magnetic to act in the games since most of them are recorded in the nude. This is why I have been so successful at it.
(ed. As of today, I have found no photographic evidence to back up his statement, but believe me, I'm still looking)
Question 3a: Is there any appreciable difference when recording dialog for a PC game as opposed to a console (PS2, Xbox etc..) game?
No difference at all...except how I wear my hair.
Question 4: Technical limitations have forced voice acting to be a relatively new addition to gaming. What do you think having the spoken word in videogames adds to the experience, as opposed to the traditional text?
I don't play the games so I am not sure I am the one to ask that of..at..uh..to! Never mind getting to the first level, I have never been able to get Raz up on the friggin' cliff in the beginning of the game in Legacy of Kain. Poor sucker is still hopping.
(ed. I so feel your pain, Mr. Bell.)
Question 5: What is your favorite role in a videogame? I mean you've played everything from a journalist, to a security system, to a vampire. Were there any roles you didn't particularly care for?
That is the hardest question for an actor to answer publicly. It's akin to asking which of your 3 kids do you like better. Frankly, I enjoy the task of breathing life into all the roles I am fortunate enough to be cast in. I am presently playing a character on a videogame (can't disclose which one, sorry) who would feel very comfortable on Queer Eye for the Straight Guy. I am having a fabulous time doing this guy...no pun intended.
Question 5a: I know you can't say you have a favorite character, but are there any in particular that you felt you really got into and enjoyed being?
I loved doing Handy, Lazy and Grouchy Smurf, and really get off on doing Grandpa Boris and Chas. I also like doing Duke of GI Joe because he had more hair and a bigger puffy place then me.
Question 6: I noticed in your extensive resume that you are often listed as 'additional voices'. What exactly is an additional voice? Do they just call you in for a day and have you grunt into a microphone?
Grunt, moan, cry, yell, puke, fall and die...and that's before we record. Additional voices means, I have been called upon to play a minor villain who dies early or a construction worker who discovers the creature nibbling on a bridge or frozen in ice, etc…
(ed. I just wonder how many times he's been called on to do chimp sounds. After all he did start out as Glick the monkey…)
Question 7: In traditional animation the voices are usually recorded first and then the feature is animated. Is that true for games? Where in the design process does your work fit in?
Same…same. Tape the voice, then animate (unless it is a Japanese import that needs to be lip synced). The actor has the luxury of creating the character's energy and is imposed by the nature of his desire to enrich the character, adding quips, gurgles, grunts, chuckles and more. If the Producer/Writer/Director is loose and trusts his/her actor, he/she will also allow them to improvise dialogue that may color the character even more. Often, if allowed, the actor will add a signature laugh or word that will be identified with the character for ever.
Question 7a: You mentioned that since the voice acting is usually done before a character is animated, that you get to put your own special stamp on each character. Are there any improvised quips or mannerisms that you've added that have become notorious aspects of a character?
Three that I can think of: Lazy Smurf dozing off in the middle of a sentence, Chas Finster of Rugrats having a stuffed nose and Grandpa Boris of Rugrats lapsing into Yiddish when frustrated. Other then that, I usually try to embellish a role with a signature laugh or wheeze. Once I worked so hard, I wet myself. I sold those shorts to a really committed fan for big bucks.
(ed. Yeah, I got a really good deal on them too. Hee hee!)
Question 8: Which do you prefer to work on, videogames or cartoons? Why? (I should also add the options of commercials, feature films, TV… man you do everything!)
Truth? My first love is the THEATRE. Unfortunately or fortunately, I am unable to live on 2 Chiclets and a Fig Newton so I must seek some more remunerative avenues of employment. It has not been my fate to gauge a successful sit-com (My second choice) but I cannot rail against the heavens since the voice world has been especially kind to me. It's difficult to decide which is a more rewarding gig creatively...Games or Animated Cartoons. Of course, by being a regular on a well-written and successful animated series like Rugrats gives me the chance to continue to develop my 3 characters each year the show returns. How much leeway the actors are given to enrich their now familiar characters varies with each new producer and those vague figures of power in the dark tower at Paramount who the actors almost never get to meet. Guest starring on an animated show or film is similar to doing an interactive game in that you must dig deep into the same bag for all the tools to instantly create that character(s). The major difference in working on a game is that your character in the game may get slammed in one take and win in another...depending on the player and his choices and skills. This gives the actor an extra opportunity to dine on any left over scenery…burp!
Question 8a: Have I ever heard your voiceovers on documentaries on the Learning Channel? I thought i heard you once or twice, but I never got to see the credits.
Yup. Did lots of 'E! True Hollywood Stories' ( Brady Bunch, Sandra Bullock, Elizabeth Montgomery and more ) Discovery Channel, Learning Channel 'Earth's Fury series ', The History Channel and more.
(ed. Yay! I win the bet! He sounds so cool talking about volcanoes, by the way…)
Question 9: You've inhabited such a variety of characters over the years. Is it ever difficult to switch modes between lighthearted characters such as the ones on the Rugrats, and darker fare such as much of your videogame work?
Naw! Inhabiting is what I trained for and what's expected of me. Besides, who else (except the world's crazies and most politicians) get a chance to expose the dark side of their nature and get paid for it?
Question 10: In the past few years, movie and television stars have been muscling their way into voice actor's turf. Now even videogames are starting to feature the likes of David Duchovny and Ray Liotta. Why do you think they are so eager not to be seen? Do you feel threatened at all by the change?
Let's get real. They are not eager not to be seen. They are just eager to 'Work'. Above all…they are paid biiiiig bucks (unlike us comparatively invisible actors, the really talented grunts who continue to bid through auditions for a job that demand we do many voices at a hell of a lot less then da stahs get for doing just themselves), and yes I am pissed off about them even being offered that work since I do not believe for one minute that any hard-core gamester buys the games because Ray or David or any celebrity is featured voicing off. I feel the same way about those humongous Disney animated features with stars voicing the leads. I hope the failure of some of their most recent major releases with the likes of Brad Pitt, Kenneth Branagh, Kevin Kline, Demi Moore etc shows them that stars do not a successful animated feature make.
There! I feel better! Also, I wish our STARS would commit to working in the U.S. instead of Canada. That would give our American actors (and ancillary crafts and businesses) who are so desperate for work, a shot at those supporting roles that have gone North with our STARS in the past several years. Enough with the baby seal bashers already!
Bring movies and TV back to Hollywood.
Question 11: I've noticed that several Star Trek alumni have dabbled in voice work over the years. There seems to be some sort of conspiracy among the actors to all been in works together. (Gargoyles ring a bell?) I then did more research and realized that you've been in both Star Trek: The Next Generation and Deep Space Nine. Furthermore, you starred in Soul Reaver 2 with Rene Auberjonois, who of course played Odo in Deep Space Nine. Do you care to expose this conspiracy once and for all on MyGamer.com?
Tell no one what you know!
(ed. I thought he was kidding… until the black Lincoln Town Cars started showing up.)
Question 12: Ever since playing all those Smurfs do you feel as if you've been typecast to play blue characters?
I once played a large grey mucus monster in 'Inhumanoids'. Playing blue is easier, although puce would be fun.
Question 13: I've also noticed that several voice actors are all in the same productions together. Are you and Tony Jay in a club or something?
We share a locker at TUB CITY and occasionally on twofers night, we do Geritol together (but not in a bong because Tony is claustrophobic).
Question 14: The voice acting outtakes provided on the Soul Reaver disks are both hilarious and informative, but they did leave me with a few questions.
1. Did you ever get any better actually playing Soul Reaver? Personally I always get stuck about halfway through and have to call in an expert player to help me advance the story.
As I said in an earlier answer poor Raz still hasn't had a chance to use his wings. I would think that this kind of problem would create a great job opportunity for some clever entrepreneur.
Are you Lame in the Game? Sticky stuck? Can't get it up? Need action relief?
Call GAME PLUMBERS!
2. Why didn't you read all of Raziel's lines like a little old lady or a Smurf, or any of those other stunning voices?
I did in the foreign version!
3. How on earth did you get through those recording sessions? You guys seemed to be nuts all the time.
One session took so long, the talented Amy Hennig (writer, producer) had a spider web attached to her head by the time we were finished. We were never sure whether the spider wove the web during the lengthy taping or if Amy smuggled the spider into the studio in her bouffant.
(ed. Hey, that spider-bouffant rumor was disproved on that Urban Legends show…wasn't it?)
4. I've heard rumors that you once read one of Raziel's monologs in the voice of Grouchy Smurf? Is this true, and if so, do any copies exist?
They are in a safe with the lost C.H.I.P.S tapes.
Question 15: Has there ever been a line that has been so silly that you just haven't been able to say it?
Once, when Prowl (Transformers ) thought some of his parts were getting rusty and he asked Optimus Prime to give him a lube job.
(ed. … … …oh dear…)
This article was found at mygamer.com