While casting and recording for Kinect Sports Rivals throughout 2013, we got the chance to work with some highly talented, extremely versatile and occasionally hilarious acting talent. And it wasn’t confined to the voiceover booth: for KSR‘s team and training cutscenes we decided that full performance capture was the only way to go.
So we hauled our actors down to Shepperton Studios, stuck them in bodysuits and headcams, and let the magic happen. Then we got them to answer a few quick questions so that we could introduce you to the fine people behind the characters (in the English-language version, at least).
This week: Eagle Legion’s sassy second-in-command and foil to her team captain’s angst, Carmen. Or more accurately, the very charming Kosha Engler.
Q&A: Kosha Engler
Rare: Can you give us some background on yourself and how you got into videogame acting?
Kosha Engler: I’m originally from Maryland, USA and came to London in 2005. I was trained in theatre and had done some TV, film and radio.
I got into video games in 2008 – I was in a play at The King’s Head Theatre and the sound designer was Mark Estdale, who also ran Outsource Media UK. He auditioned me for the lead in my first game and I got it.
Rare: Was this your first experience of performance capture? If so, how was it? If not, are you worried that you’re starting to like the suit?
KE: No. I first did performance capture when I played Claire in Crysis 3, also with the Centroid (motion capture studio) guys. Except for the Lycra, masses of kit and all the cameras, the performance was a lot like theatre. You use full voice, you move as if on stage, you play on a bare set with other actors and it’s all filmed at the same time. As for the suit – well, it shows your religion so I avoid carbs at lunch.
Rare: Where are gamers and non-gamers most likely to have seen (or heard) your work before?
KE: Crysis 3, which is my likeness, voice and movement, and Remember Me, in which I play the assassin Olga Sedova (also mocap). I also voice the latest Maybelline UK TV ads.
Rare: How would you describe your character in Kinect Sports Rivals, and why do you think people should sign up for her team?
KE: I play Carmen of the Eagle Legion. She’s the fun-loving, sassy star athlete who enjoys teasing her team captain, Blake. People should sign up because the Eagles are top athletes and embody honor and fair play. And because Carmen is cool.
Rare: Did you have a particular favourite scene to shoot on the day?
KE: The outro of the scene when the player qualifies for our team. It was super high energy and the actor playing Blake, Nick Barber, was hilarious in his all-American enthusiasm on the line “Man, this gets me so stoked!”
About Carmen
The equal of Blake’s natural sporting talent couched in an attitude that’s far more fun-loving and laid-back. Carmen shakes up her captain’s world in a way that keeps his perspective in check, and gets away with backchat that treads the line of insubordination by delivering win after win for the team without breaking a sweat. She doesn’t question Blake’s effectiveness as captain, but she also sees it as her solemn – and entertaining – duty to keep him firmly grounded.
Team: Eagle Legion
Role: Second-in-command
Favourite sport: Wake Racing
Personality: Smart, irreverent and effortlessly capable
Interests: B-movies, art (caricature), animal welfare
Most likely to… deflate unnecessary melodrama
Least likely to… get a stress headache
Soundbite: “I like how you do things, hombre. Our reputation is red hot!”
Look out for the full game coming your way in April!
With thanks to Kosha, and also to the team at Side.