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: willowy Wolf Clan leader-in-training, Eve. Or more accurately, the marvellous and ever-enthusiastic Chipo Chung.
Q&A: Chipo Chung
Rare: Can you give us some background on yourself and how you got into videogame acting?
Chipo Chung: The game I’ve spent the most time playing has been Pac-Man, the old-school arcade version, but on my computer. My record was thirteen hours straight, and I was stark raving bonkers by the end of it. Working on CG is obviously a total different level. And I’m psyched about it, coz post-Lord of the Rings and Avatar, it may be the way acting goes in the future, so I’m excited to be in the first wave of actors learning the technology.
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?
CC: My first experience was a workshop with Andy Serkis, who obviously is the hero of the form. The CG figures weren’t fully functional, and he was making us create physically extreme characters. I got very confused and my character looked pretty silly. This time round, I loved it and understood it better. I was boogying and dancing throughout the shoot, coz I liked to see how my CG character moved. I liked shaking my booty.
And yes, I am worried I’m going to start liking the suit. I would love to do more facial capture, because that’s what compelled me about Gollum – seeing the human soul behind the animation.
Rare: Where are gamers and non-gamers most likely to have seen (or heard) your work before?
CC: I place gamers in the same general category as sci-fi fanatics, so I’d say my work on Doctor Who and on Sunshine is where they may have come across my name. My Who character Chantho was a different kind of puppet coz I was under tonnes of prosthetics with an animatronic motor on my head – she was the best mask ever. Can’t wait to see how my character comes to life in this game.
Rare: How would you describe your character in Kinect Sports Rivals, and why do you think people should sign up for her team?
CC: I liked my character because she was a revolutionary. I know it’s just a game, but she was grounded in truth. It is up to the younger generation to teach the older and that’s what she’s doing with her dad. She definitely grows into a charismatic leader, and she kicks ass!
Rare: Did you have a particular favourite scene to shoot on the day?
CC: I loved the entire shoot, especially working with James, the guy playing my dad – he had the most amazing voice, he cracked me up. It’s always the outtakes that are the most fun, but I don’t suppose you’ll see those in the game!
(All) About Eve
Eve’s days of roaming the island, living wild and carefree are all but over; now she strives to match her father’s pace as destiny and duty bring her the challenge of leadership. She feels the clan bond as strongly as any Wolf, her skills growing by the day as she wields them with a bright-eyed determination to make her father and Wolf Clan family proud… but by her own rules. With the wisdom and experience from her travels, Eve will trigger the evolution that could never happen on Vargu’s watch.
Team: Wolf Clan
Role: Second-in-command
Favourite sport: Tennis
Personality: Friendly and energetic, eager to improve, wears her heart on her sleeve
Interests: Trekking, acrobatics, Wolf Clan party DJing
Most likely to… vanish into the wilderness for days
Least likely to… apply for a desk job
Soundbite: “Your path to us was fated. The trials ahead, you feel in your blood we should face together!”
Look out for the full game coming your way in April!
With thanks to Chipo, and also to the team at Side.