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: the solid steel backbone of Viper Network, Zara. Or more accurately, the outrageously good fun to be around Alana Maria.
Q&A: Alana Maria
Rare: Can you give us some background on yourself and how you got into videogame acting?
Alana Maria: I was born in New Orleans, Louisiana and raised in Detroit, Michigan. I’ve been in the entertainment industry in one form or another since the age of 12 and have always had the full support of my family. I got into video game work a little over a year ago simply because my voice fit the look of the character.
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?
AM: This was actually the second game I’ve worked on that required motion capture and I have to say, I am TOTALLY addicted to putting on that horrible body-hugging velcro suit! Even though it makes you feel like sausage meat being squeezed into its skin, that suit is somehow very liberating. LOL – seriously!
Rare: Where are gamers and non-gamers most likely to have seen (or heard) your work before?
AM: Some gamers might recognize me as the voice of Tisha in Far Cry 3. Non-gamers who like to hit up the clubs and dance to classic house music might recognize me for my work with American house music producer MK. Billed as MK featuring ALANA we hit #1 twice in the US Billboard Hot Dance Music/Club Play Chart with our singles Always and Love Changes.
Rare: How would you describe your character in Kinect Sports Rivals, and why do you think people should sign up for her team?
AM: I would describe Zara as a no-nonsense FIERCE GLAM DIVA! A word of advice: you should only sign up for her team if you are seriously talented and focused on winning. Walk in the door with your head already in the game as she’s got no time to give the positive pep talk. Join Viper Network with your eye on the prize or don’t join at all!
Rare: Did you have a particular favourite scene to shoot on the day?
AM: I had a fantastic time shooting EVERY scene so I don’t really have a favourite. The team made work feel more like play and we had plenty of laughs. The highlight, though, was working with Kyle Soller who played Max and made the whole day a barrel of fun. Aaah, good times!
About Zara
Viper Network’s Captain didn’t reach her position by making friends. Her rise to power was meteoric, each victory leaving her opponents hopelessly outclassed. Failures are forced to endure her withering disapproval. Zara’s tactics may be ruthless but her results speak for themselves, and Viper Network has risen exponentially under her unwavering hand. She’s their star athlete and rock-solid figurehead, operating alongside publicity-shy CEO and stone cold tech genius Max.
Team: Viper Network
Role: Captain
Favourite sport: Target Shooting
Personality: Imposing, coolly alluring, unshakably self-confident
Interests: Modelling, bareback riding, winning
Most likely to… bend the rules to breaking point
Least likely to… quietly accept defeat and move on
Soundbite: “Outgunned and outclassed. So. What’s your next move?”
Look out for the full game coming your way in April!
With thanks to Alana, and also to the team at Side.