VAM 118 | Interview with America Young, Part 2
Welcome to episode 118 of the Voice Acting Mastery podcast with yours truly, Crispin Freeman!
As always, you can listen to the podcast using the player above, or download the mp3 using the link at the bottom of this blog post. The podcast is also available via the iTunes Store online. Just follow this link to view the podcast in iTunes:
http://www.voiceactingmastery.com/podcast
Welcome to the second part of my interview with the multi-talented America Young! America has had experience in almost every aspect of performing! She’s worked on-camera, as a voice actor, as a stunt performer and most importantly for our conversation, as a motion capture actress in video games! I was eager to talk to America so she could share her insight with us about what it takes to succeed in the developing world of motion capture.
We begin our discussion in this episode by defining what motion capture is and how it differs from performance capture. We then explore how America’s background in acting and stunt work helped her when she had the opportunity to audition to be a motion capture actress for a Spiderman game. After that, we go into detail about some of the most common practices in motion capture and what you can expect when when find yourself on a motion capture stage.
America has a wealth of information to share so listen closely! You’ll learn how important it is to have a solid background in acting before attempting to perform as a physical character in video games!
Download Voice Acting Mastery Episode #118 Here (MP3)
In looking into America’s site, I found a link to another podcast, Cast of Characters, that also surrounds voice acting.
There was also a discussion between the hosts, John Rocha, Yuri Lowenthal, and guest Josh Keaton, and they also discussed performance capture. At around the 32 minute mark, they went into how there is a trend of casting towards “finding people who look like the role” instead of just the solid acting ability. Have you also seen this trend in your experiences?
I found it interesting that she uses athletics as a foundation in her movements in her performances. Granted, if she’s doing a superhero, it’s vitally important she walks knowing all of her muscles and how they move versus just being a normal teenager lazing around the couch.
The 32 cameras comment also struck me because even in TV or theatre, There’s usually only 1 camera per se that’s capturing all the movement. With the 32 at all different points, that must be freeing to know that you can move and do what you need to do rather than subconsciously wondering if you’re “open” to the audience at all times. Must also help with getting into and staying in character.
Very interesting nuggets of info! Can’t wait for the next one~