Hey everyone,
Gameplay, mechanics, and art direction are all crucial to game development, but the contribution of stellar voice acting often goes unnoticed. Perhaps that’s intentional! The best voice acting blends into the overall soundscape of a game, helps set the scene, and brings characters to life. Voice acting that makes itself obvious can ruin immersion.
How do we bring Lord Winklebottom Investigates’ characters to life, and what do our voice actors have to say about their profession?
We’re shining a spotlight on one such incredible actress, Sally Beaumont, the talented voice behind numerous stars of Lord Winklebottom Investigates. Here’s what she had to say.
How long have you been voice acting? How did it all start?
I’d probably say I’ve been voice acting since I could speak. Realising it was a real job happened in my late teens, and I have been hooked ever since. I trained at University, and acting was all about transformation. When I learned how to use the studio there, I was able to transform even more!
Which Lord Winklebottom Investigates characters did you voice?
I’m Dame Celia, Beryl the Maid, and another TOP SECRET role. You’ll have to play the game to meet her.
Which one was the most fun and challenging to record and why?
Oh gosh. Dame Celia is an absolute hoot! We pushed her flamboyance about as far as it could go! Beryl is also a fabulous role. I love Agatha Christie maids, the type who drop the tea tray and screech when they discover the body, so Beryl was wonderful fun. It’s such a lively, well-written script that the characters kind of sprang out of me.
What's it like working on Lord Winklebottom Investigates?
Honestly? Absolute joy. I love the concept and am an avid Conan Doyle fan, so I was keen to play a suspect. The comedy references it makes speak to me- Carry On films, Fawlty Towers, Round The Horn. The team are smashing, too. They know exactly what they want from the voices, which makes life much easier. Oh, and they laugh at my ridiculous performances, encouraging me to go even further!
Can you tell me a little bit about your all-time favourite projects?
It’s usually whatever I’m working on right now—I love the process of getting to know a new character. I loved working on Bertram Fiddle 2; it clicked with me how much I wanted to work in adventure games. Aye Fair Lady was also a pivotal moment, Charlotte Gore encouraged me to be very silly, and it’s the role many people remember me from. Oh, and Carlata from Mutropolis. She’s a lot like me, and I love that she’s this funny, complicated woman who gets underestimated a lot. I think a lot of actresses would get that!
What's the best part about voice acting?
Joke answer: working in my pyjamas (actually, no, maybe I’m not joking).
Real answer: I get to work on lots of different things at once, many different challenges, and I get to be part of a team that makes magic happen. I think games can be magic, especially for players.
What is the biggest challenge of your job?
I think the feast/famine nature of the job is really tough—not just on your finances and energy levels but your self-esteem too. Having work dry up can leave you feeling like you’re all washed up, and then the next week, you’re overwhelmed. So I try to have personal and professional goals that aren’t in the hands of others. I can take care of my voice, feed my creativity, and support the VA community. That all helps.
How do you bring a character to life?
It varies depending on the role, but often I find out what that character finds funny. Sometimes a laugh will make a character click. I like to listen to people generally and try to bring real intonations I’ve heard to a role. It’s kind of alchemical sometimes. You’ll do a take, and the developer will make eye contact, and you’ll both feel it—that’s the character.
What does successful voice acting sound like to you?
It doesn’t sound like anything! What I mean is, if you’re thinking, “cor! That’s some good voice acting!” then that isn’t good. It’s pulling you out of the story. It should feel effortless, right. Good voice acting follows the overall goals of the game developer whilst bringing a little extra something that’s unique to the performer.
Which character voice are you most excited about? Why? Leave a comment below and let us know!
More from Sally Beaumont: