Saturday 21 November 2009

DEE BRADLEY BAKER: FROM CLONES TO QUEEN KARNIA

You've voiced all the clone troopers and quite a few creatures in The Clone Wars. Which types of voices offer more of an interesting challenge for you as an actor?

In a way these clones are the most normal thing I've ever done. They're completely straight ahead, above board, human characters. And that for me is an unusual project. When you look at the stuff I've done, I tend to do things that are just completely out there, or not even human in any way. So that's what I'm kind of used to doing even though it's just odd to do.

For me it's unusual to do something normal, and that's what the clones are. I like the clones because it's more straightforward acting. They're good soldiers, they're smart and competent, and yet each one is a little different. They have foibles. Some are less experienced, some are gruffer and some are turncoats. To make these guys a little bit different, and yet feel real and the same, is a real interesting and fun challenge.

That said, I really like doing the bizarre stuff like the Geonosian queen who emerges from the catacombs. There's a real thrill to doing something that's so bizarre and inhuman that's very gratifying.

How did you approach creating the voice for Queen Karina?

I have a lot of experience with doing enough weird things with my voice that I'm good at walking in, seeing some images of the character or creature, having it explained it to me, and then trying a few things that they like. In this case, they weren't really sure what they were going to do with it, so Dave Filoni threw it to me and gave me a shot at it. He told me what she's like, what she's feeling and the tone of the scene, and I came up with this crazed, kind of frightening and yet authoritative type of voice. He liked my first take right away. And a lot of what you hear in the episode is my first run at it. I also added in some screams to give it more realism.



It was interesting that you gave the queen a scratchy, horror-type voice instead of the traditional voice like Queen Elizabeth.

It's definitely more Ridley Scott. However, I don't know if Queen Elizabeth sounds like that when she screams. (laughs)

Why do you think fans will really enjoy the "Legacy of Terror" episode?

This is a really unique episode. The creative team of The Clone Wars is confident enough to tell different kinds of stories. It's not all just the politics of war, but you get these side stories that have their own flavor and feel that are very different from the other stuff they've put out. It's like a little experiment and detour. This story is not the typical Star Wars stuff that you've seen. It's got elements of horror in it that are unusual, and it's really cool.

Zombies are definitely popular right now, so it's fun to see The Clone Wars explore that genre. But the episode also has a lot of humor in it as well.

That's a really smart storytelling device. With Obi-Wan's light-hearted scientific take on what's happening, it lets the viewer know they don't need to get too freaked out. Obi-Wan's not afraid that everyone is going to die and he'll find a way to solve this, which is important because a number of these episodes in the new season are very intense and it's good to have a character that reminds us that everything is going to be all right.

Speaking of zombies, according to your extensive list of credits on IMDB.com, you voiced the zombies in Dawn of the Dead. How does one go about making the perfect zombie sound?

What a great movie! I got to work with director Zack Snyder when I did the ADR on the zombies. The zombie who gets a broom to the back of the head -- that was me. There was another zombie where his bottom half was torn off and he was crawling along the ceiling -- that was me. I did a number of zombies.

When I do these zombie sounds, I look first at what's happening on the screen and go from there. There are so many great zombie movies out now that are scary like Dawn of the Dead, and funny like Shaun of the Dead, and sometimes really moving like 28 Days Later. I'm also a big fan of the classic George Romero zombie films.

As a kid, were you really into monster and horror movies?

On Saturdays, I would watch Science Fiction Theater which you'd see a lot of vampires and werewolves and a lot of monster movies. I really liked Godzilla and worshiped Planet of the Apes. The first adult horror movie I ever saw, which has a lot of similarities in this episode, was Alien. I was into Hammer horror films and monster movies. And once the '80s hit with The Thing, American Werewolf in London, and Scanners, I was all over those. They remain as some of my favorite movies to this day.

There's not a lot of monster and horror movies out there that seem edgy enough for adults but still somewhat safe for kids without being hokey.

I think that's what is unique about The Clone Wars. I'm a dad and I watch it with my 9-year-old. There's really not a lot of shows you can watch as a grown-up with your kids and gladly do it. This is actually one. They're well-written, interesting and a lot of cool ideas come out with every episode. It's a story that's actually about something.



Who is your favorite character to voice on The Clone Wars so far?
In "Hostage Crisis," there was this bounty hunter special ops guy named Robonino. He doesn't sound human, just a bizarre little creature. But I like Queen Karina too. Also, I find that the clone who goes in a different direction always has a special place in my heart.

On your Twitter, you often let fans know what you've recorded for the day. It's pretty impressive to see your lineup of characters you're expected to come up with in one session. One day included you voicing a raccoon, a prairie dog, a squirrel, a vulture, a turkey, a hawk, a bear, a tin superhero, two giant monsters and two surfer dudes. That sounds like the best show ever!

What's cool about doing voice overs is that you can be on a show that has all those things. I think that day it was a movie where I was asked to do realistic animal sounds. Another was a Batman: Brave and the Bold episode where I did a creature sound. Finally, at the end of the day it was a Fairly Odd Parents episode that needed a giant tentacled monster that was devouring the world.

Are all these creature and character sounds already in your head or do you ever have to research sounds to build up your skill set?

I think because I watched so many monster movies all along I have a lot of ideas in my head -- not necessarily about the sound but about what the creature seems like. If I have that feel of what it seems like in my head then I can bring something up that will match that. I've been doing these sounds for over 15 years, so I know where to go into my head to pull out a certain sound. It's almost like a motor muscle memory where these sounds are.

You must be the best bedtime storyteller ever!

Actually, my daughter only recently let me do voices when I read to her. Before that she just wanted me to speak in my own voice. She's changed her mind now that we're reading The Lord of the Rings and I do all the voices.

When you're in the grocery store, are you ever tempted to make Rancor noises when you're in line?

Actually, when I'm in the produce section of my grocery store, there's a guy who works there who's a showoff like I am and he'll start making animal sounds, so I'll make animal sounds back. And we'll do that back and forth while I'm shopping for groceries. But in most cases, I give my voice a rest.

Friday 13 November 2009

MEREDITH SALENGER AS BARRISS OFFEE

First, how did you find yourself voicing "Dependable Barriss," as Ahsoka calls her, in the Clone Wars series?

Although I started acting in film when I was only 10 years old, I never even knew about voice-over acting until three years ago. I was so thrilled once I finally understood how the whole voice-over thing works and started loving playing animated characters! I also have been obsessed with accents and foreign languages since I was little...and always practiced my English accent and my Australian accent incessantly. So when the audition came up for Barriss Offee I was ready to put my skills to use! And I feel so grateful to be part of the cast and more importantly the Star Wars universe!

So far, our exposure to Padawans in The Clone Wars has been pretty much limited to Ahsoka. In "Weapons Factory," we get a rare glimpse of the relationship between a different master and apprentice. How would you compare the Barriss/Luminara relationship to that of Ahsoka/Anakin?

Well, Barris Offee's Jedi Master is Luminara Unduli who is very by the book and ordered. As her loyal student, Barriss tends to be just as ordered in her approach to dealing with situations. There is a great amount of respect that Barriss affords Luminara. She is definitely her subordinate and their relationship is very formal. Whereas, there is a lot of familiarity between Ahsoka and Anakin. He even calls her by a cute nickname, "Snips." I think he allows her to give a lot of input. I don't think Barriss would ever presume to tell Luminara what she thought was best. However, I think that the more time Barriss spends with Ahsoka -- she learns to improvise a bit more and trust her own instincts as opposed to always having to follow the rules exactly.



What do you feel Barriss needs to learn before becoming a Jedi Knight?

Well as we find Barriss in her first episode, she already displays a lot of the core values of being a Jedi: she respects her master, she is always ready to increase her knowledge and continue her training, she defends and protects the good of the galaxy, she even has healing powers. I think the main thing she is learning is to trust her personal instincts and let the Force work through her. And not worry so much about doing things the "right way." A Jedi has to have the confidence and the courage to act, and that is how Barriss will grow the longer she is in training. I think she has the skill and is gaining the knowledge -- she just needs to trust the spirit.

Do you know if we'll see more of Barriss as the season unfolds?

There are definitely some very interesting scenes coming up with Barriss that will surprise a lot of people. I of course keep envisioning a best friends side story scenario between Ahsoka and Barriss...like Bettty and Veronica but not adversarial! Just for fun!

Saturday 7 November 2009

NEW LOOK

The site will be undergoing a new look. So be warned!

STAR WARS: THE CLONE WARS - THE ACTION FIGURE SERIES AUDITIONS

Auditions for 'Star Wars: The Clone Wars - The Action Figure Series Auditions' will end on December 1st! If you would like to audition please add a video response to the video bellow:


For more information please visit, http://swcwactionfigureseries.blogspot.com/

BARRISS OFFEE

Before she appears in 'The Clone Wars' here are some pictures and need to know facts on Barriss Offee!



A loyal Padawan paired with Jedi Master Luminara Unduli, Barriss Offee stayed close to her mentor's side whether during important meetings with the Supreme Chancellor, or in the thick of combat during the outbreak of the Clone Wars.



Difference from the 2003 Series from the present one.

Wednesday 4 November 2009

OMG! OMG! OMG! OMG! OMG! OMG! OMG! OMG! OMG! OMG! OMG! OMG! OMG! OMG! OMG! BARRISS OFFEE!!!!!!!!!!

LANDING AT POINT RAIN SCRIPT

At the recent Star Wars Fan Days III convention near Dallas, supervising director Dave Filoni reunited most of the cast of The Clone Wars for a table read of a script specially prepared for the event.
Since this script serves as a prelude to "Landing at Point Rain," the next episode of The Clone Wars, we are making it available here for you to read.

You'll have to supply your own actors.



EST. SHOT CORUSCANT - JEDI TEMPLE EXT - DAY

Traffic buzzes past the towers as we push in on the temple

INT JEDI TEMPLE - HALLWAY - DAY

Obi-Wan and Ahsoka greet Padmé and Anakin in the hallway towards the Jedi war room.


OBI-WAN

It's good to see you up and about again, Padmé. Congratulations on the success of your mission.

PADMÉ

Thank you, General Kenobi. Of course the mission would have failed had Anakin -- I mean General Skywalker -- not accompanied me.

OBI-WAN

Yes, well, you're too kind. We all know you were the one taking the risk.

ANAKIN

Hey, I was taking risks.

OBI-WAN

Of course you were, Anakin. The question is how many of them were unnecessary?

AHSOKA

Well, he was only gone a day or two, so I'd guess fifty percent were unnecessary.

OBI-WAN

That's right, I forgot I asked you to start keeping track.

ANAKIN

Ignore them, Padmé, they don't realize no one else finds this funny.

PADMÉ

Actually, it's quite entertaining.

OBI-WAN

You see, Anakin!

ANAKIN

Go ahead, laugh it up, but in the end the risks BOTH of us took paid off. Lott Dod, is a traitor; everything the Jedi have been reporting about the Trade Federation and the Banking Clan is true.

OBI-WAN

And I'm certain that you never let your emotional involvement get the better of you and you brought back proof of these claims?

ANAKIN

Proof?!! Padmé was poisoned what further proof do we need!

OBI-WAN

Anakin, if the Senate or the Chancellor were willing to act based solely on the word of the Jedi, then the corporations would have been put to trial years ago.

PADMÉ

He's right, Anakin. I've seen the accusations against the Trade Federation come up in the Senate and they always fall on deaf ears. We couldn't even convict Gunray after he invaded Naboo.

ANAKIN

But Clovis admitted everything!

OBI-WAN

So naturally you took him into custody? But, no wait, you did the exact opposite of that. You left him on Cato Neimoidia!

ANAKIN

I had no choice.

OBI-WAN

I want to believe you. I really do, but sometimes, Anakin, you place your feelings ahead of the mission, and I'm afraid in this case--

PADMÉ

I'm afraid in this case Anakin might have put my safety and our friendship ahead of the mission, yes. But Obi-wan, I cannot believe, as Anakin's mentor, if put in his place you would not have done the same. After all, we are all friends are we not?

OBI-WAN

Well, yes, I guess you're right.

They all pause and smile at their odd argument

OBI-WAN

Come along now, we can not keep Master Yoda waiting. It's time to see what the Council has decided to do about the revolt on Geonosis and the new droid foundries there.

They all start to walk towards the war room, Ahsoka walks along side Padmé

AHSOKA

You're really good at defusing those two. You have to teach me your methods

PADMÉ

Most of the time I defeat them with common sense. That's your best weapon

They enter the war room where they find Master Yoda and Plo Koon waiting for them, a hologram of the planet Geonosis looms above him, and another smaller planet is on the display screens along the walls.

YODA

Welcome back from your mission, Senator. More successful than we hoped, you were.

PADMÉ

I only hope we discovered this plot in time

YODA

Perhaps answer your question, this transmission from Captain Rex can.

Yoda plays a hologram transmission from Captain Rex who went ahead to scout Geonosis.

REX

This is Captain Rex, 501st recon mission to Geonosis. Upon arrival in orbit we were unable to establish any communication with the clones on the surface. A preliminary scan indicated massive construction in both the northern and southern hemispheres of the planet. There appear to be several droid factories which are already operational, and many more in the final phases of construction. This goes far beyond a simple revolt, we are looking at a full scale invasion of the planet if we want to take it back. I shall provide a further break down of the planet's defenses that we scanned when my mission is complete. Rex out.

The room is quiet.

OBI-WAN

Looks like we're going back to Geonosis.

ANAKIN

Great.

YODA

Not you, Skywalker. Master Plo Koon has a different mission for you.

PLO KOON

The planet Dorin has been attacked by Grievous. Because of Dorin's orientation between two nearby black holes, we'll need your expert space combat tactics to help guide the command ships and fighter squadrons.

ANAKIN

Of course, Master Plo. Whatever I can do to help

YODA

Kenobi, with you shall go Master Mundi and Master Luminara. Skywalker and Master Plo Koon shall aid you, if successful on Dorin they are.

OBI-WAN

Good, we'll need whatever ships of the fleet can be spared. As Captain Rex said, this will be a full scale planetary invasion. We're settling the score on Geonosis once and for all.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

INT. SEPARATIST FRIGATE COMMAND BRIDGE

Grievous sits on his command ship witnessing the devastation his army has inflicted on the planet Dorin. He is gloating in his success.


GRIEVOUS

Yes, commander, press the attack. I don't want any of that Kel Dor filth to survive. The people of the planet Dorin must suffer the consequences for staying loyal to the Republic.

BATTLE DROID COMMANDER

Roger, roger. The commando droids will hunt down any survivors.

GRIEVOUS

Very good.

The doors to the bridge open and the doctor droid A-4D enters.

A-4D

Master, you have an urgent transmission on channel 5. Why have you not answered it?

GRIEVOUS

Not now, Doctor. I'm in the middle of a battle.

A-4D

But the transmission has a top level priority code. It must be important.

GRIEVOUS

Bah! What could be more important than the destruction of a civilization?

A-4D

I can compute there are several possible answers to that question.

GRIEVOUS

Silence! Who is sending the transmission?

A-4D

Asajj Ventress, my lord.

GRIEVOUS

Ventress! Dooku's play-thing? I have no time to waste on her.

A-4D

She is Count Dooku's personal assassin. I would answer her call if I were you.

GRIEVOUS

Ah, but you are not me, Doctor, for I am the leader of the most powerful droid army the galaxy has ever seen, and you are a simple servant droid!

A-4D

Doctor and advisor.

GRIEVOUS

I tire of your comical wit. Do not make me regret having you reassembled.

A-4D

Of course not, but if the message Ventress relays comes from Count Dooku, it would be wise to hear what she has to say.

GRIEVOUS

Very well, put her through. But if I miss any good destruction while I'm distracted, I'll have your head back on a platter.

A-4D

Yes, my lord.

The hologram of Ventress appears before Grievous and the Doctor

VENTRESS

Why General, thank you for receiving my transmission... finally.

GRIEVOUS

My pleasure, assassin. Now what can I do for you? I am rather busy.

VENTRESS

So I hear. It must be difficult for you to tear yourself away from all your toy soldiers.

GRIEVOUS

I do not expect a mere assassin to understand the intricate art of warfare.

VENTRESS

No, I guess not. That's best left to droids like you

A-4D

Oh my...

GRIEVOUS

I am NO DROID!

VENTRESS

Oh, that's right. My mistake, it's so hard to remember sometimes.

GRIEVOUS

The heart that beats inside my metal body is that of a true warrior!

VENTRESS

Interesting, Count Dooku seems to consider me his best warrior, and yet I have no heart at all.

GRIEVOUS

A fact that is not hard to believe, witch.

VENTRESS

You flatter me, General, but allow me to get to the point.

GRIEVOUS

Please do.

VENTRESS

Intelligence has reported a large Republic fleet leaving orbit around Coruscant. It seems the planet Dorin is finally going to receive reinforcements to counter your attack.

GRIEVOUS

A meaningless gesture. The more forces they send here, the better the diversion will work, and there shall be even less forces to raid Geonosis.

VENTRESS

I agree, except the General in charge of the reinforcements is Skywalker, and you can bet his brat went along with him.

GRIEVOUS

That changes nothing!

VENTRESS

Perhaps not, but if you fail to detain Skywalker at Dorin, Geonosis may be in jeopardy.

GRIEVOUS

I will not fail.

VENTRESS

Why General, who suggested you would? I look forward to our next encounter.

The hologram fades off

A-4D

Well that went better than expected.

GRIEVOUS

Recall the troops and prepare the fighters. We must prepare for Skywalker's arrival.
--END--