Before I make characters, I spin a giant wheel with various characteristics on it. This tells me what kind of NPC I will be making next. I trust the wheel implicitly, mostly because the wheel cannot talk, but also because the wheel is never wrong. The one thing the wheel cannot dictate, however, is the NPC’s voice, because while it has an idea in its cardboard head, there is no guarantee that actor exists.
Yet every so often, there’s an actor who fits the wheel’s vision perfectly. Kaitlyn Harwood is one such example. Her voice is made of kittens and rainbows, and matched the innocence and absent-mindedness that personifies Yseld. I asked her some questions, and despite me being a complete jerk about it she found time to reply.
How did you find out about the mod?
I found out through a friend. Her name is Arisen1 on the Nexus forums. We were talking about hobbies and she listed off all of hers, one of them being voice acting. She sent me the link to Interesting NPCs and it was love at first sight!
What’s your all time favorite video games? TV shows?
I play A LOT of video games. I have loads of free time. My all time favourite video games would have to be Red Dead Redemption, Mass Effect and Bioshock. My favourite TV shows are The Walking Dead, Justified and Boardwalk Empire but I have others as well.
If you’ve played the mod, do you have a favorite character, and why? If you haven’t played the mod, why are you such a horrible person?
My favourite character would have to Gilsi. I originally tried out for her but in the back of my mind I knew that she needed to be more dramatic and bitchy. :P My mother ended up getting Gilsi’s part and I LOVED watching her rehearse the lines. Gilsi came alive!
Was it fun working on this project with your mom? Keep in mind she is probably reading this.
YES! OF COURSE! It was me who suggested that she try out for Gilsi. She aced it and now she’s in the process of reading other character scripts. I wanted to find something that we could share and do together and this works very well. :)
Do you have any previous acting experience? What made you interested in voice acting?
I remember I played a rainbow fish in a play in primary school. I had one line but I was so proud. I haven’t got any other Voice Acting experience…unless you include reading aloud in Book Club. ;)
Cartwheels or handstands?
I can’t do either, But I think Cartwheels are more exciting to watch!
What kind of mic do you use and what difficulties did you run into making your recording environment?
I use a Samson C01U USB Condenser Microphone. I got it for about $100 free shipping (in Australia) I wasn’t expecting much but I was pleasantly surprised. We’ll just see how long it lasts. :P
What do you think of the global economic crisis? Answer in three words.
I don’t know….
If you play Skryim, what sort of character do you play?
I haven’t played Skyrim in a long time. I had to sell my copy and a few other of my beloved video games. I do remember my character was a young Nord who loved her sword and shield…I also based her looks on Daenarys Targaryen from A Song of Ice and Fire. :)
What do you think of the Forsworn in general and their attempts to retake the Reach?
I think they make for interesting plots and characters. I just love the whole rebel setting, fighting for what they want and believe in.
What do you think of the character you voiced?
I think she’s precious. She’s pretty unique. I nicknamed her Goldy (Like Goldfish) she’s so forgetful it made me laugh during takes sometimes.
Have you read Ynvar‘s script? What do you think of the dynamic between the two as well as Thendrick?
I did read Ynvar’s script. I thought it was important to know about Ynvar’s story just as much as Yseld’s. I got to know more about Thendrick through Ynvar as well which was beautiful. :) I don’t want to say too much but I think Kris did a wonderful job writing the trio.
Do you share any similar traits with Yseld? How are you different?
I’d say I’m sort of forgetful… but not with places or names…more like forgetting to do chores and stuff. We’re different because….actually I guess we’re not all that different. :P
