Questions for Dominic Armato!

[Jake]

If you see a guy with the username "dmnkly" skulking around, it's probably Dominic Armato, (better known as) the voice of Guybrush Threepwood!

If you've got any questions for Dom or just want to say hello, drop 'em here!

Dom answers! Let's take a look...


First round of answers! (http://www.telltalegames.com/forums/showthread.php?p=126966#post126966) June 1st
Second round of answers! (http://www.telltalegames.com/forums/showthread.php?t=8583&page=5#post127598) June 2nd
Third round of answers! (http://www.telltalegames.com/forums/showthread.php?t=8583&page=6#post128210) June 2nd -- again!
Fourth round of answers! (http://www.telltalegames.com/forums/showthread.php?t=8583&page=8#post129069) June 3rd
Fifth round of answers! (http://www.telltalegames.com/forums/showthread.php?t=8583&page=8#post129508) June 4th
Sixth round of answers! (http://www.telltalegames.com/forums/showthread.php?t=8583&page=10#post130155) June 4th -- again!
Seventh round of answers! (http://www.telltalegames.com/forums/showthread.php?t=8583&page=10#post130441) June 5th


I don't know when this will end, but that's a lot of answered questions so far! Check those to see if your question has already been answered!

.

[Nojh]

Welcome! Glad to have you back Dominic!

[Dmnkly]

Not as glad as I am to be back, Nojh :-)

(Thank you!)

[mish]

Dominic, godspeed with your monkey island quest. Looking forward to your hilarious dry deliverance of guybrush's quirky character.

[Bagge]

I'm was very happy to learn that you will be doing Guybrush's voice again, Dominic! What's the best (out of context) line you've had to do for TMI so far?

[Laserschwert]

Hey Dom, I've got a few questions for you as well:

What exactly started your "return to Monkey Island"? Was it the special edition of the first game, or the new Telltale series? Which call came first?

Or: Were the two projects linked in any way? (I guess this question goes to Telltale as well)

How long did it take you to get back into "Guybrush-mode"?

Are you voicing any other character in either the MI1-SE or the "Tales of Monkey Island"-series? Judging by your old demo-tape (http://www.scummbar.com/mi2/MI3-CD1/45%20-%20Dominic%20Armato%20Demo%20Tape%20(Bonus).mp3) it wouldn't surprise me if you did.

[LuigiHann]

This is pretty awesome. When I first read "full voiceovers" for the remake, I was skeptical since those lines were written to be read rather than heard, but seeing the short clip on the remake's website, it seems like you're making them sound exactly like they sound in my head, which is awesome.

What's your username mean? "Demon Kelly?" Ominous! I like that your custom title is "Dominic Armato," though. That keeps things unambiguous :D

I might come up with some relevant questions once I'm doing being giddy. Which may take a while.

[morrigan]

Hi Dominic - I'm mondo stoked that you're back as Guybrush! Your voice acting is one of the magical ingredients that makes Monkey Island, be it "I don't want to pop the fun balloons", "Not porcelain!", or "We’ll surely avoid scurvy if we all eat an orange…".
How do you feel about the return of MI in era post-a certain movie that rhymes with Schmirates of the Schmarribean? Did this have any impact on how you played Guybrush this time around? Other than that, how have you approached acting as Guybrush - same old mighty pirate we all love or any new twists?

[Phlogiston 4 Lyfe]

Did you accept this job to earn money for developing an overwhelmingly expensive, but tastier version of Simulac for the kid?

[Shale]

How was (is?) it to go straight from voicing Guybrush in the first game to the fifth(!!!!)? Disorienting?

[Seether]

I would just like to say that because the original voice acting was back, I had to jump all over the pre-order as soon as I learned about it.

I've been a Monkey Island fan for 19 years, and I remember watching the trailer for Curse early in '97 and fearing that the voice wouldn't fit for the character.... As soon as it panned to the bumper car with Guybrush and I heard "Captain's Log, Guybrush Threepwood" I knew the right guy had been chosen for the job.

Welcome back Dom! Anything Monkey Island related would never had been even remotely the same without you.

I am thoroughly looking forward to this new series, and especially going through Secret with the right talent for the voice work. Let's hope LeChuck's Revenge gets a similar treatment, and we can have the whole series "full talkie" as it should be :)

[Capt_Jack_Doicy]

Which elaine do you prefer, the one in Curse or in Escape?

[FauxVyse]

Captain Armato! Good to have you back!

How did you cope with the Monkey Island drought all these years?

[stannum]

Who is the funniest person that you've worked with so far?

[Ertai]

Oh My God, I'm so happy Dominic is in charge of bringing Guybrush's voice back to life once again.

I'm also happy to hear that Dom is a Monkey Island fan so that brings something special into the whole game.

I was raised playing Monkey Island back in 1992 when my family got their first computer, EGA monochromatic 286 :p

I even remember asking my dad for help to get through the seagull and the fish puzzle. Remember, there was no computer mouse at that time. ;)

So, Jeez, I'm just so happy that my favorite game saga is back. I just needed to express it.

Regards,

Andrew from Buenos Aires, Argentina :)

Question for Dom: Which is your favorite Guybrush quote?

[adg1034]

Dominic, if they made you choose between this or your food blog, there will be hell to pay.

[neversummer]

Question for Dom: Do you have a large MI / Lucasarts big box game collection?

[OnCallDoc]

Dominic, which of the Monkey Island games is your favorite? Since the new one isn't out yet, which of the last four is your favorite?

Also, welcome back. There can be no substitute.

[BlackMageJ]

It's great to have you back, Dom. They couldn't have done it without you.

Well, they could, but we'd have hunted down and killed your replacement. You wouldn't want that on your conscience now, would you?

[Paine]

When I heard that Telltale was doing Monkey Island, I was initially ecstatic, but I quickly began worrying that the switch of development companies meant that Guybrush wouldn't sound like Guybrush anymore.

My worries are assuaged. It's great to hear your voice again Mr. Armato.

[BloodShed]

When Telltale starts a project, they do things right.

...except when those things involve the controls for Wallace & Gromit. Heh But everything else; they do it right!

I am so amazed this is going to happen and with all the right people involved.

[Dmnkly]

Wow, lotsa questions!

I'm a little tied up at the moment, but later tonight I'll check in and see if I can knock off a bunch of these.

It's great to hear you guys are excited!

[hyperslug]

Yaaay Dominic is back!

I Just saw the Special Edition promo video and i think it's awesome that you are a fan of the series just like David Hayter (Solid Snake) is a huge fan of Metal Gear Solid.

Anyway i would also really like to hear which Monkey Island game you prefer and also how it was to go back to the original classic and work on that.

Again thanks a lot for returning to Monkey Island :)

[heavybassX]

Excited isn't the word I would say here but I am VERY happy that Monkey Island is not only coming back but from what I read is true then Point and Click games are coming back in style.

[ladognome]

Hi Dominic! I'm so glad that you joined the Telltale team to make these games!!!

[WinterSnowblind]

Hey Dominic, glad to see you're back on board for this one. Wouldn't have been the same without you :)

[BloodShed]

It's great to hear you guys are excited!
Dominic, I've been neglecting my work and sending non-stop E-mails and text messages to anyone I know that might care (and even if they don't... f' 'em!) for the past hour straight. The fact that you're involved is like perfection for a game that should have happened years ago.

[Seether]

My question:

When you were originally cast as Guybrush for Curse oh so many years ago... Did you ever expect the series to have such a devoted (perhaps even rabid) fanbase?

It always seemed to me while growing up that not a lot of people I knew, had any clue about the Monkey Island series and the excellent and charming PC gaming that it was.

I look foward to being able to talk about Monkey Island and not receive blank stares or what? huh? What secret of what?

[Exataxes]

Hi Dominic, Glad to see you've returned to Monkey Island. It would not have been the same without you!

My question for you is. What is your favorite Monkey Island scene or gag. If I had to pick, I probably have to go with all of the Guybrush and Murray scenes. Those 2 are just awesome together.

[maximmortal]

Dom, are you as hot as Guybrush is?

[Joe Newberry]

It'll be good to hear you say, "I'm Guybrush Threepwood, a mighty pirate!" again. I won't bug you with questions, since you've got quite a lot to sift through, but I will say I'm glad you're back. A new Monkey Island wouldn't be the same without you.

[Adamgamer]

Its good to see you back Dom! What was your initial reaction when you learned you would be voicing good old Guybrush again?

[CalBearRJ]

What's your username mean? "Demon Kelly?" Ominous! I like that your custom title is "Dominic Armato," though. That keeps things unambiguous :D

Dmnkly = greatest user name ever. Wish I'd thought of it.

Correct me if I'm wrong, but "dmnkly" is one of the nonsense lines that you can make guybrush say when he's first talking to Elaine in The Secret of Monkey Island.

I'm so stoked for this game. It seems so unreal.

[EwenW]

Dominic - this is amazing!!!! I can't believe that they've made new Monkey Island!!! Every few months for the past few years I've been hoping for this. I'm especially glad that you are back as Guybrush! You perfected that internal voice I gave him in the first two games.

My question: what IS the Secret of Monkey Island? ;)

[Lena_P]

Mr. Armato, I would first just like to say that you are Guybrush Threepwood, to me. I am so happy that you are part of both of these projects. It wouldn't feel like Monkey Island without you.
Now here are my questions: Will you be coming to PAX, and if you will be coming, will you be signing things? Did you grow the beard to help you feel more piratey, or are you just all pirate, all the time?
And finally, Domo Arigato, Mr. Armato. Himitsu wo shiritai ... about monkeys. (Please forgive me for quoting Styx, but I couldn't resist.)

[Diduz]

Hi, Dominic.
Your surname is Armato.
Is your real name Domenico?
You know, my name's Domenico. :D

[rdhiggins]

June 3rd is my birthday of 44 years and Telltale delivered a birthday wish (it took a little while but it came true!!!)

Glad to have you back Dominic and to have brought everyones pirate back with you! :-)

aarr arrr :-)

[Notkcots]

Hey, Dominic. It's great to have you back. It wouldn't be Monkey island without you.

How long did it take you to record all the lines? When did you first catch wind of it?

[Mydnight]

Mr. Armato, that you are reprising your role in the new Monkey Island games has got to be the highlight of my day, and quite possibly my week! When the original Monkey Island games came out I was sadly limited to consoles (my parents having been very strict about not letting me use my PC for games). I have since found this wonderful series, and today when I got the email informing me of this new legacy my heart nearly stopped! I'm so excited! I missed out on the original and now I can take part of this wonderful series.

[Mromson]

I just would like to point out how absolutely thrilled I am for the return of Monkey Island. And hope that it will keep going for a long time forward.

Cheers!


- Mromson

[OutlawJim]

Another person here who worried straight away if you were going to be on board or not. I'm so glad you're back! My question is whether or not there was ever any question if you were coming back or not?

[S3BR4]

No questions, but a hardy ahoy matey from me :D

[alldogship]

I've watched the video for the remake of the Secret of Monkey Island™ and heard there that you worked very well because you knew the game. I was puzzled because the first Monkey Island® game with VO (with you) was the third game of the series (as far as I know).

Did you become a fan of Monkey Island® before, after or during The Curse of Monkey Island™ (the third game of the series)?

[Jawajoey]

This announcement, and having you still be involved, brings untold ecstasy to me and my pants. You were great as the duck!

[Duate]

Hey Dominic! Glad to see you back for this new series. It's all very exciting!

My qustions:

Do you hear the line "I can't use the skeleton arm with that" in your nightmares? I do.

And what was the hardest line to get right when recording the past MI games? My guess would be the monologue journal entry at the beginning of Curse, but it's probably something more random

[Nojh]

I've watched the video for the remake of the Secret of Monkey Island™ and heard there that you worked very well because you knew the game. I was puzzled because the first Monkey Island® game with VO (with you) was the third game of the series (as far as I know).

Did you become a fan of Monkey Island® before, after or during The Curse of Monkey Island™ (the third game of the series)?

A good question actually. I'm sure there are plenty of people here on the forums who feel "threatened" by the Lucas Arts calling you the Ultimate Monkey Island Fan Boy.

[RShini]

Sorry to load on new questions - but in the voicing - what's the funniest/worst blooper did you or a fellow VA commit?

[Jake]

I enjoy how buried Dom is going to be when he comes back to this thread.

[Duate]

use the multi-quote dom!

[Teppic]

I enjoy how buried Dom is going to be when he comes back to this thread.
I wonder if this question thing was something he'd come up with. Otherwise he knows whom to blame!

[Peril]

Heh. Glad to see (hear? read?) that you are voicing everyone's favorite pirate wannabe turned full on pirate again.

[Zephyer]

Hey Dominic, good to see your seeking out the old grog again.

My question:

I've been reading your Skillet Doux for some time and I was wondering... If you were to name a meal after Monkey Island or anything from Monkey Island as sort of a tribute cooking thing, what would it be and what would you call it? Perhaps something that would go well with goodsoups drink recipes ;)

[Noceur]

I can't wait to hear you tell me all the things I can't use with That(tm). ;D

[Steve2000]

Anyone else notice that when you read Dom's posts, they sound like Guybrush in your head?

[GuyMontague]

Anyone else notice that when you read Dom's posts, they sound like Guybrush in your head?

Now I do.

[Dmnkly]

*deep breath*

Hokay, here goes!

I'm was very happy to learn that you will be doing Guybrush's voice again, Dominic! What's the best (out of context) line you've had to do for TMI so far?
Oh, gosh... this is tough mostly because it's been a couple of months since the last session, I've only done one pass through the script and our second kid arrived in the interim so my brain is completely useless at the moment. But I can say that I enjoyed the writing an awful lot. There were a lot of lines that I could have fun with.

What exactly started your "return to Monkey Island"? Was it the special edition of the first game, or the new Telltale series? Which call came first?
SMI:SE, by a nose. Darragh over at LucasArts actually located me through Facebook, I was in SF just a few weeks later, and it was during that week that I found out about Telltale's new material. After a very, very long layoff, it was a sudden abundance of monkeys.

Were the two projects linked in any way? (I guess this question goes to Telltale as well)
There are others who could say so definitively, but I don't believe so. I believe LucasArts and Telltale simultaneously and independently decided it was time to revisit Monkey Island. That kind of synchronicity can't be wrong!

How long did it take you to get back into "Guybrush-mode"?
Two lines? Seriously, Guybrush is second nature. Some characters are tricky. Guybrush I slip right into. I'm... uh... a little closer to him than I should be, probably.

Are you voicing any other character in either the MI1-SE or the "Tales of Monkey Island"-series? Judging by your old demo-tape (http://www.scummbar.com/mi2/MI3-CD1/45%20-%20Dominic%20Armato%20Demo%20Tape%20(Bonus).mp3) it wouldn't surprise me if you did.
Continuing in my grand tradition of also voicing fowl, I had a few parrot lines this time. But no major characters.

What's your username mean? "Demon Kelly?" Ominous! I like that your custom title is "Dominic Armato," though. That keeps things unambiguous :D
See, now this is one of the few places where I can explain what it means without everybody looking at me like I should be committed. In SMI, Dmnkly is one of the dialogue options for the awestruck Guybrush during his first meeting with Elaine at the mansion. The folks at the old #monkey-island IRC channel deserve at least partial credit for that one. It's close to my name. I think somebody started calling me that, it stuck and I adopted it.

How do you feel about the return of MI in era post-a certain movie that rhymes with Schmirates of the Schmarribean? Did this have any impact on how you played Guybrush this time around? Other than that, how have you approached acting as Guybrush - same old mighty pirate we all love or any new twists?
Y'know, I watched the first Schmirates of the Schmaribbean and I couldn't enjoy it simply because I kept muttering to myself that an animated Monkey Island movie would be so much better (not to knock Johnny Depp -- dude rocks). But no, it didn't have any effect on how I approach Guybrush. As far as I'm concerned, PotC wishes it could be MI and Guybrush shouldn't change a damn thing :-)

Did you accept this job to earn money for developing an overwhelmingly expensive, but tastier version of Simulac for the kid?
While I wish I could say I did so for such altruistic reasons (that stuff is foul), the truth is that I accepted it because the opportunity to work on Monkey Island is one of the greatest things to happen to me and I'm lucky to be a part of it.

How was (is?) it to go straight from voicing Guybrush in the first game to the fifth(!!!!)? Disorienting?
Not so much. Guybrush is Guybrush, and he isn't (or hasn't been) subject to any significant multiple game character arcs or anything like that. I tried to keep him a touch younger for SMI, and maybe a touch more mature for TMI, but we're talking about very, very subtle stuff. He's kind of ageless.

Which elaine do you prefer, the one in Curse or in Escape?
Hard to say since there was so little of Elaine in CMI and she was so prominent in EMI. Which is really my way of dodging the question. Did I just say that out loud?

How did you cope with the Monkey Island drought all these years?
Booze.

Who is the funniest person that you've worked with so far?
I've actually spent very, very little time with the other cast members... none at all, in the case of TMI. For interactive like this, everybody generally records independently. In terms of his work, Tom Kane just kills me. And he's freaky talented. I'm not worthy.

Question for Dom: Which is your favorite Guybrush quote?
Criminy, I have no idea. There are plenty that are sillier, funnier and more interesting, but there's something about that classic "I want to be a pirate" that captures the essence of Guybrush.

Question for Dom: Do you have a large MI / Lucasarts big box game collection?
I do! I have copies of CMI and EMI still in the shrink-wrap, as well as my discs for most of the old adventure games.

Dominic, which of the Monkey Island games is your favorite? Since the new one isn't out yet, which of the last four is your favorite?
This is one of those questions that I can't be even remotely objective about, but I'd have to say CMI, mostly because it's the first one I worked on and it'll always be special for that reason.

It's great to have you back, Dom. They couldn't have done it without you. Well, they could, but we'd have hunted down and killed your replacement. You wouldn't want that on your conscience now, would you?
I can think of worse things to have on my conscience. Oh, crap, that was a rhetorical question, wasn't it?

Anyway i would also really like to hear which Monkey Island game you prefer and also how it was to go back to the original classic and work on that.
I answered the former just above, and as to the latter, it was a little odd. A ton of fun, to be sure, but in some ways a little tricky. The dialogue for the original was written to be read in small chunks on the screen, not heard. So it was challenging at times to keep certain lines natural and conversational. But it was also a total blast -- resurrecting history. Albeit, history for a wacky subset of game nerds (among whom I count myself!).

When you were originally cast as Guybrush for Curse oh so many years ago... Did you ever expect the series to have such a devoted (perhaps even rabid) fanbase?
Noooooo, can't say that I did. But I suppose I should have. I could just as easily have been on the other side.

I look foward to being able to talk about Monkey Island and not receive blank stares or what? huh? What secret of what?
I'm REALLY hoping MI catches on big this time around. I feel like the timing is right. We all know how fantastic it is, and I think the potential now exists for a lot of other people to discover that as well. This isn't 1990 when it was a small number of computer gamers who played it. Everybody plays games now, and Monkey Island has universal appeal. Fingers crossed!

My question for you is. What is your favorite Monkey Island scene or gag. If I had to pick, I probably have to go with all of the Guybrush and Murry scenes. Those 2 are just awesome together.Guybrush and Murray is certainly in the running. I also have a soft spot for the lil' Guybrush and lil' LeChuck exchange from EMI. And in redoing SMI, well... let's just say that you should keep looking at every random object in the hellish caverns that you can until it gets really, really funny.

Dom, are you as hot as Guybrush is?
Once upon a time, maybe. But now I'm married with two kids and am appropriately fat and happy.
Even hotter.

Its good to see you back Dom! What was your initial reaction when you learned you would be voicing good old Guybrush again?
Giddiness. Just couldn't stop bouncing off the walls. I'd long given up hope.

Correct me if I'm wrong, but "dmnkly" is one of the nonsense lines that you can make guybrush say when he's first talking to Elaine in The Secret of Monkey Island.
Could've let you answer the question above... good call!

My question: what IS the Secret of Monkey Island? ;)
Cured pork. Or maybe that's wishful thinking.

Will you be coming to PAX?
I'd love to go to PAX.

Did you grow the beard to help you feel more piratey, or are you just all pirate, all the time?
"Piratey" is not a destination, it's a journey. I aim for constant self-improvement in that arena.

Your surname is Armato.
Is your real name Domenico?
No, just Dominic. Unless you count Italian class in college!

How long did it take you to record all the lines? When did you first catch wind of it?
Episode one (the only one I've recorded so far) took somewhere in the neighborhood of ten hours, give or take. But we flew. Like I say, Guybrush is kind of second nature at this point.

My question is whether or not there was ever any question if you were coming back or not?
You'd have to ask the guys at Telltale :-)

I've watched the video for the remake of the Secret of Monkey Island™ and heard there that you worked very well because you knew the game. I was puzzled because the first Monkey Island® game with VO (with you) was the third game of the series (as far as I know). Did you become a fan of Monkey Island® before, after or during The Curse of Monkey Island™ (the third game of the series)?
I had (extensively) played and was a big fan of the series well before I had the opportunity to audition for CMI, and I was told after the fact that my knowledge of and love for the game were a strong point in my favor when they were making the final casting decision.

Do you hear the line "I can't use the skeleton arm with that" in your nightmares? I do.
No, but I guess I will now. (curses)

And what was the hardest line to get right when recording the past MI games? My guess would be the monologue journal entry at the beginning of Curse, but it's probably something more random
I can't think of anything specific, but it's always those short little throwaway lines that trip you up. The less you have to work with, the harder it is to get it right.

Sorry to load on new questions - but in the voicing - what's the funniest/worst blooper did you or a fellow VA commit?
If I possessed the brainpower at the moment, I'd make up some hilarious story about some crazy blooper / double ententre that had the guys in the booth rolling on the floor. But the truth is that I can't think of any!

I wonder if this question thing was something he'd come up with. Otherwise he knows whom to blame!
Oh, this is all Jake's fault. But I'll get him back. Live in fear, Jake!

I'm going to be traveling a lot over the next week, but I'll check back in when I can. Keep 'em coming. And thanks for the kind words, folks. It really means a lot.

(P.S. If anybody can or has an in with somebody who can accelerate time to get us to July 7th a little quicker, drop me a line, K? I'm impatient.)

[snoopyjy]

I have to say thanks for contributing Dominic and I am sure that after Sam and Max I will love the Monkey Island series just as much!

[Joe Newberry]

Dominic, your awesomeness grows ever greater. That has to be the most thoughtful, thorough response I've ever seen out of an actor. I got the impression you were generally interested in answering everyone, rather than acting like your little adventure game job was beneath you and pure torture to discuss. This continues my longstanding belief that voice actors are the best kind. Thanks for giving us the time of day.

[LuigiHann]

See, now this is one of the few places where I can explain what it means without everybody looking at me like I should be committed. In SMI, Dmnkly is one of the dialogue options for the awestruck Guybrush during his first meeting with Elaine at the mansion. The folks at the old #monkey-island IRC channel deserve at least partial credit for that one. It's close to my name. I think somebody started calling me that, it stuck and I adopted it.

Must have been exciting to record that line for the remake, eh? :D

[one year later]

Just wanted to throw another hells yes out there because hells yes. I think I hesitated a whole 10 seconds after seeing the link to preorder the whole game, god damn I feel like I'm 10 years old again.

I'm not the only one who has a ripped mp3 of the pirate song from CMI on their ipod, right?

[Shale]

No. No you are not.

Well, it's not an iPod, but other than that.

[cocomonk22]

Dmnkly, on what date did LucasArts contact you to reprise your role for SoMI:SE?

[Laserkid]

Dom, I am so happy to have you back on as Guybrush. CMI was your first time as Guybrush, and it was the first in the series I ever played. To me you ARE Guybrush.

Hearing your lines in the trailer, particularly "Prepare to meet your frosty carbonated maker Lechuck!" brought me way way back.

I have no questions, just want to thank you for the YEARS of my life that I have had enjoying your voicework on CMI and EMI.

[spielbergfan1]

I was wondering if you'll be appearing at Video Games Live at the Greek Theatre this Thursday. I know it's a long shot unless the show features Michael Land's music (I'm hoping that it does), but you rank in the top people that have influenced my taste in comedy. It would be an honor to meet you! (^_^)

[MystMonkey]

Wow, it was awesome of Dominic to give such an extended response and I wanted to thank him for his excellent work in my favorite game series of all time, especially CMI which I personally laughed with the most :)

I remember when I was first getting ready to play Curse of Monkey Island and was a bit skeptical of the general IDEA of new-fangled voice acting for a character that was always read. But that skepticism melted away within seconds of hearing him, as I immediately realized that Dominic was Guybrush. Not just then, but always. So in addition to continuing the series with Tales, I think it's great that he is now in the Secret of Monkey Island confirming the voice too. It will be playing that game like new with all the voices.

I have two small general questions for Dominic:

- Do you ever accidentally do Guybrush's voice in everyday conversation?
- And if so, has it resulted in a humorous situation?

[Laserschwert]

I have two small general questions for Dominic:

- Do you ever accidentally do Guybrush's voice in everyday conversation?
- And if so, has it resulted in a humorous situation?
I'll extend on that:
- Do you use any Guybrush lines in real life on purpose?

[Salty McPirateton]

Hey Dominic, just wanted to say I'm glad to see you reprising Guybrush because as far as I'm concerned you are the one and only voice for him.

...Ok I feel bad for not asking a question, give me a sec, I'll think of something...

Alright I got it! If you had one superpower, what would it be?

[Schalli]

Just wanted to throw another hells yes out there because hells yes. I think I hesitated a whole 10 seconds after seeing the link to preorder the whole game, god damn I feel like I'm 10 years old again.

I'm not the only one who has a ripped mp3 of the pirate song from CMI on their ipod, right?

Riiiiight!


Q for Dom: How do you work? Do you practice (your voice) for the sessions? Do you have any rituals (dancing around a Guybrush pole, yelling YAARRRR) ???!!!

[Fury]

I am a HUGE Monkey Island fan, and I have enjoyed all the games in the series, although my favourite is definitely CMI.

Apart from Guybrush, who is your favourite character? Mine was Murray. I really hope he is in the new games.

Monkey Island rocks! Hopefully this will sell heaps, and they will make more and more series, and the Monkey Island franchise will continue indefinitely! MWAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!

[Sir Tasnica]

Hey Dominic, I just wanted to let you know that your voicework really added a lot to CMI and EMI, and it's good to see you back. Thanks for really bringing Guybrush [more] to life!

[Daigowedd]

I just want to say that Mr. Armato returning as Guybrush was the main reason I spent my semi-hard earned pieces of eight on the preorder. I probably would have gotten the games without, but it wouldn't have been the same.

Very excited! :D

[hamzie]

Dominic what do you think of guybrush's goatee :p

[morrigan]

Thanks for answering my questions, Dominic, and good luck with tackling the further deluge! Hope to see you at some cons promoting the game! :P

[Quuux]

(P.S. If anybody can or has an in with somebody who can accelerate time to get us to July 7th a little quicker, drop me a line, K? I'm impatient.)

Since it helped you all these years, why abandon your friend, booze? :D

What I'd like to know is are you a fan of Telltale's work prior to Tales? what other Lucasarts adventure games did you play / love? Or what other adventure games in general?

[Fury]

Did you ever go partially insane while waiting for Monkey Island 5?

[plagiarize]

Sensible questions: as far as you know, will we be hearing Guybrush's amazing singing once again?

VERY sensible question: since you were inside my head doing the voice of Guybrush when I played the first two in the early nineties, at one time did you become corporeal and take on the form of Dominic Armato?

[SHODANFreeman]

For those cold dark shipboard nights, we've got boxers briefs and tights, made from cotton, silk or satin, in styles Anglo, Dutch and Latin, when you sail don't take a chance, wearing nothing 'neath your pants, trust... Silver's Longjohns (They breathe!)

I second the question on Guybrush's singing voice.

[Enalya]

So Happy!!!!!!!!!!

I don't have questions right now,
so I'm just gonna say
a big hello from France where we are waiting for this new adventure too!

(MI4 2000, Tales, 2009... 9 years!! You are all insane to made us waited so long ><)

[Enalya]

Yes, now, I have a question :D

What about the french translation? Did you ever met the french voice for Guybrush Sreepwoude?

[Bas]

Great to have you back as Guybrush's voice, Dominic.

[Zephyer]

By the way, are you still selling those fine leather jackets that I love so much?

[JackiJinx]

Hey Dom! It's good to have you and the series back, but my question pertains to classic LucasArts games in general. Have you thought about doing voicing for revitalizing other old classics, even ones outside the LucasArts franchise? If so, what ones? Or maybe another role that you've been dying to try out that doesn't exist yet?

[backslash]

Awesome to have you back Dominic, when I watched the trailer today I thought "is that a different voice actor? not sure but it sounds similar" but I guess when its been so many years voices are bound to sound slightly different. Without you, Monkey Island just wouldn't be the same :D

You should make some Guybrush commercials about the dangers of videogame piracy (perhaps that can be an in-game joke?) :p

(P.S. If anybody can or has an in with somebody who can accelerate time to get us to July 7th a little quicker, drop me a line, K? I'm impatient.)
Step into my car....

http://users.tpg.com.au/surashi//pink.jpg

[capt_carl]

Dominic,

Out of all the MI games, who is your favorite character?

[stannum]

Thanks for answering my question Dominic!

Glad to have you back. I'm so pumped.

[Joe Newberry]

Did you prefer the point and click controls of CMI or the arrow keys/gamepad controls of EMI?

[Dmnkly]

Must have been exciting to record that line for the remake, eh? :D
Actually, that one held me up for a moment. Had to figure out the best way to actually say it!

I'm not the only one who has a ripped mp3 of the pirate song from CMI on their ipod, right?
Oh, no :-)

Dmnkly, on what date did LucasArts contact you to reprise your role for SoMI:SE?
Um... don't remember. Back in February, maybe?

I was wondering if you'll be appearing at Video Games Live at the Greek Theatre this Thursday.
Nope. In fact, I don't even live in L.A. anymore. I'm in Baltimore at the moment, and we're moving to Boston in a few weeks.

Do you ever accidentally do Guybrush's voice in everyday conversation?
Not so much. But my natural voice is close enough to his that I'm sure there's plenty of stuff that could easily be him.

And if so, has it resulted in a humorous situation?
Only when chatting with Monkey Island fans for the first time and they keep giving me strange looks because they can't get their heads around his voice coming out of me :-)

Do you use any Guybrush lines in real life on purpose?
Mmmmmmmmmm, no.

Alright I got it! If you had one superpower, what would it be?
Easy. Instant global teleportation. Want a great plate of pasta? *BAMF* I'm in Rome. Weather getting a little cold? *BAMF* I'm in Hawaii. Want to catch a Cubs game with some old friends? *BAMF* I'm in Chicago. Want to see the Inglourious Basterds (sic) premiere? *BAMF* I'm in Cannes. Plus, I could charge exorbitant rates for instant worldwide delivery to pay for all of the fun stuff. Downside being that I don't get enough exercise as it is, and the temptation to *BAMF* into the kitchen for another soda would probably be too much to resist.

How do you work? Do you practice (your voice) for the sessions? Do you have any rituals (dancing around a Guybrush pole, yelling YAARRRR) ???!!!
I just try to replay the games (again) before going back into sessions to get it back in my head a little. And before EMI, I made a little field trip down to Disney to ride Pirates of the Caribbean a few times. Okay, so it was just an excuse to expense a trip to Disney.

Apart from Guybrush, who is your favourite character? Mine was Murray.
If not Murray, then he's definitely right there. Though on my last playthrough of CMI, it was the Flying Welshman who was killing me. Go figure.

Dominic what do you think of guybrush's goatee :p
Stylin'. And my own personal grooming habits have nothing to do with that opinion whatsoever.

What I'd like to know is are you a fan of Telltale's work prior to Tales? what other Lucasarts adventure games did you play / love? Or what other adventure games in general?
Here's where I'm going to really embarrass myself by admitting that I've barely touched the other Telltale games (forgive me, guys!). They've mostly been post-kid, and gaming time has been hard to come by as of late. Back when I did have time for lots of gaming, Full Throttle and Grim Fandango were probably my favorites next to Monkey Island. And I really dug the first Gabriel Knight.

Did you ever go partially insane while waiting for Monkey Island 5?
Partially?

Sensible questions: as far as you know, will we be hearing Guybrush's amazing singing once again?
Past episode one, I know as much as you guys do. And I don't think there was any singing in episode one. But like I say, my brain is mush. Don't completely discount the possibility.

What about the french translation? Did you ever met the french voice for Guybrush Sreepwoude?
Nope. Can't say that I did. Though if Telltale or LucasArts ever felt it necessary to fly me out to France to do so, I and my stomach would make that sacrifice.

By the way, are you still selling those fine leather jackets that I love so much?
Actually, I've moved on to fine leather chaps. Higher margins.

Hey Dom! It's good to have you and the series back, but my question pertains to classic LucasArts games in general. Have you thought about doing voicing for revitalizing other old classics, even ones outside the LucasArts franchise? If so, what ones? Or maybe another role that you've been dying to try out that doesn't exist yet?
Well, it certainly wouldn't be my call :-) I used to spend a lot of time trying to badger Darragh into letting me do some other roles. But I've learned to quit being an ungrateful bastard and be content with voicing the lead. Guybrush was the only character I dreamed of doing, and I got him.

Did you prefer the point and click controls of CMI or the arrow keys/gamepad controls of EMI?
I'm definitely a point 'n clicky kind of guy when it comes to classic adventure. But if it gets the games on consoles and makes it possible for more people to enjoy them, I say bring on the thumbsticks!

[Vongrove]

Dom so cool that you are actually here among us... I have some questions about the industry. How exactly did you get into voice acting and what would you suggest an aspiring voice actor go about doing the same...

Now for the MI question, you remember Plank of Love I know it was scrapped but did any semblance of a melody exist because those lyrics have confounded me since I found them on the internet oh so many years ago?

That's enough for now, hope the move to Boston goes well for you and the family

[Bas]

Do you use any Guybrush lines in real life on purpose?

Mmmmmmmmmm, no.

Classic.

[monkey_05_06]

Okay Dominic, I've thought long and hard about this one, and I'm super-duper serial (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xf69EEL3WBk)...have you ever gone dressed up for Halloween as Guybrush? If no, would you consider doing it? If yes, would you send me exclusive photos of the event? If no, would you at least post them publicly for everyone to see, myself included? If yes, could you not post them on FaceBook and/or PhotoBucket both of which I have a personal vendetta against? If no, why not?

That's all for now.

[JediCardTrick]

Ooh... I'm all starstruck. It's a fabulous, geeky honour to share a chunk of cyberspace with you, Dominic! :cool:

There are countless things I would just love to ask about, of course - but I suppose the most pressing question right now would be: "How many more questions do you expect you'll have to answer before we salivating fans allow you a well-earned break?"

[Josh04]

VERY sensible question: since you were inside my head doing the voice of Guybrush when I played the first two in the early nineties, at one time did you become corporeal and take on the form of Dominic Armato?

Aw heck, this was my question.

[Laserschwert]

I've got a good one (at least to my low standards):

Back in the days, when I played Monkey Island with my friends, we used to read the different parts out loud during playing. Did you do that too? Isn't it kind of surreal now? Okay, maybe it wasn't a "good one" after all. Still I wish LucasArts had payed me for doing it.

[Shale]

When you found out about the new projects, were you more excited about playing more Monkey Island or performing in more Monkey Island?

[ZombieAtPlay]

Hey Dom!
TMI is the first game i have ever pre-ordered and i know i won't be disappointed. I was Angry Ghostbusters got pushed back in Europe, But now i'll have a BETTER game to play while i wait! Screw Sony and their timed exclusives... :p

*Bamf* huh? X-men fan by any chance?
Ok question time... Whats your farourite comic book series (if you read them. I'm just guessing)?

[julisana]

Hey Dom! I'm so glad to have you and the MI back! It's still one of my favorite series!

My question's not really MI related. I'm curious about how you became a foodie. Did you just watch too much Food Network (like me) and end up picking it up, or was there some particular dish/restaurant that kind of "opened your eyes" to the foodie world?

[Zeph]

I don't have any questions, but good to have you back, Threepwood! Been a lot of years, and happy to see you here. (Please tell me if Murray will return *begs*)

[Guybrush Threepwood]

Hey Dom! Thanks for taking time to answer our questions.
My one is quite simple: do you usually get the lines recorded on first take?

[Ne0n]

This is a 'hard' question: How much (3p)wood would a woodchuck chuck if a woodchuck could chuck (3p)wood?

Continuing: You say booze helped you when time was rough, would it be wrong to presume you combined it with <Head-B-Clear>?
________________________________

[Xocrates]

Yay for secret piratey forums \o/

Anyway...

First off: Glad to have you back Dom :)

Second of: Nagging questions,

1) Is there any particular puzzle in the MI series that still haunts you in your sleep for whatever reason?

2) Which Guybrush design is your favourite?

3) Do you like pudding?

5) What happened to question number 4?

6) Is that a three-headed Monkey?

7) Speaking of which, do you have a three headed monkey doll?

You don't need to answer all of that, obviously :P

[serweet]

Have you ever heard of Bobin Threadbare?

(that moment in CoMI cracked me up something good)

[WarlordX40]

Hey Dom, glad you're back! As you are the voice of the main character do you get an advanced copy of the game (if so could you leak it to me, it should be fine as I've already preordered it), or do you have to wait like the rest of us?

[MystMonkey]

- Do you ever accidentally do Guybrush's voice in everyday conversation?

Not so much. But my natural voice is close enough to his that I'm sure there's plenty of stuff that could easily be him.

Thanks for the answer!! So basically, if you had been answering out loud as you typed it (a perfectly normal thing to do, I assure you!), it *could* have sounded like Guybrush was talking to me! :D :D

...

I'm not crazy... really...just a little light on oxygen on account of this great MI news :)

[Hamstruts]

why hello thaar dominic :>

is tales of monkey island the official MI5 in the series.

or is it just a so called extra since it is a series in itself.

and if it's not the official part 5. when will we see a MI5 game.

// teh fan from sweden =D

o btw, gimme a signed t-shirt so i can brag to my friends :P

[catpirate]

So very nice to read MI has been resurrected AND the original voice for Guybrush is back!
Back in the days, when I played Monkey Island with my friends, we used to read the different parts out loud during playing.
Only played it by my own, but yeah, I sure did that too.

[Fury]

This is a 'hard' question: How much (3p)wood would a woodchuck chuck if a woodchuck could chuck (3p)wood?

Continuing: You say booze helped you when time was rough, would it be wrong to presume you combined it with <Head-B-Clear>?
________________________________

I think the label clearly states we shouldn't combine booze with Head-B-Clear.

I got 0 of 300 points.

[CrazySickPsycho]

Hey Dom,

When do you start recording voice work for Monkey Island 2?????

[Mromson]

I suppose the real question is - will there be a remake of Monkey Island 2? :D

[Powerlord]

I suppose the real question is - will there be a remake of Monkey Island 2? :D

I can answer that one! If LucreArts thinks there's money in it... and if the first remake sells well, you bet they will!

[Sjado]

Great to see that you're back as the voice to GuyBrush...

Maybe we can bug you now to record lines for us to use as ringtones awell? :p

[Nazrin]

Besides the Monkey Island series, what are your favorite video games from adventure to RPG to FPS and more?

In addition, what do you think of Telltale's previous games, such as Sam & Max?

[ChazFox]

Hi there Dominic. Huge fan of the series, was ecstatic to see TTG heading up the new series following their awesome work with Sam and Max. Preordered as soon as Paypal started working, and here I am.

So! My question: Apart from Guybrush, who do you think is your favourite character in the series?

I personally have to say Murray is by far my favourite. I especially liked the one exchange in Curse of Monkey Island: "...as I STRIDE through the gates of Hell, carrying your head upon a pike!" "...Stride?" "Alright, roll! ROLL through the gates of Hell! Must you take the fun out of everything?"
As such, I'm looking forward to seeing what happens in the episodes, and whether Murray will make a return.

[hamzie]

1. Guybrush and Elaine .. married.

Too soon? Too late? Shouldnt have happened? yOUR CAWMENTS ? (a.k.a comments)

2. Whose idea was it for you to answer alllllllllllllll these questions

[Dmnkly]

I have some questions about the industry. How exactly did you get into voice acting and what would you suggest an aspiring voice actor go about doing the same...
I'll answer in the form of a (hopefully) amusing anecdote. While I was in college, a pal of mine told me that he was really interested in voiceover, and asked if I had any advice for breaking into the business. I told him my stock answer, which was that I kind of stumbled into it when I was a little kid so I don't have a lot of wisdom to pass along, having not been through the process of breaking in myself. But I told him I'd talk to my agent and see what she suggested. So I went to Sharon (Wottrich, of Innovative Artists Chicago), my Agent / Old Friend / Surrogate Mother and said to her, "Hey, Sharon... I have this buddy who feels like he'd like to get into voiceover. What would you suggest he do?"

"Tell him to go lie down until the feeling goes away."

And this is why I love Sharon. But it's good advice. Yeah, it sounds like it's easy (it isn't), a ton of fun (it is), and incredibly lucrative (it can be), but the fact is that the people who do most of the work are really good. Really good. Like, scary good. As far as I'm concerned, I'm not worthy. And since they never appear on screen, it isn't like on-camera where somebody gets hot, they're in everything, they get old and we're on to the next fresh face, so there's some churn. People who do it well can do it forever, and they've been doing it forever, and they're going to do it perfectly, and all of the producers know this, so why should they give you a shot? Plus, this was even before so much VO went celebrity and took not only a huge chunk of the business, but all of the good stuff. Even the people who used to make a decent living at it are now fighting for scraps. I've been in and around the business for almost 25 years, and I might be able to name a dozen people who are actually making a living doing voiceover in today's market. Those aren't good odds.

Short answer? If you have to do it, you have to do it (and I understand the feeling, believe me). But keep it on the back burner. Make a demo, send it everywhere, and cross your fingers.

Now for the MI question, you remember Plank of Love I know it was scrapped but did any semblance of a melody exist because those lyrics have confounded me since I found them on the internet oh so many years ago?
Actually, I have absolutely no idea. I don't think I even learned about Plank of Love until long after the fact, or if it was ever mentioned while we were recording, it was just in passing. I never knew anything about it. I know for certain that the first place I saw the lyrics was online, years later.

Okay Dominic, I've thought long and hard about this one, and I'm super-duper serial (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xf69EEL3WBk)...have you ever gone dressed up for Halloween as Guybrush? If no, would you consider doing it? If yes, would you send me exclusive photos of the event? If no, would you at least post them publicly for everyone to see, myself included? If yes, could you not post them on FaceBook and/or PhotoBucket both of which I have a personal vendetta against? If no, why not?
No, ehhhhh, maybe, probably, no promises, and because I'm a little creeped out about the prospect of being unable to keep us separate entities as it is.

There are countless things I would just love to ask about, of course - but I suppose the most pressing question right now would be: "How many more questions do you expect you'll have to answer before we salivating fans allow you a well-earned break?"
I'm putting the over/under at 182.

Back in the days, when I played Monkey Island with my friends, we used to read the different parts out loud during playing. Did you do that too? Isn't it kind of surreal now?
Sorry... I think I missed this one on the last pass. Out loud? I don't think so. But certainly to myself. I always have to stifle a snicker whenever somebody tells me that it was a little weird to hear my voice at first because he'd always heard Guybrush a little differently in his head. I just can't help but think, "Hey, Guybrush always sounded that way to me" :-)

When you found out about the new projects, were you more excited about playing more Monkey Island or performing in more Monkey Island?
Ooooooooo... tough call. Really tough call. But I'm going to give the edge to performing, because if I put myself in a hypothetical scenario where I can choose between performing in another MI game without actually playing it or playing another MI game without performing in it, I know which one I'd choose.

*Bamf* huh? X-men fan by any chance? Ok question time... Whats your farourite comic book series (if you read them. I'm just guessing)?
Heh... I dig 'em :-) I'm definitely not a comic geek, though I went through my phase (two of them, actually) and I totally appreciate them. X-Men Classic was among my favorites at the time.

My question's not really MI related. I'm curious about how you became a foodie. Did you just watch too much Food Network (like me) and end up picking it up, or was there some particular dish/restaurant that kind of "opened your eyes" to the foodie world?
A solid foundation laid by a family that appreciated both eating and preparing good food, a partial awakening when I moved out to California and suddenly had all of this incredible produce to play with, and an even bigger awakening when I spent my 20s traveling like crazy and eating anywhere I could. But I couldn't pin it down to a single restaurant/event. Incidentally, Food Network annoys me these days. A lot. I dug them back in the early years when they were about getting people who were talented and interested in teaching. But somewhere along the line, the unwritten mission statement went from teaching and enabling their viewers to preying on their fears and insecurities. See Sandra Lee (though she was just the last straw). For a channel that's supposedly dedicated to cooking, they sure spend an awful lot of time teaching you how to avoid doing it.

My one is quite simple: do you usually get the lines recorded on first take?
For Guybrush? Yes. Well, sort of. We generally do two passes on almost every line. A first pass, and a second for safety. But that's Guybrush. With commercial, for example, you never know. I have had, literally two take sessions. And I've had sessions where I've read one sentence over a hundred times. When it takes forever, I'm generally inclined to believe it's the director's fault (I can't give you what you want if you can't tell me what that is), but then, I'm the voice talent, so what else am I going to believe?

This is a 'hard' question: How much (3p)wood would a woodchuck chuck if a woodchuck could chuck (3p)wood?[/FONT]
37 pounds. Exactly. Look it up.

Continuing: You say booze helped you when time was rough, would it be wrong to presume you combined it with <Head-B-Clear>?
I'm here answering questions, aren't I?

1) Is there any particular puzzle in the MI series that still haunts you in your sleep for whatever reason?
Haunts me? No. But I still say the underwater idol puzzle is the best damn adventure puzzle ever.

Which Guybrush design is your favourite?
Tossup between MI2:LCR and CMI. I'm leaning MI2. The coat fricking rocks.

3) Do you like pudding?
If it's made well, I have yet to meet a foodstuff that I don't like. Except for that one type of tofu they gave me in China that's black on the outside, served in chile oil and smells like feet x1000. Not "stinky tofu". I love that stuff. I'm talking about "utterly foul-smelling tofu of death". It's the one food that keeps me from having to qualify my position that I have yet to meet a foodstuff that I don't like.

5) What happened to question number 4?
I ate it. See question number 3.

6) Is that a three-headed Monkey?
No, but you should probably have that checked out by a doctor.

7) Speaking of which, do you have a three headed monkey doll?
Nope, but now I want one.

You don't need to answer all of that, obviously :P
NOW you tell me.

Have you ever heard of Bobin Threadbare?
Hell yeah! Loom was the first LucasArts game I played!

As you are the voice of the main character do you get an advanced copy of the game (if so could you leak it to me, it should be fine as I've already preordered it), or do you have to wait like the rest of us?
Nope, I get it on or after the release date like everybody else, though the folks who make 'em are generally kind enough to give me a copy. Sure would be awesome to get it early, though.

*ahem*

Yup. Sure would be awesome to get it early.

Thanks for the answer!! So basically, if you had been answering out loud as you typed it (a perfectly normal thing to do, I assure you!), it *could* have sounded like Guybrush was talking to me! :D :D
Precisely!

is tales of monkey island the official MI5 in the series. or is it just a so called extra since it is a series in itself. and if it's not the official part 5. when will we see a MI5 game.
Not sure. We'll have to wait for the official word from the International Monkey Island Numbering Standards Commission, and should know soon. As for any games other than what's been announced, I honestly have no idea.

When do you start recording voice work for Monkey Island 2?????
I suppose the real question is - will there be a remake of Monkey Island 2? :D
I can answer that one! If LucreArts thinks there's money in it... and if the first remake sells well, you bet they will!
I can see my work is done here. Who had the under?

Maybe we can bug you now to record lines for us to use as ringtones awell? :p
Sitting in a public place and hearing somebody answer an electronic device that's speaking in my voice? Now that would be surreal.

Besides the Monkey Island series, what are your favorite video games from adventure to RPG to FPS and more?
I could name a ton of favorites, but most notably I'm a total Guitar Freaks / Guitar Hero / Rock Band junkie, and I adore the first two Thief games.

In addition, what do you think of Telltale's previous games, such as Sam & Max?
So! My question: Apart from Guybrush, who do you think is your favourite character in the series?
Objection, your honor! Asked and answered!

Are these answers getting less informative and more chippy as we go along, or is it my imagination?

[backslash]

Did your wife marry you because you were the voice of Guybrush? :p I know I'd marry the voice actor of April from 'Dreamfall: The Longest Journey' if the chance was there

[Vongrove]

That anecdote was Amusing enough my "friend," whom I kidding I laughed out loud. I always love a story where someone in the acting business tells me to reconsider it, makes me feel better about all the doubt that I constantly face trying to exist in a creative field. Still had to ask because the topic of making it as a voice actor came up last night and serendipitously I was able to pose the same question to an actual factual voice actor...

That being said while disappointed in you not being able to shed some more light onto the Plank of Love Mystery, I do enjoy that you too found it years later on the internet.

Enough fawning over this forum for now, hope the questions let up but I doubt it as there exists no rest for the wicked, I'm gonna put it out there that if I ever ran into you in a bar I'd gladly buy you a Grog

[Vongrove]

Also since it is the questions for Dominic Armato forum...

What exactly would you recommend a demo consist of?

[freerad22]

I'm still giddy at the thought that I'm going to be able to play MI again after so many years... I hope there is more insult swordfighting to be had.

1) can you tell us if you did VOs for new insults?
2) what does grog taste like and do you have to take a break to let your vocal chords recover after a chug :D

[Joe Newberry]

Not to hijack the answering away from Mr. Armato, but I would like to submit an answer to the "breaking into voice acting" question as an amateur voice over guy myself. As Dominic already said, the best voice parts, i.e. leads in big budget animated films, are being given away to celebrities these days (I blame Robin Williams), so it's hard for a new voice actor to find a place in a very tight market.

My suggestion to anyone trying to get a start in "funny voices" is to try to create your own forum for your talents. Matt Chapman from Homestar Runner, the guys from Red vs Blue, and radio personality Phil Hendrie are good examples. They didn't have to break into an existing system (except for Phil breaking into radio in general), instead they made something that needed voice overs and provided their own. That may not work for everyone, but it's probably one of the easiest ways to overcome the outsider trying to get in problem. If you don't have any talents other than doing voices, try looking for creative people online or in your own community that can draw, make films, run a radio station, etc. that you can assist with your voice over abilities. If it's the right combination of ideas and talents, you might one day end up working with They Might Be Giants and getting your own cool game for attractive people.

[Lena_P]

To Mr. Armato, you are a very awesome and patient man. Seriously, it's a good thing you had a blog so your wrist muscles got developed. And I'm glad someone mentioned your blog, skilletdoux.com because it never occurred to me to use a sieve for pureeing. I don't have a food processor, so I thought it was impossible for me to make those nice slurry kind of soups, but I guess I don't need one. Thanks for the tip!

[monkey_05_06]

No, ehhhhh, maybe, probably, no promises, and because I'm a little creeped out about the prospect of being unable to keep us separate entities as it is.

Hah! Thanks for the response. Here's another query:

Are you really Dominic Armato or are you one of those MySpace/FaceBook-esque celebrity profiles who are actually just some secretary giving text book answers to all us fanatical zealots? :rolleyes:

[Fury]

Dom, have you ever used a walkthrough for a classic adventure game?

[Xocrates]

Thanks for your answers Dom :) , have a couple more ;)

1) Have you ever tried Portuguese food? If so what's your opinion on it?

2) Was there ever a particularly clingy MI fan that really annoyed you at any one point? Was it me?

[andrew603]

Dominic,

First, thank you for the years of enjoyment you brought by bringing Guybrush to life. A new MI game just would not work without your performance. I remember re-playing MI1&2 for the first time after playing CMI and 'reading' the dialog in my head as if you were delivering it. It's an interesting experience reading something one way, then another way when you know how that character "actually sounds". It will be even more fun hearing it for real when SMI:SE is released!

Anyway, I was wondering, have you ever played any of the Sierra adventure games like Space Quest and King's Quest (my two fav's after MI)? If so what do you think of those games?

Also, do you enjoy the MI music? The MI and Sierra game music singlehandedly inspired me to collect my own music synthesizers and learn to produce music as a hobby, so I am curious what types of music do you like; Game soundtracks, Rock, Jazz, Reggae, Classical, other?

Thanks and thrilled to have you back making another MI game!
~Andrew

PS: Lil'Guybrush and Lil'LeChuck were my favorite too :) I hope they reappear in ToMI!

[serweet]

Another questions for you, I can see this thread lasting for a long time ;)

What would you say is your favourite intro to a game, be it just music or movie as well?

For me would have to be either CoMI or Grim Fandango.

[Vongrove]

My suggestion to anyone trying to get a start in "funny voices" is to try to create your own forum for your talents.

We have already done just this, but thank you for the recommendation. It was actually at one of the recording sessions that the topic of becoming Professional Voice Actors came up,

[Omahdon]

Oooh ooh ooh! This thread is super neat! And awesome! And super neat! But mostly awesome!

Anyway, my question is about the Secret of Monkey Island remake! Since you've recorded the lines for that already you must know: is the stump joke still in? It was missing in the CD version and now that the special edition is being distributed digitally in an age where writing "disk" will have people telling you that you spelled it wrong.... Well, I guess the likelihood of it still being in there is slim. But it's still a funny joke! Well, I thought it was a funny joke.... D:

We have already done just this, but thank you for the recommendation. It was actually at one of the recording sessions that the topic of becoming Professional Voice Actors came up,

Not sure if it's fox paw to post external links, but for anyone interested in voice acting on an amateur level and getting some practice in, you should try scouring the following forums - I frequent them quite often and there's always work available. For the fun of voice acting, mostly:

http://voiceacting.proboards.com/index.cgi?
http://voiceactingalliance.com/board/index.php

[fiduch]

First off, let me just say that as a long-time fan of the series, I'm thrilled that you're back to voice Guybrush once again. It simply wouldn't be the same without you, dude.

My question is this: How hard was it for you to not tell people about these new Monkey Island projects?? I'm sure you get asked about it fairly frequently, and had to bend the truth a bit over these past months. Personally, I'm amazed that both Lucasarts and Telltale were able to keep it all under wraps for as long as they did in this digital age, especially considering the number of rampant fans of the series that constantly scour the "series of tubes" for tiny specks of Monkey Island information.

Again, welcome back! It's good to have you home.

[Arodin]

DMKNLKKY!

I remember the handle from #monkey-island IRC, so many eons ago. I was 'gorbie' then, in case anyone's memory is that good. Grats on getting a chance to play Threepwood again. A remake of the original and a new episodic series! You must be psyched. It's a good time for the old school Monkey Island fans.

[Tjibbbe]

Hi Dominic, awesome to have you back.

I was wondering, when you're in the recording booth, how much of a grasp do you have on what's going on in the story? I know the other voice actors are not in there with you, so how do you handle reading one side of a conversation without really knowing what you're talking about?

Also, for something completely different, you probably know that Monkey Island has been the most requested franchise for Telltale to get their hands on for the last five years. I wonder, what would you like Telltale to make a game about?

[Tau/Tigz]

Hey Dominic, so glad to have you back in the driving seat after all these years :) My question is...

Have you ever been tempted to get some random map, stain it beigey-brown, tear it haphazardly into four pieces and frame it?

[Xocrates]

Hey! I just remembered a good one:

Did you at any point suggested or improvised a line that made it through?

[Daigowedd]

Hey! I just remembered a good one:

Did you at any point suggested or improvised a line that made it through?

I think the monkey in my pocket stuff was improv. IIRC. :confused:

[RobD]

I think the monkey in my pocket stuff was improv. IIRC. :confused:

I loved those.:p

On a related note, are there any great musical moments from you this time round?:D

[Guybrush_Threepwood]

Hi, Dom!
This ain't a real question, just wanted to tell you you rock!!!

[LittleBuddy]

I've just finished reading the whole thread... just wanted to thank Armando for taking the time to answer so many questions :D And while I'm at it, I might as well add one too: Is there any character (not necessarily MI-related) that you would want to play?

[ChazFox]

Objection, your honor! Asked and answered!

Eep, my bad. :eek: The thread's moving at such a rate of knots that I can't keep up with questions being asked and answered. Terribly sorry about that.

Uhh, let's see... Well, I guess I have no other questions for you. All that's left for me to say is that you're doing an awesome job, and that I look forward to seeing (and hearing!) the goodness of the first episode of TMI this Sunday!

EDIT: Oh! I guess I do have one question, now that I think about it: What do you think of this series being abbreviated to TMI? Y'know, with TMI already being an acronym for "Too Much Information". :P

[Xocrates]

I look forward to [...] first episode of TMI this Sunday!
Dude! The premiere is 7 July! It's still one month away.

[Secret Fawful]

Dude! The premiere is 7 July! It's still one month away.

I made the same mistake at first. I was so excited, then suddenly so shattered. :p

[Fury]

Dude, a MONTH! That's nothing in terms of waiting!

Dominic, have you ever played Psychonauts? Why weren't you voicing in that? Hmm?

[Xocrates]

Dude! Like... totally!

I miss the 90's :(

[Peepgood]

What IS the secret of Monkey Island?

[Mromson]

What IS the secret of Monkey Island?

I don't want to know, don't tell me.

I don't want to find out, ever.

[Dmnkly]

Did your wife marry you because you were the voice of Guybrush? :p
Good question... I'll ask her! Let me get back to you on this one... seriously!

What exactly would you recommend a demo consist of?
Well, traditionally speaking, it's either snippets of your work edited together, or if you haven't done any, you make it up. Here's my character demo (http://www.chicagoposse.com/LiveJournal/Demo.mp3). It's old -- I haven't made one since I left L.A. in 2001 -- but I think it holds up mostly okay.

1) can you tell us if you did VOs for new insults?
I believe it's been reported elsewhere, so I don't think I'm giving anything away by saying that there are insults, and there is swordfighting, but there is no insult swordfighting (so far, anyway).[/quote]

2) what does grog taste like and do you have to take a break to let your vocal chords recover after a chug :D
Watered down rum, because that's what it is. Exciting, huh? In all seriousness, I have actually used alcohol in a professional capacity. If I have to sound a little gruff or gravely (not something to which my voice is accustomed), I find a shot of vodka before bedtime helps. This is highly unscientific. And between this and my previous answers, it's starting to make me sound like a lush. Which is kind of funny given how little I actually do drink.

My suggestion to anyone trying to get a start in "funny voices" is to try to create your own forum for your talents.
Great suggestion! Like I say, I'm really not the best guy to ask about this.

Are you really Dominic Armato or are you one of those MySpace/FaceBook-esque celebrity profiles who are actually just some secretary giving text book answers to all us fanatical zealots? :rolleyes:
Ja........ I MEAN YES!

Dom, have you ever used a walkthrough for a classic adventure game?
Hell no!

1) Have you ever tried Portuguese food? If so what's your opinion on it?
No! Though certainly not by choice. Portuguese seems to be a little tough to come by in the States. But the timing of this question is excellent, as I'm moving up to Boston at the end of the month where I understand there's a pretty large Portuguese community, and I'm really looking forward to trying some.

2) Was there ever a particularly clingy MI fan that really annoyed you at any one point? Was it me?
Probably.

In all seriousness, my threshold is pretty high. Somehow my early interactions with the old mixnmojo.com crew ended with a trip to Disney and me cooking pasta for them at my house. I should note for the record, however, that my wife is (understandably) somewhat less enthusiastic about inviting internet strangers into our home, so -- uh -- don't expect dinner :-)

Anyway, I was wondering, have you ever played any of the Sierra adventure games like Space Quest and King's Quest (my two fav's after MI)? If so what do you think of those games?
You know, I never got into the Sierra games. Never played Space Quest. Tried King's Quest and didn't get very far, because without the humor I just didn't enjoy it. And Leisure Suit Larry just wasn't doing it for me. As mentioned, I loved the original Gabriel Knight. Was that Sierra?

Also, do you enjoy the MI music?
I'm far from the first person to say so, but the music may be the best part of the series. I've been singing the Scumm Bar theme in my head since the announcement was made on Monday. Or was that one of the actual classic sea shanties they used? In any case, Michael Land is as responsible for the character of the series as anybody else who has worked on it, and more than most.

I am curious what types of music do you like; Game soundtracks, Rock, Jazz, Reggae, Classical, other?
Oh, gosh, a little bit of everything. I'll try to refrain from using the cliched "My collection ranges from (insert high-brow artsy music here) to (insert pop artist generally recognized to have significant artistic merit here) to (insert pop artist generally recognized to produce total trash here)" and just list some that are special to me for assorted reasons, in alphabetical order since that's how they show up on Media Monkey:

Bang Camaro, The Bobs, Cake, David Bowie, Django Reinhardt, Duran Duran, Frank Black, Freezepop, Front 242, Helmet, Information Society, James Brown, John Adams, Loudon Wainwright III, Louis Prima, Michael Penn, The Mills Brothers, Milli Vanilli (shut up), The Minibosses, Morphine, Nine Inch Nails, Paul Simon, Philip Glass, The Pixies, The Police, The Postal Service, Randy Newman, Stevie Ray Vaughan, They Might Be Giants, Tom Waits.

What would you say is your favourite intro to a game, be it just music or movie as well?
Almost definitely Grim. But I reserve the right to rapidly backtrack when somebody points out something I'm forgetting.

How hard was it for you to not tell people about these new Monkey Island projects??
Fricking torturous. Especially with the timing of that CMI feature over at Mojo. I don't like to make a habit of lying through my teeth, but... well... ya do what ya gotta do. Lucas' NDAs are more than a little intimidating :-)

I was wondering, when you're in the recording booth, how much of a grasp do you have on what's going on in the story? I know the other voice actors are not in there with you, so how do you handle reading one side of a conversation without really knowing what you're talking about?
The story is rarely a problem, at least with MI, since I know it so well. Even with new material, I still understand the characters and universe and feel and all. Working without other actors, however, can be very, very difficult. There's no question that the best thing by FAR is to have everybody in the same room reading together. But as mentioned elsewhere (Upthread? At Mojo? Can't remember.), that just isn't practical from a dollars and cents standpoint. There's a lot of guesswork involved, and you just have to trust that the actor on the other end of the dialogue can imagine your participation just as well as you can imagine his.

Also, for something completely different, you probably know that Monkey Island has been the most requested franchise for Telltale to get their hands on for the last five years. I wonder, what would you like Telltale to make a game about?
I didn't know that, but I can't say I'm surprised :-) Good question. Which is what I usually say when I can't think of an answer. So. Um. There you go. (sorry!).

Have you ever been tempted to get some random map, stain it beigey-brown, tear it haphazardly into four pieces and frame it?
I think this is one urge I can safely say I've never experienced.

Did you at any point suggested or improvised a line that made it through?
I think the monkey in my pocket stuff was improv. IIRC. :confused:
The tunes, not the lyrics. And that's it. Script's pretty rigid. 'Sides which, the writers are funnier than I am.

Oh! I guess I do have one question, now that I think about it: What do you think of this series being abbreviated to TMI? Y'know, with TMI already being an acronym for "Too Much Information". :P
It's better than DMY, I suppose.

Dominic, have you ever played Psychonauts? Why weren't you voicing in that? Hmm?
Loved Psychonauts. Why wasn't I in it? 'Cause Tim Schafer's a big old bed wetting doody head, that's why. An immensely talented big old bed wetting doody head at whose feet I'd gladly grovel if it would get me cast in one of his games, but a big old bed wetting doody head nonetheless.

[Joe Newberry]

Well, traditionally speaking, it's either snippets of your work edited together, or if you haven't done any, you make it up. Here's my character demo (http://www.chicagoposse.com/LiveJournal/Demo.mp3). It's old -- I haven't made one since I left L.A. in 2001 -- but I think it holds up mostly okay.

That...is...hilarious.

I thought for a second your old timer net browser guy was going to turn into a Bill Thompson as Droopy/Wallace Wimple impersonation.

[IpFreely]

Ohhh Yeah! Wow! This is like.. Getting the once in a lifetime chance, to insult someone who´s voice you´ve heard a million times in your most favourite game! hmmm... time for some payback! (Rubs hands in evil motion) ... you sound like a girl...! there you go! An insult! muhaahahaha!

I only have one question for you Guybru... Ahem!....Dominic!

Have you ever achually played the MI games yourself or was it just too wierd listening to your own voice all the time, oohhh and if so! Who was your favourite character in the game ?

That was two questions in one.. kinda like when you buy McNuggets and get a human finger with your bag.. its all crunchy but you wish you only got the nuggets!

Regards
Your biggest fan! (seriously im very tall!)

PS. Eat Healthy, dont drink too much and never watch dr. phill! I dont want you dying before you´ve completed the voice acting for MI 6 7 and 8! ;)

[Fury]

3 Questions.

1 - Have YOU preordered Monkey Island 5?

2 - Are you psyched about Brutal Legend also? (not as much as monkey island of course)

3 - If you could be any type of donut, what would it be?

[Secret Fawful]

So, Dominic, what was retirement like for you during your MI draught?

[Fury]

I was looking at IMDB and your digital resume.

I have a question.

Why did I not recognize your voice in Crysis?

[Laserschwert]

The story is rarely a problem, at least with MI, since I know it so well. Even with new material, I still understand the characters and universe and feel and all. Working without other actors, however, can be very, very difficult. There's no question that the best thing by FAR is to have everybody in the same room reading together. But as mentioned elsewhere (Upthread? At Mojo? Can't remember.), that just isn't practical from a dollars and cents standpoint. There's a lot of guesswork involved, and you just have to trust that the actor on the other end of the dialogue can imagine your participation just as well as you can imagine his.
As a follow-up to that answer: Regarding VO or dubbing (those two are different, aren't they?) I was always wondering, if any of the already recorded lines are played to the actors in the booth, just to get the reaction just right, OR if maybe the director reads the counter-part... I couldn't make that out from your answer.

[Bruno83]

Hey Dominic!
Is your console still working?
I've only played the german versions of the old games, because back then, I wouldn't have been able to understand anything in the english versions.
(Aaaaand It would have been hard for me to get the english versions)
You've already answered the question about the french voice actor, but have you ever heard the german voice of Guybrush? (Norman Matt)
If so, do you think he does your work any justice?

[hamzie]

1. Guybrush and Elaine .. married.

Too soon? Too late? Shouldnt have happened? yOUR CAWMENTS ? (a.k.a comments)

2. Whose idea was it for you to answer alllllllllllllll these questions

[Vodiara]

Hi Dom, glad to hear your voice, just bought the game. :)?
Everything looks great about the game, xept one thing, how you feel about guybrushes new look? Its kinda too different form the classic ones, that the only complaint atm :( Dont you think so?

[Dmnkly]

1 - Have YOU preordered Monkey Island 5?Nope. Being Guybrush has its perks. (I hope!)

2 - Are you psyched about Brutal Legend also?
I'm psyched about anything Tim Schafer does. Including scratching himself.

3 - If you could be any type of donut, what would it be?
Hmmm... my favorite growing up was the Chocolate Long John, but that's just creepy coming from a 33 year old, so given my future home, I'll go with my old second-stringer, the Boston Creme.

Actually, that's not much better.

Ah, who am I kidding. I'm filled with jelly.

(Just stop now.)

So, Dominic, what was retirement like for you during your MI draught?
Oh, you know, living life. I did VO in California until 2001, a few games, a few shows, plenty of commercials. Had a recurring role on Rocket Power for a few seasons. Then I decided it was time to come home to Chicago, did some work for the family business, kept up with commercial VO (not much character work in Chicago), got married, had kids... you know the drill. Now I pretty much follow my wife around since she's super smart and squeeze in some VO when I can. Little ones are, predictably, a great drain on time to do much else.

Why did I not recognize your voice in Crysis?
Because I was doing my job :-) Actually, I'm glad you didn't notice. That means I did well. But I wasn't any of the lead characters. Just random pilots/marines/scientists, that kind of thing. You never would have heard more than a line or two from me at a time, which might have something to do with it. Plus, a lot of them would have been screaming, and while I'm sure a burly marine loosing a girly Guybrush-like scream while being ripped to shreds by some manner of alien weapon would be amusing to you, I'm quite certain it would be less so to the guys at Crytek. I was mo-capped, though, which is pretty sweet!

As a follow-up to that answer: Regarding VO or dubbing (those two are different, aren't they?) I was always wondering, if any of the already recorded lines are played to the actors in the booth, just to get the reaction just right, OR if maybe the director reads the counter-part... I couldn't make that out from your answer.
Ehhh, not so much. You certainly don't have pre-recorded lines fed to you (which wouldn't even be an option if you recorded first), though I'll sometimes ask to hear a quick sample of the other character if he's been recorded already just so I have an idea of what I'm playing against. Of course, context is SUPER important, so whenever it isn't clear exactly what I'm reacting to, I ask. Hopefully whoever's running the session knows. With TMI, I ask for read-in lines whenever possible. Not because I need an actor to play against, but just so I know exactly what I'm responding to. But it isn't like we sit there and read through a script in dialogue fashion.

Is your console still working?
Working and getting a workout lately! Mass Effect. I'm... uh... a little behind.

You've already answered the question about the french voice actor, but have you ever heard the german voice of Guybrush?
If so, do you think he does your work any justice?
Can't say because I've never heard it. Come to think of it, I don't think I've ever heard any of the localized versions. Or if I have, it was a loooong time ago and I've long forgotten.

1. Guybrush and Elaine .. married.

Too soon? Too late? Shouldnt have happened? yOUR CAWMENTS ? (a.k.a comments)
This is a really tough thing. Of course, Ron has said publicly that he didn't think they should have gotten married, and of course I understand that. Even setting aside his feeling that she saw him as more of a kid brother (though after that scene on the dock, that's a little... um... creepy), it's a resolution of dramatic tension. On the other hand, we've made a bunch of these games now. You have to resolve something along the line, and I think it's less a matter of do they or don't they and more a matter of how it's handled.

Everything looks great about the game, xept one thing, how you feel about guybrushes new look? Its kinda too different form the classic ones, that the only complaint atm :( Dont you think so?
I don't, and the reason is that while you need to honor the history, you also need to give the designers some leeway to do their thing. The people working on these games are artists, and if they feel too constricted by canon, that's stifling from a creative standpoint. I mean, nobody wants a musclebound hulk of a burly pirate for Guybrush, but for me, part of the fun is seeing how different design teams approach the MI world. Comic book characters, for example, will go through transitions and updates and such as different writers and artists take over the storyline, and that keeps it dynamic and interesting. I don't see why this should be any different. You'll have your favorites and those you don't like quite as much, but I much prefer that his look not remain static.

Clearly, however, voice is another situation. The voice should always be provided by the same actor. Always. Always. (always.)

If I skipped your question, it's because (I think) it was already answered upthread.

Keep 'em coming!

[Joe Newberry]

Clearly, however, voice is another situation. The voice should always be provided by the same actor. Always. Always. (always.)




And you think the writers are funnier than you? You clearly don't know your own comedic strength.

[ZombieAtPlay]

In Rocket Power you didn't actually say any words, you just kinda mumbled. Was that easier or harder as an actor?

(look at that, a proper question from me! :eek: Is that a sign of the apocolypse?)

[hamzie]

Are you going to make your kids play the whole MI series + Tales of MI

Has your wife played the whole series

[slayer777]

It is comforting to see that the voice of Guybrush Threepwood, Might Pirate!, is in professional and capable hands. I have to ask you a question Dominic: What other acting or voice acting jobs did you do outside of the Monkey Island games?

John McCluskey from Montreal, QC

[Cohen]

Which Guybrush design is your favourite?
Tossup between MI2:LCR and CMI. I'm leaning MI2. The coat fricking rocks.

But it's a girlie coat... Amanda in "Jack Keane" wears the same outfit ;)

[bizarro]

Hey Dom, im (as all the guys here) a big fan of MI and i did my preorder also. Im living in ARGENTINA (indeed its a country way down in the south). Can u send me and my bro (Sebius) a greeting? (it looks like Guybrush is talking to us... just in our imagination, but). Regards, keep up the good work and see u in the remake of the Monkey II :D!!!

[Guybrush_Threepwood]

My name is Bobbin. Are you my mother?

[IpFreely]

Dominic Every Englishman must have a hobby. Some like to collect the stamp, some like to make the jam, but the most fun is to a kill a little animal with a shotgun, I like play monkey game islands, you like played ?

In my country we say to let a woman drive a car is like to let a monkey fly a plane, very dangerous yes.

[Arodin]

Everything looks great about the game, xept one thing, how you feel about guybrushes new look? Its kinda too different form the classic ones, that the only complaint atm :( Dont you think so?

When I think back, I realize that every time another MI came out, I had basically the same kind of reaction -- MI2: "what the.. Guybrush has a beard?!", CMI: "what the... why is Guybrush so tall!?", EMI: "what the... why is Guybrush so short... and in 3d!?!" Once I start playing it though, I get used to him and then he's just Guybrush.

The only thing about the new look that I don't like is the ear piercings. I think Guybrush would be too scared of having a needle jammed through his ear... I'll just assume they're clip-ons. :D

[Mancomb]

Ooop oop oop

ack ack chee

[Mancomb]

Do you own a chicken with a pulley in the middle? If so what uses does it have? ;)

[Threepwood4Life]

Hi Dominic,

Good to hear your voice once again as the greatest wannabe pirate of all time.

Since you did the voice of Largo in that 2002 April fools joke of soundbytes for the fake Monkey Island 5, I was just wondering do you think Largo could make a return in these new adventures and would you actually do the voice as well?

[JanT]

Hi,

I've read somewhere that there's only one guy who does like half of all Futurama voices, and many times recording episodes meant that the guy was talking by himself. So is voice acting about the ability to change your voice, or can you have a career with only one voice? Is changing your voice and inventing new voices something you can learn, or something that must come naturally?

[Xocrates]

Well, I don't think I have any more questions for the time being, so I just want to thank Dom for his time :)

[xfinitex]

What was the most fun for you this time around, an all new Monkey Island, or recording the audio for Secret?

[Zephyer]

What are your favorite games besides the point and click ones Dom? (You seem like a Fallout 2/Baldurs Gate guy :P)

[ghostgurl]

Hey Dominic, it's great to have you back. What would you say is your favorite insult from Monkey Island? Aside from the obvious of course.

[The Morpher]

Thank you for letting him do the voice for this installment.

So Dom, are you doing any other projects, besides Monkey Island, at the moment?

(I hope this question hasn't been asked before, I just can't be bothered to flick through all these posts XD)

[Ash735]

Hi Dominic, just dropping by to say you do a brilliant job and that you ARE Guybrush, if Guybrush had a different voice then it just wouldn't be right.

Quick question, someone already mentioned "Plank of Love" from Monkey Island 3 but there was also a scene cut from the game before the last level, a storyboard exists for this and rumoured is that the script for this scene was done to, some even say that an old promo for Monkey Island 3 briefly shows a clip from this scene. so the question is, what the hell happened to this scene and what really happened, how did Guybrush get on the rollercoaster?

[serweet]

two questions this time

1) Are you the reason that Van Helgin says the tenor that used to be in the barbery coast quartet was called Dominic? Do you sing Tenor at all?

2) Are you getting tired of these questions (because you better not be ;) ), or are you possibly worried about what may be asked?

[GuyMontague]

[...]or are you possibly worried about what may be asked?

Like probing questions about your dark past?

What ever happened to your sister anyway? And why have you never been photographed with her suspected killer Donnald Ackart, who shares your birth-date and general description? </sillyness>

[Jake]

Just a heads up, guys -- I think Dom is in the studio today recording the dialog for episode 2 -- so don't be surprised if his currently crazy schedule of updating this thread multiple times a day is interrupted :)

[Rokkerinn]

hey Dom.
this series is as old as i am and these games have followed me through my life!
My girlfriend loves them and we play them together sometimes.
i just wanted to thank you for bringing this awesome character to life and i hope to see so much more of monkey island!
monkey island 3 still my favorite but mostly because it was my first.... kind of like first love....
i guess i'm saying "thanks for being my first love dom!" :P
hope you have fun making this new series!

oh and a question:
do you ever forget yourself in character as guybrush?
and furthermore, has the wife ever asked you to play him, like say, in bed? x)
don't have to answer the last one, just thought it would be a good followup :P

[xzodia]

This is awesome! I can't wait to play more MI XD
I enjoyed MI so much I was inspired to make my own adventure game!
There's no question that it will contain tributes to the series. Once its further into its development, would you be interested in doing a short dialogue as Guybrush, Dominic? That would be so epic!

[Fury]

Ooo already recording episode 2.

Telltale, you guys really do a great job at releasing episodic games. By far, you guys are leading the way for other developers in terms of episodic content. Other companies, such as Valve, have the right idea, but TAKE FREAKING 2 YEARS BETWEEN EACH EPISODE! GAH!..

Oh yeah another question.

Have you played ALL the old Scumm games? Or just monkey island?

[Slashmire]

Being in a lead designer in a big company that has never really used voice actors, are you stealable and bribable (as in can we beat and strike you with frozen tuna) to make voices for our games it the opportunity ever comes? Or do we need to go all the boring way of contacting your agent, poisoning his food and contacting you because you don't have an agent?

I have nothing in mind, just wondering how easy it is it to communicate with you on those matters?

[Wicked Mouse]

Not really much to ask, more of a heads up. My first MI game was MI3 and so I my first acquaintance with the Guybrush character was with voice and all and I wouldn't be able to see Guybrush without hearing that voice ever again. The introduction "I'm Guybrush Threepwood. A mighty pirate!" will always stick to my head. And (quite randomly) "I've got five death cards. That can't be good." upon inspecting tarot cards. Apart from Murray's "MWUAHAHAH!" of course.
"You're about as fearsome as a doorstop."
Murray: "Is it a really EVIL-looking doorstop?"
"[sigh] Never mind."
I think it will be hard to swallow Guybrush with a different voice.

Now coming to mind, I do have some things to ask: as in many games next to artists there are writers (quests/story/dialogue). How much improvisation are you, as a voice actor, allowed to have? Are you maybe even free to add jokes/lines on your own or are you tied to the script? And if you were allowed to, would you still remember anything in particular that you added to the dialogues?

[Seether]

Further questions! (yeehhhaaarrrr!)

1. When in the studio recording your lines, do you get to do so in a group with the other voice actors, or is everyone in their own little studio bubble and you have to do your best to make it fit with the how the scene is envisioned?

2-3. Are you the only returning voice actor for Tales of Monkey Island, the current trailer seems to have a different actor for LeChuck than in the past. I suppose I was expecting that since the cast from Curse was brought back together for the update of Secret that naturally that might have transitioned to Tales?

4. Off-MI-topic: Mass Effect! Cool... looking forward to 2 I would assume? Did you get a chance to read either of the two novels based around the game? The first one (Revelation) is a prequel to ME1 and there is a inbetween (Ascension), both of which I have found added to the overall experience.

Thanks again for taking time out of what must be a hectic schedule to answer everyone's questions.

[dumpling321]

okay so my first MI game was CMI and about 5-6 years ago i loaned it to a friend and he lost one of the CD's. THEN, i bought the set with the first 3 monkey island games and loaned them to another friend (only after i beat all three of course)... this was about 3-4 years ago and i still havnt gotten them back yet... meanwhile hes gotten married and is about to pop out his first child. my question is this...

do you think its a hopeless quest to get them back and how would you suggest i go about getting my copies back from him

also have you ever played the simon the sorceror series??

[Dmnkly]

In Rocket Power you didn't actually say any words, you just kinda mumbled. Was that easier or harder as an actor?
Unquestionably harder. If you spew gibberish, it just sounds like gibberish. But mumbling something that sounds like actual words but is still completely unintelligible? That's tricky.

Are you going to make your kids play the whole MI series + Tales of MI

Has your wife played the whole series
Despite the loving tableau of family bliss that my children chained to the floor in front of the television, eyes propped open with toothpicks would be, I don't intend to make anybody play anything. But it doesn't appear that my unwillingness to go Clockwork Orange on my kids will be the limiting factor in our household. My two-year-old has already asked to watch the trailer at least 40 times, and my wife -- whose previous gaming experience is pretty much limited to Snood and Bejeweled -- is saying she can't wait to play through them. So it looks like Family Monkey Island night is in the works.

What other acting or voice acting jobs did you do outside of the Monkey Island games?
There's a pretty good list over at the IMDB (http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0035342/), which includes such highlights as when I mugged Hector Elizondo (complete with video -- shocking even to me!). Those are the big ones, with plenty of commercial work strewn throughout.

My name is Bobbin. Are you my mother?
For the right price, I could be.

Do you own a chicken with a pulley in the middle? If so what uses does it have? ;)
A tasty one.

Since you did the voice of Largo in that 2002 April fools joke of soundbytes for the fake Monkey Island 5, I was just wondering do you think Largo could make a return in these new adventures and would you actually do the voice as well?
No clue, but I'd love to see Largo return. If he did, though, the chances are almost nil that I'd do the voice, and that April Fools joke certainly wouldn't have any bearing on it ('specially since that wasn't particularly good!).

I've read somewhere that there's only one guy who does like half of all Futurama voices, and many times recording episodes meant that the guy was talking by himself. So is voice acting about the ability to change your voice, or can you have a career with only one voice? Is changing your voice and inventing new voices something you can learn, or something that must come naturally?
Billy West. Yeah, he does a bunch for Futurama. Not as many as Seth MacFarlane does for Family Guy / American Dad. But this is what I mean when I say that the people who can really do it are Jedi fricking masters. It was like that watching Tom Kane work on CMI. Okay, Tom, we need an Algerian accountant who runs away to join the circus, is 6'4", barrel0-chested, went to college in Wisconsin and had some dental work done last week. *BAM* Nails it. Of course, there are also people who build long and lucrative careers around doing one thing -- Don LaFontaine (the trailer guy), for example. But there's a common misconception that voiceover is about voice. It is, but only as a starting point. With commercial, it's about your read. Can you sell the product without sounding like you're selling the product. Can you emphasize exactly what needs to be emphasized without sounding like you're pushing. Can you convey the spirit of the product through your voice. With character, it's about... character. Take Mel Blanc. One of the classic masters of character VO. Listen to his characters -- Bugs Bunny, Elmer Fudd, Daffy Duck, Sylvester, Yosemite Sam -- their vocal quality is all very, very similar. What distinguishes them is that each one is a distinct character. The ability to bring a character to life -- the ability to act -- is infinitely more important than what that character sounds like. And like anything else, of course you can train and practice and get better at it, but you have to have a certain amount of talent for it to begin with.

What was the most fun for you this time around, an all new Monkey Island, or recording the audio for Secret?Toss-up. Honestly. Bringing new life to an old classic or the excitement of exploring completely new territory? Can't be compared.

What would you say is your favorite insult from Monkey Island? Aside from the obvious of course.
Uh... which was the obvious, again?

So Dom, are you doing any other projects, besides Monkey Island, at the moment?
At the moment, no. VO's kind of taken a back seat recently, what with the moving and the kids and all that. I'd intended to kind of sit back for a few years and take a hiatus of sorts before jumping back in, and then Monkey Island suddenly reappeared and blew up that whole plan. Just when I think I'm out...

Quick question, someone already mentioned "Plank of Love" from Monkey Island 3 but there was also a scene cut from the game before the last level, a storyboard exists for this and rumoured is that the script for this scene was done to, some even say that an old promo for Monkey Island 3 briefly shows a clip from this scene. so the question is, what the hell happened to this scene and what really happened, how did Guybrush get on the rollercoaster?
My memory's a little fuzzy, since it would have been... 1996? 1997?... when I recorded this? But I do recall a cutscene featuring Elaine fighting off a skeletal horde while I kind of stand around, twiddling my thumbs, asking if there's anything I can do. She says no, I kind of meander about, and am then somehow shoved into the roller coaster. And that's as much of it as is still stuck in my brain. I remember thinking after the game was released that it really could have used that material, and based on subsequent interviews it sounds like Jonathan and Larry agree. But the budget's the budget and they didn't want to blow it, I believe.

1) Are you the reason that Van Helgin says the tenor that used to be in the barbery coast quartet was called Dominic? Do you sing Tenor at all?
Nope. The line was written before I was cast. And if we're going to be pedantic about it (and I am), I'm Dominic... he's Dominique. But yes, I am a tenor and did quite a bit of singing. Not that you'd know it from Guybrush's caterwauling.

2) Are you getting tired of these questions (because you better not be ;) ), or are you possibly worried about what may be asked?
Petrified! But game, nonetheless.

Like probing questions about your dark past?

What ever happened to your sister anyway? And why have you never been photographed with her suspected killer Donnald Ackart, who shares your birth-date and general description? </sillyness>
My sister? Similarly married, with kid, coding for Jellyvision and -- last I checked -- still alive and well, so I'm a little confused about the whole suspected killer thing.

Besides, Donald looks nothing like me. He has an eyepatch.

do you ever forget yourself in character as guybrush?
I was going to say no, but then I went and used "I" instead of "Guybrush" in describing the missing CMI cutscene above, so there goes that theory.

and furthermore, has the wife ever asked you to play him, like say, in bed? x) don't have to answer the last one, just thought it would be a good followup :P
I'm sure she's relieved.

I enjoyed MI so much I was inspired to make my own adventure game! There's no question that it will contain tributes to the series. Once its further into its development, would you be interested in doing a short dialogue as Guybrush, Dominic? That would be so epic!
Epic, yes! Doable, no. Union = red tape.

Have you played ALL the old Scumm games? Or just monkey island?
Not all, but quite a few. Loom, MI, Full Throttle, Sam 'n Max, Grim Fandango (was that not SCUMM?), Indy... maybe another one or two that I'm forgetting.

Being in a lead designer in a big company that has never really used voice actors, are you stealable and bribable (as in can we beat and strike you with frozen tuna) to make voices for our games it the opportunity ever comes? Or do we need to go all the boring way of contacting your agent, poisoning his food and contacting you because you don't have an agent?

I have nothing in mind, just wondering how easy it is it to communicate with you on those matters?
I like to think I'm very easy to communicate with! And I'll communicate to you that you need to talk to my agent :-) As mentioned above, there's all kinds of red tape involved, and I prefer not to involve myself with it. That's what they're for.

If, however, that frozen tuna is to be found at Tsukiji and you intend to fly and put me up in Tokyo for the beating, I'll be on your doorstep first thing tomorrow morning.

2-3. Are you the only returning voice actor for Tales of Monkey Island, the current trailer seems to have a different actor for LeChuck than in the past. I suppose I was expecting that since the cast from Curse was brought back together for the update of Secret that naturally that might have transitioned to Tales?
I know it's a new LeChuck. Earl Boen is apparently happily retired in Hawaii and only working in a very limited fashion. And I know Alexandra Boyd (CMI Elaine) is back. Other than that, I have no clue. I haven't even heard any of the other characters yet. Aside from what's publicly available, of course.

4. Off-MI-topic: Mass Effect! Cool... looking forward to 2 I would assume? Did you get a chance to read either of the two novels based around the game? The first one (Revelation) is a prequel to ME1 and there is a inbetween (Ascension), both of which I have found added to the overall experience.
I'll let you know in a month or two. I've really only just started. Too early to have formed any strong opinions yet. And no, I haven't read the novels. I think I've read one book in the last year, and it was The Soul of a Chef.

do you think its a hopeless quest to get them back and how would you suggest i go about getting my copies back from him
Blackmail. Failing that, car battery.

also have you ever played the simon the sorceror series??
Can't say that I have!

Hokay, off to bed... back to the studio in the morning, and you don't want Guybrush sounding like he's been on an all-night bender. Well, not unless he has. (Has he? Hmmmmm......)

[Laserkid]

Okay I actually have a question now. xD

Since you're recording episode 2 now (dont worry wont ask you details on WHAT - I work for sprint, I'm familiar with an NDA) and thus have seen a bit of whats there, how much back refferencing have you seen in Guybrush's dialogue (I know from telltale interviews Guybrush looks for Murray in skull piles)? I enjoy these strange continuous things so just curious how that is going in a general sense.

[Bruno83]

aren't you getting tired of everybody kissing your Butt in here?

have fun in the studio!...... .......... :x

[hamzie]

Is your laptop/pc filled with MI themes

Why are we trying so hard just to come up with a question which we never wondered about

[Toothless Gibbon]

Dominic - thanks a bunch for answering these questions, it almost fells like Im talking to GT himself! You definitely brought the character to life for me and I agree that anyone else doing the voice would just not have been the same.

My question is - being a fan of the MI series, does being involved in the production kind of take away some of the fun of actually playing the games for you? In particular, already knowing all the Guybrush dialog...

Do you know the context of lines when you perform them and do you record them in order?

I started making my own fan version of a MI game a few years ago but stopped after realising that even if I finished it, It wouldn't be fun to play as I knew all the secrets!

That being said, if I ever resurrected it, what are your rates? :)

[Mromson]

Dominic - Have you ever played any of the Metal Gear Solid series games?

[Girlbrushthreepwood]

The Monkey Island Series Is my Fav Games of all time 1# My collection of MI Memorabilia is huge lol And i had the biggest crush on you Dominic when i was younger your voice is amazing and so was your pic... anywho glad that your coming back to do Tales of monkey island and MI Special Edition ...wouldn't be MI without you....You ARE guybrush the way Adam west is batman ...lol no one else could do it... anywho have a good one

Faith

[Vongrove]

Dom, thank you so much for all the advice, and for all the answers to other questions. You have been a real sport about all this. Hope recording goes well... I would have something to say about your demo, but I haven't yet had a chance to listen to it yet

[Dmnkly]

Since you're recording episode 2 now (dont worry wont ask you details on WHAT - I work for sprint, I'm familiar with an NDA) and thus have seen a bit of whats there, how much back refferencing have you seen in Guybrush's dialogue (I know from telltale interviews Guybrush looks for Murray in skull piles)? I enjoy these strange continuous things so just curious how that is going in a general sense.
My impression is that it's mostly self-contained in a way that means it won't be the least bit confusing for first-timers, but there have already been plenty of sly references -- the type that will silently fly over a newbie's head while giving old-timers a good chuckle.

aren't you getting tired of everybody kissing your Butt in here?
I'm getting a little tired of it, but my butt's having the time of its life.

Is your laptop/pc filled with MI themes
Not so much. I obsessively save all of the images, movies and sound files I can get my hands on, but I'm not one for flashy themes. If they ever make a Guybrush action figure, though, I'm mounting it on my laptop cover like a hood ornament.

My question is - being a fan of the MI series, does being involved in the production kind of take away some of the fun of actually playing the games for you? In particular, already knowing all the Guybrush dialog...
Not really. Even though I'm in almost every single scene and have seen half of the dialogue, you'd be surprised by how inadequate a sense that gives me of what the final game will look like. I haven't seen the environments. I haven't seen all of the characters. I haven't heard any voices other than my own. I've seen my half of the conversations, with a few lead-in lines here and there. I haven't heard the music, I haven't seen the animations, and I don't even know how to solve most of the puzzles. Does reading a brief synopsis of a film and seeing a couple of clips ruin a movie for you? I suppose it might, if shocking plot twists are an important part of it. But more often than not, it just makes you excited to actually see the real thing.

Do you know the context of lines when you perform them and do you record them in order?
Context is all-important and I look for as much of it as possible. Lead-in lines, setting the scene -- even how far away I am from the person I'm talking to. It's easy to nail the read if I have a clear picture in my head of exactly what's going on, but getting that picture can be a challenge sometimes. Generally speaking, the director has seen the most recent build of the game and is familiar with all of the scenes and I'm not, so I ask what I think I need to know and then have to trust that s/he will correct me if something about my read is incongruous with the scene.

In terms of recording the lines in order, what's in order? :-) It isn't like a film where every line comes before a specific line and after another. You can visit locations in the order you choose, view and use items at any time, speak to the people you want to speak to, and even choose dialogue options within a conversation. The only thing that's possible to put in order are chunks of dialogue that take place without player interaction, and those are few, far between and generally very short. So interactive scripts are a hodgepodge. The developers try to group things as logically as possible (usually by scene or room) and keep chunks of dialogue intact whenever possible, but you can only do so much. Nature of the work.

I started making my own fan version of a MI game a few years ago but stopped after realising that even if I finished it, It wouldn't be fun to play as I knew all the secrets!

That being said, if I ever resurrected it, what are your rates? :)
Union scale... www.aftra.org :-)

Dominic - Have you ever played any of the Metal Gear Solid series games?
Just Metal Gear Solid on the original PlayStation. I dug it, but not enough to make me a big fan of the series. I was in MGS2, but never quite managed to play it.

If I didn't answer your question, it's probably beacuse I answered it upthread, but I might've missed it -- ask again if I did!

[Tjibbbe]

If they ever make a Guybrush action figure, though, I'm mounting it on my laptop cover like a hood ornament.


Well, I've got good news for you, man:

http://www.symbiotestudios.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2009/06/img_1096-247x300.jpg

More info: http://www.symbiotestudios.com/blog/?p=1407

[Secret Fawful]

How does it feel to hear your voice coming through Guybrush's lips? A little disconcerting? A little too awesome?

Also, what puzzle in the adventure games you've played has stumped you the most? (Not sure if these have been asked before.)

[Junaid]

I was in MGS2, but never quite managed to play it.

Haha funny coincidence, Earl Boen is also in MGS2

[Cybexx]

Dominic,

So great to hear your back as Guybrush, like most Monkey Island fans I had pretty much given up hope on anything new coming out. Replaying CMI at the moment, which might be my favorite game of all time.

Using the hand icon on Golden Elaine cracks me up every time.
"She must weigh a ton! Uh... no offence. Hey, I wonder how many karats she... no, no, bad idea!"

[ZombieAtPlay]

If you spew gibberish, it just sounds like gibberish. But mumbling something that sounds like actual words but is still completely unintelligible? That's tricky.

No voice work on The Sims for you then? :p

[Arodin]

Hey Dom..
I imagine back in CMI when you were recording the phrase "with the potential for a few more sequels" you didn't think you'd get to do another sequel, give voice to the original, and do a 5 part episodic series! And more (probably)!

Here's a question: supposing LucasArts decides to do a special edition of MI2 in the future (I hope so!), are you prepared to make hooooock, chwwwwwk, swish-swish, and other various spit-related sounds? :p

[PSUnit]

I don't have a question, but I would like to say it is great to have you back and the series back Dominic.

[Sean A]

Hey dude, I live in Baltimore too! Where are you? (Not exactly; I don't want to be a creep.) (I mean what area are you in...)

I don't know what I mean.

[Fausk]

It's great to see you actually here giving us 110% answering any and all of our silly and ridiculous questions! I don't think many other people would be so willing to connect with their fans, or are you under some sort of contractual obligation to keep us happy until the new episodes release?

In Escape from Monkey Island when Guybrush talks to himself, did you pretty much just record that by talking to yourself, or was it just a normal recording session where you have to say each line individually?

And as a huge Harmonix fan, I gotta ask... What's your favorite Freezepop song?

[serweet]

What sort of promotional work do you go out and do, if any, to advertise a new game, such as ToMI? And if you have done it, what's the weirdest you've ever had to do?

Also, a bit random and off topic, but what car do you drive?

[Silverwolfpet]

Hi Dom!

My name is Andrei. It's a great honor for me to have this oportunity of asking you a question. I know that you try to provide everybody with an answer. I really don't want to take too much of your time by asking many questions (and believe me, I have plenty) :)
I will try to sum them up and ask only two.

1. Do you have any advice for me, from your point of view (a man that never ceased to feel happiness and to see the world through the eyes of a child), and from Guybrush's point of view (the character that inspired my way in life and has shown me that I should never stop "wanting to be a pirate", as in fulfilling my dreams and never give up)?

2. Is there any way I could receive your autograph on a picture of Guybrush? :-) I know it's silly, and perhaps everybody wishes that, but it would mean a lot to this old sea urchin.

Thank you for your time, and thank you for being here.
I am Andrei Constantinescu, and I'm a mighty pirate, thanks to you...

[WDeranged]

Hi Dom, I remember you lurking around the scene back in the SCUMM Bar/COMI days and it's great to have you back, the very first question I asked when told about the new games was 'Have they got Dominic Armato?'....even before I thought about Ron being involved.

My question is, when you were recording for EMI did you feel any difference in the spark of the story? Not that it was a bad game but I think most of us old timers agree it wasn't up to the Lucasarts standard, how well do you think Telltale are doing bottling the lightning? :cool:

[dumpling321]

everyone has asked what your favorite parts of the MI games were but i would like to know what was your least favorite puzzle/line/scene of all the monkey island games?

[LuigiHann]

If LucasArts does a remake of MI2, would your Guybrush sound different than your MI1 Guybrush? Or more generally, when you play them do you imagine them sounding different? I have the most trouble picturing the CMI voice with MI2 Guybrush, probably mostly due to his slightly aged appearance.

[hamzie]

In SoMI during the idol puzzle, DID YOU KNOW GUYBRUSH CAN DIE!!!! i just found out

Do you actually have to load the game again, or is it a typical MI death where you can still do stuff

[BroncoSailor]

This former sailor is very happy to know that Monkey Island is back and that Dominic is voice the mighty pirate Guybrush Threepwood!

[der_ketzer]

In SoMI [...] DID YOU KNOW GUYBRUSH CAN DIE!!!! i just found out

I know he can drown if you don't solve the underwater riddle fast enough (real death, have to reload the game) and he can jump off the cliff (Death screen but the game continues).

[HappyBob]

Dominic, hearing you'd be back really put this MI revival in perspective. It just wouldn't have felt like Monkey Island without you involved.
And thank you for the opportunity to ask this Burning Question I've been hoping to put to you for many years:

What the he'll is the McDonald's mascot "Grimace" meant to be?

[hamzie]

I know he can drown if you don't solve the underwater riddle fast enough (real death, have to reload the game) and he can jump off the cliff (Death screen but the game continues).


ah thanks

and if you dont solve the riddle in 10 minutes he dies

10 minutes for that idol puzzle? How is that possible!!!!

[der_ketzer]

10 minutes for that idol puzzle? How is that possible!!!!

It is impossible. That's why noone ever dies in MI. You have to know it, be in the right place and leave the game running to see it. Or you are really stupid.

But I really love Gybrushes look when he died and the "options" you get after that.
Extra fun: Try to pick up the idol after you are dead.

[hamzie]

It is impossible. That's why noone ever dies in MI. You have to know it, be in the right place and leave the game running to see it. Or you are really stupid.

But I really love Gybrushes look when he died and the "options" you get after that.
Extra fun: Try to pick up the idol after you are dead.

someone needs to upload a vid. of that

there is only one but its in another language :(

[Shwoo]

I have a saved game a that point, but I don't think ScummVM has a record function. I need to get DOSBox again.

There's also a conversation between two pirates, one of whom committed a felony and wants to get rid of the knife. It looks like he's going to drop it in the water, but he decides not to in the end.

Guybrush goes blue after for a while, which changes to a darker shade after a while, then he turns green and floats up to the top. I can't see any option for getting the idol, though.

I'd never done that before. I loved Guybrush's flat "Gee, I don't know how much longer I can hold my breath". I felt bad about killing him.

Oh yeah, this topic is called "Questions for Dominic Armato!" Um... I can't think of anything to ask that hasn't already been asked by someone else. I have some praise, but nothing that hasn't already been said.

[bman69]

Classic.

i second that lol

[hamzie]

Any theories on how guybrush threepwood ended up on melee island

[SHODANFreeman]

Here's where I'm going to really embarrass myself by admitting that I've barely touched the other Telltale games (forgive me, guys!). They've mostly been post-kid, and gaming time has been hard to come by as of late. Back when I did have time for lots of gaming, Full Throttle and Grim Fandango were probably my favorites next to Monkey Island. And I really dug the first Gabriel Knight.

When Wallace and Gromit was announced, my first thought was that you would be clutching your stuffed Gromit and squealing with joy whilst playing through it, Dom. What has become of your Gromit?

[der_ketzer]

there is only one but its in another language :(
I have only the german version.

But I found this picture:
http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b241/ATMachine/mimisc1/mi1egafac35.png

[hamzie]

ah sweet

do those options do anything?

[der_ketzer]

No. Why should they Guybrush is dead at this point.

[Shale]

"Order Hint Book" gives you the phone number for LucasArts' hint line.

[Pshawn]

Dom you've made me laugh like no other. I wish I had a question worthy enough for you but alas I have not. Thanks for the memories!

[hamzie]

Dom you've made me laugh like no other. I wish I had a question worthy enough for you but alas I have not. Thanks for the memories!

ask him the meaning of algebra
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dominic what do you think of this slogan for MI

B A N A N A - P I C K E R - E N G A G E

[Sheepbrush]

1. How did you react when you got the role of Guybrush in Curse of Monkey Island?
2. How did your wife react when you told her you where the voice of Guybrush?

[Shmeh]

My memory's a little fuzzy, since it would have been... 1996? 1997?... when I recorded this? But I do recall a cutscene featuring Elaine fighting off a skeletal horde while I kind of stand around, twiddling my thumbs, asking if there's anything I can do. She says no, I kind of meander about, and am then somehow shoved into the roller coaster. And that's as much of it as is still stuck in my brain. I remember thinking after the game was released that it really could have used that material, and based on subsequent interviews it sounds like Jonathan and Larry agree. But the budget's the budget and they didn't want to blow it, I believe.

If you work with LA to make a special edition of this game, will you try to get them to add the scene?

[bman69]

really glad your doing the voice for the sequel to monkey island cant wait to play!!! your a legend....GOOD TIMES WOOOOOOOOO

[GraVe]

In my humble opinion the voice cast for The Curse of Monkey Island is one of the most appropriate and best casts for previously non-voiced characters ever. Kudos to the casting director(s) at LucasArts, who understood the importance of professional voice acting. But, of course, Dominic, the majority of this credit is derived directly from your work.

I honestly think your part as to giving a soul and life to Guybrush is on par with the greatest names in the industry. Hayter as Snake, Martinet as Mario, Hollick as Niko Bellic ... And please know that I truly mean this, it’s not just my way of saying "I’m glad you’re back on the Monkey ride" (well, sure, I am glad, no question ‘bout that ;)). I was professionally involved with the creative part of the gaming industry for a long time so I (should :)) know what I’m talking about.

You more than deserve all the credit people are giving you for your work. Actually, it’s really nice to see so many people here appreciating it – makes me glad to know people still care and notice that. Especially in this day and age where it seems that graphics and the pacing of action sequences are the only things which can deliver a great gaming experience. With everyone dismissing a well crafted story and witty delivered dialog.



Oh, and I do have some questions (if you have time and energy to answer it): You’ve stated many times, that the voicing of SMI remake was a challenge due to the way the lines were written for the game. Are there actually some lines which aren’t spoken exactly as they were written or is the remake voiced exactly 1:1? If there are differences, could you quantify them :).

Also you stated that they were very strict about the script regarding ad-libing. Well, who was stricter, Telltale or LucasArts? You remember any of your own “tunes” that made the cut and are in CMI or EMI (regarding your previous “The tunes, not the lyrics.« answer)?

Thank you! With a nod to your patience. :D

[Melancton]

I just want to say big thanks for coming back! I hate recasts and I couldn't imagine any other voice for Guybrush than yours. As for questions...

Aside from Monkey Island, what other types of games do you like?

And do you ever slip and say classic Guybrush lines in your personal life?

[Lord Banshie]

Hi, I liked those games you were in :P (yeah, thats been edited), anywho I've got one of these one-free-question tokens, and my friend has a really pressing question, he's a bit of a tennis nut, so I don't know if this will be lost on you (it's lost on me) I think what he was getting at was, if there was a MI film, this guy would be a good pick huh? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uLKXBOziPus&feature=related

Also... your awesome at what you do *gush gush*

[PariahKing]

Do you feel like in the realm of adventure games you've been typecasted as Guybrush in terms of getting voice over work? This came to mind only because you mentioned Psychonaughts - although I know if that's actually an adventure game, I wondered if perhaps that was a reason.

By the way - this is personally unreal for me to actually ask the guy who voices Guybrush a question.

[Fury]

I have only the german version.

But I found this picture:
http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b241/ATMachine/mimisc1/mi1egafac35.png

That's from Monkey Island 3 at Blood Island I think. You click pick up water 40 times and then you can walk down there. Someone edited out the MI3 guybrush.

[Silverwolfpet]

Umm, no it's not. The MI3-Blood Island joke was actually a refference to Guybrush's death in MI1. Besides, as I recall, in the MI3 in-joke you don't have guybrush's old inventory shown at the bottom of the screen. :)

[Threepwood4Life]

Other then the main and minor characters was there one particular character in all 4 games that you think was hilarious and should have made more appreances in the series?

[Silverwolfpet]

It would be spooky to see the guy from CMI return, that took Guybrush to Bunny-Island (SKull Island) by boat. Remember? What was his name? Was that Bobbin?

[Laserschwert]

It would be spooky to see the guy from CMI return, that took Guybrush to Bunny-Island (SKull Island) by boat. Remember? What was his name? Was that Bobbin?
It was the "Flying Welshman"... obviously they were out of Dutch ;)

[Silverwolfpet]

Aha, I see. It would also be funny to see a member of the Goodsoup family again! And more cemetery-action!
(that sounded... weird)
In CMI the cemetery puzzles were the best! I actually was pretty freaked out by those sequences. I refused to play that part at night. :p I was around 12yo.

[Fausk]

Just thought of another question to ask... Got any good recipes for some good viccysoise?

[Silverwolfpet]

Dom,

This may sound a little weird... I just told my mom that we are all talking with you here, and she asked me to tell you this:

"Please tell Mr. Armato that many years ago my son wanted a Guybrush Threepwood action figure. Knowing the fact that such a thing doesn't exist, I actually created one out of hardening clay. Besides that, he <<terrorised>> me all these years with Monkey Island and how he wants to become a pirate... I just want you to acknowledge that. That's all."

Of course, she means that in a joking manner. Maybe you could offer her a small reply. That would kind of make it up for all those Buy-Me-A-Pirate-Hat-Please-Mom-Please years. :-) :o

[playclever]

Dom - Really enjoyed reading through all your answers, LucasArts made a very sound casting decision when adding weight to your love for the series.

I play a lot of adventure games, and often I despair at the way lines are read: Stressing the wrong word, mispronouncing character names, etc. Probably this happens most in either low-budget or translated games, and I always curse some sort of mythical director. Is this really the problem? Is it a bad script, bad direction, lack of re-takes, an unquestioning actor, or something else? LucasArts and Telltale stand out for me as studios that rarely slip up in this regard, so hopefully you have some insight!

[backslash]

Dominic, do you own a pair of these shoes? And if not, why not? :p

http://www.ugo.com/games/things-every-gamer-should-own/images/entries/monkey-island-shoes.jpg

Also I'm still waiting for a reply for that "did your wife marry you because you're the voice of Guybrush?" (unless you weren't really planning to ask your wife)

[hockeyalltheway]

Has anyone ever recognized you as the voice of Guybrush in a random, everyday setting (ex grocery store, walking down the street...)?

*insert OMGYAY about new Monkey Island game coming out*

[Aster]

Not a question so much as a confession, but I named one of my pet cockatiels after you. Not just the Dominic part, his full name is Dominic Armato. He even says 'Hello Dommie"

[Silverwolfpet]

Hee-hee... A long time ago I was searching for wallpapers with monkey island, and I found a picture of a dog called Guybrush :p

[stryfeman]

Adventure games have sort of been an almost dead Genre until recently, which is a shame because they are great fun. People love RPG's because of ''the story'' so why aren't adventure games more popular, they have great stories too. In short, why do you think Adventure games aren't as popular as other Genre's?

[cameleon33]

In short, why do you think Adventure games aren't as popular as other Genre's?

Maybe because you need to think to solve puzzles... In RPG's, it more like you shoot everything you see ^^

Cam'

[Silverwolfpet]

True... So sad and true...

[Guydutch Smokeweed]

Q: Have you already been contacted about voicing the MI2 special edition? ;)

[cameleon33]

I played some time age to Loom, SoMI and Indiana Jones The Last Crusade on my old ATARI ST... I really enjoyed it!! Those games were wonderful!! CMI were a good one too...

I am looking forward playing TOMI!

Cam'

[Impossible3144]

Has anyone ever recognized you as the voice of Guybrush in a random, everyday setting (ex grocery store, walking down the street...)?

...How would you recognise someone's voice walking past them on the street? This isn't like some TV/movie celebrity... Anyway, I think he already said no to this question. Probably because he doesn't go around talking like Guybrush.

[Silverwolfpet]

People look at me funny when I go into supermarkets or parks and start mumbling to myself stuff such as "I can't pick that up" or "I can't reach it".
...why?