Questions for Dominic Armato!

[Dmnkly]

Hey, all!

Just wanted to say that I'm not ignoring you, I'm just embroiled in the move. As soon as I can catch my breath, I'll jump back in and get caught up!

[manetheren]

Hi Dom!

Its a real pleasure to speak to you. I'm really impressed that you have taken the time to answer these questions from everyone even mid-move, which I know is a really stressful time.

My questions are,

1. Who is your favourite (non-main; (ie. not Guybrush, Le Chuck or Elaine)) character in the series?
2. I would be interested to know if there is a particular place, piece of storyline or point in any of the games that you remember resonating with you more than any other? Mine would be Blood island in the 3rd game as the storyline, puzzles, humour and atmosphere are brilliant.
3. Finally is there a particular character you would like to see returned in ToMI?

I apologise if any of these questions have already been asked.

Many thanks in advance

[Silverwolfpet]

Originally Posted by Dmnkly

Hey, all!

Just wanted to say that I'm not ignoring you, I'm just embroiled in the move. As soon as I can catch my breath, I'll jump back in and get caught up!

Hey Dom, no worries. Trust us, as your fans, we understand! Take your time.

[Death Starfish]

Who's the more fearsome pirate... LeChuck from MI or Davy Jones from POTC?

[Tea]

Would you like it if everyone stopped asking questions for a bit, so you don't have to answer 6000 when you get back?

Seriously, slow down people.

[Rather Dashing]

Originally Posted by TheJoe

Would you like it if everyone stopped asking questions for a bit, so you don't have to answer 6000 when you get back?

Seriously, slow down people.

Stop tempting me to make 600 questions for a single post.

[dumpling321]

have you ever had that dream where your eating a giant marshmellow, and then when you wake up your pillows missing...

[Threepwood4Life]

Hi Dom,

Hope the move is goin well.

1. If you could live on any Island in the MI world which would it be?

2. What is your overall feeling of Monkey Kombat on EMI, did you find it irritating as most people did?

3. If there was a MI spin-off who do you think should be in the main role instead of Guybrush?

[Calavera]

Really great to have the MI series back on, about bloody time

Dom, just wanted you to know that I am glad they got you back as Guybrush, I seriously dun think anyone else will fit the role better than you.

IF there's gonna be more than 5 episodes of tales of MI, please do stay on to voice Guybrush

Keep up the good work!! And appreciate the effort to mingle with us mere mortals!

[cettefemme]

Originally Posted by Silverwolfpet

Wow, what's that?? Where did you get it from?

The 5-second 'songs' that Guybrush sings on Plunder Island in Curse of Monkey Island. I downloaded them from here: http://www.worldofmi.com/features/download/wavs/

And yes, they really are on my iPod. Because I am a sad Dominic/Guybrush/MI fangirl

[cettefemme]

Originally Posted by Dmnkly

Hey, all!

Just wanted to say that I'm not ignoring you, I'm just embroiled in the move. As soon as I can catch my breath, I'll jump back in and get caught up!

No problem, it's fantastic that you're willing to do this!

I'm just happy to be here

[Doomduck]

we'll surely avoid scurvy if we all eat an orange...

[Dmnkly]

The great thing about movers is that I can sit on my duff and answer questions while they do all the real work!

Originally Posted by dantheape

wow, a fan of Xanth? I recently went and won an auction for most of the early books off the ebay...took me right back to when i was a kid reading them.

now the question must be asked, which is your favorite in the series? Ogre, Ogre and Night Mare are tied as my faves.

Actually, I never read the Xanth books. I read all of the Split Infinity books and I think I got about halfway through the Incarnations of Immortality series. At this point, I don’t recall which I enjoyed the most. But I think I read On a Pale Horse a couple of times, so probably that.

Originally Posted by hplikelike

If you could make your own MI game, what would be the plot? If you could make your own non-MI game, what would it be? In other words, what, to you, would be the ideal video game?

Hopefully this won’t be construed as a non-answer, but that’s a tricky one. I’m not a writer (not that kind, anyway) and there’s a balance to be struck there. You need to keep the characters fresh, of course, but you also have to be careful not to stray too far or you lose the spirit of the series (in reference to MI, of course). Of course, I’m as curious as the next MI fan about where Ron Gilbert was going with the series. So I suppose in my ideal world, I’d channel his mojo for one game just to see where he was going with that :-)

In terms of non-MI, I’d be less interested in doing a specific story as I would be in doing something – anything – that had some serious emotional depth. We talk about how video games haven’t yet seen their Citizen Kane, and that’s what I’d love to see – something that is playable and enjoyable as a game, but has the kind of artistic and emotional depth that is typically reserved for more traditional media. I feel like there have been some games that have touched on that, but they’re not quite there and I can’t wait for that breakthrough. I just hope it happens before Roger Ebert shuffles off this mortal coil so we can all say “We told you so!”

(Actually, I rather like Ebert. Video games just happen to be one subject about which I think he’s DEAD WRONG. Film was once derided as an unserious spectacle of a medium, too. Give it time.)

Originally Posted by Fausk

Excluding game and TV shows and movies that you -did- VO, which game/movie/show would you have wanted to VO? And which character in particular?

Originally Posted by Planeforger

3. If you could voice any other videogame/cartoon character, who would it be and why?

Anything for Pixar. Really, anything. I had met with a Disney animation casting director who strongly encouraged me to come out to L.A., and that was one of the reasons I made the move. Unfortunately, that was right about the time when celebrity VO completely took over feature animated film, and that was pretty much the end of that dream. But I can’t say there are any existing characters that I’ve wanted to do. When I hear somebody else’s performance, I kind of feel like that’s theirs now – it doesn’t really occur to me to think, hey, I want to do that instead. Except for Herman Toothrot. But only because I wanted to do him long before Wally Wingert got it.

Originally Posted by PariahKing

Cleveland?

My wife’s parents. Rest of the family is chilling with grandma and grandpa while I transfer our worldly possessions to Boston.

Originally Posted by purple_monkfish

Ok then, D&D question time! Because I totally noticed D&D mentioned.

What's your class of choice?

Oh, gosh... it’s been a REALLY long time. The last time I played was probably circa ’86 or ’87. But I vaguely recall being partial to rangers.

Originally Posted by purple_monkfish

Do you own D20's? How many?

Five or six, I think, though they’re not currently in my possession. I believe they’re hanging out in a box in my folks’ basement along with my Fiend Folio and all the rest. I actually have a D30 too, though I have no idea why. Probably thought it was cool and figured I’d find a use for it at some point.

Originally Posted by purple_monkfish

Have you ever played any of the computer games? If so, what'd you think? if not, WHY NOT?

You know, I think I played one of the officially licensed games a long, long time ago. I remember it being desert based? Anyway, it didn’t hold my interest. Around that time, I enjoyed World of Xeen a lot more, even though it was kind of D&D Lite.

Originally Posted by purple_monkfish

Have you ever actually role played?

Does acting count? :-)

Originally Posted by purple_monkfish

Also, do you celebrate international talk like a pirate day?

Aye! Though my piratespeak is embarrassingly rudimentary. I need some practice. I try to make it a habit to swig a mug of grog, though.

Originally Posted by mightypirate

Dom, sei sicuro di non ricordare proprio niente dell'italiano?

Eh, un po, purtroppo :-)

Originally Posted by mightypirate

P.S. Si dice molti, non multi

Ack! Mi dispiace!

Originally Posted by wannabe_pirate

Does Lucasarts (or Telltale) have a "Three Trials" system for voice actors?

Unless you count multiple callbacks, no, but they totally should. I’m not sure whether that puts me at an advantage or a disadvantage, though.

Originally Posted by hammy797

When you flub a line or cannot seem to envision a specific scene during recording sessions, are you ever afraid that Grossman might subject you to keelhauling behind his private yacht? The thought of him 'flogging the inner children' out of his interns and co-workers frightens the hell out of me, and I don't even work there!

I’ve met Dave just once, when I came into town to record episode one, and I have to say, he doesn’t seem like the keelhauling type. That said, you never know what sort of piratey soul might lurk beneath that mild-mannered exterior. I prefer to do an excellent job and not take my chances.

Originally Posted by Aractus

Yeah I have a question - can you record a sound clip for me that says "SCUMM games dot net. The only website devoted to the continued development of new adventure games"? Your only reward will be that you'll be able to hear yourself talk on a website other than mixnmojo!

Originally Posted by Rebirth

hey iam sure you own a Mic^^
can you record the folowing lines from MI2 for me? i realy would like to hear that spoken bye Guybrush himself^^

What, answering 7000 questions isn’t enough? :-)

I keed, I keed. But sadly, setting up the mic and recording all of the requests for lines I get via E-mail wasn’t a realistic use of my time before I had kids, much less now. It’s not that I don’t love! I just barely have enough time to feed and bathe myself as it is.

Originally Posted by TheJoe

Is it July yet?

I was starting to think it might be by the time I got around to answering questions again, but sadly, no.

(Hurry up, July)

Originally Posted by OCKi

What do you personally think of the voice-acting lines you have been given throughout the recording sessions of ToMI?
Is it on par with the previous games?

Absolutely. It’s always hard to say until you see it all put together, but so far it’s been really funny in the booth. Suffice it to say I’m not the least bit worried, and I think the potential for superultramegaawesomeness is there.

Originally Posted by CalBearRJ

If I ever meet you in public, what should I go for: handshake or high five?

You gotta go with your gut on that one. Either way, I’m in. Expect some weird looks if you go for the hug, though.

Originally Posted by Mriceguy

1. Who is the closest television or film character you've seen in resembling the personality of Guybrush Threepwood?

Gosh... can’t really think of any offhand. But I’m curious myself... can I throw this one back at the crowd?

Originally Posted by Mriceguy

2. If you could be highly skilled in any field, what profession would you choose apart from voice-acting/cooking and why?

Probably a musician. I sang a lot when I was younger, quite a bit professionally, and I dabbled in various instruments, but I never got to that level where you can just pick up an instrument and do incredible things. That joy of creating music – when it’s on – is just an amazing feeling. I’d love to be able to do that at any time. That’s one of the things that I love about Guitar Freaks / Guitar Hero / Rock Band. It kind of gives you a little bit of that feeling without the years of study and practice. It’s obviously not the same, but it’s a way for people to just pick up a game and have a little bit of that feeling.

Originally Posted by Mriceguy

3. In Tales of Monkey Island can you tell us or even hint towards something that is new for the series and totally awesome at the same time? If not game related, maybe something voice related?

No, I really can’t. Nobody’s given me the eye of warning or anything like that, but it’s really up to the Telltale guys to decide what gets revealed and when. It’s not my place to spoil whatever surprises they have planned.

Originally Posted by Shoelip

What's the second biggest cake you've ever seen?

Something on Ace of Cakes, I’m sure.

Originally Posted by thesporkman

What's the second biggest cake you've ever eaten?

Probably my wedding cake. My wife’s sister’s was bigger (and tastier, actually).

Originally Posted by TheJoe

What's the second biggest cake you thought was a lie?

I really need to play Portal.

Originally Posted by Planeforger

1. Have you ever had to edit any lines that didn't sound Guybrush-y enough to you?

Nope. And it’s not really my place to, either. If I thought something was way out of character, I might say something. But I try to be respectful of the writers. I’m not writing – they are. Thankfully, I don’t think it’s ever been an issue.

Originally Posted by Planeforger

2. Did you get any say into Guybrush's design for ToMI?

Nope. Nor should I. Again, I’m the voice of the main character, which makes me highly visible (well... you know what I mean), but that’s not my place. The character designers don’t tell me the best way to read the line, and I don’t tell them the best way to draw Guybrush. I just feel lucky to be a part of the process.

Originally Posted by Planeforger

4. *holds up five fingers* If this is three, what's this? *holds up three fingers*

Five!

Originally Posted by Planeforger

5. Will you ever forgive me for that last horribly-lame question?

Depends. Did I pass? (I’m long overdue for a LeChuck’s Revenge playthrough.

Originally Posted by HeyArnold

Did you ever want to be an actor, instead of just doing voice acting.
Because your imdb file says you once played a Gang kid on Chicago hope

That’s how I got into VO, actually. When I was a little kid, I wanted to do movies and TV and such, and my parents were good enough to humor me. So I signed up with an agent in Chicago that also had a VO department. I never did much on-camera (that brief bit on Chicago Hope was, believe it or not, one of the highlights of my on-camera career), but the woman who ran the VO department thought I might do well with that, so she snagged me and sent me out on a VO audition. I landed the first commercial I auditioned for, and just kind of went from there. I owe my VO career to her.

Originally Posted by tomo_cjt

Here's my question: do you know why the ™'s aren't vocalised? In my head I've alway heard them out loud and chuckled inwardly at them.

You know, I don’t think we actually discussed it specifically while recording. I think I just read it without the TM, and David (Collins, the voice director for SMI:SE) must’ve been of the same mind. I think somebody else here commented about it, but that’s an instance where something that works in text would just be awkward if voiced. It’s one of the very few places where I didn’t read exactly what was printed on the screen.

Originally Posted by Samas

I've got a question for you Dom (do you mind Dom? or prefer Dominic?)

Dom, Dominic... I don’t consciously hear the difference. I also answer to “hey you”.

Originally Posted by Samas

How does it feel to have your own wikipedia page? I think someone can know that they've truly made it in this world once they have a wikipedia page to their name.

It’s a little weird. I don’t feel that way about IMDB because it’s a reference tool and that’s what it’s there for. But Wikipedia – somebody had to think I was important enough to merit inclusion, and enough people had to agree so that I wasn’t deleted. It’s flattering. But weird :-)

If I were more mischievous, I’d enlist a small group of people to write all sorts of outlandish things about me – that I’m descended from Mongolian royalty, that my favorite food is dung beetles provencal, that I have two livers – that kind of thing.

(For the record, I am NOT endorsing Wikipedia mischief!)

Originally Posted by Vira

Q. Any MI-inspired purchases? ex: I loved the tiki lights in CMI so much, I went out and bought some to string around my window.

Sorry for the boring answer, but no, nothing I can think of. Unless you count my ticket to Disneyland before we started recording EMI. Had to ride PotC ten or twelve times to get into the spirit of things.

Though now that you mention it, I do always kind of get a craving for nachos when I play CMI.

Originally Posted by Sande

Checking some of your answers it looks like you travelled quite a bit or atleast would like to. So my question is have you ever heard of Finland or know where it is If not you should check Finland or Sweden or Norway out, great nature and if you dont like cold and snow you can come around in summer and enjoy Laplands night where sun doesent go down.

Finland? Why, it’s the country where I’d quite like to be! Its mountains so lofty, its treetops so tall. I have it on good authority that Finland has it all!

(With apologies to Michael Palin)

Originally Posted by samandmaxfan

do you like how the characters in Monkey Island have evolved over the past few games?

I do! As mentioned upthread, it’s a tricky balance to strike – letting them progress a little bit without straying too far from what makes Monkey Island Monkey Island. I think the various writers have done a good job of keeping the characters in the right place as they age and move on.

Originally Posted by The Batfrog

[*]If voice acting did not work out for you, and you had to pursue a different job, what job would you do? (and don’t even mention “flooring inspector”!)

Similar, but not the same question as above, so a different answer. I’d try to get a cookbook published. I was actually talking to a publisher at one point a few years ago, before the move to Baltimore and kids and everything else. I intend to get back to it at some point. I’d love to cook in a professional kitchen somewhere, but that ship has sailed. It’s brutal work with even more brutal hours. I can’t fathom how people who work in that business raise families.

Originally Posted by The Batfrog

[*]Do you have any other form of employment? Or is voice acting your only form of income?

I wish VO were my only source of income :-)

Nah, as mentioned earlier, the people who make a real living on VO are very few and very far between. For most people – myself included – it’s a side gig. My family has a packaging business in Chicago and I work full-time for them. I just do it at night.

Originally Posted by The Batfrog

[*]Who is your hero?

In VO? Probably David Pasquesi. He’s awesome, he actually makes a living at VO, and he spends a lot of time in Italy.

In general? Um... wow... what does it say that I can’t think of anything?

Originally Posted by The Batfrog

[*]What’s your favourite “non-video-game-related” item?

My chef’s knife.

Originally Posted by The Batfrog

[*]Hey, would you like to buy any of these fine leather jackets?

I thought I was supposed to be selling them to you!

Originally Posted by octochan

Have you ever considered doing something like writing a screenplay, or a novel, or making an animated short, or an indie film, or a radio play, or even a video game? Your food blog is a success, so what might your next project be?

Screenplay, a little maybe, but not seriously. I’d like to do more with the blog and, as mentioned above, write a cookbook someday. But that’ll probably have to wait until the wee ones get a bit less wee.

Originally Posted by octochan

Have you ever cooked something you were really proud of that your kid wouldn't touch? and if no, do you have some other food/kid anecdote to share?

Not so much. Thankfully, my son (my daughter’s food is still being exclusively produced by my wife) is a pretty adventurous eater. There’s very little that he rejects, and if he does, it’s only temporary. If he doesn’t eat it this week, he probably will next week. He’s already tried and enjoyed more unusual bits and critters than most people I know (beef heart, guinea pig, tongue, tendon, rabbit – some other stuff I’m sure I’m forgetting), and he handles spicy food better than my wife. For Father’s Day, my wife just got me a book, written by a chef I believe, that’s all about him trying to raise a kid with an adventurous palate. Couldn’t be more appropriate. I don’t want to be one of those freaky people who wants to force things on him and treat his diet like some kind of status symbol. If he decides to subsist on peanut butter and spaghetti-o’s, that fine. It’s just that I love this stuff, and it’d be nice to be able to share it with him as he grows up.

Originally Posted by Sheepbrush

Are you going to visit Sweden someday?

Also on the list. But while I used to leave the country 10-12 times per year (mostly work), it’s now been two years since I last busted out the passport. It’s killing me. So at the rate I’m going, hopefully Sweden will still be there by the time I get around to visiting it. Geologically speaking, I mean.

Originally Posted by snotsnit

Would you find it awkward if I saw you on the street, and I proceeded to fall foward at your feet and yell at the top of my voice "YOU ARE GOD!" and then asked you to say "I'm selling these fine leather jackets"?

Probably. But I’m willing to deal with it if you’re willing to commit to that degree.

Originally Posted by cettefemme

Hi Dominic, allow me to profess my undying love for you. I emailed you once via your website but you're a busy guy and I doubt that you've seen it...

The backlog is deep. Or maybe my junk filter caught it. Either way, I apologize. I try to respond in detail to everything I get, and I think I mostly succeed. Just usually a lot later than is reasonable :-)

Originally Posted by cettefemme

Finally, would you come back for an MI5 (a prequel to TMI, I guess) and what would you want to be included in it, i.e. plot directions and such?

If they’d have me :-)

As far as what should be included, really, that’s for the writers. It’s not my thing.

Originally Posted by OzzieMonkey

Great to have you back as our pantalooned pal! Just wondering, if you got the part of any other character (like largo) in the series, would you take it?

Without hesitation!

Originally Posted by gfdas29

Does having worked on the MI games ruin the playing experience for you in any way? Do you think it would be more fun to play them completely blind like us landlubbers?

Not at all. As mentioned upthread, I’ve seen a lot less of the game than you guys think. It’s practically new to me, even after having recorded it. So really, I get the best of both worlds by working on it.

Originally Posted by hplikelike

What is the best insult you've ever heard? What is the best reply to an insult you've ever heard?

Dunno. But they probably both came from Jon Stewart.

Originally Posted by manetheren

2. I would be interested to know if there is a particular place, piece of storyline or point in any of the games that you remember resonating with you more than any other? Mine would be Blood island in the 3rd game as the storyline, puzzles, humour and atmosphere are brilliant.

Blood Island for the wonderfully brooding atmosphere, but that scene on the dock after Guybrush resurfaces gets me every time *snif*.

Originally Posted by manetheren

3. Finally is there a particular character you would like to see returned in ToMI?

Not really. It’s always fun to see the old characters, but frankly, I’d just as soon the writers focus on new people as well.

Originally Posted by Death Starfish

Who's the more fearsome pirate... LeChuck from MI or Davy Jones from POTC?

I’m going to go with Davy Jones only by virtue of the fact that he’s appeared on the big screen with all of the gravitas that entails. If a Monkey Island movie is ever made, though? I’m betting it’s a different story.

Originally Posted by dumpling321

have you ever had that dream where your eating a giant marshmellow, and then when you wake up your pillows missing...

There wasn’t a pillow beneath my head when I woke up this morning, but thankfully that was because they’d all been packed rather than consumed.

Originally Posted by Threepwood4Life

1. If you could live on any Island in the MI world which would it be?

Hmmm... I know I’ve mentioned that Blood is probably my favorite, but that’s not the same as wanting to live there. Probably Plunder. It seems rather lovely and serene. Nice beach club. Tropical drinks. Fried chicken.

Originally Posted by Threepwood4Life

2. What is your overall feeling of Monkey Kombat on EMI, did you find it irritating as most people did?

It felt a little superfluous to me (all of the MI minigames have, IMHO), but I never quite understood the seething hatred that it seems to have inspired in some.

Originally Posted by Threepwood4Life

3. If there was a MI spin-off who do you think should be in the main role instead of Guybrush?

Probably Elaine. There are depths of character there waiting to be mined. She isn’t so over-the-top charactery that you couldn’t listen to her as the lead through an entire game. Plus, she kicks ass. Yup, Elaine would get my vote.

Well, her or Timmy the Monkey.

Originally Posted by hplikelike

Now for my question: How do you type with boxing gloves on?

***DELETED!!!***

As usual, if I didn't answer your question, it was already answered upthread. Or I missed it. If the latter, ask again!

[AndyBundy]

Woah this is the longest post I've ever seen.

[Tea]

Originally Posted by Dmnkly

I really need to play Portal.

Huh? Is that where the whole cake thing comes from?

[LuigiHann]

Originally Posted by TheJoe

Huh? Is that where the whole cake thing comes from?

You need to play Portal

[Guy.brush]

Do you have a good recipe for grog? Preferably one that doesn't contain pepperoni or battery acid. Or would that be Near-grog? Either way, do you have a recipe for either?

Thanks.

[Duate]

1. Take Rum
2. Water It Down A Lot
3. Drink

you can also add things like cinnamon and cloves and sugar and lemon to make it taste better

[Silverwolfpet]

Originally Posted by Dmnkly

Probably a musician. I sang a lot when I was younger, quite a bit professionally, and I dabbled in various instruments, but I never got to that level where you can just pick up an instrument and do incredible things. That joy of creating music – when it’s on – is just an amazing feeling. I’d love to be able to do that at any time. That’s one of the things that I love about Guitar Freaks / Guitar Hero / Rock Band. It kind of gives you a little bit of that feeling without the years of study and practice. It’s obviously not the same, but it’s a way for people to just pick up a game and have a little bit of that feeling.

Well, Dom, this is a present for you, from a musician.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3sXsfSySaIE

[Fausk]

The actual true to form recipe for grog is half rum (strong), half water (weak), a pinch of cinnamon (sweet), and a splash of lemon (sour). It was used to raise morale and help fight off scurvy, all while keeping the elements in 'balance'.

Edit: Ratios are wrong, looks like it's 4 parts water to 1 part rum.