Quinton Flynn Interview
Interview Conducted by Chris Hominski for Planet MGS in 2004. This interview is with Quinton Flynn, the voice actor of Raiden.
Message from Quinton about Voice Requests:
Sorry folks, I won't be doing any voice requests. I'm not currently set up to do so and I don't know if my agent would be really hip on it. Maybe if Chris and I do another phone interview sometime in the future I could come up with something. Only time will tell ...
Foxhound asked:
Q: Mr Flynn, it appears from the latest trailer for Metal Gear Solid 3 that a character similar to Raiden is in the new installment of the series. Has Kojima or Konami in general contact on any roles in the game?
A: Yes, I've heard that there is a character in MGS3 that appears to be similar to Raiden. Unfortunately, I was not contacted about this role nor any others that I can remember. I may have had an early audition on some roles a few months back but nothing really clicked for me.
Q: What games are you currently working on?
A: What games am I currently working on? I ask myself that same question every day. I honestly can't remember, but I did receive BLADE WARRIORS recently. I have a role in that game. It is one of many that I'm currently blanking on. Sorry. You can hear me, however, as the narrator on VH-1's TRUE SPIN. It is currently in heavy rotation.
Q: How is life in general for you?
A: Life in general for me is good, thanks for asking. Besides work I catch as many movies as I can (Anchorman, Dodgeball and the newest Harry Potter, recently), as well as reading. I just finished "The Sinister Six" series written by Adam-Troy Castro. He does a great job of capturing the essence of the Spiderman comics in novel form that is both fun and funny. I'm also playing and listening to music, while trying to spend as much time with my friends, family and girlfriend as possible.
Q: Any current cartoons I might be blessed to hear your voice in?
A: The most current cartoon you can hear me in with semi-regularity is, "MY LIFE AS A TEENAGE ROBOT." I play the recurrent role of SHELDON. Sheldon is a tech-head and is obsessed with Jenny, the teen robot. He is forever trying to express his unrequited love for her. And as inept as he is, he still manages to repair her, come up with new gadgets and has created a metallic super hero named, aptly, SILVER SHELL. I voice Silver Shell as the ultimate super hero that Sheldon wishes he could be. From time to time I also voice the high school hunk, DON PRIMA. Yes, he is a primadona and is one of the most loathsome and arrogant characters I've been happy to voice.
Ronin Fox asked:
Q: How did you work out what you wanted Raiden to sound like?
A: I worked out the voice for Raiden with the direction, aid and requests of the games producers and my longtime friend, director, Kris Zimmerman. Raiden came quite naturally to me, really.
Q: What kind of thoughts went through your head when reading Raiden's emotional scenes, such as the confrontations with Rose and the Colonel? Did you have thoughts like "Gee, it sure sucks to be this guy!" or "When's Rose gonna shut up?"
A: When I act, I attempt to do what all good actors do -- place myself in the scenario, scene or situation. I try to imagine it being as real as possibly and hopefully that's what comes across. If I believe it -- you'll believe it. The rest is up to the accuracy and believability of the visuals which are limited only by the producers vision, budget and/or technology. Music stings and sound effects go a long way into helping make things believable as well -- taking you away into that fantasy land and suspending your disbelief. My thoughts on Rose and the Colonel. "Very funny question. I like the way you put it out there. LOL." I don't think my acting experience matched the discomfort that you've experienced with those characters as gamers. Your experience is as personal as your opinions. I think you've answered your own question.
Q: Who is/are your favorite character(s) in the game?
A: My favorite characters in the game are Raiden and Snake. My favorite actors I worked with were David Hayter, Jennifer Hale, Vanessa Marshall and Phil LaMarr.
Chris "Omikaru" Winters asked:
Q: Ever embarrassed to be Raiden, like when you see him in the game ever thought "Damn that's my voice behind that blonde woman-a-like"?
A: No, I'm never embarrassed to be the voice of Raiden. On the contrary, I'm honored. I'm also honored to be a part of a game that you all think so much of. I also appreciate your sense of humor, "Blonde woman-a-like," indeed. LOL!
Q: What'd be your worst/best role you've ever played?
A: Best role I've ever played? I don't know if I've played it yet. So far, Paul McCartney is my favorite. Jonny Quest, Raiden and Timon run a close second, third and fourth. The worst role I've ever played? OUT OF WORK ACTOR!
Fouad asked:
Q: Do you prefer making the voice of Raiden or Solid Snake ? Honestly which personality do you prefer ?
A: As for the question pertaining to me voicing Snake or Raiden. In the beginning of MGS2 they did have me come up with a Snake like voice to throw off the gamers, so that was fun. They wouldn't let me go all the way with the impression, though. Just enough to cause some confusion. As far as my favorite? I don't have one. I think David Hayter is great as Snake and I really enjoyed working with him. He's a funny, smart and talented actor/writer and one heck of a nice guy. I also really enjoyed playing the role of Raiden. I feel I was able to achieve a fine performance within the context of the work I was doing and with the teamwork of everyone involved in the production.
Q: Did you play MGS2 ? And do you intend to play MGS3 ?!!
A: I played a bit of MGS2 and what I played of it I enjoyed. I don't think I'll play MGS3 unless I'm at someone's house who has it on and says, "Hey, Quinton, why don't you sit down and play MGS3 with me!" At that point, I might indulge.
Q: What do you think about MGS2 in comparison to other video games?
A: I don't know that I'm the right person to ask how MGS2 rates in comparison to other games, but at this point I would have to say it's in the Top 10. Maybe even the Top 5. Who am I kidding? IT'S NUMBER ONE!
Q: Do you have a role in MGS3 ?
A: No, I don't have a role in MGS3.
Q: Will MGS3 story, will it be better than MGS2 story ?
A: I don't know if the story in MGS3 will be better or worse than MGS2. That's for you to decide.
Q: What do you think of the open ended end of MGS2 ?
A: I like the open ended end at the end of MGS2.
Q: Was really the colonel in MGS2 a computer AI, and rose also, or were they real?!!
A: "Were the colonel and Rose in MGS2 computer AI's or were they real?" I'm still asking myself that same question. Me, personally, I think they were AI's.
Doyvid asked:
Q: I have heard a voice very similar to raiden's in command and conquer generals (the pathfinder unit for those of you playing at home), and upon checking the voice acting credits in the manual, I found your name. Do you use the same voice for multiple roles?
A: No, I don't use the same voice for multiple roles (except my own). Anything you hear that might sound like it has traces of Raiden or Jonny Quest or Mick or anything else I may have done is only because it's me. Any likeness is just a result of nature and purely unintentional. I approach every character with a different point of view. I see them all as individuals.
Q: Can you do any particular accents besides the 'raiden voice'?
A: Can I do any accents besides the 'Raiden voice?' You better believe it. I've been doing a vast array of character voices for the last 12 years or more here in Los Angeles. I've voiced countless cartoons, video games, commercials, promos, narratives and the like. So much so that I barely recognize myself!
Seraph462 asked:
Q: What are your thoughts on a Metal Gear Solid/Metal Gear Solid 2 movie? How do you think it would fare with critics?
A: I think a Metal Gear Solid or MGS2 movie would be a huge hit. I think if produced properly it could be both a fan favorite and one to "Wow" the critics.
El Leone asked:
Q: What was the expirence like working On MGS2 and the other voice actors? Have you played MGS2? Can I have some money? Have you played the original MGS and what are you thoughs on it?
A: I had a great time doing MGS2. The cast was terrific and I would do it all the time if I could. A series would be amazing. Yes, I have played MGS2. Yes, you can have some money ... not from me, but you can have some money. I have no doubt that you have that ability. No, I have not played the original MGS. So, I have no thoughts on it. I'll bet you do, though.
Arsenal-Gear asked:
Q: What about you and the SNL thing? I heard you tried out to be a regular cast member.
A: SNL question. Yes, I tested to be on the cast of Saturday Night Live last fall. They flew me to New York and I had a great audition at Stand Up New York and tested on tape the following day in SNL's famed 8-H Studios. Both Lorne Michaels and Tina Fey were very kind to me. Who knows, I may be up for it again this year. I'm currently working on a new demo. We shall see.
BigBrOwNPimpsta asked:
Q: Did you have any control over the character of Raiden?
A: Did I have any control over the character of Raiden? In as much as my acting and instinct would and could supply. I had input and I was oftentimes given liberty to add lib when and where appropriate to bring Raiden more to life.
Q: Was there times where the expression got so real you actually felt like Raiden?
A: Hmm ... were there times when it got so real that I actually felt like Raiden? I would have to say that in terms of the fantasy world of acting where the line between reality and fantasy is blurred, there were some times when I felt like Raiden. I believed what I was saying and what I was doing. Sometimes more than others, but yes.
Blade asked:
Q: How much did you get paid to do MGS2?
A: I don't remember how much I got paid for doing MGS2. But I do remember appreciating the money when it came in!
Q: Was it alot more than over games since you would have more dialogue?
A: Yes, I did receive more money doing MGS2 than any other video game I have done in my career for the exact reason you mentioned. I had tons of dialogue and spent upwards of three weeks or more working on the game.
CJM asked:
Q: Who is your favorite character in MGS?
A: Favorite character: Raiden.
Q: Is it strange to play as yourself?
A: No, I play me all the time.
Q: Do you have a real life girlfriend like Rose?
A: No, I have a real life girlfriend unlike Rose.
Q: Do you see any future work with Hideo/Metal Gear?
A: Yes, if they'll have me.
Q: If you could choose to VA another Metal Gear Character, who would it be and why?
A: It would probably be Snake. Because he kicks ass and has a wry sense of humor. Otherwise, if given the opportunity, I would create my own original character called SMART ASS STAND UP COMEDY HERO! I would destroy enemies with witty quips and one-liners.
David Snake asked:
Q: What did you like most about your character Raiden?
A: What did I like most about my Raiden? It would have to be his groovy hair and futuristic fashion ware.
Q: If you could do it all over again knowing what type of response the people gave of the Raiden character, would you do it?
A: Would I do it all over again knowing what I know now about the responses to my character? ABSOLUTELY!
Hatred Reborn asked:
Q: What were the other voice actors like?
A: The other voice actors were gifted, kind and generous.
Q: What's Mr. Kojima like?
A: Mr. Kojima's just like you'd imagine him.
Q: What are your thoughts on some of the crazier lines you had to say?
A:What are my thoughts on some of the crazier lines I had to say? Probably: Wow! Are you serious? Do I really have to say that? Come on! Would Raiden really do that? What's this naked stuff about? Is this a cultural thing 'cos I don't see the humor? What ... you're paying me to act and not write, direct or produce? Oh ... well ... in that case ... this stuff ROCKS!
Q: Were you confused about MGS2's story?
A: Yes, I was confused about MGS2's story and then I went to sleep and tomorrow was another day.
Q: Did you enjoy playing your role?
A: I did enjoy playing my role -- thanks for asking.
The True Liquid Snake asked:
Q: Why'd you wan't to be Raiden's Voice?
A: Why did I want to be Raiden's voice? Because it was a natural fit. The character resonated with me.
Q: Are you friends with David Hayter?
A: I would say that David Hayter and I are friends, yes. We both work so much that we don't get to see one another, but we're always friendly to one another and I believe there is a great mutual respect between us.
Q: Did you hate Rose?
A: No, I didn't hate Rose. Hate is such a strong word, isn't it? Sometimes I was frustrated with her and I may have even disliked her at times, but hate? No. Sure there were times when I would have liked to have suggested she really see things my way and calm down a bit, but that's not really in Rose's nature is it? No. Rose is just Rose, isn't she? Which begs the question: Would a rose by any other name still smell as sweet?
Bigbeat asked:
Q: After taking part in this game, and seeing what game developers are able to do in terms of bringing their ideas to life through a game, has it changed your prespective on what gaming can be?
A: Yes, after being a part of this game and seeing what developers could do really did change my perspective on what is possible to achieve technologically. It's really amazing, isn't it?
Q: Have you recommended to any family members and friends to play MGS2?
A: Have I recommended any of my family members and/or friends play MGS2? You bet your sweet bippy!
Q: What did your family/friends think about you playing Raiden?
A: Friends and family who know who Raiden is were and are impressed and/or proud of my participation in the game. Many people have found out after playing the game itself and are blown away to find that it's me. I'm astonished as to how profound an impact this game has had on people. It's really cool.
Q: Can you do a cartwheel naked like and still look good doing it like Raiden? lol
A: Can I do a cartwheel naked and still look good doing it like Raiden? Lol. Boy, that would sure take some doing. If I could, I would probably be the top box office superstar eclipsing the likes of Brad Pitt, Tom Cruise and Colin Ferrel. The truth is, my abilities lie somewhere closer to Will Ferrell's. (*See OLD SCHOOL for reference). Lol.
Last Words:
Well, gang. That answers every question I saw listed, with the exception of recording voice requests. My guess is that you've got enough of that on the game itself and can imagine far more entertaining lines on your own.
Special thanks to Chris Ho for conducting the Interview and Quinton Flynn for participating, and thanks to all those who submitted questions.
