We Speak Actors
Multi-award-winning voice actor Todd Haberkorn returns in ‘Destiny 2: Lightfall’
Todd Haberkorn is a big deal in the gaming and film world. You’ll have heard his voice-acting work in major TV series such as ‘Kung Fu Panda: The Dragon Knight’ alongside Jack Black and Rita Ora, and he’s also well-known for his VO in video games and anime films. ‘Destiny 2: Lightfall’ has just been released, with Todd reprising his role as the voice of the Drifter. He talks about his love for this mysterious space pirate, the exciting new series he’s directing, and the endless creativity of video games.
‘Destiny 2’ has just released its latest DLC, ‘Lightfall’ – can you shed some ‘light’ on the character you play?
“This latest release continues the layered space tale we’ve been a part of for years. My character, the Drifter, floats in and around the storyline, adding colour to the picture we’re painting with this new update to the game. There are so many branches to the story that it’s hard for me to keep it all straight! But with this expansion, we’ve got new powers, a new campaign, and much more. I don’t get to sing a pirate song in this DLC like I did the last one, though!”
Do you relate to the Drifter or is he very different from you?
“I always enjoy hopping in the saddle for my favorite space pirate! After working on it for years, I’ve only just learned that the character was created with me in mind – so that’s a fun fact to know. I prefer it when characters aren’t like me so I can take on the challenge of solving the acting puzzle in my hands. I become a detective and try to fill in all the gaps of who the person I’m playing is, and then I can bring the words on the page to life. The care that the creative team gives the storyline and the Drifter’s part within it continues to surprise me, while at the same time revealing more about his long history that just helps me as an actor. You hear a lot of the Drifter in the Gambit game mode on the multiplayer side.”
Are there any TV voiceover projects that you looked to for inspiration for this video game voiceover?
“Voiceover for cartoons and for video games are similar in the fact that they’re both acting behind the mic, but the process is different.
“A great director and good writing are important – they give me the ingredients I need to cook my voiceover dish.”
And then, hopefully, players of the game like it and keep coming back for more.”
What other projects have you been working on?
“‘HiFi Rush’ came out last month and I definitely got to exercise my villain muscles on that one. Talk about a game that’s very different from ‘Destiny 2’! It’s a rhythm-based adventure game with very colourful characters and animation. At the other end of the spectrum, I’m currently directing an animated series based on a video game franchise called ‘Hello Neighbor’. We’re starting from scratch with new animation, new voices and new scripts. It’s great to see the fans of the franchise supporting this animated series, which was the first animated series to debut inside a video game – you’ve got to play it to see what I mean! There’s a really powerful team of creatives behind it, including the minds behind the ‘Ben10’ series and ‘Big Hero 6’. Two episodes are out now and we’ve got more to come!”
Featured photo credit: Kevin Lynch
American actor Michael William Freeman has appeared in many hit shows, but is perhaps best known for playing militia member Blake Sarno in ‘Fear The Walking Dead’. Now he’s swapped the zombie apocalypse for a medical procedural, playing the character of Glenn Vogel in the new Netflix series ‘Pulse’, which follows the personal and professional lives of doctors and staff at a busy Miami trauma centre. We talk to Michael about working with his idols, the joys of collaboration, and why ‘Pulse’ feels like it comes from the golden age of TV.
Tell us about your experience working on the new Netflix series ‘Pulse’?
“It was epic. I had such an amazing time on this show, and it was really great to work with Netflix. The very first day I stepped on set, the energy was palpable. Everyone was just so happy and grateful to be part of this project – it really elevated the whole process.”
“Sometimes work can feel like a grind, but this show was a real pleasure. It was such a warm and welcoming environment, and I know that is reflected on screen.”
What was it like working with series creator Zoe Robyn and co-showrunner Carlton Cuse?
“Man, what an absolute dream! Zoe is such a brilliant talent, her writing is so rich and compelling. And Carlton is a master of his craft, an absolute legend in the industry. Yet they both approach the work with zero pretension. It was inspiring and heartening to be around them both. I think it was the most supportive, collaborative environment I’ve ever worked in; it really felt like a family on set. I’d do anything for those two.”
This is Netflix’s first medical drama – did you enjoy working in this genre?
“I’ve done medical procedurals before, which are fun, but this is something different. The heart of this show is the relationships. Don’t get me wrong, there’s plenty of action and excitement, but what really drives the story are the people. It feels like a show from the golden age of television, something like ‘ER’, it’s so thoughtfully crafted and executed.”
“The way all the stories intersect and collide is really special, I’ve never been a part of anything quite like it. I’m really excited for people to see the show, I think they’re going to love it.”
Who will enjoy watching this show?
“There’s something for everyone! There’s romance, action, drama… even a few laughs. It’s stunning work from Zoe, Carlton and the whole cast and crew. Seriously, every department killed it: from hair and makeup, to wardrobe, to camera, everyone really shines. And I know the audience will appreciate the artistry and craftsmanship. Plus it’s such a fun and vivid world to explore.”
You’ve acted in so many hit TV series and films; which projects have been the most pivotal for you?
“‘In Time’ was my first big studio movie and the first time I saw myself on a big screen in a movie theatre. So that was a pivotal job for me and I certainly learned a lot from that experience. ‘Doll & Em’ on HBO was another one. Getting to act with Chloë Sevigny and be directed by Azazel Jacobs was momentous; I was such a big fan of them both and working with them exceeded my expectations. But most people recognise me from ‘Fear The Walking Dead’ – that show definitely raised my visibility and had a lasting impact on my career. I’m really grateful to be a part of that franchise. And now I can add ‘Pulse’ to that list.”
All episodes of ‘Pulse’ are available to stream on Netflix now.\
Featured photo credit: Netflix
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