How did you get the role of Jansen in Lost Odyssey?  

Michael McGaharn:  I got a call from my agent Sandie Schnarr (Sandie Schnarr Talent in Hollywood, CA) To come into her agency to audition in the booth for a game.  Later I got a call back and auditioned again, but this time for Chris Borders, the director for Lost Odyssey and little did I know, Roy Sato at Mistwalker was listening via phone patch in Japan.

Michael McGaharn:  Jansen is one of the mortal characters in the game and the comic relief.

Michael McGaharn:  No.  However, I do have the same build and dark features.  I guess our noses are about the same. They did video tape me when I recorded my lines to see my facial reactions.

Michael McGaharn:  I did not record with any of the other actors live, but by playing off their lines that had been recorded.  A lot of the time, I just did my lines wild which also gave me more room to ad lib, which I got to do a lot!  Yea!  I did know a few of the actors and met some in passing.


What do you think about the other Lost Odyssey characters?

Michael McGaharn:  I like all of the charactors, but I got to know Kaim, Ming and Seth since most of my dialogue was with them.

What did I say?

Did they give you much freedom with the script for you to improvise?

Michael McGaharn:  As I mentioned earlier, Chris Borders and Roy Sato did allow me to ad lib quite a bit.  Having a background of improv theater and stand-up comedy helped me in this area I think.  In the studio, Chris made me feel very comfortable.  I had so much fun recording with Chris and the gang that they brought out the best in me and I am happy with the results.

Michael McGaharn:  Some were story boards, some scenes were almost complete and everything in-between.  The script also was not complete, hense the opportunity to ad lib!

Michael McGaharn:  First, I would cancel my life insurance policy.  I would also be more brave in battle, what do I have to loose my life?....................No!  As for me!  I would probably climb Mount Everest, go hang gliding, rock climbing etc.  I do like a thrill.  I did jump out of a plane with a parachute and I was not immortal!  What was I thinking?

Do you play video games, if so what systems do you own?

Michael McGaharn:  I got an X-Box 360 (from my mom as a gift) and I haven’t got played a single game on it.  Sad huh!


What’s your gamerscore?

Michael McGaharn:  I guess it would be zero!


What was most enjoyable out of the experience?  

Michael McGaharn:  Working with Chris Borders and co. and Roy Sato.  Given the rare opportunity to be myself and have the freedom to ad-lib.    I have been voice-acting for over 10 years.  Chances like this don’t come very often.  This was a large production and I did about 12 four hour sessions.  I feel very blessed to be a part of this.  I also am very proud of my work and have no regrets.  I’m just enjoying the ride!

Michael McGaharn:  I have done a lot of commercial work.  I used to do the voice of Ken for Mattel and other games (Knuckles for Sonic Avenger), but nothing on this grand scale.

Any chance you’ll be back for the sequel?

Michael McGaharn:  Ah………Are you kidding?  Yesssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssss!

 

Check out the video sections for cutscenes featuring Michael McGaharn as Jansen.

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