Written by: Jayme Face
Even if you don’t know his name you most likely know his voice, or should I say voices. Ray Chase has done voice over for various commercials, anime, and video games. He can be heard voicing the lead protagonist Noctis in Final Fantasy XV which is being released November 29th!
Check out our interview with Ray!
upfrontNY: You voiced Noctis in Final Fantasy XV coming out November 29th, can you tell us a little about the game and what it was like to voice Noctis?
Ray Chase: Noctis was a role that really only comes out once a decade in this industry. And truth be told, he HAS been around for 10 years so far while the game was being developed! Getting to voice such a three-dimensional character (who is so good-looking to boot), has been a dream come true!
upfrontNY: You voice Jason Blood/Etrigan in the DC film Justice League Dark set to release in 2017 can you tell us about that and your character?
Ray Chase: It was a wonderful opportunity to voice a character who my uncle, Stu Chaifetz, colored for DC back in the 90s! I found out that connection later when I shared the news on facebook, and I couldn’t believe what a small world we live in. He was a colorist for many years for them, but at one point he did Etrigan the demon for a number of issues, and I had no idea!
upfrontNY: You have done voice overs in video games, anime, commercials etc. how are they different and do you prepare for them differently?
Ray Chase: Each segment of this industry is really completely different. I’m incredibly grateful that I’ve been able to find work in each of them so far. They each have different levels of preparation – in animation, you get the script beforehand, in video games and commercials you don’t. And also in how difficult they are on your voice – video games and audiobooks are really throat-ripping in their own ways, and commercials aren’t! What I love about doing what I do is that each day is totally different.
upfrontNY: What made you get into voice over work?
Ray Chase: Leaving college with a theater degree is a pretty risky endeavour! But I immediately started finding some very low paying, but available work online doing voice over for explainer videos, foreign video games, and things like that. With the money I earned from that I saved up for a better microphone, and got into audiobooks. I did 150 of those and then transitioned into video games and animation! It’s been quite a ride.
upfrontNY: You voice a lot of video games are you a big video game player yourself?
Ray Chase: Most certainly! My knowledge of tv and movies PALES in comparison to my video game expertise! While I may not be the best at the twitchy action-style games or FPS’s, I spend most of my time playing slower paced and decision oriented RPGs and indie games. I love story in the interactive medium, and I’m so happy I get to be a part of so many good ones!
upfrontNY: Do you have any tricks for keeping your voice at its best?
Ray Chase: The best thing you can do is drink a lot of water and get adequate sleep. Unfortunately I don’t always do the latter, and I pay the price for it at times!
upfrontNY: You do so many different voices where do you draw inspiration?
Ray Chase: Growing up I always mimicked the actors on video games and cartoons before I knew there were actual people doing those voices! Certainly a lot of my knowledge of tone and timing comes from that, but I always aim to be original and further expand each performance I do.
upfrontNY: Can you tell us about your dog Milo?
Ray Chase: Oh geez Milo is the best doggy ever! I rescued him about 5 years ago and he’s a huge part of my life. I always try to bring him into the booth with me if I can. He’s an excellent studio dog and is very quiet while I record. He’s been there my whole career! I owe it all to him I suppose!
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