WoW Moviewatch: Jesse Cox Voice Actor Video Demo
by Michael Gray 
Jun 22nd 2009 at 12:00PM
Tipster Kerri clued me in to the Jesse Cox Voice Actor Video Demo on YouTube. This is definitely not the sort of movie we'd regularly feature on Moviewatch, of course, but it points out an interesting facet of machinima that we don't usually talk about. Namely, this video shows off the skills of the voice actors.
Many times, a video can be visually impressive, but less-than-stellar voice acting can detract from the overall experience. Jesse Cox has worked with Myndflame in several videos, as well as starring in Divided Soul. By watching this demo reel, you can very clearly see how much character and technique he brings to his roles. I think it can't be understated how important it is to a machinima to have actors who can speak their lines fluidly, believably, and without awkward moments.
Like I said, the video demo itself is pretty straight-forward. I hope it brings the results to Jesse that he wants. But, I wanted to feature it to help highlight the often unsung hero of machinima: the voice actor.
Interested in the wide world of machinima? We have new movies every weekday here on WoW Moviewatch! Have suggestions for machinima we ought to feature? Toss us an e-mail at machinima AT wow DOT com.Filed under: Analysis / Opinion, WoW Moviewatch
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
MechChef Jun 22nd 2009 12:24PM
This guys is okay. Better than most of the voice-work on WoW videos, but he's got about 2 voices. Raspy and raspier.
Nick Jun 22nd 2009 2:19PM
Have you checked this out on his site?
http://www.jessecox.com/JesseCoxcharacterDemo2008.mp3
he's got alot of voices.
Lynnora Jun 22nd 2009 12:47PM
Raspy is good. I like the voice acting a lot, the video is fine but the voice acting is the better of what I have seen of warcraft movies.
I must say I skipped through the other game parts because I have no interest or affinity with any other games, but the bits that were about WoW were pretty good in my opinion.
Duckaholica Jun 22nd 2009 11:46PM
I thought the elven voices were exceptionally well done =)
Mailia Jun 22nd 2009 12:48PM
How mean of him not giving any candy.
I think the Thrall voice was only good one, and the orc at the beginning was okay.
Snark Jun 22nd 2009 4:31PM
Yeah, wasn't impressed. That's not me being rude, just saying. The voices didn't fit.
Kerri Jun 22nd 2009 5:13PM
LOL...what exactly doesn't "fit". I thought it was great which is why I submitted it.
Your comment doesn't make much sense.
Snark Jun 22nd 2009 7:17PM
It's my opinion that the voices weren't done very well. I don't know if disagreeing with you doesn't make sense, but hopefully you can live with it.
Jesse Cox Jun 22nd 2009 7:49PM
Since you are being honest, could you please tell me in what way my demo sucks or the voices suck? If anything you'd be helping me get better.
Snark Jun 22nd 2009 8:15PM
I'm not saying your efforts suck. You put some energy into them. A lot videos do suck in that the voices fall flat. All I'm saying is that, with my critic's hat on, I wasn't impressed. All that means is that it didn't hook me.
I think the inflection is good on some of the pieces, if a bit over stylized. The big thing for myself was that all the voices sound like you doing voices, if that makes sense. I think your main weakness is your voice sounds young.
The orc voices didn't come across as being orc voices. I understand that orcs could have a range, but it sounds like an orc doing an orc impression in that case. The humans sounded like they were doing impersonations as well. If I were to sum it up in one sentence, it would be that it seems as if you're trying too hard, and that comes across.
I know I don't put anything out so I can't say I know the market/audience, but those were my impressions. I'm just one person, though, so whatever.
Jesse Cox Jun 22nd 2009 8:26PM
Thanks man. I will certainly focus more on hooking the viewer next time.
i think part of it is that this is on a WoW site...and only 2 1/2 clips are WoW stuff. Maybe that lost your interest?
i don't know...
Needless to say, when i get around to making a second demo i will keep your comments in mind.
Lemons Jun 23rd 2009 2:18AM
I totally agree...voice acting can make or break a machinima. I have simply stopped watching a few machinimas because the voice acting was just unbearable. I can't believe how many machinimas roll out with the voice actors whispering in strained voices like they're embarrassed about what they're doing.
pdorgan Jun 23rd 2009 9:20AM
BRING ON ESTELLE!!
hi mojo.