Ben Cullum/Falco Interview

[Kab_49]

Hello all, I recently did yet another interview with Ben Cullum, VA of Falco in Starfox Adventures and thought it would be worth posting here for anybody interested to read it. He seemed to be confused with a question or two, but otherwise gave some pretty interesting feedback. And he's a really nice guy. Really, really nice. Anyway, hope you enjoy the read!

Here it is, one of many interviews we've been waiting for! Ben Cullum, voice actor behind Falco Lombardi in Starfox Adventures and Super Smash Bros. Melee was kind enough to participate in an interview with us! Falco has always been a fan favorite of the series, having a strong fan following that rivals even that of Fox McCloud himself. We, along with some of the folks over at Nintendoland.com came up with questions we the fans had to have answers to. And so we begin!

Q:How did you get into voice acting? Is it something you enjoy?

I got into voice acting (although I think that's actually quite a generous title you've given me..) because I was working as a composer and vocal engineer for Rare at the time. I've always liked doing voices so I just slotted in.

Q:Are you a gamer yourself?

I used to be a big gamer in my younger years. Now apart from the odd iPad game and nostalgia sessions with my old N64 and GameCube I discipline myself into not playing the new big games because I know how much time I would spend on them!!

Q:Did you know what Starfox was before Dinosaur Planet (the original title and concept of Starfox Adventures for readers) was converted to a Starfox title?

I'm not sure it was called anything else before 'Dinosaur Planet'. But can't be sure..it's 8 years since I worked on that game!

Q:Do you feel Falco should of had more involvement in Starfox Adventures or do you like him coming to Fox's aid and saving the day in the last moments of peril?

I seem to remember the balance being right. Falco was one of those classic heroes that didn't need too much air time to seem cool

Q:What's it like knowing you were one of many voice actors to portray Falco?

An honour to be in the line-up!

Q:How do you feel about the Starfox series as a whole?

I think it was nice & varied compared to many other game series. The N64 had the space shooter and Starfox Adventures was of course an action adventure. I think it kept the concept fresh.

Q:What is your favorite StarFox moment?

Can't think of one in particular. Again it's a while ago since I worked on it. I did like the General Scales cut scenes a lot and especially the scene at the finale of the game when all the characters reunite. It reminds me of a film with a slightly camp but happy ending!

Q:It has to be asked. Who is your favorite Starfox character?

General Pepper always made me laugh. And the voice was awesome as well. John Silke voiced him, General Scales and many others. I think also he did the Warpstone character? He was cool too. A gentle and friendly giant.

Q:Was there any unused dialogue for Falco that did not make the final cut?

Probably. There was much unused dialogue in general as story and game design evolved over the years.

Q:If you had a chance to voice any other character in the Star Fox series, which one would you voice, if any?

I did a few others actually - I can't remember who exactly but I'm sure it would be easy for your readers to find out.

Q:When you get together with your friend Steve Malpass (VA for Fox in Starfox Adventures) do you two ever talk in your Starfox voices to each other?

To be honest.....yes! It's amusing to say the least. Also, when I see John Silke he often says to me 'General Pepper here!!'

Q:Do Starfox fans ever find and say anything to you? If so, what was the craziest or most memorable thing said to you?

Sadly it's never happened. Nice to know there are fans though

Q:If the opportunity ever arose, would you be willing to voice Falco again?

Yes - would be an honour.

Q:Falco is a favorite amongst Starfox fans, and you are now forever part of his character, and the Starfox series as a whole. Is there anything you would like to say to the fans?

A thousand thanks for taking such an interest. It's people like yourself who remind me how much something I helped to make was worth to them. I spent the best part of 4 years recording all the voice actors in the studio, doing Falco's voice and some cut-scene music so it's really lovely to know it's still loved.

Awesome! Special thanks to Ben Cullum for taking time out of his busy schedule to do this with us! Ben will forever be part of the Starfox series that is so near and dear to many of us. For those of you who don't know, Ben happens to be a singer and song writer to, so his voice talents go far beyond the realm of video games. Curious? Look up some of his music. Hopefully we're not the only ones who picture a small window with Falco singing the lyrics when we hear his music. You can find him on Twitter where you can follow all his updates and thank him for his tremendous effort in helping to make Starfox what it is today.

Source: http://www.starfox-elite.com

[Gestalt]

Falco is BEST pony starfox team member!

[Rin]

Haha, sounds like he and the others had a lot of fun with what they were doing. Thank you so much for posting this here. (: