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Final Fantasy 8 => Audio => WIP => Topic started by: Shard on 2014-03-08 10:48:21

Title: [In Development] FF8 Voiceover Project
Post by: Shard on 2014-03-08 10:48:21
This mod will be available for all PC versions of FF8 (original, Square re-release, and Steam re-release). No release date is set.

We will be voicing all mandatory dialogue. That is, all the dialogue that the player has to view in order to get to the end of the game. Some additional dialogue will be voiced, especially dialogue which builds on the characters' histories, explains the game's lore, or just happens to be humorous. Much of the dialogue will be edited to fix localization issues, or to improve scenes that were previously lacking in emotional depth. While much of the game's dialogue will be different, the overall point and feel of each scene will be unaltered. We're still telling the original story in the same way, and almost all of the game's most memorable lines are untouched. Yes, Seifer still calls Zell a chicken-wuss.

We will also be adding new dialogue to the game that will play as you explore the world and carry out your missions. This will make many of the more boring areas of the game a little more fun to play through. In addition, you may find some alternate dialogue that characters will sometimes speak depending on how you've treated those characters with your dialogue choices earlier in the game. We will also voice over most of the game's battle dialogue, in the hopes that someday we will have the ability to modify battle scripts. The total size of the download is estimated to be between 500-600 MB before compression.

I'll post updates on my twitter feed for projects @ShardFenix

Cast List
Squall - Steven Kelly
Rinoa - Kawaii_Ash (https://soundcloud.com/kawaii-ash/rinoa-redo)
Zell - SenorCape24 (BTVA)
Quistis - Guildencrantz (BTVA)
Selphie - Elle Boleyn Dekkard
Irvine - Christopher Dooley
Edea - Amy Perkins (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3hqiXiEQtYs)
Seifer - Joey Martin
Laguna - Ben Albright (https://soundcloud.com/balbright)
Ellone -
Cid - MicTheMatt (https://soundcloud.com/micthematt/matthew-curtis-good-guys)
Fujin - Bluewind61 (https://soundcloud.com/bluewind61/rinoa-final-fantasy-8-voiceover-project-audition)
Raijin - gameusurper (BTVA)
Odine - Alex Beckham
Dr. Kadowaki - Rose Franklin (https://soundcloud.com/user154613763/general-audition-reel)
NORG - Aussieroth
________________________________________________________
Completion Progress
Scripting: ~90%
Lines finished: 3631 / 6649 (54.6%)
________________________________________________________
Videos
Tech demo ft. Rinoa and Zell (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nufpQDyUW2Q)
Annoyance dialogue demo (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JAEc5Y_Zt2k)
Squall's Speech (https://youtu.be/4vHMQ_Iyci0)
Squad Assignments (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OpBHQtVrGgA)
________________________________________________________

Original announcement and audition threads:
http://voiceactingalliance.com/board/showthread.php?91813-Final-Fantasy-8-Voiceover-Project
Audition Thread 2
http://voiceactingalliance.com/board/showthread.php?99892-Final-Fantasy-8-Voiceover-Project-(wave-2)
Title: Re: [Auditions Open] FF8 Voiceover Project
Post by: Covarr on 2014-03-08 16:54:15
Man, if this were FF7, I'd audition for Reno in a heartbeat. He's always been my favorite FF character, and my Quinton Flynn impression is pretty decent (and let's face it, he nailed that role, no need to reimagine it).

For FF8... I'll consider auditioning. Maybe for Seifer (though probably not with a Will Friedle/Kingdom Hearts 2 impression). Probably not though, this role is a bit bigger than I want to commit to.
Title: Re: [Auditions Open] FF8 Voiceover Project
Post by: dkma841 on 2014-03-08 20:12:23
.
Title: Re: [Auditions Open] FF8 Voiceover Project
Post by: LeonhartGR on 2014-03-08 21:06:07
Please contact Shudo Ranmaru aka FFVIIIVoices aka Selfie. She is a great voice actress and there is such a project on YouTube as well but only with video editing. She can provide you with high quality dubs for the first disk.

Here is her channel:
[Teaser] Seifer & Cid: New Cast Members! (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hOSMMn0BIpQ)

[Fandub] Final Fantasy VIII - Episode XIII (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3mVAPs5nj6Y)

And Ruppert Scarr (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCiIGDHtnHnYsqfJ9Ll95y_Q) is the perfect voice for Squall.


I have set up a project for the main videos for the Steam version. You can look it up here (http://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=206018584&preview=true) and help if you want. I just need the dubbed sound (37800HZ 16bit Stereo) for the Replicator's upscaled bink videos.
Title: Re: [Auditions Open] FF8 Voiceover Project
Post by: Shard on 2014-03-09 11:47:23
There are problems with using existing dubs. I would have to get the same actors/actresses to do the rest of the game, and that may not be possible. Additionally, I'm editing some of the game's dialogue to sound more natural when spoken (and to fix some awkward translation issues), so they would have to re-record a lot of the dialogue anyway.

Also, I can dub FMVs without replacing them (in fact, I'm adding voice credits to the opening movie).
Title: Re: [Auditions Open] FF8 Voiceover Project
Post by: LeonhartGR on 2014-03-09 12:55:44
I still insist you contact Shudo about your project,,, she's been the only person to approach FFVIII dubbing in a professional manner at first place. Cast has already been selected and I think they will be really interested in your project. They just don't have any idea it even exists. ;)

Also since you are dubbing the FVMs as well I will replace my project with your's @Steam so tell me if you are interested in making you a moderator in our guide there to edit the already existing post;) Thanks for dealing with VIII! Such a project is part of a childhood dream to me :)
Title: Re: [Auditions Open] FF8 Voiceover Project
Post by: Shard on 2014-03-09 13:57:49
For FF8... I'll consider auditioning. Maybe for Seifer (though probably not with a Will Friedle/Kingdom Hearts 2 impression). Probably not though, this role is a bit bigger than I want to commit to.
There are much smaller roles that I will probably have trouble filling. People with limited time are very welcome to submit auditions. There are some roles that will only need to read like five lines for the whole game. Remember, I'm voicing EVERY mandatory line in the game, and FF8 is a loooong game with a lot of NPCs.

I still insist you contact Shudo about your project... Cast has already been selected
I actually have a creative problem with that part. I disagree with some of the castings used in those dubs. There are castings I really like, but it's not worth compromising for. I want this project as high-quality as possible, not as easy as possible.
I have a specific vision for how this project will end up, and I feel that starting from scratch is the best way to get there. There are some actors that have done dubs who I would love to approach if they don't audition, but walking into another person's project and saying I don't like half of their casting isn't the way to go.
Title: Re: [Auditions Open] FF8 Voiceover Project
Post by: LeonhartGR on 2014-03-14 17:35:01
I pointed out your project on steam because a user was interested:
http://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=206018584&tscn=1394770915
Title: Re: [Auditions Open] FF8 Voiceover Project
Post by: Shard on 2014-03-14 18:31:51
Thanks. I think I also started a discussion there, but it's always good to get the word out!
Title: Re: [Auditions Open] FF8 Voiceover Project
Post by: Tekkie.X on 2014-03-15 17:35:59
I might try for Odine, I can do a camp German cartoon villain voice, Kinda like Nolan North's Edward Richtofen From the Call of Duty Zombies mode.
Title: Re: [Auditions Open] FF8 Voiceover Project
Post by: LeonhartGR on 2014-05-13 00:11:46
Hey mate! Sorry for bumping... any updates? :)
Title: Re: [Auditions Open] FF8 Voiceover Project
Post by: Shard on 2014-05-13 01:21:27
Auditions are still open, I won't have any updates until July 4th-ish (when I hope to have at least the major roles cast). I've taken a little break since I finished everything I needed until the casting needs to be done.

Technically, the only problem I've run into is how I'm going to package the mod. I want to only distribute the edited dialogue/script files and have a program that imports them, but nothing like that exists. I'll probably end up making my own, possibly one flexible enough to mass import any type of field file so other modders could use it too.
Title: Re: [Auditions Open] FF8 Voiceover Project
Post by: LeonhartGR on 2014-05-13 13:02:56
What about Deling (http://forums.qhimm.com/index.php?topic=13050.0;topicseen)?
Title: Re: [Auditions Open] FF8 Voiceover Project
Post by: Shard on 2014-05-13 19:15:49
It doesn't have a mass import feature for partial fields. It only imports fields in full (which is bad for file size, and also illegal if I distribute it that way). FF8's file structure is something like this:

Title: Re: [Auditions Open] FF8 Voiceover Project
Post by: genesis063 on 2014-05-13 22:51:43
If I'm not to familiar with the characters and don't have a set favorite can I just addition and you go with who you think my voice would go better with then I'll read up on that character and give it more life to it?
Title: Re: [Auditions Open] FF8 Voiceover Project
Post by: Covarr on 2014-05-13 23:09:36
I'd said I'd consider auditioning, and after weighing the amount of time involved against how much I cared, I was all but ready to write it off... but then I listened to some of the auditions on Behind the Voice Actors. There's a few gems in there, but a lot of piss-poor microphones, rushed lines, mismatched voices, and generally sloppy deliveries. This project deserves MUCH better than some of these. I'll audition as soon as I get home for Chicken-Wuss Zell and Seifer.
Title: Re: [Auditions Open] FF8 Voiceover Project
Post by: LeonhartGR on 2014-05-13 23:26:49
...Chicken-Wuss Zell....

:P :D
Title: Re: [Auditions Open] FF8 Voiceover Project
Post by: Shard on 2014-05-14 00:28:30
Like covarr said, there's some real talent from many of the auditioners (not just at BTVA, but also from the other forums and from the email inbox I set up for this). A good Seifer or Zell would please me very much, because those are the two main character nobody's really gotten close to.

I'll most likely end up having a second round of auditions for some of the minor roles, especially the ones with unique voices (Raijin, NORG, etc). So for those of you who auditioned, if you don't get a part on July 4th, you could still get one later.

If I'm not to familiar with the characters and don't have a set favorite can I just addition and you go with who you think my voice would go better with then I'll read up on that character and give it more life to it?
Absolutely. I will explain your character and/or the story to you (unless you want to research on your own), and the script explains what's happening in every scene you'll read.

Just send me or link me to a demo reel of some voices or characters you can do. The only requirement is that you have a decent microphone (voice sounds clear, no crackling, no hisses, no static, etc) and have the time to record all of your assigned dialogue. The only thing I ask is that your demo reel contain multiple voices. It's hard to tell what someone can do if they just use one voice.
Title: Re: [Auditions Open] FF8 Voiceover Project
Post by: Covarr on 2014-05-14 04:56:45
Okay, my auditions are up on BTVA. I'm a little happier with my Seifer than with my Zell, and I've come to the conclusion that "WHOA!! OHHH YEAAAAH! AWESOME!!!!" is impossible to deliver well. It's a bad line, period, the end.

I actually took a peek through a complete FF8 script, and there's stiff and unnatural lines all over the place. As a whole, the game reads fine for text only, but it really falls apart when you try to imagine people actually saying some of these things.
Title: Re: [Auditions Open] FF8 Voiceover Project
Post by: LeonhartGR on 2014-05-14 06:47:35
Nice!
Title: Re: [Auditions Open] FF8 Voiceover Project
Post by: Shard on 2014-05-14 07:55:45
I actually took a peek through a complete FF8 script, and there's stiff and unnatural lines all over the place. As a whole, the game reads fine for text only, but it really falls apart when you try to imagine people actually saying some of these things.
I'm one step ahead of you. I've rewritten lines like that so they're more natural to say, and/or made them phrases that English speakers actually use.
Title: Re: [Auditions Open] FF8 Voiceover Project
Post by: LeonhartGR on 2014-05-14 22:42:59
I was listening to genesis063 stream (http://www.twitch.tv/genesis063) and I believe his voice matches perfectly for Squall! I hope he joins in!
Title: Re: [Auditions Open] FF8 Voiceover Project
Post by: genesis063 on 2014-05-15 01:39:26
I'll get some lines tonight and record and record and submit it tomorrow.  Unless Shard do you have someone set for Squall yet would you like me to get someone else dialogue?

update: also will be do combat voicing as well.
Title: Re: [Auditions Open] FF8 Voiceover Project
Post by: Shard on 2014-05-15 02:34:15
I haven't cast anything yet. There's another month and a half of potential auditions to listen to. Only one person has hit a character dead on so far, and that character isn't Squall. If I don't think your voice fits someone, I may cast you as something else, or I may ask you to read another character as the deadline is coming up.

There will be no combat voicing (I assume sounds like "UGH" and "HIYAA" is what you meant). We don't have the capability to edit battle scripts yet. I will probably voice battle scene dialogue, though, despite the forum posts saying otherwise. Eventually the battle files will be understood and I'll be able to voice over some of the in-battle cutscenes. I'll just hold onto those sounds until that.
Title: Re: [Auditions Open] FF8 Voiceover Project
Post by: genesis063 on 2014-05-15 02:41:17
Coo because if I can hit the character good might as well go the extra mile.
Title: Re: [Auditions Open] FF8 Voiceover Project
Post by: Covarr on 2014-05-15 03:42:06
Only one person has hit a character dead on so far, and that character isn't Squall.
Having listened to the public auditions on BTVA, I suspect I know who it is (and no, I don't think it's me).
Title: Re: [Auditions Open] FF8 Voiceover Project
Post by: Kaldarasha on 2014-05-15 04:35:23
Having listened to the public auditions on BTVA, I suspect I know who it is (and no, I don't think it's me).

Well you could try to give your voice to Irvine to accompany that person. It's only a guess of me but I think you could capture his cool facade and his childish behavior he has, when he is creating with Selphie the 'Dynamic Duo'.
Title: Re: [Auditions Open] FF8 Voiceover Project
Post by: LeonhartGR on 2014-05-15 12:09:02
I think Covarr is a good Zell. I'm currently between ArcanusSanctum and Covarr.
Title: Re: [Auditions Open] FF8 Voiceover Project
Post by: genesis063 on 2014-05-16 19:05:35
I auditioned like yesterday so we'll see if I get it.  I kind of messed up on one line.  Keep your fingers crossed Leon but don't get your hopes up just in case.
Title: Re: [Auditions Open] FF8 Voiceover Project
Post by: Covarr on 2014-05-16 22:53:10
Well you could try to give your voice to Irvine to accompany that person. It's only a guess of me but I think you could capture his cool facade and his childish behavior he has, when he is creating with Selphie the 'Dynamic Duo'.
Y'know, he wasn't initially on my radar. I never actually played past disc 1, and he doesn't show up until fairly late, so I didn't know the character that well. But the more I read of his dialogue, the better an idea I have as to how I'd play him... I'm thinking something like Itsuki Koizumi (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eMoCLQhpBR8) but with a little more suave, and a little more southern. I may audition for him as well tomorrow morning.
Title: Re: [Auditions Open] FF8 Voiceover Project
Post by: LeonhartGR on 2014-05-16 23:38:09
I auditioned like yesterday so we'll see if I get it.  I kind of messed up on one line.  Keep your fingers crossed Leon but don't get your hopes up just in case.

I'm looking forward to listen to it!!!

...a little more southern.
I always imagined his accent southern! Thank you Covarr!!!

P.S.: I want to believe that people rush on Squall lines because of the file size or time limit... Certainly those lines are never supposed to be told in such rush...
Title: Re: [Auditions Open] FF8 Voiceover Project
Post by: Shard on 2014-05-17 07:22:49
Most of the readings were perfectly paced for Squall. The mod itself is going to be pretty big (I haven't numbered all the sound effects, but I'm guessing there will be close to 4500 sound files packaged with this thing), so I want most of them to be spoken faster rather than slower to make the final download smaller.
Title: Re: [Auditions Open] FF8 Voiceover Project
Post by: LeonhartGR on 2014-05-17 09:48:22
I listened to genesis reel. His tone is just perfect for Squall. But fast paced dialogues seem like rushing to just get on with the game... I think a few more seconds will give the game the credibility it deserves.
Title: Re: [Auditions Open] FF8 Voiceover Project
Post by: genesis063 on 2014-05-17 17:03:44
Yeah I went all natural with my voice so I didn't try to impersonate anyone like that one guy did.
Title: Re: [Auditions Open] FF8 Voiceover Project
Post by: Shard on 2014-06-29 21:57:39
Posting a little mini-update, mostly because I know LeonhartGR will like it. Shudo actually contacted me, and, long story short, she'll be helping me with the project, as well as bringing some of her people over to do voice work. She's also going to write some dialogue that will be added to the game outside of cutscenes, to give the characters more depth and personality while you're running around otherwise uneventful areas.

The deadline is still a few days away, so nothing is final in terms of who's getting what role (although I have a few people who were nearly perfect in their auditions, and they're not likely to be outdone in the next 2 days).
Title: Re: [Auditions Open] FF8 Voiceover Project
Post by: LeonhartGR on 2014-06-30 00:58:58
I guess by the time my copyright strike expired only good news are popping up! Texture mods for VIII, Shudo on the voice dub... what else! Oh passed some exams lately too. Love you Shard! I'm pretty excited!
Title: Re: [In Development] FF8 Voiceover Project
Post by: Mcindus on 2014-07-01 20:33:33
Awww. I missed auditions.

Oh well.  I guess I'll just have to keep pumping out FF8 mods! ;)

On the topic of action sounds:
We wouldn't necessarily have to replace or re-write script... we could extract the action sounds (gunblade, punches, etc) and then combine them with dubbed voices and then compress the file back down into the game.  This wouldn't be nearly as cheesy as everyone expects - it just takes the right touch.  I'm an audio editor/producer and can really see some of this breathing life into the project if it's handled correctly.
Title: Re: [In Development] FF8 Voiceover Project
Post by: Covarr on 2014-07-01 21:08:57
I plum forgot to audition for Irvine, even though after some thought I feel I could've done better at that than the ones I did audition for. Oh well.
Title: Re: [In Development] FF8 Voiceover Project
Post by: Hellbringer616 on 2014-07-01 21:22:24
Curious guys, how will you get these files to play during the game?
Title: Re: [In Development] FF8 Voiceover Project
Post by: Shard on 2014-07-01 23:17:04
I'm using Deling to modify the field scripts (the code that controls cutscenes, among other things) to play sound effects as dialog boxes appear. Disc 1 is already fully scripted. I'll be working on the rest of the game for the next few months while we're recording everything.

All I have to do is write an installer for partial field files, or strongarm Myst6re into adding such functionality to Deling (Deling only mass imports full field files. Partial files have to be done individually by hand, and the mod will contain about 1400 of them).
Title: Re: [In Development] FF8 Voiceover Project
Post by: Shard on 2014-07-04 21:47:38
I've updated the original post with a partial cast list and a bunch of other information about the project.
Title: Re: [In Development] FF8 Voiceover Project
Post by: LeonhartGR on 2014-07-04 22:28:09
Ok you got me there! Christian is OP :)
Title: Re: [In Development] FF8 Voiceover Project
Post by: Shard on 2014-07-05 02:31:33
Ok you got me there! Christian is OP :)
Indeed he is. Have you checked his other vids? He's very versatile.
Title: Re: [In Development] FF8 Voiceover Project
Post by: LeonhartGR on 2014-07-06 01:37:46
I've been familiar with Christian's work since his dancing videos ;-) That makes me old... agh!

(http://i.imgur.com/XeRSZeK.jpg)
Title: Re: [In Development] FF8 Voiceover Project
Post by: SirCabbage on 2014-07-06 04:21:11
Gah- I am really sad I missed the auditions. I may have never even attempted voice acting before, but I would have loved to try and get the part of Laguna. He is my favourite FF8 character.. I love how no matter where he is, under what pressures, he always stays true to who he is. He is a damn goofball and doesn't really care about that fact. Despite the fact he is Squall's dad he is essentially the exact opposite of him. Squall is never true to his own feelings and tries to hide them, while Laguna wears them on his chest like a badge of honor.  Oh well, chances are I couldn't have worked out a good enough way to record my voice to even come close to getting the part anyway. But I could always dream

Edit: Gah, I see that the main page has been updated to show that someone has gotten the role. Oh well, my fault for missing the audtions, shame though.
Title: Re: [In Development] FF8 Voiceover Project
Post by: Aussieroth on 2014-08-01 04:53:43
As I said in another forum, I'll gladly audition for NORG.... and the Master Fisherman. I don't know how else to be of service besides voice acting but still looks like fun.
Title: Re: [In Development] FF8 Voiceover Project
Post by: LeonhartGR on 2014-08-01 09:30:44
Let the dubbing begin!  :mrgreen:
Title: Re: [In Development] FF8 Voiceover Project
Post by: Goth on 2014-08-08 20:31:39
Wow, Squall and Rinoa voices are PERFECT!
Title: Re: [In Development] FF8 Voiceover Project
Post by: Shard on 2014-08-13 22:36:36
Early preview

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nufpQDyUW2Q&feature=youtu.be

Once I get Squall and Selphie (they've been busy) to do some scenes, I'm going to make a proper trailer or two.
Title: Re: [In Development] FF8 Voiceover Project
Post by: LeonhartGR on 2014-08-14 00:25:33
This is going to be good!!! I'm Excited! Please take care of the voices not to sound too weird... Zell was awesome! :)
Title: Re: [In Development] FF8 Voiceover Project
Post by: Shard on 2014-08-14 00:53:45
Me, some of the actors, and some of my friends will be testing it a lot, looking for dialogue that doesn't sound right or isn't timed properly (especially volume wise. Some of Rinoa's lines are a little loud in the demo, especially after the music fades).
Title: Re: [In Development] FF8 Voiceover Project
Post by: LeonhartGR on 2014-08-14 03:37:00
I'd be glad to express some opinion if you are willing to accept any. ;) Already did anyway. :)
Title: Re: [In Development] FF8 Voiceover Project
Post by: Shard on 2014-08-14 05:47:12
Sure, go for it.
Title: .
Post by: dkma841 on 2014-08-14 17:00:02
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Title: Re: [In Development] FF8 Voiceover Project
Post by: SilverSpades on 2014-08-14 17:43:59
It was nice work! I liked what I heard!

Few suggestions...
I feel like this fandub of the ending really nailed the characters, especially Irvine (which I never realized would fit with a southern accent), who really made me laugh the whole time. Just hope you can capture that same feeling.

Also, I noticed the first few lines in the opening (Squall and Rinoa's promise) always sounded bad to me on every dub until one of them used an echo for their voices, which really fit the feel of the opening somehow.  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FqDhjDJ0SfE though this one's echo felt too strong like a commenter below pointed out (also that Squall kinda sounded flat in his lines but I digress)

I hope I'm not ruffling feathers. I'm just a big fan of the game, though I don't have astronomical expectations. Just shooting out thoughts in hopes of making this project closer to a dream dub.
Title: Re: [In Development] FF8 Voiceover Project
Post by: Shard on 2014-08-14 21:07:31
The actors' names are in the first post, along with most of their auditions.
The gentleman voicing Zell is a member of BTVA, he auditioned for Zell, Laguna, Seifer and I believe Irvine. It's actually his first time voice acting if you can believe that (I didn't).

I'm as eager to get this out as you guys are to play it. All the actors have done phenomenally well so far during our recording sessions. I'm waiting for Christian (Squall) to get back from his hip hop tour to get some of his lines so I can make an actual trailer.
Title: Re: [In Development] FF8 Voiceover Project
Post by: LeonhartGR on 2014-08-15 02:12:05
An early note before this project progresses further more... Will this be possible to be implemented in mine or any translation projects? Or will this replace the files? Likewise, if it's not, will we be able to insert our dialogue files? Thanks!
Title: Re: [In Development] FF8 Voiceover Project
Post by: Shard on 2014-08-15 03:46:42
You can use this with translations, but the sounds that play may not always match the dialogue that pops up. I have combined and split many dialogue boxes in the game (especially the multi-page ones), which changes a few of their IDs and the orders in which they show up. The sounds that play aren't linked to dialogue boxes, they're hard coded into the cutscenes, so changing one will not change the other.

That being said, most of the game's dialogue boxes have the same IDs as in the vanilla game. If you just put your text over my mod, you'll only get the wrong sound from maybe 1 out of every 200 dialogue boxes. All you'd have to do is find the ones that don't match up to the sounds (by playing through the game) and change them yourself, but you'll have to wait until the mod releases before you can do that.

Thanks to Myst6re's newest updates for Deling (some of which I requested), it's possible to import only parts of each field (like dialogue only), so you can have your mod replace my dialogue without affecting the cutscene scripts. My mod will have to be installed first, then yours on top of it. You'll understand how when I release the mod and give people installation instructions.
Title: Re: [In Development] FF8 Voiceover Project
Post by: Takigan on 2014-08-21 00:31:33
Started lurking about a month ago when I realized I missed the deadline for the central cast auditions by about 3 weeks.....though after hearing audition samples from the incredible people who were ultimately picked, I realize my chances were a bit slim to begin with :-D.  Now I've finally created an account and would like to use my first post to say that I'm really excited for this project, and hope that I can become involved at some level or another!

Which brings me to my point.  Are you planning on doing another BTVA Casting Call for many of the "minor story roles"?:

IE. Ward, Kiros, Zone, Watts, Xu, Nida, Biggs, Wedge, Garden Faculty, General Caraway, President Deling, Headmaster Martine, Ma Dincht, Raine, Julia, Forest Fox Leader, Mayor Dobe, White SeeD Leader, Piet (Lunar Station), Young Squall (and everyone else from the orphanage).....

......Wow!  It's only after mulling over the script do I realize how many minor roles there actually are just in the main story dialogue...there are more than a dozen other roles that I didn't even name that have at least 5 lines of dialogue.  A lot of people are going to have something to do, I'm optimistic!

But yeah.....any idea on when that might be? Weeks, months?  Should I maybe send in a demo reel now?
Title: Re: [In Development] FF8 Voiceover Project
Post by: Shard on 2014-08-21 01:40:53
I have like 15 recording sessions backed up that I need to edit and process so I know what I still need from the current actors. This will probably will take close to a month. I've been casting minor roles from some of the current actors, but there are still a TON to do. If I can't find a voice for a set of characters, I will open auditions for them.

You can record a demo if you like and send it to [email protected] . You won't hear anything back until I actually start looking for people to do minor characters.
Title: Re: [In Development] FF8 Voiceover Project
Post by: LeonhartGR on 2014-08-21 10:49:21
I mailed you an audition. Do whatever you feel like with my voice and weird accent lol
Title: Re: [In Development] FF8 Voiceover Project
Post by: Shard on 2015-02-18 10:35:41
Well, progress is coming along, and 1/6 of the planned sounds are working in the game right now, while about 50% is recorded but not edited yet. Eventually, I will need a small group of people to help test the mod before it's released, to make sure sounds don't play in the wrong place, aren't too loud/soft, etc. If you're interested, please PM me with the subject "FF8 Voiceover Testing" and give me your email address. I will not reply to these PMs, I'll just be collecting them and checking them all later in the year when the project is close to complete.
Title: Re: [In Development] FF8 Voiceover Project
Post by: Shard on 2015-04-01 19:37:57
New video! Squall's Speech during the Garden Battle (https://youtu.be/4vHMQ_Iyci0)
Title: Re: [In Development] FF8 Voiceover Project
Post by: Mcindus on 2015-04-02 00:37:28
New video! Squall's Speech during the Garden Battle (https://youtu.be/4vHMQ_Iyci0)

Great work!

I had a question about the voiceover project:  Is there a general director, or are the actors given free reign?  I really like the voice of Squall, but there really seems to only be one or two parts that sound very emotive, and at this point in the game, it's supposed to be our first real glimpse into how inspirational a leader Squall can be.  The only reason I bring it up is because this part is so essential and it kind of felt a little 'dry'.
Title: Re: [In Development] FF8 Voiceover Project
Post by: Shard on 2015-04-02 01:25:48
I direct most of the actors live. I wanted Squall to be less emotive than the other characters for the first part of the game. He gets more emotive and emotional after disc 2 when Rinoa goes comatose. I did something similar for Rinoa's character. She takes a personality 180 over the course of the story.
Title: Re: [In Development] FF8 Voiceover Project
Post by: Mcindus on 2015-04-02 03:36:59
I direct most of the actors live. I wanted Squall to be less emotive than the other characters for the first part of the game. He gets more emotive and emotional after disc 2 when Rinoa goes comatose. I did something similar for Rinoa's character. She takes a personality 180 over the course of the story.

Ahh, well then I apologize and just need to play it in context! :)  Thanks for the reply.
Title: Re: [In Development] FF8 Voiceover Project
Post by: insidious611 on 2015-04-18 00:37:17
I realize this is going to amount to a pretty silly request, but given what happened to the earlier FF7Voice project, I want to make it: Please, please don't let this (or the companion FF7 project) die before you've gotten something out. There's so much potential here.
Title: Re: [In Development] FF8 Voiceover Project
Post by: Shard on 2015-04-18 00:52:31
1/3 of the dialogue is done, and 99% of the backend work is done. It would be pretty silly of me to NOT finish this. I'm glad you're excited, but these things take time.
Title: Re: [In Development] FF8 Voiceover Project
Post by: insidious611 on 2015-04-24 08:15:36
Oh, I certainly didn't mean to sound impatient, it's more... Stuff like this has been attempted before and then abandoned. :P So I wanted to express my sincere wishes that this be completed.

Glad to see you're already so far along though, that's... extremely impressive.
Title: Re: [In Development] FF8 Voiceover Project
Post by: Rufus on 2015-05-03 00:21:02
would it be possible to release a public beta of the 33% of the voice work that is done, what would be nice if it was disc 1 only, then that whole disc can be fully voiced and anyone can install it and give it ago.

don't be worried of people running into issues, that is fine as it would be a public beta.
Title: Re: [In Development] FF8 Voiceover Project
Post by: Shard on 2015-05-03 01:00:20
would it be possible to release a public beta ... don't be worried of people running into issues, that is fine as it would be a public beta.
Despite what the younger generation has been misled to think by garbage game developers like Blizzard 2.0, the point of a public beta is not to give people your unfinished, buggy work for the fun of it.

I don't do public betas for the same reason I don't walk outside with half my clothes missing.

And just to update while I'm here, I recently got a new job and moved, so I haven't actually done anything for this project (except a few recordings) in the last month or so. Once I'm settled into my new place, things will speed up again.
Title: Re: [In Development] FF8 Voiceover Project
Post by: Rufus on 2015-05-03 01:13:25
haha okay fair enough, on a semi related note I played through cmt's halo SPv2 beta and it was pretty buggy, but they seem to release it anyway and peolpe play through it on forums, but you have your rights as the creator of sorts.

I still think it would be a good idea to release the mod by disc number, so in that case you could say release disc 1 voiced for november 2015, disc 2 for february 2016 etc, I think this would be better than releasing the whole thing in late 2016.

Obviously those dates are just examples.
Title: Re: [In Development] FF8 Voiceover Project
Post by: Rufus on 2015-05-03 01:14:03
I also think it would look much better to have a character portrait in the dialogue box instead of text if there is voice over work, this would resemble the game 'silver'

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7i6TfrwThYU

when FFX has a static camera scene there are no portraits or dialogue boxes

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F4mpPKpfeMk

but in ffx the person talking is very animated where as that wont be the case in ff8, so I think a character portrait for who is talking would be better.

this off course would be an option for the game, they can choose the character portrait only or subtitles instead.
Title: Re: [In Development] FF8 Voiceover Project
Post by: Shard on 2015-05-03 02:25:16
I still think it would be a good idea to release the mod by disc number, so in that case you could say release disc 1 voiced for november 2015, disc 2 for february 2016 etc, I think this would be better than releasing the whole thing in late 2016.
The thing is, I don't work on things in chronological order. 1/3 of the voices are done, but that doesn't mean it's all on disc 1. A lot of it is on disc 2. They're all over the place. I couldn't release a disc-1-only mod even if I wanted to (I entertained that idea but I have little control over when each disc gets finished).

Your portraits idea is really sweet. Unfortunately that will never happen because the game can't and never will be able to do that.
Title: Re: [In Development] FF8 Voiceover Project
Post by: Rufus on 2015-05-03 03:09:45
ah right I assumed as much as by this time there would have been a mod for that, even the FF7 fan de-make on the NES had character portraits.

anyway my other suggestion is just to have the names come up but with no words, just so you know who's talking, overall if there's voice, i wouldn't want text that matches the voice, i generally don't subtitle games and in the case of ff8 with voices it will look like a very strange way to subtitle a game.

on the music volume side of things, I was thinking it would be like kingdom hearts, where when the voice acting happens the music drops in volume, and when there is no voice acting it will return to its original volume, but it seems after seeing your Squall's Speech during the Garden Battle video that the music will always be at a lower than normal volume.

it's quite a tough thing to decide as the games were originally designed with mute characters and loud music that drew a lot of attention to itself, it certainly wasn't designed as background music to voiced characters like the ffx was most of the time.

But to me the two videos I have seen sound great, just hearing voices dramatically changes the game, even if you had to sacrifice the music by having it at a low volume at all times, that would be an acceptable loss.
Title: Re: [In Development] FF8 Voiceover Project
Post by: Shard on 2015-05-03 03:40:41
on the music volume side of things, I was thinking it would be like kingdom hearts, where when the voice acting happens the music drops in volume, and when there is no voice acting it will return to its original volume, but it seems after seeing your Squall's Speech during the Garden Battle video that the music will always be at a lower than normal volume.
Actually, the mod already does this on a by-cutscene basis. Your game music while exploring will be normal, and will only be reduced during cutscenes.

If you have a few hours free, you can go to my twitch archive (http://www.twitch.tv/shardsoforly/c/6481225) and watch me play through most of the game with partial voices. I give a lot of developer commentary on various things, some of which you've talked about here.
Title: Re: [In Development] FF8 Voiceover Project
Post by: Rufus on 2015-05-03 04:31:52
okay I watched that video.

Squall, Rinoa, Zell and Quistis sound really good

Seifer sounds not like what I expected, he's sounds okay-ish to me, sorry if that offends the voice actor, but not everyone can like everyone's voice.

Headmaster cid sounds a bit too young, I envisioned a different voice.

everything flows so much better as well, there are real pauses in speech that match what would be spoken by someone, I don't know why the game doesn't represent that correctly with the game's text.

I noticed that you fixed some of the dialog as well, like when quistis says you need to pass 'this prerequisite', you changed it to pass 'the prerequisite', which makes sense, since there is only one prerequisite.

it's cool that you allow skipping the texts and the voice skips it.

The echoes in the cavern do sound cool, I never took that into account when reading it without voice.

The music volume works really well, I can still appreciate the music while also hearing the voices.

I think the whole Guardian Forces thing being abbreviated to GF won't flow very well during speech at all, so I think it would be a good idea to consider changing the speech to say Guardian Force instead of GF, I mean honestly who would say that in real life?



I don't know what effect you're going to put on squalls voice when he's 'in thought', but I think it will have to be something different to normal speech, things like that have been done a lot in TV and movies, but I can't recall a specific case to link to you.
Title: Re: [In Development] FF8 Voiceover Project
Post by: KIAS on 2015-05-03 14:36:01
Wow, this project looks awesome  :o Im looking forward to the release! I'll definetely play FF8 again with this mod!  :mrgreen: Keep up the good work^^ If you need some voice acting i could help if needed. I have a professional Microphone and stuff. Just PM me  ;)
Title: Re: [In Development] FF8 Voiceover Project
Post by: Fr3aKeD on 2015-07-04 03:51:29
Is there any openings? What voices have no been done? if so, here is what i sound like. This is a video that i made a few years ago. I do know how to make quite a few accents too. So, if there is any NPC, main character, secondaries... I'm in.

Thank You,
Fr3aKeD

The Video -
https://youtu.be/aiZ6qHRVEmA
Title: Re: [In Development] FF8 Voiceover Project
Post by: Fr3aKeD on 2015-07-04 04:53:04
Oh yeah, Why not use a computer voice for all the voices that hasn't been done yet to kind of complete it, and as you get the real voices, replaces it? Just a suggestion?
Title: Re: [In Development] FF8 Voiceover Project
Post by: Shard on 2015-07-04 07:07:09
Oh yeah, Why not use a computer voice for all the voices that hasn't been done yet to kind of complete it, and as you get the real voices, replaces it? Just a suggestion?
I have a program which lets me know which files haven't been made yet, and if I have temporary files there, I won't know when the project is done.

The project will likely have two releases. One will release when the voices are all there. The second will be a more polished version where the voices pan based on character location, and probably with more environmental effects for realism.
Title: Re: [In Development] FF8 Voiceover Project
Post by: Takigan on 2015-07-17 05:43:17
Watched all 5-6ish hours of your Disc 1 testing on Twitch.  Adrian (your Quistis VA) is freaking amazing!  I've listened to tons of her audition samples while lurking on BTVA, though this is the first project I've seen her talent in performance.

 
Title: Re: [In Development] FF8 Voiceover Project
Post by: Risaoko on 2015-08-01 17:05:17
Hi, there! How the project is going? Do you need Xu's voice?
Title: Re: [In Development] FF8 Voiceover Project
Post by: Shard on 2015-08-02 04:59:09
Hi, there! How the project is going? Do you need Xu's voice?
project has been a little slow the past few weeks, but i try to do a little evey day. I do still need a xu, however i am very busy at the moment. Send an audition and/or demo reel to [email protected]. i will check it in about two weeks when real life settles down.

You guys (people excited about the project) are the reason i do this. All the feedback i get is hughly valued.
Title: Re: [In Development] FF8 Voiceover Project
Post by: Another Cloud on 2015-08-06 19:09:15
Awesome work Shard and everyone else involved.

Thank you so much for doing this.  I really like the voice acting and the added touch of filters (e.g. when Squall is talking over the PA).  Waiting on the mod to replay for a 4th time with my GF (the other kind of GF) as she has not played it.

I have been watching this project since its inception and realised that the progression (percentage complete) has not gone up in a while, was wondering if there is a revised release, if so, when?

Don't mean to pressure you in any way as this is a massive project that takes a lot of time, effort and co-ordination.

Also side point: It would be awesome if you made a bloopers reel when you have finished the project, both for us on the forums but also for you and the voice actors to look back on fondly.

Once again, keep up the awesome work!
Title: Re: [In Development] FF8 Voiceover Project
Post by: Shard on 2015-08-07 22:15:29
I have been watching this project since its inception and realised that the progression (percentage complete) has not gone up in a while, was wondering if there is a revised release, if so, when?
The progress has gone up a bit, I just haven't updated the post. Off the top of my head, there are 2200 lines done. Most of what's  missing is squall, selphie, and various minor characters that are a low priority.

I've had severe scheduling problems the past few months, which is why progress has been so slow recently.  I still hope to release it this year, but not everything about the progress is under my control. None of the actors (nor myself) are being paid for this, and many of us have lives and jobs that prioritize this project, and we should all respect that.

The good news is that pretty much all the scripting is done (that was far more tedious than editing sound files), so the only thing left to do is to record the actors and edit their recordings.
Quote
Also side point: It would be awesome if you made a bloopers reel when you have finished the project, both for us on the forums but also for you and the voice actors to look back on fondly.
This is doable, but I think I'd rather let aussieroth handle the blooper reel. He loves making those. I plan to give him the raw files for his enjoyment when it's all done.
Title: Re: [In Development] FF8 Voiceover Project
Post by: insidious611 on 2015-09-29 02:07:00
From one audio modder to another, keep it up! I'm rooting for you and for this awesome project. This will definitely give me a reason to replay FF8 when it's done.
Title: Winter Update
Post by: Shard on 2015-11-15 23:30:02
Hey guys. I know the project must look dead or dying, so I wanted to give you all an update and let you know where we are right now.

Over 1/3 of the lines are finalized and are working in the game. Many of the talented actors that signed up for this project have finished all or most of their lines. All of the technical work is done (with the exception of the Zell minigame I'm adding, which is still in progress). Every time I have to playtest the mod, I end up playing way longer than I have to because everything sounds so good.

Things have slowed down recently because a few of the actors have dropped from the project over the last year without finishing their lines (luckily some of them didn't even start their lines so I lost nothing). In the next few months I will be looking for people to replace them, as well as try to cast the remaining parts that weren't cast previously (a few of the minor roles are still up for grabs).

The project will kick back into full gear once I get those roles sorted out and those actors begin recording. Thank you all for being so patient and supportive. I can't wait to get this out to all of you.
Title: Re: [In Development] FF8 Voiceover Project
Post by: AsimLeonheart on 2015-11-17 15:18:25
Hi Shard. Hope you are doing great. I only registered on this website to reply to you. I want to say that the work you and your team are doing is ABOLUTELY FABULOUS, MARVELOUS AND FANTASTIC. Those voiceovers took the game to a whole new level! I absolutely love it and am dying to play it!! You guys are putting Squarenix to shame with the amount of quality and hard work you are putting into this. I wonder why the actual developers who have millions of dollars at their disposal do not put such passionate effort into the game. I want to wish you good luck on endeavor and you have my well wishes. Please keep up the awesome work and see this project to its completion. You will immortalize FF8 if you finish this. Love you guys. Take care and godspeed!  :)
Title: Re: [In Development] FF8 Voiceover Project
Post by: Mcindus on 2015-11-17 19:13:05
Hey guys. I know the project must look dead or dying, so I wanted to give you all an update and let you know where we are right now.

Over 1/3 of the lines are finalized and are working in the game. Many of the talented actors that signed up for this project have finished all or most of their lines. All of the technical work is done (with the exception of the Zell minigame I'm adding, which is still in progress). Every time I have to playtest the mod, I end up playing way longer than I have to because everything sounds so good.

Things have slowed down recently because a few of the actors have dropped from the project over the last year without finishing their lines (luckily some of them didn't even start their lines so I lost nothing). In the next few months I will be looking for people to replace them, as well as try to cast the remaining parts that weren't cast previously (a few of the minor roles are still up for grabs).

The project will kick back into full gear once I get those roles sorted out and those actors begin recording. Thank you all for being so patient and supportive. I can't wait to get this out to all of you.

Hey Shard - I'm always going to be around, seeing as I'm so deeply rooted into the FF8 mods side of things, so I would absolutely love to be a part of this project.  I'm a multi-faceted voice actor who can fill whatever male role you need.  I guess I should make a demo reel or something for you, but I do have some FF8 let's play videos where you can hear my 'true' voice here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ih6c3cz00ik
And here's something I created and voiced for fun - testing out some animation ideas.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mzIQGdwKTO8

I can do a lot of voices and have a lot of experience in dramatic and theater acting, along with an extensive choral background.  Just let me know if you need any help!  At least you know I'll stick around ;)
Title: Re: [In Development] FF8 Voiceover Project
Post by: Another Cloud on 2015-11-18 21:11:27
Thanks for the update Shard!

It is great to see you so optimistic about powering through this set back - I really feel for you, having to organise this and then having people drop out wasting time and the momentum you built up.

I have a few questions:

Did the Squall Voice Actor finish his lines?

Will there be some sort of effect over Squalls voice acting in regards to his internal thoughts? I.e will we be able to "hear" that they are thoughts?

I don't mean to tell you how to do your "job" but maybe it would be worth recruiting a single voice actor at a time and doing all their lines in isolation? Just so you can compartmentalize progress - which should prevent/limit any future waste and also make things easier for you to organise.  This would likely mean the whole process takes longer but would decrease the stress on you.
 
E.g. hiring an actor for Squall - recording all his lines intensively for 3 months and integrating into the game.

Finally, if things did, unfortunately, go wrong and the mod could not be finished - is it in such a state that everything you have done thus far could be released?

Anyhow - thanks for reading, I really appreciate your work on this and your positivity in not letting this set back defeat you - when I replay the game with your mod in it I will have to honour your efforts and rename one of the characters Shard (maybe Selphie? She is the optimistic one after all...).

 
Title: Re: [In Development] FF8 Voiceover Project
Post by: Shard on 2015-11-19 15:34:16
Did the Squall Voice Actor finish his lines?
No. In fact, he has the most lines left to do.

Quote
Will there be some sort of effect over Squalls voice acting in regards to his internal thoughts? I.e will we be able to "hear" that they are thoughts?
Yes. His inner dialogue will be echo-ey.

Quote
I don't mean to tell you how to do your "job" but maybe it would be worth recruiting a single voice actor at a time and doing all their lines in isolation?
My free time isn't an issue. Every actor who has finished recording (or at least gotten to the 99% point) did it in just a few months, I was working with all of them concurrently. The problem is that sometimes it's hard for the actors to find a time that's convenient for them. (Also, now that I'm employed, I'm unavailable for 9 hours each weekday).
 
Quote
E.g. hiring an actor for Squall - recording all his lines intensively for 3 months and integrating into the game.
Nobody is making any money off this. I intend to keep it that way.

Quote
Finally, if things did, unfortunately, go wrong and the mod could not be finished - is it in such a state that everything you have done thus far could be released?
As far as the scripting, yes. Check the Hacktuar thread for details on that. As far as voices go, since only about 1/3 of the voices are working, I feel it would detract from your play experience, rather than enhance it. You would be playing what clearly feels like an unfinished project. I won't release any voice files until the project is at least 95% voiced, and that would only be for prerelease testing.

Quote
when I replay the game with your mod in it I will have to honour your efforts and rename one of the characters Shard (maybe Selphie? She is the optimistic one after all...).
In FF8 you can only name Squall, Rinoa, the dog, and the GFs. Unfortunately this is not a feature I can change (I tried :P).

When this releases, you can show your support by having Square hire me and my actors to voice the English FF8 remake that, if trends continue, they will make for 2019.
Title: Re: [In Development] FF8 Voiceover Project
Post by: SirCabbage on 2015-12-07 08:05:06
I really hope this mod actually finishes. I also wish I could be involved but it looks like everything is mostly sorted at this moment. Ill have to keep an eye on this squall situation though...
Title: Re: [In Development] FF8 Voiceover Project
Post by: Starry90 on 2015-12-09 01:25:25
I only made this account to say what mostly for sure say already, keep up this amazing project.
I'm so excited to get this mod finished.  T_T

Title: Re: [In Development] FF8 Voiceover Project
Post by: Fr3aKeD on 2015-12-09 02:51:34
Hey, if you need my voice for FF8 or FF7, just ask. My voice, from what i was told, calm, medium pitched voice. doesn't have a booming voice, never got that when usually people get that in upper 20s, i didn't. i posted a youtube a few months back but wanted to let you know i'm still here. :)
https://www.youtube.com/user/Fr3aKeN0uT
Title: Re: [In Development] FF8 Voiceover Project
Post by: Rufus on 2015-12-10 07:31:38
really look forward to this, i will play through the game again when this gets finished.
Title: Re: [In Development] FF8 Voiceover Project
Post by: insidious611 on 2015-12-21 04:09:44
Have considered auditioning for Irvine but I've got next to no voice acting experience.
Title: Re: [In Development] FF8 Voiceover Project
Post by: ffvodream on 2016-03-18 00:50:29
its been awhile can we get an update on progress please really looking forward to completion
Title: Re: [In Development] FF8 Voiceover Project
Post by: Shard on 2016-03-18 04:19:48
Within the next few weeks, I'm going to post a re-cast thread for the roles that weren't originally cast and for the roles that have become available due to some actors not being able to finish the project. Most of the characters that have been recorded have been completed, it's just a matter of recording for characters that don't have actors yet. The percentage posted is still fairly accurate.
Title: Re: [In Development] FF8 Voiceover Project
Post by: Shard on 2016-04-19 00:47:16
For those who missed auditions the first time around and want to be a part of the project, your chance is here!

http://voiceactingalliance.com/board/showthread.php?99892-Final-Fantasy-8-Voiceover-Project-(wave-2)
Title: Re: [In Development] FF8 Voiceover Project
Post by: Takigan on 2016-04-20 02:34:15
Deadline?
Title: Re: [In Development] FF8 Voiceover Project
Post by: AlaDoucheSG on 2016-04-20 16:30:23
Deadline?

Also interested to know this.  I'm interested in auditioning for Mayor Dobo, but it may be a couple days before I could submit anything (I don't have any decent recording equipment at home).
Title: Re: [In Development] FF8 Voiceover Project
Post by: Shard on 2016-04-20 18:32:40
I'm going to keep it open for a few months, but if I find somebody perfect for a role, I will start working with them. I want people to take the time to study the lines and submit a good audition.
Title: Re: [In Development] FF8 Voiceover Project
Post by: Risaoko on 2016-05-22 17:09:21
Hi, there. I can make an audition as Ellone :) It will be a plesure to make it.
Title: Re: [In Development] FF8 Voiceover Project
Post by: Shard on 2016-05-23 00:07:40
Hi, there. I can make an audition as Ellone :) It will be a plesure to make it.
Go for it! Auditions are open until July 31 2016. Send your audition to [email protected] or post a link to it in this thread or the one in the OP.
Title: Re: [In Development] FF8 Voiceover Project
Post by: Risaoko on 2016-05-28 11:44:09
https://www.dropbox.com/s/654ndfb3mskso0w/Ellone%20voice.mp3?dl=0

It's my voice for Ellone Audition. I'm in her's age so the voice will fit on her :)
Title: Re: [In Development] FF8 Voiceover Project
Post by: Shard on 2016-07-11 02:43:53
A progress update for y'all

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UD6Xbd7_kII

We're still here.
Title: Re: [In Development] FF8 Voiceover Project
Post by: Another Cloud on 2016-07-22 23:07:43
Thanks for the update Shard - thank you for sticking with this.

Don't worry about it taking time either - it can be really hard co-coordinating so many people on a volunteer basis hence why so many mods fall apart.  What is really needed to make it work is not just the talent but the patience of someone like yourself to keep coming back and pushing forward inch by inch.

Also, love the sound effects at the end of your latest update, gives more depth to the voice acting and better connects it back to the game we all know and love.

Can't wait to check back in a month or so and see who was cast as Squall and maybe a few months later for some samples - so important to nail his voice!

Good luck with it mate!
Title: Re: [In Development] FF8 Voiceover Project
Post by: Takigan on 2016-07-26 05:22:35

Also, love the sound effects at the end of your latest update, gives more depth to the voice acting and better connects it back to the game we all know and love.

Totally agree...That last demo was amazing with its use of soundstage, acoustic adjustments, sound effects and whatnot.  I've sent in some auditions for this over the past couple months, and I must say that whether I'm selected or not, this is going to be an exciting project to continue to watch unfold, and ultimately play.

TL;DR - After watching some notable fandubs, I'm looking forward to what this project can do from an acting perspective that the original script failed to portray.

But to elaborate on your point, what I've only recently started looking forward to more than anything else is seeing the more natural and modern take on what was originally kind of a flimsy script by the makers.  And even more, getting to see what this batch of quality actors will be able to coax from it.  I've been watching FF8 Voices by Shudo Ranmaru, and there's a scene during the Sorceress Assassination Arc at the end of Disc 1 where Rinoa takes it upon herself to neutralize the sorceress with the Odine Bangle.  This scene up until where Edea kills Deling and Squall saves Rinoa from Edea wasn't a particularly notable scene from what I remember in the game.  But it's supposed to be.  This scene was meant to give us more insight into Rinoa's character...she was supposed to be portrayed as naive and even a bit oversensitive (as are Watts and Zone) and we are supposed to see her attempting to prove and change herself, only to realize that she needs other people.   She can't do it alone.  "I was really, REALLY scared Squall....I couldn't fight alone". Which is then supposed to tie back to Squall and him being "alone" without "Ellone" and other nodes in this overarching theme.

Unfortunately the storyboard focuses too much on Squall in this section, and the translation (and script itself) is weak, and it becomes more about us saving her from her stupidity than it is about learning more about her character.  I remember her coming off as little more than annoying in the scene after she wakes up from Edea's spell....when in reality we're supposed to leave that scene with a better appreciation for her.  This is something I learned from the extraordinary acting that came from Amber's (Shudo's) team.  You hear her determination as she's hoisting herself up the boxes into the presidential palace, you hear the slowly welling fear as she's introducing herself to the sorceress, and you hear the sudden shock of terror when her arm starts moving by itself as she's lifted off the ground.  It's a great series, I recommend checking it out as we wait the long wait for this massive undertaking to slowly materialize. https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLBF9FFD88DF31A580

And that's what I'm looking forward to....the cast bringing a new level of life out of this game that was stifled by the limits of the poor writing and localization.  And based on the demos/trailers we've seen so far, I think we can expect something magical from this.
Title: Re: [In Development] FF8 Voiceover Project
Post by: Shard on 2016-09-06 03:14:11
New video - Squad Assignments (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OpBHQtVrGgA)

It was done via twitch because the newest version of OBS doesn't stream to file properly so I had no editing capability.
Title: Re: [In Development] FF8 Voiceover Project
Post by: Another Cloud on 2016-09-10 21:43:53
Thanks for the update Shard.

I like Squall, not what I imagined and will need to hear him more to get used to him but I like it!

Keep up the great work!
Title: Re: [In Development] FF8 Voiceover Project
Post by: Shard on 2016-09-12 04:59:25
Attention all cool people! The project is nearing the 50% completion milestone, we will probably hit it within the next few months. To celebrate, I will be releasing a video of a particular scene, chosen by you!!!! You have three choices, so choose carefully. Simply visit this straw poll (http://www.strawpoll.me/11208197) to vote, then wait patiently for that 50% to creep ever closer.
Title: Re: [In Development] FF8 Voiceover Project
Post by: Takigan on 2016-09-12 07:30:24
I noticed you updated the main post for the newly casted major roles.  Have you also already cast all minor roles as well (Zone, Watts, Julia, Ellone, Biggs Wedge, etc.)?
Title: Re: [In Development] FF8 Voiceover Project
Post by: Shard on 2016-09-12 17:03:25
No, not all of the minor roles are cast.
Title: Re: [In Development] FF8 Voiceover Project
Post by: eisgiga on 2016-12-15 02:18:12
What about Adele do you have somehting for her ?
I am a  male but maybe that could also fit for Adele since she is also has a manly apperiance
Title: Re: [In Development] FF8 Voiceover Project
Post by: Shard on 2016-12-15 17:26:57
The project has officially passed the 50% completion milestone. Here's your last chance to vote for which of the following scenes I will tease next on youtube: http://www.strawpoll.me/11208197
Title: Re: [In Development] FF8 Voiceover Project
Post by: eisgiga on 2016-12-15 18:17:04
So you already have someone for Adel
It would be nice if you could answer that but its ok :wink:
Title: Re: [In Development] FF8 Voiceover Project
Post by: Takigan on 2016-12-15 19:27:11
I'm glad the Dollet transport scenes are ahead in the polls. I hope that wins. We just passed that point in our fandub (http://forums.qhimm.com/index.php?topic=17213.0) and I've found it's one of the best scenes on disc 1 to really get a sense of the strength of your voice cast since it features the 4 main cast members with the widest personality ranges (Squall, Zell, Seifer, Quistis) and let's us see the interplay between them with some highly emotive lines.  Squall brooding over Ellone, Zell and Seifer both swinging for the fences with their over the top personalities and Quistis shooting for each pole, both showing her sweet side for Squall and yelling at the other two for being so obnoxious.
Title: Re: [In Development] FF8 Voiceover Project
Post by: Shard on 2016-12-15 21:50:03
So you already have someone for Adel
It would be nice if you could answer that but its ok :wink:
I don't, but she only has one line so it's not a big deal to get it.
Title: Re: [In Development] FF8 Voiceover Project
Post by: SilverSpades on 2016-12-28 06:07:39
The project has officially passed the 50% completion milestone. Here's your last chance to vote for which of the following scenes I will tease next on youtube: http://www.strawpoll.me/11208197

50% is nothing to sneeze at. Congrats to the team!
Title: Re: [In Development] FF8 Voiceover Project
Post by: Takigan on 2017-01-17 06:51:37
Another question that just occurred to me; Will the audio files from the project be swappable via an audio folder?   Like, if someone wanted to painstakingly record and replace the Zell files with their own voice (not sure why they'd want to though; Senorcape is legit), would they be able to do so?
Title: Re: [In Development] FF8 Voiceover Project
Post by: Shard on 2017-01-17 17:00:12
The files are numbered based on a sound id and are imported into one of the game's files via Ff8Audio. If you have the sound id's (they're in my game script) you can replace them. I will release the script some time after I release the mod.
Title: Re: [In Development] FF8 Voiceover Project
Post by: Another Cloud on 2017-03-04 19:30:40
Hi Shard

Hope you are well.

Can we please have an update?  Things still going alright?

Thanks for all your hard work!
Title: Re: [In Development] FF8 Voiceover Project
Post by: Shard on 2017-03-05 16:42:31
Everything's fine. I've got mainly Irvine and Selphie left to record and edit.

You guys are gonna love the Irvine I have. He's perfect.
Title: Re: [In Development] FF8 Voiceover Project
Post by: ohy85 on 2017-05-04 13:47:17
Been waiting for 3 years now. Hope it gets done soon.  :)
Title: Re: [In Development] FF8 Voiceover Project
Post by: chriscross111 on 2017-05-09 06:42:30
Hi Shard,

I made an account just to say how impressed I am by your work and those involved. Can't wait for this to see an official release.

Thanks,

:D
Title: Re: [In Development] FF8 Voiceover Project
Post by: Another Cloud on 2017-05-11 15:20:47
Hi Shard

Hope all is well on your end.

Could we please get an update on the: Lines finished: 3631 / 6649 (54.6%)?

Are there any specific blockers in the way atm?

Also, in terms of the additional dialogue you will add (e.g. as you run around), could you give us a little more info on that?

Who is writing it?
 
How are they going to ensure it doesn't feel like a bad fan fic? 

Are they going to try and splice in cut content (by reference to interviews and Ultimania's)?

How long after the release of the vanilla mod will the additional dialogue take?

I assume if you haven't scoped it out already it is going to take significantly longer to do, as you will need to get the cast members back again, rather than just tacking it onto the end of their existing work load.

That said, if the additional dialogue is most Squalls thoughts that does make it easier from a logistics/production stand point.

Also, do you think this will be done by Xmas?  I am going to Distant Worlds in November with the gf (30th Anniversary) and wanted to play this before hand with the mod, but not sure that will happen.

Anyhow, as always, thanks for the hard work!
Title: Re: [In Development] FF8 Voiceover Project
Post by: Shard on 2017-05-11 23:15:53
Thanks for your interest in the project. I would be happy to answer your questions.

The lines finished is pretty much up to date. I'm waiting on my Irvine and Selphie actors to be available. My Irvine just finished sampling for a music project, so I should be recording with him in the coming weeks. My Selphie is a real voice actress that does paid work first. After them, all that's left to do is a zoo of minor characters.

Quote
Also, in terms of the additional dialogue you will add (e.g. as you run around), could you give us a little more info on that?
There's not much info to give. The characters will speak in some areas as you walk around. If you've watched Shudo Ranmaru's FF8Voices fandub on youtube, it will be a lot like that. I wasn't able to add as much dialogue as I originally envisioned, but there are a few places in the game that feel less boring to walk through now.

I'm writing all the extra dialogue, and I also wrote the modified dialogue.

Quote
How are they going to ensure it doesn't feel like a bad fan fic?
I guess you'll just have to wait and see.

Quote
Are they going to try and splice in cut content
Some lines that were cut from the game are being added. I am going to use the alternate view of the dormitory common area at least once. That's all I can think of at the moment.

Quote
How long after the release of the vanilla mod will the additional dialogue take?
The additional dialogue will be part of the release. It was recorded at the same time everything else was.

Quote
Also, do you think this will be done by Xmas?
It's possible, but I wouldn't hold my breath. You will know the release date when I do.

Quote
I am going to Distant Worlds in November with the gf (30th Anniversary)
30 years and you haven't married her :P

I'm kidding, I assume (and hope) you mean the 30th anniversary of FF. I've always wanted to go to Distant Worlds. I hope you and the gf have fun there.
Title: Re: [In Development] FF8 Voiceover Project
Post by: braytendo on 2017-11-14 01:27:56
Hey, I see it's been almost a year since the last update.

I really hope this is still getting worked on. The work we've seen so far is already excellent!

Anyway, keep it up, you're doing great!
Title: Re: [In Development] FF8 Voiceover Project
Post by: Divatox on 2017-11-25 03:15:15
CanĀ“t wait for this job is done  :mrgreen: :mrgreen:
Title: Re: [In Development] FF8 Voiceover Project
Post by: chriscross111 on 2017-11-26 13:06:52
Any status update we could get would be most appreciated! This is one of the most interesting fan mods I've ever seen and should breath new life into one of my favorite games :P
Title: Re: [In Development] FF8 Voiceover Project
Post by: Shard on 2017-11-28 00:06:40
Unfortunately there hasn't been a lot of progress in the last 6 months. I'm slowly recording with my Irvine and trying to set up sessions with my Selphie. They're the only major roles left. I'm filling minor roles as I find people and time.

I'm sitting on a trailer that I've been wanting to share for over a year, but didn't have all the lines recorded for. It's torture that I'm one of two people who've seen it.

I wish I had better news, but we will power on to the very end!
Title: Re: [In Development] FF8 Voiceover Project
Post by: Tsuna on 2017-11-28 00:36:09
If you ever need more actors lemme know. I got about 150 on hand anytime you need them. I'm also more than happy to help if you need it
Title: Re: [In Development] FF8 Voiceover Project
Post by: chriscross111 on 2017-11-28 18:46:42
Thanks for the reply, Shard! Any progress is better than no progress! We're all behind you. I'm confident you'll have this done before George RR Martin finishes Winds Of Winter ;)
Title: Re: [In Development] FF8 Voiceover Project
Post by: LeonhartGR on 2017-11-29 20:56:57
I'm so hyped about this trailer now! Get those lines done asap folks!
Title: Re: [In Development] FF8 Voiceover Project
Post by: Another Cloud on 2018-04-29 14:19:51
Hi Shard

It has now been 5 months since your last post.  In your last post you clarified that very little was achieved in the previous 6 months.

How have things been gong these last 5 months?  Any tangible progress?

Keep up the great work.

Thanks.
Title: Re: [In Development] FF8 Voiceover Project
Post by: sandsawks on 2018-05-02 19:02:03
I was about to start my first lets play series on this today since 8 was my favorite of the core Final Fantasy games. I thought I would search to see if voice overs existed and man was I blown away. I am going to put my recording on hold and do a different game in hopes that this is approaching the home stretch. I'm sure you are working hard, Shard, but could you give us a brief update? Thanks for the hard work and if there is something you could use a hand in I'd be open to help in any I could.
Title: Re: [In Development] FF8 Voiceover Project
Post by: braytendo on 2018-08-17 06:09:19
So it's getting close to another year since the last update...

I know it's hard to collaborate with people when everyone has different schedules, but I truly hope progress is still being made on this.

I've held off on replaying Final Fantasy VIII since this project began and I'd really like to know if I should keep holding off or not.

Either way, it's ambitious work, so I can understand it taking awhile. If it's been canceled, even what you already managed to do was pretty cool and you should feel good about it.
Title: Re: [In Development] FF8 Voiceover Project
Post by: KIAS on 2019-04-15 15:04:59
Hey Shard. It's been pretty quiet around here.. is the project dead now? Please give us an update.

Greetings from Germany
Title: Re: [In Development] FF8 Voiceover Project
Post by: Maston on 2019-10-05 19:16:22
Anxious for this.
Will it work on the remaster?
Title: Re: [In Development] FF8 Voiceover Project
Post by: LeonhartGR on 2020-05-16 00:18:10
If someone is willing to get in touch with RupertScarr (best Squall voice over so far). I just asked him and he's interested in returning to the  scene some day. Hint:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YbaMCVKdZLc&lc=UgwAMAo1LxIeid2WiS54AaABAg.98gWebBD6cA98gbEFCy4ro

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vNdfk6hgeZE

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hOSMMn0BIpQ

https://youtu.be/3mVAPs5nj6Y?t=332
Title: Re: [In Development] FF8 Voiceover Project
Post by: Takigan on 2020-05-16 03:45:35
That's the real trick with projects like this.  Finding someone who's willing to work for free, and is also willing to commit 50+ man hours over the course of several months recording well over a thousand lines of dialogue (several thousand with retakes).  That's hard to do for someone who's got a bunch of other things lined up (jobs, kids, etc.).  That person has to be in love with the project and connected to Squall's character enough to want to commit to that.  It also helps if they're a college kid and not a full blown adult with an adult life and adult job.  That's a big reason Shudo's original project fell apart.  Other bigger things got in the way as everyone got older.

Zach Scott (the Squall for the Youtube FFVIIIFandub (https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLqYnaYdW-BcjWXO81OzX_3ubCyzLIP-SD) project I'm helping out with) isn't my favorite Squall voice I've ever heard.  Frankly we didn't have any Rupert Scarrs or Christian Sekhanans or Dylan Kelleys (https://youtu.be/lkv04buQXtA?t=413) audition for him back when we first started.  He was the best who auditioned and he's pretty good (his voice grew on me throughout the project) and has a good mic, but more importantly, he sticks with it and turns his lines in, rather than going completely AWOL on due dates and doesn't think he's too "internet famous" to contribute to the group chats like some of these younger, Twitter-dwelling voice-actor hipsters out there I've had to work with 😒.
Title: Re: [In Development] FF8 Voiceover Project
Post by: LeonhartGR on 2020-05-16 14:20:07
Yeah... Christian is still pretty active though (hint: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j8p3X6mwbjo) but I wouldn't prefer him for Squall's voice. Dylan and the rest of the cast were pretty good and with much confidence with what they were dealing, but his accent reminded me more of a redneck, well not bad but comparing to RupertScarr's I prefer the last one which most resembles to my personal preference. A calm, deep neutral tone , a little apathetic with potential of progressively evolving to more mature.

Anyways, this is all just in theory with a long way ahead until becoming a full completed project.
Title: Re: [In Development] FF8 Voiceover Project
Post by: Takigan on 2020-05-17 06:44:07
I love Christian's Squall.  Christian and Aarlyn Adams (our Quistis) did a video (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S65Kde8T2uA) together last year that I thought was one of the more well done FF8 fan voice vids in recent years.
Title: Re: [In Development] FF8 Voiceover Project
Post by: Edentaylor001 on 2021-05-07 01:19:43
Aw man. I was pretty psyched about this project but it looks like it got stuck, huh...
Title: Re: [In Development] FF8 Voiceover Project
Post by: Tsuna on 2021-05-07 05:05:09
It's actually not the only one any more. Project Echo-S is now making a mod for 8 too
Title: Re: [In Development] FF8 Voiceover Project
Post by: adnanj91 on 2021-05-07 05:11:00
It's actually not the only one any more. Project Echo-S is now making a mod for 8 too

That's so exciting! I know it's too early to ask but do you have a ball-park number on when that will be completed?
Title: Re: [In Development] FF8 Voiceover Project
Post by: Tsuna on 2021-05-07 05:46:49
Not even slightly, we haven't long started. We just finished casting the Main Characters and most of the minors.
We're finishing up 7 now and the members of 7 that are done are moving to 8 ready to get it started.

Here's our Main cast:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8XIllL0giTE&t=1s&ab_channel=Tsunamods
Title: Re: [In Development] FF8 Voiceover Project
Post by: Edentaylor001 on 2021-05-07 11:30:25
It's actually not the only one any more. Project Echo-S is now making a mod for 8 too

Oh mannnn. I just watched your trailer. Wooo! I'm psyched all over again. Zell's voice is genius.
Title: Re: [In Development] FF8 Voiceover Project
Post by: Shard on 2021-06-09 05:37:48
Hey y'all.

As you have probably guessed, development of this project halted for a long time. The main reason is that I went through several voice actors who said they would do the project, but dropped out halfway through. It's frustrating having to lose dozens of hours of work multiple times, then having to find replacement actors. I also moved and got a full time job which has taken up half of my awake time (when I started this I was an unemployed college graduate).

I do want to complete the project at some point, but I have a few other things that are higher priority at the moment. The good news is that every actor that has recorded with me has finished everything, and they all sound amazing. When I continue the project I will be looking for new actors to finish up the parts that haven't been done yet.

I will keep you posted on any other updates.
Title: Re: [In Development] FF8 Voiceover Project
Post by: Tsuna on 2021-06-09 16:01:32
Oh you're still going? That's great to hear! We actually started our own recently too so that'll be interesting
Title: Re: [In Development] FF8 Voiceover Project
Post by: LeonhartGR on 2021-06-16 14:06:54
Why don't you just part with Tsunamix Shard? For such a huge project I think it will make thinks easier  of course if something like this is possible to occur.
Title: Re: [In Development] FF8 Voiceover Project
Post by: Tsuna on 2021-06-16 15:42:40
We already have a cast that is actively recording it now. I wouldn't wanna drop them all after finding out this one was alive. It wouldn't be fair to them.
Title: Re: [In Development] FF8 Voiceover Project
Post by: LeonhartGR on 2021-06-25 07:41:52
Oh sorry, I must have missed that, thought you were just working on the programming part after all this time. GL on both of your projects then! Let the recordings begin!  ;D