Interview with Sally Cahill.

Interview with Sally Cahill

AW: What influenced you to become an actress?

Sally Cahill: There are a number of things that influenced me [in] becoming an actress. When I was living overseas - I went to high school in Asia - I saw a Shakespeare production of Othello touring from England and was amazed. I was also then involved in any high school play or musical. My theatre arts teacher was a huge supporter and inspired me as well.

AW: How did you come across the role of Ada Wong and obtain the part? What was the audition process like?

SC: Getting the part of Ada came from doing other voices for the company. I seemed to have the sexy sound they were looking for. The producer and creators were Japanese, and they seemed to respond to the tone of my voice (I'm not quite sure why), so they brought me in to read for Ada. I saw them nodding all their heads in the control room through the glass and that was that.

AW: Were your lines recorded alone in a studio or with other actors? Did you get a chance to meet any of the other actors?

SC: In the recording booth you mostly work alone, though some of the actors are in the studio or greenroom, and we discuss things. I often don't get to view the finished product before it's released, and often don't know the other characters story lines either.

For some reason, I'm always running into Lassiter, which is great because he's actually a funny guy. He's always making me laugh.

AW: Were you given very specific direction on how the character should be played or were you able to add any personal elements to the part?

SC: Yes, there was a particular direction for Ada - a sense of mystery, not everything revealed to play through on the lines - but it was up to me to make that come across my own way.

AW: Was there any particular direction or scene that you personally found interesting?

SC: I found the longer narrative for Ada in Separate Ways interesting, as it showed more about what she was really thinking, which hadn't really happened up to then. It was created for me as the team had discovered how popular Ada had become, so that was nice.

AW: In Resident Evil 4, Ada has an updated look and is still as mysterious as ever. Did you change the way you delivered lines?

SC: I loved the new look for Ada - I wanted to run out and get that dress for myself!! It may have influenced my work on another level without me knowing. It's possible.

AW: Some time after Resident Evil 4, the game producers released an extra mini game, Separate Ways. In this game, Ada is the central protagonist and has more interaction with other characters. Did this affect how you portray the character?

SC: It was nice to have more time to develop the character and get into her thought process. Every time I went to the studio, they would tell me the response Ada was having with the public, so I was happy for Ada and the producers.

That recording session was a long day. We recorded the monologues at the very end and were worried we would run out of studio time, but they were happy with the very first take. At that point, I felt quite connected to Ada as well.

AW: Did you ever have the chance to play any of the Resident Evil games? What do you personally think of the game and the character you play?

SC: I have had a few opportunities to play the game, but it's a strange feeling. I would get personally upset about bad things or injuries happening to Ada, so I think in the future, I'll follow another character. I think it's a good game. They all have violence, but if these games can stir the imagination, and perhaps help gamers to acquire [life] skills, it may all work out. I think these games are part of an interactive gaming future. Who knows? I'm sure someone is creating a 3D hologram game. These video games are just the start of something even bigger.

AW: Aside from voice acting, you've also performed in many television shows and films. What has been your favorite role so far?

SC: It's hard to decide what my favorite role has been. Although I do some American movies and television, a lot of the choice roles have been Canadian productions, which you may not get a chance to see. The types of roles I am sometimes cast in have been mermaids, artists, models, historical characters, and even 18th century prostitutes. I suppose it's because of my look - my red hair. I prefer these more unusual, less conservative roles. I hate being bored!

AW: Outside of acting, what are some of your hobbies and interests?

SC: Outside of acting, my interest is, of course, painting, and I do have a website (www.sallycahill.com) with another under construction (www.sallycahill.ca). I'm also interested in writing and am working on a screenplay with a friend. But one of my biggest dreams at present would be to combine my art and writing skills into a very unique graphic novel! I just need to find the time.

AW: Do you have any advice for anyone who aspires to become a voice actor?

SC: First, get a good education; understand literature and all aspects of theatre. Shakespeare should be studied. If you can understand and rattle off that, you can probably handle and deliver any script voice directors will throw at you. Involve yourself in all aspects of the business - plays, singing - anything to stretch yourself.

Along the way, you will have to play characters - some with accents. I had a full scope of this before I ever entered a recording booth. Once you start to audition, know yourself. Make choices and bring what you personally have to offer to the table, and THEN be flexible to be able to take direction at a moments notice. It's a strategic balance. It's also a great way to make a living, and I wish all hopeful voice over artists much success!