Nick's Interview with Adrian Carr
The following is an interview conducted by Nick with Adrian Carr, director of The Pandora Directive and Overseer.
<<1. Why did you decide to direct The Pandora Directive and Overseer?>>
A: It was the allure of directing name talent. I didn't even know what a CD-Rom was, let alone what a game was. After a 24 hour CRASH COURSE in the interactive world I started directing. After my first day on Pandora Chris and Aaron asked me to take the reins and direct all the characters. As Aaron once said...We expected a Big Mac and got a gourmet meal.
<<2. Did you use any special techniques for filming and working with the actors?>>
A: The most direction I gave came in the form of technical since we worked on a Blue Screen stage all the time. If we did one particular path that was very emotional I would elect to see that path through for the performance continuity. Another was to help actors who had never worked on blue screen before [that's when there's no set just a few props]. I would tell them to treat it like rehearsing a play, where you have no set just lines on the floor for your and a few and props. When you act make believe just like you would as if acting in a play...and trust me with the technical stuff.
<<3. Did any of the scenes in either of the games you directed really move you?>>
A: In Pandora--Tex and Chelsee argue in the Flamingo--Death of the singer, If you don't make it in time--death of Fitzpatrick and especially Archie's death scene [it was so upsetting to everyone that Chris and Aaron wrote a special scene with Archie in Barbados or some tropical paradise] Overseer--Henry Darrows scenes, particularly when he dies--Michael Yorks scene where talks to Tex about being destroyed by Schimming and the tragedy of defeat after the chess game [the shot where he puts the gun in his mouth was censored as being too intense.--I liked directing Slade..a lot, but I'm moving off your question here.--where Tex reveals his past to Chelsee and where they kiss before Dalton [yours truly] turns up for that fatalistic avatar ride.
<<4. Have you played Overseer and/or Pandora?>>
A: No. I have played a few scenes to see how it was working dramatically. Unfortunately, I don't have the time...maybe in a few years...unless the next Tex game goes into production [fingers crossed it will]
<<5. Did any of the actors astound you with their performances?>>
A: All the guest stars were great and so easy to work with. Chris is the most astounding considering he's not had an acting lesson in his life. He held his own in the scenes with Michael York, Rebecca, Henry and all the others. The actors I've mentioned and Suzanne, Richard Norton etc were so giving to Chris and his honesty fueled their performances. But Michael was amazing in the time he had for what he had to accomplish and Henry. The pressure on a computer game is far more gruelling than TV or movies.
<<6. Can you give any info on Polarity to the waiting Tex fans out there?>>
A: I could... but I won't. That would spoil it for everyone. Keep watching the sites. As soon as anything breaks Chris and Aaron will alert their legions of fans, me included.
<<7. What were your favorite scenes in the game?>>
A: God, there are sooooo many, and for all sorts of reasons. The humor, drama, action, the visual realization of a certain shot could do it. The music and sound contributions to a scene. Satisfactorily creating the impact of the different paths. I would have to do it over a beer and a few hours.
The following questions were directed at Chris Jones and Aaron Conners, however were answered by Adrian Carr.
To Chris:
<<1. Have you asked your superiors about making Polarity to resolve the cliffhanger ending in Overseer?>>
A: To do another Tex game is still under review. As much as we all want to resolve the fate of our two leads we have to prove it is a worthwhile venture financially. As you know interactive movie-role playing games [Tex excluded] were not made well and gamers chased the Tomb Raider twitch and shoot style of action. So the demand for live-action games is low...unless enough fans out their petition Microsoft to bring back Tex!
<<2. What would happen to the Tex games if Microsoft is declared a monopoly by the Supreme Court?>>
A: Probably nothing...they bought the rights when they bought Access.
<<3. What is the status on Black Pearl?>>
A: Last I heard the project was abandoned .
To Aaron:
<<1. How is the book Polarity coming along?>>
A: Aaron has the next three Tex adventures mapped out. I don't think there are plans to release a book just yet on Trance or Polarity.
<<1. Why did you decide to direct The Pandora Directive and Overseer?>>
A: It was the allure of directing name talent. I didn't even know what a CD-Rom was, let alone what a game was. After a 24 hour CRASH COURSE in the interactive world I started directing. After my first day on Pandora Chris and Aaron asked me to take the reins and direct all the characters. As Aaron once said...We expected a Big Mac and got a gourmet meal.
<<2. Did you use any special techniques for filming and working with the actors?>>
A: The most direction I gave came in the form of technical since we worked on a Blue Screen stage all the time. If we did one particular path that was very emotional I would elect to see that path through for the performance continuity. Another was to help actors who had never worked on blue screen before [that's when there's no set just a few props]. I would tell them to treat it like rehearsing a play, where you have no set just lines on the floor for your and a few and props. When you act make believe just like you would as if acting in a play...and trust me with the technical stuff.
<<3. Did any of the scenes in either of the games you directed really move you?>>
A: In Pandora--Tex and Chelsee argue in the Flamingo--Death of the singer, If you don't make it in time--death of Fitzpatrick and especially Archie's death scene [it was so upsetting to everyone that Chris and Aaron wrote a special scene with Archie in Barbados or some tropical paradise] Overseer--Henry Darrows scenes, particularly when he dies--Michael Yorks scene where talks to Tex about being destroyed by Schimming and the tragedy of defeat after the chess game [the shot where he puts the gun in his mouth was censored as being too intense.--I liked directing Slade..a lot, but I'm moving off your question here.--where Tex reveals his past to Chelsee and where they kiss before Dalton [yours truly] turns up for that fatalistic avatar ride.
<<4. Have you played Overseer and/or Pandora?>>
A: No. I have played a few scenes to see how it was working dramatically. Unfortunately, I don't have the time...maybe in a few years...unless the next Tex game goes into production [fingers crossed it will]
<<5. Did any of the actors astound you with their performances?>>
A: All the guest stars were great and so easy to work with. Chris is the most astounding considering he's not had an acting lesson in his life. He held his own in the scenes with Michael York, Rebecca, Henry and all the others. The actors I've mentioned and Suzanne, Richard Norton etc were so giving to Chris and his honesty fueled their performances. But Michael was amazing in the time he had for what he had to accomplish and Henry. The pressure on a computer game is far more gruelling than TV or movies.
<<6. Can you give any info on Polarity to the waiting Tex fans out there?>>
A: I could... but I won't. That would spoil it for everyone. Keep watching the sites. As soon as anything breaks Chris and Aaron will alert their legions of fans, me included.
<<7. What were your favorite scenes in the game?>>
A: God, there are sooooo many, and for all sorts of reasons. The humor, drama, action, the visual realization of a certain shot could do it. The music and sound contributions to a scene. Satisfactorily creating the impact of the different paths. I would have to do it over a beer and a few hours.
The following questions were directed at Chris Jones and Aaron Conners, however were answered by Adrian Carr.
To Chris:
<<1. Have you asked your superiors about making Polarity to resolve the cliffhanger ending in Overseer?>>
A: To do another Tex game is still under review. As much as we all want to resolve the fate of our two leads we have to prove it is a worthwhile venture financially. As you know interactive movie-role playing games [Tex excluded] were not made well and gamers chased the Tomb Raider twitch and shoot style of action. So the demand for live-action games is low...unless enough fans out their petition Microsoft to bring back Tex!
<<2. What would happen to the Tex games if Microsoft is declared a monopoly by the Supreme Court?>>
A: Probably nothing...they bought the rights when they bought Access.
<<3. What is the status on Black Pearl?>>
A: Last I heard the project was abandoned .
To Aaron:
<<1. How is the book Polarity coming along?>>
A: Aaron has the next three Tex adventures mapped out. I don't think there are plans to release a book just yet on Trance or Polarity.