Mary Elizabeth McGlynn on the Silent Hill HD Collection

Posted By: Whitney   August 29th, 2011 | 11:06 am

Silent Haven got into contact with Mary Elizabeth McGlynn and asked her about the process on the collection and her thoughts on the turn out of the voices. She also gave insight on the current controversy with Guy Cihi

“I’m in New Orleans for the weekend so I’ll have to be brief. I stand behind and am very proud of the work we did for the re-releases of Silent Hill 2 & 3. I was approached by Konami to re dub the original Silent Hill versions of 2 & 3. I was told that they would not be using the original voices due to an unfounded demand for royalties by the original actors, specifically the actor who played James. There are no royalties for game voice over actors, as stipulated by and negotiated for in the contracts. Games are a buy out situation. That’s just the way it is. We couldn’t change the script at all so we were constrained by the pacing of the original performances. But I think we brought a sense of naturalism to the updated version. I was proud to be a part of this revision and although I know there will be much resistance to the new voices, I hope the fans will, over time, be able to appreciate both versions of this iconic game series. after recording the voices we gave the product to Konami. What they do with them now is up to them. I love Silent Hill and am honored to have worked on it for all these years. I hope that love shows in the final product.”

Source (Silent Hill Haven)



Silent Haven’s Interview with Mary Elizabeth McGlynn

Posted By: Whitney   July 20th, 2011 | 1:49 pm

Silent Haven sat down and interviewed Mary Elizabeth McGlynn!

I had the amazing opportunity to interview Mary Elizabeth McGlynn, the singing voice of Silent Hill. She is an American voice actress, ADR director, writer, and singer best known for her extensive English-language dubbing of various anime, and her singing in multiple games from the Silent Hill series, as well as the movie adaptation and Dance Dance Revolution EXTREME.

She answered question about her career as a musician as well as her career in voice acting. Mary is set to be the new ADR director in the upcoming Silent Hill: Re-Mastered Collection, as well as contributing vocals in Silent Hill: Downpour. However, Mary was not able to disclose information of her future works in Silent Hill.

Silent Haven: What is your influence when it comes to creating music? What artist(s) inspire you to sing?

Mary Elizabeth McGlynn: I have been singing my whole life thanks to my parents.. Everything from choir and chorale music to the Beatles has influenced me over the years. I loved Karen Carpenter as a kid. I’ve always had a deep tone to my voice and she was always an inspiration as a vocalist.

Silent Haven: I recently did an interview with Donna Burke who, like you, is a singer as well as an actress. When I asked her which she preferred and how it differed she said that singing is acting. What would you say? Which do you enjoy more and how does singing differ from acting for you?

Mary Elizabeth McGlynn: Well, I’m directing more than anything these days, though I still do voiceovers. The only singing I’ve been doing is with Akira. I think each discipline enhances the other, and I’m lucky enough to be able to do a bit of each these days. I’ve been singing my whole life so that definitely comes easiest. With Akira’s music, it’s all about acting though. The themes of the songs are pretty intense and I love diving into those characters.

Silent Haven: You first sang on the Silent Hill 3 soundtrack and have been a major factor since. It’s hard for me to pick my favorite track from you and Akira but if I had to pick I would definitely say Room of Angel from Silent Hill 4 although Waiting for You is very close behind. Which track that you sang for on Silent Hill would you call your favorite in terms of structure, style, and challenge?

Mary Elizabeth McGlynn: I love all of Akira’s songs, but the haunting quality of Room of Angel is one of my favorites.

Silent Haven: I have to know. Do you write any lyrics and/or play any instruments?

Mary Elizabeth McGlynn: I used to play a bit of guitar and piano. I also studied bassoon when I was a kid. Not so much now. I leave the lyrics to those who have a real talent for it. Me, I’m just the singer. 😉

Silent Haven: For you to have such an incredible voice I am surprised you have not recorded an album. Is this something you plan to do in the future? Maybe with Akira but that isn’t a part of a video game?

Mary Elizabeth McGlynn: No plans for an album. It just never happened in the past and my career took me in another direction. Although, I would love to collaborate with Akira on anything. Hopefully we can keep working together here and there, as we always have.

Silent Haven: Can you give a little information on what exactly you will be doing for Silent Hill: Re-Mastered Collection? Will you doing voiceovers? Mocap? Music? Or just directing?”

Mary Elizabeth McGlynn: Unfortunately, no. Nondisclosures prevent me from speaking about any future projects. You’ll just have to wait and see. Sorry!

Silent Haven: I just heard the Shadows of the Damned theme song and it blew me away, definitely something different than Silent Hill’s usual sound, but is probably your best performance. It is much more heavy and modern sounding. It was sad to hear Akira leaving and hearing you weren’t going to be a part of Downpour. However on the contrary Devin Shatsky came out and said you would be contributing a song for Downpour. My question is will this song be collaboration with Korn or just Daniel Licht or both? What is your opinion on Korn producing the theme song?

Mary Elizabeth McGlynn: As I said, due to nondisclosures I cannot share any information on future projects that have not yet been released. Thank you for understanding.

Silent Haven: And finally what is your reflection on how you’ve seen the Silent Hill franchise as it has evolved over the years?

Mary Elizabeth McGlynn: Working with Akria has been one of the best experiences of my life. We just did a concert in Paris for Japan Expo a few weeks ago and I was amazing. He brought music back into my life in a way I never thought possible. I am forever grateful to him. Silent Hill grew and evolved as Akira grew and evolved. I was just honored to be along for the ride.

Here is a video of the concert Mary was talking about

Source (Silent Haven)



Silent Hill Revelation News Roundup!

Posted By: Whitney   May 17th, 2011 | 7:02 am

I know, I know I’ve been a lame-o with slacking on the movie news…There has been a of couple known new filming locations such as a Central Tech High School. This high school seemed to be used as a set for Brookhaven Hospital according to fan set photos Alex White posted over on the Silent Hill Revelation Facebook Fan Page.

Additional filming also took place at Hearn Generating Station a decommissioned electrical generating station in Toronto.

As of May 14 Silent Hill Revelation has finished principle photography, according to Micheal J. Bassett on his blog:

Just to let you all know I’ve just finished the last day of principal photography on SH2. It’s been both fantastic and challenging. Surrounded by great people with enormous talent who kept me on track throughout. How the final film hangs together, I won’t know for a while, but I’m pretty certain it’s going to at least look amazing. Give me about 5 months of post production for editing, fx and sound and then I’ll know more.

It’s going to be hard waiting the next couple months but according to a recent Malcolm McDowell interview by fearnet.com the film really is in good hands…

Fearnet: How about Silent Hill: Revelation 3D? Can you talk a little about that?

Malcolm McDowell: I enjoyed that very much. It’s part 2 of Silent Hill and all that. I just really did one major piece in it. I play this weird guy who’s blind in a prison cell, with a chain. Scary. It was fun to do. I loved doing it. I just went in for a week, did it, and “Bye bye.” I’m sure it’ll be good, because this is one of the better ones of that genre of movie. So I think it’ll be good.

So even though there may be a lack of movie related news the next couple weeks I’m expecting we’ll get a plethora of news on Silent Hill Downpour to come from this year’s e3 to tide us over!



Interview with Donna Burke (Voice Actress for Angela Orosco and Claudia Wolf)

Posted By: Whitney   April 26th, 2011 | 1:31 pm

Silent Haven sent Donna Burke, the voice actress for Angela Orosco and Claudia Wolf, some interview questions regarding her work on both Silent Hill 2 and Silent Hill 3 as well as any future Silent Hill involvement.

Silent Haven: What got you involved in Silent Hill? Why did Team Silent pick you?

Donna Burke: I auditioned.

Silent Haven: What kind of mind set did you have to be in for Angela Orosco in Silent Hill 2?

Donna Burke: Defensive and hurt but still hoping for good

Silent Haven: You made a reprising role in Silent Hill 3 as the strong voiced, evil Claudia Wolf was this harder or easier to get into character when comparing it to the disturbed Angela?

Donna Burke: Yes Claudia is an iconic roll- I loved it.

Silent Haven: Which role did you like better Claudia or Angela in terms of character and attitude?

Donna Burke: Claudia is so strong and acts out instead of reacting so it was definitely more exciting to play

Silent Haven: You are a very talented woman with your singing ranging from classical to techno to rock and your talent of being able to act as innocent yet disturbed teenager like Angela as well as an evil antagonist like Claudia Wolf; which of your talents do you prefer and why?

Donna Burke: I think singing is acting and it’s also something you can do on your own for your own pleasure. I love that acting moves people and touches their spirits. However music has another deeper power that can transcend language.

Silent Haven: There was a rumor you would do some singing in the new upcoming Silent Hill Downpour is this true?

Donna Burke: No comment but the answer is no

Silent Haven: Are you at all interested in seeing how Carrie-Anne Moss will portray your character Claudia Wolf in the upcoming Silent Hill movie?

Donna Burke: Absolutely! I love her and can’t wait to see what she does with the role. One weird thing is that when I shot Claudia’s role, I had brown curly mid length hair and now my hair is JUST like Claudia’s! Long, blonde and straight. I swear if I shaved off my eyebrows I’d be a spitting image of her now!

Silent Haven: Does any part of you miss working with Konami? What are your fondest memories during that time?

Donna Burke: I still work with Konami on different projects and hopefully will continue to do so for many years

Silent Haven: Do you plan on making a return to Silent Hill either in film or voice over? I know all Silent Hill fans look at you as an iconic figure in the Silent Hill universe.

Donna Burke: I’m waiting for a call from the producers! Maybe I could be Claudia’s good sister she locked in a cupboard..or her mother..no wait!! Her TWIN!!

Source (Silent Haven)



Be Buried in Silent Hill Contest Winners Annouced!

Posted By: Whitney   February 16th, 2011 | 1:09 pm

The winners of the “Be Buried in Silent Hill” contest have been revealed. Congratulations go to Marcell B, Krum, and Mike H whose sculpture entries received the most “likes” out of the top ten finalists selected by Konami. Their creations will be modeled in 3D by Vatra Games and featured in the graveyard of Silent Hill: Downpour. Additionally these fans will also be listed in “Special Thanks” credits at the end of the game. What a great honor!

Source (Facebook)



Silent Hill Experienced Podcast #8 – Tom Waltz and Menton3 Interview!

Posted By: Whitney   February 1st, 2011 | 1:06 pm

I was part of a big interview with Tom Waltz and Menton3 over on Silent Hill Experienced!

Happy 12th anniversary to Silent Hill which was released in the US January 31, 1999! We have big podcast here for you folks with our new co-host Destiny. We sit down and discuss Silent Hill and comics with Past Life Writer and Silent Hill: Downpour Co-writer Tom Waltz and Past Life artist Menton3!

Check out the podcast here: https://she.townofsilenthill.com/silent-hill-experienced-podcast-8-tom-waltz-and-menton3-interview/



Game Informer Interviews Dan Licht and SH:DP Song Sample!

Posted By: Whitney   January 29th, 2011 | 12:57 pm

Game Informer posted an interview with Silent Hill Downpour composer Dan Lincht on Wednesday about how he was brought on board, his inspirations and thoughts on the Silent Hill series. As another treat a sample of a Silent Hill Downpour track was also included!

Personally I have really high hopes for this soundtrack. I think the new sound fits the with the previous soundtracks and I’m really digging that Licht has chosen to bring back some of the oldschool sounds from Silent Hill 1. Like Gameinformer I missed the mandolin from the first game as well! I also think it’s awesome that he’s he’s either played or watched play throughs of all the games. I think it’s safe to say we are in good hands! What do you guys think?

Sample
[audio:https://shshatteredmemories.com/clips/Licht.mp3]

Source (Gameinformer)

Interview: Dexter Composer Dan Licht On Silent Hill: Downpour

Konami’s Silent Hill: Downpour not is not only being handled by new developer Vatra Games, but the iconic horror series’ soundtrack is being created by Dexter music man Dan Licht. This marks the first entry in the series without musical backing from famed Silent Hill composer and producer Akira Yamaoka. As a longtime fan of the series and video game music in general, I sat down with Licht to ask him about his past experience, what he thinks of Silent Hill, and what it’s like following Yamaoka’s act. We also have a full sample track from the game exemplifying Licht’s unique style.

GI: How did your involvement with Silent Hill: Downpour begin?

Daniel Licht: I was approached by Konami. I know that they wanted to get someone that the fans might be happy about to take Akira [Yamaoka]’s place. We know Akira’s very popular with the game. I guess the idea is that the composer for Dexter might come up with some interesting ideas for Silent Hill.

GI: You also worked on the Hellraiser series. You have something in common with the design director for Silent Hill: Downpour, Brian Gomez, who also worked with Clive Barker on Jericho. Did you work closely with Clive Barker?

DL: Well, Clive Barker hired me, definitely. I’m pretty good friends with Christopher Young. I’ve actually worked for Christopher Young for awhile. He’s the composer of the first Hellraiser. But Clive was aware of my work and picked me to do Hellraiser IV. I didn’t work with him specifically other than he had to okay the score. It’s not like he came over every day, I worked with the director on that and the producers.

GI: Where does most of your inspiration come from?

DL: Other than the great horror masters of the past? Obviously Bernard Herman [composer for Hitchcock classics like Psycho –Ed.] a… is that what you mean by inspiration? Or inspiration for this particular job?

GI: Anything.

DL: Well I’m absolutely influenced by scores like Gerry Goldsmith’s The Omen, and Alien, and I’ve studied a lot of 20th century composition. I’ve always liked to incorporate a lot of atonal and experimental sounds into my work. That’s kind of one of the things that attracts me to working in the horror genre, is that you can push the envelope a bit and go out on the edge. But then there’s also a very emotional aspect to a lot of music. There’s always moments – obviously because there’s a lot of death – there’s a lot of emotion going on. So horror films tend to have music with a lot of strong emotion to it. That’s always been important in what I like to do.

GI: You mentioned sound experimentation and I know you’ve used human bones as instruments in Dexter. I also know that in the past Akira did sound design for Silent Hill games. Do you have any part in the overall sound design of Silent Hill: Downpour?

DL: I’m not involved on the sound design, other than I am doing some ambient music. In certain sections it may be hard to tell what’s sound design and what’s music, so I’m doing some kind of ambient, washy, tension sounds. I’m not involved in the specific sound design elements like the heart effects or room tones or anything like that.

GI: I’ve read that you aim for subtlety in Dexter rather than hitting viewers over the head with heavy string sections to accompany a jump scare or something. Are you taking the same approach to Downpour or are you trying something different?

DL: Well, I’ve played some of the earlier games…

GI: What’d you think?

DL: It’s a great game. I really like it a lot. I haven’t played them all just because I have a PS3, but I’ve had walkthroughs of the games I haven’t played just to get an idea. I’m trying to study the history of the game, so that what I do comes out of what has come before me. I’ve done that in the past with films. I did a Hellraiser, obviously I had to look at the other Hellraisers. I did an Amityville, and I had to look at the other Amityvilles. And I did a Children of the Corn, so it’s something I’ve had to do before. It’s always something you want to do, and put your signature on something, but you always want to serve whatever it is you’re working on first. If it’s something with a deep tradition, you generally want to acknowledge the tradition.

GI: Fans of Silent Hill love Akira’s work. His music is a little more out there and noticeable than most horror soundtracks. Are you going for something that’s more traditional for horror games, similar to Dexter, or quirky like past Silent Hills?

DL: Yeah, I definitely want to do something that has a personality and is not just functional. In Dexter the music is a part of the feel of the show. It’s not just functional music. It really has its own character. Part of the reason is that it’s noticeable. I don’t do the obvious choices in terms of the music with Dexter. I’m playing against picture a lot. I don’t try to get attention, I always try to serve the story in the picture and move that along.

But yeah, I do want the music to make a statement, absolutely, and give a unique feel to everything. I do think that’s important. I think people spend a lot of hours playing these games and the music may loop or whatever, but I think if it’s good music it adds to the experience. I think that’s what people have felt about the music in Silent Hill. I think the music is interesting and it adds to their experience. That is definitely on my mind. I want to keep the music interesting and adding to the experience of the game, but not distracting from the gameplay, if that makes any sense.

GI: I’ve noticed this is your first time composing for a video game. Tell me about the process.

DL: It’s interesting because in a sense when I work on a TV show or a film I think of the music as functional pieces. In other words, I write all my themes first. I might write a chase theme, or a love theme, or an action theme, or a suspense theme, and then I’ll have those in my pocket when I’m ready to score the film. I might write them to a different scene or use them in different places. With a video game you’re doing the same thing, but you’re not always locking those themes to picture, if you know what I mean. You are for the cutscenes – you’re scoring the cutscenes – but the process of coming up with the material is the same, really.

Some people who are working on a film or TV sit down and they’ll just score the scene. I tend to think about the music and then I mold the music to the scene. So it’s a similar kind of process. I’m going through the game and trying to give an arc to it as well. Definitely between each level I’ll give an arc to it. Obviously you’re going to start with suspense then you go into a fight or an escape or whatever music. I’m trying to set up the levels so that they build. So in that sense it’s a similar process, but it’s just not tied to footage.

GI: Tell me about the instruments you’re using.

DL: I actually did use some mandolin for some of it because I know that was a key instrument.

GI: Great, that’s one of the things I wished they’d use more of in the entire series.

DL: Yeah, so that was kind of calling back to… I think it was Silent Hill 1.

GI: Yes, they have it at the very beginning of the game. Wasn’t it flamenco style or something? I’m probably wrong…

DL: It’s tremolo, a fast tremolo pick. So I’m using that. I still have a ways to go. I’m really just getting started with the music. In terms of what I intend to do I am using some piano. I did notice that on some of the blogs certain players have said there are similarities between Dexter and Silent Hill, and with sort of the dark, repeating figures, I did notice Akira did that sometimes. I do the same thing in Dexter, so we have a similarity of styles in a certain corner. He tends to be much more of an industrial sound than what I do, but I am working with some of the industrial sounds as well, to keep with the nature of the game. I’m also bringing in my style as a composer, I tend to use more organic sounds as well. I’m also bringing in some of my organic sounds – very tense or eerie sounding sounds.

GI: Are you going to be playing on any human femurs for Silent Hill: Downpour? Using a ribcage as a xylophone or something like that?

DL: Would you like to offer yours?

GI: Sure, if you’re looking for one. My body could be sacrificed for much less meaningful purposes.

[Laughs]

DL: I don’t have any ribcages available right now, but I do have a percussionist I work with who does have some human bones and stuff. I may use some human bones in the game. I guess they came from Mexico or something. There will probably be some human bone work in this Silent Hill as well. I guess it’s becoming a signature of mind.

GI: Is it tough following Akira, who earned such a rabid fanbase? Do you have anything to say to the fans?

DL: I really like his work. I have a lot of respect for his work, and I really like the series a lot. I’m trying to do my best to honor that and bring something new and exciting to that at the same time. That’s my intention. I’m hoping that the fans will be happy with it.

GI: From what I’ve heard I think they’re going to be. I’m a big fan of video game music and this is very impressive so far.

DL: I’m a big fan of music in video games as well – as long as it’s good.

GI: Do you have any personal favorites?

DL: For video game themes? I don’t know about particular themes, but I like the music in BioShock. I like the way it works and is placed. I just hear stuff that I like. I’m spacing right now, but I just hear good themes in it, and people put a lot of effort into it. There’s a lot of creativity.

GI: What’s your favorite Silent Hill? Either composition-wise or based on what you thought was cool.

DL: That’s a good question. The one I know best is Homecoming, just because that’s the one I’ve played end to end. Other than that I like Silent Hill 2, the guitar pieces in there are really nice. The other games I’ve just gone through and seen clips from. I didn’t keep track of which games they were so it’s hard to say. I liked a lot of it.



Hell Descent’s Interview with Devin Shatsky

Posted By: Whitney   November 8th, 2010 | 10:38 am

Hell Descent scored another Silent Hill developer interview! Devin Shatsky, producer of Silent Hill 8 answered a bunch of forum member questions 🙂 It’s a great interview check it out!

Devin Shatsky Community Interview On All Things Silent Hill



Some new Silent Hill 8 news! (via Hell Descent)

Posted By: Whitney   October 5th, 2010 | 11:22 am

Thanks to Hell Descent for the heads up!

Hell Descent:
While Games Access 2010 may not have provided any new info on Silent Hill 8; it looks like this interview by Czech video game site Doupe provides some. The site got to sit down with Lead Designer of Silent Hill 8, Mark Berka. Mark tells of how the game will be moving away from the more action oriented feel of Silent Hill Homecoming to something akin to Silent Hill 2. The games primary influence, in terms of atmosphere, will be Silent Hill 2. Seeing as Silent Hill 2 was the highlight of the Silent Hill series, this is good to hear. But didn’t Double Helix, creators of Silent Hill Homecoming state the same? Mark also states that while he and the team enjoyed the Silent Hill movie; no inspiration from the film will be used. The team is apparently also working with key members from the series. Whether this be the new ‘Team Silence’ which are the western developers, or older members like Owaku and Ito from ‘Team Silent’ is not stated.

Silent Hill 8 is also set to focus more on the psychological horror aspects of the series and less on the survival horror. Silent Hill 8 will follow escaped convict Murphy Pendleton’s journey into Silent Hill. Mark tells of how a convict protagonist seemed like a good choice because he would have so much background and depth to his character. So far everything we hear sounds good. Hopefully Vatra can channel the spirit of Silent Hill in a unique but familiar way. More info on Silent Hill 8 is supposed to be given this month.

google translated from Doupe



Hell Descent’s Interview with Dan Licht!

Posted By: Whitney   July 2nd, 2010 | 12:30 pm

Hell Descent has posted their fan interview with Silent Hill 8’s composer Dan Licht. Be sure to check it out!

http://helldescent.com/2010/07/01/dan-licht-interview-on-silent-hill-8/



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