Interview with musician, actress, and renowned Voiceover star of Marvel “Iron Man VR” Chantelle Barry.
Chantelle is making a name for herself as a voice for some of today’s biggest video games and animated series, including the highly anticipated release of MARVEL’s Iron Man VR (out now only on PS4). In the new VR game, Barry faces off with ‘Tony Stark’ as his archnemesis, and one of Marvel’s iconic villains ripped straight from the comic books; ‘Ghost’, who is attempting to take down Stark Industries once and for all. Barry is also set to star in the upcoming Australian film ME & MY LEFT BRAIN which will be released on Amazon.
Shooting the MARVEL’s Iron Man VR was quite a fun experience for Barry, as the entire physical aspect was shot on a film stage with motion capture sessions. All done at top notch production to create the ultimate virtual reality experience. All in all, filming took over a year with her last voice over session actually taking place in lockdown. This is not Barry’s first experience doing voice work for a video game however as she has previously worked on such notable games as Days Gone, Spyro Reignited Trilogy, Spider-Man, Metal Gear Survive, Agents of Mayhem, Edge of Nowhere, and Mad Max. Please use the following link to view the newest Iron Man VR trailer here
Follow Chantelle at @chantellegence
How did you find out about MARVEL Iron Man VR, and tell us about your experience for the character voiceover?
Playing Ghost has been one of my favorite experiences. Back when I auditioned and even did my first vo session, I didn’t know the project was Iron Man VR. Since I don’t have an extensive comic book background, when I did find out that it was Ghost, the research began.
Traditionally the character has been depicted as a male in the comic books, however since MARVEL & Camouflaj created an original story for this game there was an opportunity to change Ghost’s gender, as well as create cool character backstory, and iyn turn Ghost’s motivation for wanting to take Tony Stark down. I truly had a blast, and in addition to playing an iconic MARVEL character I also got to work with one of my favorite voice directors Kris Zimmerman Salter, so I’m counting my lucky stars.
What has been your most memorable experience from the project?
I particularly loved shooting the performance capture cinematic scenes. Being on the mo-cap stage, rehearsing & blocking scenes- for me this is where I feel a lot of the magic happens. Not to mention the awesome feeling of camaraderie that comes from being part of a cast.
And about Amazon’s Australian film “Me & My Left Brain”?
When I read the script for Me & My Left Brain I knew it was a film I wanted to be part of. It’s such an endearing, well written rom-com and I was already enthusiastic about getting back to Australia to work so after spending time with the writer/director Alex Lykos over Skype I was confident that the ease of our off-camera relationship would translate on-camera, and I attached myself to the project. It turned out even better than I’d hoped and did well in the Australian market… Definitely excited for a US release and just to see how well the Aussie humor (and occasional crass situations) are received.
Who is your favorite Actor/Actress? And why?
I have many favorites- the first who comes to mind is Christine Baranski. I really enjoy watching her think- there’s always so much going on behind her eyes, and I truly believe every word that comes out of her mouth. There’s just something very formidable and alluring about her.
3 things you can’t leave your house without?
Six months ago this would’ve been a very different answer, ha, but here goes…
Face mask, sanitizer, lip balm.
What’s next for Chantelle Barry in 2020?
I have a few episodes of Curious George alongside the launch of the NBCUniversal streaming platform Peacock. I’m also working on a Terrible Posture game which’ll release later in the summer. Otherwise, I have stack of new songs and a musical to finish writing.
Your idea of a perfect Sunday is?
Sleep in, meditate, oat-milk chai latte, walk with my hubby & dog, boogie board, cook, make some music. (Is it Sunday yet?)
How’s a normal day in your life?
Similar to an ideal Sunday but minus the sleep-in, add a bunch of auditions, a couple home-studio sessions, workout and cook dinner.
What was the last book you read?
I’m always reading a couple books at a time. These are what I just got done with- A Discovery Of Witches by Deborah Harkness AND The Gifts Of Imperfection by Brene Brown. I’d highly recommend both.
What is your favorite song to belt out in the car/for karaoke?
That answer changes daily, but today it’s Underdog by Alicia Keys.
If you could meet someone living or dead, who would it be and why?
Peace Pilgrim. I’m intrigued by anyone who makes it their life mission to live in, cultivate and spread peace.
How would your best friend describe you?
Kind. Passionate. Empathetic Courageous. Occasionally hangry 😉
What is your own definition of happiness?
Self-love, self-care, self-worth, self-acceptance…and then of course doing something I love. For me these are all key ingredients for joy.
What would be the dream holiday, and who would you go with?
Well before this little thing called Covid19 invaded I used to travel a lot. I love Ubud Bali and would buy a place there in a heartbeat, though I think if I could go somewhere new right now it would be Thailand…and I’d take my husband or my best friend.
What is your favorite healthy food?
Give me anything with avocado and shitake mushrooms and I’m good to go.
And your favorite cheat food?
Extra crispy bacon’ll do it.
How do you see yourself in 5 years?
On a drama series and hopefully 5 years wiser than I am now.
Do you support any charities?
Not currently, though I do love dogs and rescued my blue nose pit bull Andy Pants 3 years ago to the day. Working with animal rescues is something I see myself doing.
What do you like to watch on Tv?
The OA, The Good Fight, Blacklist, A Million Little Things, Siren. Ooh, I just finished Fosse/Verdon…SO good!
Where we can follow you?
I’m most active on Instagram @chantellegence
Favorites
Quote: Music is a moral law- it gives wings to the mind, a soul to the universe, flight to the imagination, a charm to sadness, a life to everything.- Plato
Holiday Destination: Bali and South of France (specifically Nice)
Song: Connect (by me). I may be a little biased but I just love the main guitar riff, sounds like summer.
Sports Team: Same thing I told cable guy when he offered to hook me up with all the sports channels for free, “Thank you, but I’m good.”
Movie: Somewhere In Time
Photo Credit: Courtesy of Anderson Group PR
