It’s raining outside while I write this. Our whole house smells like punkin pie, cinnamon sticks and apple cider (thank you, Illuminations) and I’m listening to The Astrud Gilberto Album from Verve (I give it a thousand stars and fifteen thumbs up) while I write my next two columns for Dungeon.
Yesterday afternon, I recorded a ton of lines for a video game that is so super secret, it hasn’t even been announced yet! It was really fun, and I can’t wait to tell WWdN readers about it.
Last night, I saw a poster for Ghost Recon 2 in a local game store, and I asked the clerk when it would come out.
“Ghost Recon Two is going to be the best game EVER!” He said, and he said it with such unabashed enthusiasm, I blurted out, totally in spite of myself, “Dude! I know! I’m totally in that game! It’s going to be so cool!”
It was so cool to hear someone being so excited about a project I was in, without knowing I was in it . . . I just wanted to geek out with him, but I immediately felt like I was showing off, you know? Like, “Hey! Pay attention to me!” Before I could explain that I wasn’t trying to be a dick, he said, “I thought I recognized you. Can I shake your hand?”
I’ve never had someone ask me that before, that I can remember, so I nodded and shook his hand. I still felt like a dick, though, and I was so embarassed I left pretty quickly.
When I got home, I tried to stay up and watch Las Vegas, but I guess I’m still wiped out from the weekend, because I fell asleep before it was over. When I woke up, Anne was snuggled into my shoulder, my cat Sketch was snuggled into my side, and Ferris was snuggled into my feet. Yes, it was Snugglefest 2004 on my bed, and I had to disturb everyone to turn off the lights and blow out the candles.
Later this afternoon, I have an audition over at Disney for a new cartoon. It’s SUPER cool, because the casting people specifically requested me from my agents! When I haven’t been working on Dungeon today, I’ve been working on my “feisty, spunky and fun male 16-20” voice.
This is shaping up to be a really good day, and I just remembered something I told Anne about a month ago: “You know what’s cool? I feel like I’m exactly where I am supposed to be in my life. I feel content, but not complacent. That’s awesome.”
I’m making notes about Linucon right now, and I’ll try my best to get a trip report together soon.
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Wil, you rock.
Really OT but please help – it’s driving me crazy that I can’t place the reference from Will’s “10 items” list (Oct. 4):
“Item the sixth: There is no item the sixth but you all knew that already, didn’t you?”
What’s that from? Where have I heard it before???
Lots of mojo going your way Wil.
Also, just ordered my very own WWDN posse T.
TOO COOL!!!! Im just sad that i didnt know about it sooner.
I would like to know which Astud Gilberto cd you are listening to wil. So that the rest of us, me, specifically can check it out.
thanks.
I Know what ya mean about being content, it’s like you look up and everything has clicked and is running smoothly, almost a zen moment
PS you should do a voice for EQ2,(you should also play it when it comes out but thats anouther story)
I’m sorry, I have to disagree on that Gilberto album, and I give it my lowest rating ever….seven thumbs up.
Actually, I haven’t heard it yet, but now I really want to. I still remember the day in grad school when my Marketing professor made a reference to “The Girl from Ipanema,” and I had to explain it to my international classmates. A true classic.
That’s so exciting that you do voices, I listened to your performance at gnomedex and I thought your Picard was dead on! Having listened to you perform I need to go back and re-read your book so I have the voice properly playing in my head.
Big mojo for your gig at Disney, I hope it all goes well. Incidently, didn’t you do a voice in the Secret of Nimh?
Wil, as someone who hasn’t done anything to make me nearly as famous as you, but as someone who has made video games, I feel that there’s nothing wrong with telling the clerk in a video game store that you worked on a game. Of course, there was a time when I thought making video games would get your girls, so my feelings on the subject might not worth that much.
Jazmac, the no item six comes from Monty Python’s “Bruce’s Philosopher” sketch.
“You know what’s cool? I feel like I’m exactly where I am supposed to be in my life. I feel content, but not complacent. That’s awesome.”
I think that is awsome you can know that! I just got my autographed copy of Just a Geek and I’m loving it so far! Its great reading about someone that is happy with life!
Can I get an “aweeeeeeeeee”. Just love love love reading entries like this. And I wish I worked at a game store so I could shake your hand. 🙂
Nice to see you happy, dude.
Melissa
“This is shaping up to be a really good day, and I just remembered something I told Anne about a month ago: “You know what’s cool? I feel like I’m exactly where I am supposed to be in my life. I feel content, but not complacent. That’s awesome.” -Wil
Wil, I feel that is such a great feeling for you! I feel I am ALMOST getting there! After much drama in my life with almost going to live in Toronto and not taking my cat and how some certain things are shaping in my life, I hope I can get to where you are now! You are a complete inspiration and I’m not saying that to suck up. I TRUELY TRUELY mean it! 🙂
Isn’t it cute when your cat snuggles up with you in bed 🙂
As far as video games…My brother is SO excited about getting “GTA: San Andreas” THAT LOOKS SO KICK ASS! 🙂 -I want to play it! Even if I don’t follow the storyline, I want to drive around and knock people over when i’m pissed!
But i’m truely happy for you! 🙂
I will rent the game just to listen to ya! HAHA! 😀
So what’s the new Disney cartoon!! Details Details!! I’m a Disneyholic!!!! 😀
(and I SO LOVE Animation) AND I am betting that out of all those cartoons either “E.G. Daily” or “Tara Strong” will be in them. Aren’t they in everything voice related? okay okay! that’s their job LOL but hey like I said I love the whole animation process!!! “I still don’t want to grow up, I’m a Toy R US KID!”
I work for Disney. I did their Walt Disney World College Program earlier this year. Now I’m a campus representative at my college for them. I recruit people for the college program.. I would do it all over again, in a heartbeat! I worked at Disney-MGM Studios, and it was awesome. I walked backstage where the backlot and the Earful Tower are.. I’ve seen Walt’s private plane, and actual movie props from “who framed roger rabbit” and “honey I shrunk the kids.” I walked by the animation building, and the roy o. disney production building…and the soundstages.. I’m still in awe of it all. 🙂 In short — Disney rocks, and so do you! 😉
*Melinda*
Brian (mind if we call you Bruce?):
Yes! Thank you. And me with the Philosopher’s Drinking Song permanently etched in my head.
(Sorry for the OT post – it was just driving me crazy.)
We now return you to the program already in progress…
I cannot tell you how great it is to come here and read about someone who is genuinely happy with life and their place in it. When I read entries like this, I look at my life with new eyes, even when I have had a horrible day, and try to appreciate all the great little moments that go into a wonderful life.
Thank you, Wil.
You mean your voice part in Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas? We already know all about that. David Lawrence talks about it on his radio show all the time!
Rock on, happiness and productivity! Now if only some of *us* could get where we want to be, too (or even find out where that is!).
Falling asleep while candles are lit? Smokey the Bear should pay you a visit, lol. Plus, you made me double-take, since I was listening to Everything In Its Right Place when I checked the site. Now how often does that happen?
Do folks from the states spell it ‘punkin’? It’s a pumpkin up here in Canada? Or did Wil just spell in a down home folksie way?
Im totally a WWDN reader now. ever since I found ur website im so dedicated to reading it everyday. Good luck on all ur auditions and such. I’ll keep reading to keep up with all the fun stuff u do. Sending best wishes to you and your beautiful family, even your dogs. hehe
Saharra
Since you mentioned your Dungeon Columns today, I had to post and say I’ve been loving them. Was slightly dissappointed with the first, only because I’d previously read it here online.
Absolutely loved the most recent one I’ve read, talking about the Monty Python and Star Wars references in your gaming sessions.
Sounds like my friends and I back in ‘the day’, when I DM because I was the most interested in gaming, and managed to drag 4 of my friends into the hobby. But you are right, the game sessions were as much about spending a night with friends as playing the actual game.
PS: Forgot to mention in post above, your column is the first thing I turn to when I pick up my Dungeon Magazine, usually trying to read it on the ride home from Barnes and Noble.
Break a leg at the audition. I think it rocks that the VO stuff is working out so well for you right now.
Scitt
Hi Wil!
Long time reader, first time poster, yadda yadda – loved your work in that Amiga Video Toaster Promo video (with bonus Pen & Teller!), blah.
Congrats on getting the voice gig! I’m glad that game companies are *finally* getting the hint and starting to add different types of talent to their titles. A few years ago most people would have probably laughed at anyone who called themselves a serious actor if they did any voice work for games but it looks like the worm is turning.
Quick question: As an actor, do you feel that it is important to have the ability to laugh at yourself? Do you think that it takes away from your credibility as a “serious” actor?
OT Newbie post: I picked up a copy of “Just a Geek” last weekend and was *really* surprised at just how honest you are with your readers about your fears and doubts. A lot of people talk about writers, actors, musicians, etc “exposing” themselves and how they “take a chance” but very few actually do. As a reader/movie goer, thanks for not holding back.
Wil, i would definitely want to shake your hand.
Am throwing much mojo your way for the audition as always. (Though by now it’s probably over. Well, mojo and good thoughts sent to the casting director.)
Personally, I’m so happy that you’ve found your place in life and feel like you’re exactly where you ought to be. It’s very cool to know someone who can say that and since you’re so open to us on this website I feel sometimes like I can take your experiences and apply them to my life. For those of us who can’t yet say that about our lives it’s cool to “know” someone who can.
It’s also gratifying to hear you say that. I remember all the posts from years ago when you couldn’t say that and you’d post on how you were frustrated over auditions that didn’t pan out. I remember one where you were asking whether you should take some tech infomercial and if it would mean you’d sold out as an actor. To go from there to the wonderful career you’ve created for yourself is very inspiring to me (and I’m sure all of us).
More articles in magazines and voice overs for games? Drat! Now I have to spend more money to get those. (Who in Austin knows where to get Dungeon magazine? Not even BookPeople carries it.) More voices in cartoons? Well, I could stand to watch more t.v. 🙂
cheers, Wil!
Just wanted to throw a shout out! Got both of your books in the mail today and read the intro/preface to Just a Geek.. something tells me I’ll be reading these completely in the next day or so.
Kudos!
— Chris
I think you definately have a right to brag and be proud – the clerk didn’t think you were a dick – if he did, he would never have asked for you to shake his hand!
You go Wil! Be proud and happy. A lot of people are very envious of that.
Wil,
My cat, Squeaky, is sitting here watching me type this comment and then we are going to snuggle on the couch and watch TV. I just finished a week-long retreat at a monastery in New Mexico. I prayed for you and Anne and the boys.
Freeman 🙂
Dude, I definately asked to shake your hand about three years ago! But wait, that was in a dream, so you probably don’t remember that… well, it’d be weird if you did. 🙂 (Darn it, that was a cool dream.)
It’s entries like this that make me want to live vicariously through you. 🙂
This site is a great read. You were talking about voice-over work… When you can, write about what a day is like doing that type of job. (This is not a “how do you get into VO work?” thing — I don’t have the pipes for it and I like my day job.)
Are there other actors in the studio with you, or are you just recording lines? What kind of “direction” does a director give you? Is it tiresome to listen to? (I’ve heard outtakes of William Shatner and Orson Welles going *off* on people trying to give them direction.)
What are the hours like? The pay? Do you see a drawing of the character before you provide the voice? Are you asked to play more than one character? If so, do you get paid twice as much? Is there anything you do to prep your voice (gargle with salt water, not speak for two days prior…).
Let’s hear it.
Wil
It sounds like your life is full. You have a lot of projects and activities that make you happy. CSI Miami would’ve taken alot of time away from your family, maybe too much. Quality of life is the name of the game. I could do more in my life, but it would take too much time away from my kids. I wish you all the success in the world and I hope I get to see you on the BOOB Tube again, I just hope it is local where you can live the quality of life you now have.
Stay real, Wil.
Mr. Val D. Montague
This is pretty trivial, but I was impressed with your handshake at Linucon. Properly shaking hands was something my parents and grandparents heavily emphasized as I was growing up. There is nothing worse than a dead fish handshake, and yours, sir, is no dead fish.
*geeker joy*
Yay! more animated Wil!
Sptruck: I’m actually working on a recap of the entire Ghost Recon 2 experience, which I’ll post when the game ships.
dude i know you wrote about this in your last blog but i was afraid you wouldnt read it (and im sure you still wont, as you are a busy man;), but i totally work at the Borders in Arcadia and when i heard you were doing a book signing you do not even know how excited i was. i mean, i knew you lived around here and all but… dude! you’re coming to my store!!! so just to let you know, i am mega excited that you are coming. and i will be first in line to have my books, shirt, shoes, dog, mother, and anything else signed.
Wil! That’s awesome you might be working for Disney! I work at Disney World in Florida in the entertainment department (saw that Melinda a few posts ago used to work there, too, woohoo!). I will definitely be hoping and praying that you get that job. It would somehow make going to work all the more . . . cooler! And I wouldn’t feel too bad about feeling like a dick in the game store. I’m sure the guy just went home and told everyone, ‘Dude! I just met Wil Farking Wheaton!’ I know I’d do that.
I’m so happy to read that you’re happy, Wil. It’s well deserved.
It’s raining here too, and I’ve just realised something REALLY important-Converse are NO good in the rain, no good at all!
Actually, as someone who works in a game store, I would have to say it would be hands down the highlight of my day to have the opportunity to talk games with Wil Wheaton. Hell, it would probably be impossible to top that at any point in time, considering nothing much happens up here…
Also to concur with robin a few posts above me, I would indeed tell anyone who would freakin’ listen to me about it.
Rock on! Busy Wil = Happy Monkeys! Not a big gamer, but I’ll pick up Ghost Recon 2 to add to my “Wil Did This” collection.
More Disney? They must love you over there, lad. You had that Monkey-themed project a while back (which is probably in paint or cleanup by now), and you did mention it went over real well… The streak continues!
I think that we are allowed to brag (and get excited about) our accomplishments (so long as we notice the accomplishments of others). It’s kind of cute that you actually felt like a dick…but seriously, you made that guy’s day. And if I ever meet you on the street, you be sure to let me know “Hey, I’m that Wil Wheaton guy”…and I’ll get giggly and blush and then say “Hey, I’m that Tina girl” and you’ll grin…and we’ll spend the day puffed-chested having been honored to have met each other. 😉
Snugglefest! WOO HOO!
Is there like a lexicon or glossary somewhere where a total dork like me can find out what all the various things stand for…like LinuCon, et al? I live on a farm in Colorado, and have never heard of half of the stuff talked about. LOL Also, is there a support group for dorks like me?
Speaking of Dungeon… I subscribed to the magazine because of your article. I even told them that on their message boards. Anyway. That’s all I really have to say, so ima go away again. 🙂
Wil,
I know what you mean about GR2 me and my gaming community (clan) are so fired up about it that we have almost stopped playing AA and gone back to GR. When it comes out we will be running a dedicated GR2 server and you are welcome to play there anytime. We keep our server clean and don’t tolerate cheating or abuse, so it’s a good place to have fun.
Antonio Carlos Jobim + Astrud Gilberto = the coolest samba/Latin music I ever hope to hear in my life. Especially Desafinado and Meditation, which are gorgeous as instrumentals as well. Gilberto’s rendition of A Certain Sadness is also great if you’re in a nostalgic mood.
::obviously a rabid Jobim/Gilberto era fan::
ps. Sergio Mendes and Brasil ’66 (when Lani Hall was still part of the group) isn’t half bad, just in case you want to experiment.
Hey, are you the Wil Iggy refers to as one of two celebrities that will play in the Guinness and Poker tournament this Thursday?
I believe so and mojomojomojo.
Wil,
Big fan here, been spreading the word regarding your audio and video of the GnomeDex reading, everyone I’ve shown it too is shocked and then amused. That’s good. Trust me.
As for the Snugglefest 2004. Was the same in my abode as well last night, woke up with Sylvia wrapped around me from behind spoon style, Max the cat sleeping against my calf, Wooley the cat sleeping at to the side of my pillow and Ripley the cat looking very picky and aloof from the far edge of the bed. If I could only figure out a way to convert that thermal energy into electricity I could have the power company paying me or go off the grid.
Big fan, first time poster,
Gregory
“You know what’s cool? I feel like I’m exactly where I am supposed to be in my life. I feel content, but not complacent. That’s awesome.”
Totally awesome! 🙂
I love reading entries like today’s! Your life sounds so wonderful! Congrats on the voice gigs! Good luck on the Disney one! My kids are excited about that one! (We home school, so I always fill them in on the interesting stuff you share here.)
Need some more kitties to snuggle with? We have plenty of kittens available for adoption right now! Free to a good home! You definitly qualify as a good home! 😉
I don’t if the gameshop near me is anything like the gameshop near you, but the guys that work there (here) say that about every game in the shop. I take my son in there to buy new games, and it’s impossible to get a helpful opinion on which game to buy because every one you look at is “an awesome game.”