Anyone familiar with co-op on the Xbox, knows how important Gears of War has been to us. From story co-op, to the beloved Horde Mode, Gears is a major staple in our way of co-op life. So, when presented with the opportunity to have a Q&A session with everyone's favorite player two, I leapt at it.
Carlos Ferro, aka Dominic Santiago, has answered a few questions for Co-optimus in the spirit of fun. So, without further ado, Carlos Ferro on voice acting, toys, and his upcoming career!
Katrina: First, being a co-op exclusive website I'd like to start with a co-op question: While playing Gears of War cooperatively, do you prefer to play as Dom or Marcus, and why?
Carlos: I prefer to play as Dom. I've become really attached to the character so it just feels right to play the part during gameplay.
Katrina: Gears of War 2 had some intense emotional scenes focused around Dom, things that got the players really involved in fighting for him. As a voice actor, what is your thought process for emotional scenes, and how do you prepare for them?
Carlos:My process is pretty straight-forward. Finding the places in the script where I can make it personal and above all, real as possible.
I asked the team if they really wanted me to "go there." Fortunately they said yes.
Clearly it pays to be a Voice Actor, so we asked him some questions about that...and toys.
Katrina: The three in one Special; How did you get your start in voice acting? Do you generally prefer to do acting, or voice overs? Which role do you relish the most in your career?
Carlos:Starting out as a performer I found that versatility can equal employment. Voiceover interested me from a performance standpoint as well as being a fan of animation, games and pop culture. As much as I enjoy stage and on-camera, there's a wonderful freedom to voiceover that can't be compared. As for the role I relish the most in my career, Dominic Santiago is hard to beat.
Katrina: As an avid toy collector, how do you feel having Dom – and in a sense, YOU – as an action figure? Does toy-Dom ever get his proper voice when you pass him on the shelf at home?
Carlos:I mentioned this recently to fans at New York Comic Con. For a life-long collector, getting the Dominic Santiago action figure was surreal. One of those things I'd always hoped for. Toy-Dom gets shown off, made to speak and played with all the time.
Katrina: After looking at your impressive collection and noticing quite a few comic book figures there – who would win in a fight between Spider-man and Batman? How about a fight between Dom and Marcus?
Carlos:As much as I love Spidey, Batman would win. I like to think that Marcus would want Dom to be a really formidable opponent but he would never let him win.
This is Carlos and Winslow, they have mob connections.
Katrina: At New York Comic Con 2009, you had some pretty big news to share with fans – I believe it had to do with a major (exciting) voice role. Would you care to elaborate?
Carlos:I am the voice of Michael Corleone in "The Godfather II."
Katrina: As The Don, Michael Corleone, Were you given the task of trying to emulate Al Pacino in the game, or were you given free reign to do with it as you please?
Carlos: I can't really say, but I will say that I think Godfather fans won't be disappointed.
Katrina: Mobsters usually have a backup guy in case things go sour, right? Do you anticipate any sort of co-op gameplay for The Godfather II?
Carlos:I feel like Michael testifying before the Senate committee "I have not taken refuge behind the 5th amendment as it was my right to do so.." LOL
I really can't say unfortunately.
Katrina: On behalf of the Co-optimus.com staff, congratulations once again on the role of The Don! Thank you for sharing some of your experiences with us!
Carlos: Thanks so much to you. This was a lot of fun.