ReadyAimFire

• How Baldur’s Gate Broke Through – Kirsty Gillmore on Empathy, Safe Spaces and Directing Magic in the Studio

  How do you combine the technical disciplines of music, theatre and video games – to help create immersive experiences like Baldur’s Gate 3 that not only thrill, but truly move us?In this episode of ReadyAimFire, join hosts Kezia Burrows and Tom Stacey as they sit down with Kirsty Gillmore: New Zealand-born sound engineer turned acclaimed voice and performance director for some of the industry’s most celebrated titles, including Call of Duty, Valorant and The First Descendant. Discover the winding creative path that led Kirsty from acting and post-production to shaping unforgettable characters and championing emotional safety on set.You’ll hear:Kirsty's personal tips for crafting great performances: from trusting her actors to the essential question that can transform a session The challenges of directing games over a process of sometimes years, from handling developer disagreements to last-minute character additionsKirsty’s journey from games industry newbie to BAFTA BreakthroughHonest reflections on creating safe spaces, advocating for representation, and knowing when to walk away from a project."I want my actors to feel safe physically and I want them to feel safe emotionally as well. Because…safe actors and happy actors will do better work. That’s just a thing, isn’t it?" — Kirsty GillmoreWhether you’re a fan of Baldur’s Gate 3 – or a gamer, actor or director interested in the craft behind great games performances, this episode is as heartfelt and honest as it is insightful. Jump on in and press play. 🧭 Timestamps:00:00:41 – Kirsty’s leap from New Zealand to UK games 00:02:56 – Discovering game direction as a career path 00:04:36 – Kirsty’s advice: immerse yourself, learn from workshops 00:05:42 – How her sound background shapes directing style00:08:56 – Creating safety for actors in mocap volumes 00:10:01 – Why asking “How are you?” transforms a session 00:14:14 – The unexpected impact of Baldur’s Gate 3 performances 00:16:37 – Relatability and diversity in Baldur’s Gate 300:19:16 – Trusting actors’ instincts—letting them lead character journeys 00:20:11 – Navigating direction, line reads, and actor autonomy 00:22:37 – Working with high-profile or celebrity actors in games 00:26:28 – Disagreeing with game directors—when to speak up00:33:23 – Casting do’s and don’ts: bring choices, be flexible 00:35:09 – The importance of respecting games as an art form 00:39:19 – Becoming BAFTA Breakthrough—breaking new ground as a director 00:47:45 – Proud moments: directing difficult, truthful indie game stories👤 Guest Info:Kirsty Gillmore is an acclaimed creative freelance Voice & Performance Director and Casting Director for multi-award winning games, animation and audio drama projects. In 2021 she was selected for the prestigious BAFTA Breakthrough UK programme as a Voice Director for Games.🌐IMDb 📸 Instagram🔗 Resources & Mentions:🔗 Resources & Mentions:(chronological order of appearance)BBC D&D / Dungeons & Dragons Larian Studios (Baldur’s Gate 3...

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• From Prague With Love – Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 Unfiltered, with Tom McKay & Luke Dale

  What’s it like to be taken on a hero’s journey – from relative unknowns to gaming royalty? In this episode of the ReadyAimFire Podcast, we’re joined by Tom McKay and Luke Dale: the voices and faces behind Henry of Skalitz and Hans Capon in Kingdom Come: Deliverance and its highly anticipated sequel, Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2.Together with hosts Tom Stacey and Kezia Burrows, Tom and Luke peel back the curtain on what happens when a passionate studio, a committed fanbase and a host of talented creatives combine to create medieval gaming magic.You’ll hear:How Tom and Luke went from ‘mystery’ workshop auditions to embodying iconic roles, including the anxiety of “signing away your face”Stories behind the creation of memorable moments: from precision apple-shooting to not-so-precise hand cannonsThe camaraderie that comes from working almost a decade with a studio that treats everyone like familyThe craft behind KCD2’s evolutionary performance capture – and the comic relief of fighting epic battles with foam swords.“I've never worked with people for this long… Prague and that studio and obviously this game and these characters genuinely have… a really special place in my heart. And that's not PR speak. That's the truth.” — Tom McKayWhether you’re already a Kingdom Come: Deliverance fan or just curious about the creative chaos behind a blockbuster game, this episode dives deep into the process – with some good laughs along the way. Enjoy! 🧭 Timestamps:00:00:46 – How Tom and Luke landed their first game auditions00:03:38 – Giving actors creative input on character development00:07:38 – Being flown to Prague for a game audition00:11:26 – Why Warhorse’s commitment stands out in the industry00:18:24 – Favorite day working on Kingdom Come—emotional highs00:22:55 – Navigating motion capture vs. solitary voiceover00:27:13 – Upgrading to facial capture for the sequel00:33:45 – Doing stunts and fight scenes—actors vs. stunt pros00:34:44 – Who’s real? Playing historical vs. fictional characters00:37:45 – The “dirt system” and lived-in realism in games00:41:51 – Fandom’s role: when catchphrases become iconic00:43:21 – What’s a "roadmap"? Demystifying game development lingo00:50:49 – Strangest fan encounters—blurring game and real life00:52:27 – Experiencing global recognition as a game actor00:54:39 – Why KCD2 could be Game of the Year00:55:16 – Validation for a hard-working, passionate team👤 Guest Info:Tom McKay was born in Solihull, Warwickshire in the UK. He is an actor and writer, known for Imagine Me & You, Kill Command, and for playing Henry of Skalitz in the Kingdom Come: Deliverance games. After graduating from the Guildhall School of Music & Drama, Luke Dale was the recipient of the Alan Bates Award. As well as roles on Genius, Doctors and Holby City, he's played roles in Battlefield V and is Hans Capon in the Kingdom Come: Deliverance games. Tom: 🌐IMDb 📸 InstagramLuke: 🌐 IMDb 📸 Instagram🔗

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• Wisdom from The Witcher – Becoming Geralt, Fan Tattoos and Dungeons & Dragons with Doug Cockle

  How did one of gaming’s iconic voices get – and nearly lose – his big break as Geralt of Rivia in the Witcher series? In this episode, hosts Kezia Burrows and Tom Stacey are joined by none other than Doug Cockle. Doug takes us behind the scenes of his journey as the legendary Witcher, shares the inspiration behind Geralt’s voice, and reveals the biggest changes he’s witnessed in the games industry over the past two decades.We also delve into Doug’s personal experiences at games conventions (including a fan tattoo story you won’t forget), his love of Dungeons & Dragons, and how a chance networking event landed him a role as the god Bhaal in Baldur’s Gate 3. Doug reflects on his time teaching acting, the philosophy behind bringing truth to a character, and even lets slip a few lines as Geralt—including a personal message for Tom. Plus, hear about Doug’s latest adventures with the Natural Six D&D livestream and which Witcher sign he’d pick in real life.You’ll hear:How persistence (and not taking rejection personally) kept Doug in the role of Geralt Doug’s humorous pitches for cameos in the Witcher Netflix series and Cyberpunk 2077 Doug’s latest project, Natural Six, a DND series featuring fellow games talent Ben Starr, Harry McEntire, Aoife Wilson, Hollie Bennett and Alex JordanCareer advice and inspiration for young actors and games professionals. “You have to put a little piece of yourself into it because if you don't, how are you going to find the truth of the character?” – Doug CockleWhether you’re a Witcher superfan or just fascinated by the craft of voice acting, this episode is packed with insights and candid stories from one of gaming’s most beloved voices. 🧭 Timestamps:00:03:26 – Auditioning for Geralt: ”Make my day”00:04:20 – Courage pays off: when CD Projekt Red tried to re-cast Geralt! 0:07:44 – The Witcher 4: what does Doug know?00:08:13 – Where’s Doug? Cameos that never were #1: Netflix’s The Witcher00:09:54 – Doug’s first part – and the role of improvisation in acting for games00:13:30 – Changes in the industry00:15:19 – Cameos that never were #2: Cyberpunk 207700:17:51 – Roach on the roof (again), a glitch in the Matrix?00:22:32 – Directing stage – an apprenticeship for actors00:24:25 – Recording branched dialogue, voice for player choice00:26:14 – Alan Wake 2 – Nightingale goes nude00:29:34 – Ego in acting – disaster on the set of Marvel’s Captain America00:33:57 – Acting: integrating yourself to find truth00:37:35 – Using an actor’s toolbox00:42:48 – Learning through teaching 00:45:32 – From a BAFTA Games social to Baldur's Gate 3 (thanks to Neil Newbon!) 00:50:01 – Natural Six: behind Doug and the gang’s Kickstarter-funded D&D show👤 Guest Info:Doug Cockle is known for his voice-over roles in videogames, most notably Geralt of Rivia in The Witcher series. He was nominated for a Game Award for Best Performance and won Golden Joystick Award Best Gaming Performance for his portrayal of Geralt

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• The Warrior Behind Lae’zel – Devora Wilde on Baldur’s Gate 3, Polarising Player Reactions and Unexpected Fame

  What does it take to give a video game character a soul—and what happens when that performance touches hearts around the world?In this premiere episode of ReadyAimFire, we sit down with Devora Wilde, the actor behind Lae’zel in the award-winning Baldur’s Gate 3, for an in-depth conversation into her craft and her most-beloved character. From muddling through technical challenges to discovering her own voice, Devora opens up about the wild, unpredictable, and deeply human ride of bringing one of gaming’s most complex companions to life.Discover how four and a half years behind the mic—and a self-tape filmed in a living room—led to one of gaming’s most polarising, unforgettable heroines.Hear the true impact of storytelling as Devora shares how fans’ lives have been changed, sometimes “more than years of therapy,” by the journey of her character.Get an unfiltered look at performance capture, improvisation, and collaborating through unexpected personal moments (including recording days before giving birth!)."Sometimes I feel like I just went in and said the words… and then to have people so passionate about these characters—it’s kind of blown my mind." — Devora WildeSettle in and hit play. This is The ReadyAimFire Podcast, bringing you the stories behind your favourite games, from the people who make them.🧭 Key Points & Timestamps:00:00:22 – Guest reactions: Not knowing about nudity filters00:02:30 – Explaining Baldur’s Gate 3 in one sentence00:03:32 – How Lae’zel is misunderstood—Devora’s emotional lens00:04:57 – Polarised player reactions to Lae’zel00:08:10 – Four and a half years of performance capture00:11:20 – Surprise: Voice actors for talking cats00:16:43 – Finding fulfilment in games vs. TV/film00:17:22 – Gaming’s “golden age” and the power of writing00:18:43 – Advice for actors breaking into games00:21:24 – How romance scenes were actually performed00:25:01 – Recording mocap for Baldur’s Gate 3 while pregnant00:28:36 – Flexibility: Balancing TV, pregnancy, and game work00:30:40 – Collaborating with writers—character evolving with performance00:32:09 – Voice transformation: Lae’zel’s vocal journey00:38:19 – Most unusual convention fan moments00:49:10 – Players tell Devora: “Lae’zel helped more than years of therapy”👤 Guest: Devora WildeDevora Wilde is an actor celebrated for her powerful and nuanced performances. She is best known to gamers as the voice and performance actor behind Lae’zel in Baldur’s Gate 3, delivering a bold, layered portrayal that helped shape one of the game’s most iconic characters. Beyond BG3, her work includes appearances in Cyberpunk 2077: Phantom LIberty, Split Fiction and Dragon’s Dogma II, as well as a diverse range of TV and film roles.A passionate advocate for the craft of acting in games, Devora brings physicality, emotional depth, and fierce authenticity to every role. She continues to inspire players and performers alike by pushing the boundaries of storytelling in interactive media.🌐 Website (https://www.devorawilde.com) 📸 Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/devora_wilde)🔗 Resources & Mentions:Baldur's Gate 3Dungeons & Dragons

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• ReadyAimFire – Official Trailer

  Fall in love with your favourite video games all over again.In this trailer, meet your hosts—actor Kezia Burrows (Alien: Isolation, Baldur’s Gate 3) and producer Tom Stacey—as they introduce ReadyAimFire: the podcast that brings you behind the scenes with the designers, artists, and storytellers who craft the games we escape to.Every other week, we speak to the people responsible for the characters you love, the worlds you get lost in, and the stories that stick with you. Whether you’re a die-hard gamer or just here for the creative process, you’ll come away inspired, entertained, and reminded why you picked up a controller in the first place.🔊 In this trailer:Why this podcast exists—and who it’s forHow Tom and Kez came together to launch the showWhat to expect from future guests and episodesThe creative promise behind every story we tell🔗 Listen & Subscribe:🎧 Spotify: https://readyaimfire.tv/spotify🍏 Apple Podcasts: https://readyaimfire.tv/apple▶️ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ReadyAimFireStudio🌍 Website & Email Sign-Up: https://readyaimfire.tv 📱 Follow ReadyAimFire:Instagram: @readyaimfirestudioTikTok: @readyaimfirestudioTwitter/X: @rdymfrLinkedIn: ReadyAimFireBluesky: readyaimfire.bsky.social New episodes drop every other week.Subscribe now and rediscover the games you love.Listen to ReadyAimFire Copyright 2025 ReadyAimFire

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