Post by Cybermortis on Jan 19, 2013 15:46:18 GMT
Mr Robert Lee recently agreed to answer a number of questions for The Citadel. Many thanks to Mr Lee for taking time out to to do so, it is much appreciated - CM
Thank you for taking the time out to answer some questions for fans of the show, it is much appreciated.
How often do you get asked to give interviews? Is this a new experience for you?
I could count them on one, maybe two hands. So, not very often, but not a new experience. In a past life in radio, I was the one doing the interviewing, so it's not completely foreign to me. It is a bit odd, though, to know that there's interest enough to ask me to talk about something (ie. narrating the show) I like doing so much!
As the narrator you are in the strange position of being both a main cast member and at the same time somewhat invisible since you don't appear on screen. That said do you get recognised on occasion when people hear you talk?
Never. There's really no connection between the show and me when I'm out and about. And I don't go around saying "Who are the Mythbusters?" in public. But having said that, in the right situation, people have recognised the voice once they're aware. However, being part of the show is great, but since I'm not seen, I'm also not really considered part of the mythbusting team - I don't do any builds, I don't get to blow stuff up (on the show, at least
)... but I do get to say "myth busted" occasionally, which is cool enough for me!
I recall that you dropped by the old Discovery boards from time to time. How much contact do you have with fans of the show?
Mainly through Twitter these days, although I've been a bit quiet there lately. And occasionally through Facebook. I still drop by the Discovery boards, but I sometimes forget my login details. There's so many contributions to read, but it's good to catch up on what's going down. Generally, however, I tend to keep a low profile, but I enjoy making contact when it happens.
Can you explain the process you have to go through to narrate episodes and how long this takes?
Sure! The producers prepare the script, which is a process in itself, of course. I get the script and what's called a "fine cut" of the program usually a few days before the recording session. This fine cut contains the voice of the producer, for timing and editing purposes. I read through the script and "mark up" the script (that is, make notes, correct typos, insert or correct the punctuation in the script - which is always a fun discussion point with the producers). I also make notes of any alternate lines or occasional suggestions. Generally, after so many eps, the writers/producers pretty much know what to expect from me, and write with that timing and read style in mind, so I'm grateful for that blessing. I then watch the fine cut, making further notes if required. This process takes a couple of hours.
I record it in the audio studios of Beyond Productions in Sydney (hi to Nathan, Travis and Linda!), and I'm there with the producer and audio engineer. There's a level check, a warm up and we get stuck into it. I don't read to pictures, that would take forever. I make the odd suggestion, and I'm humored by the producer. Some get through, some rightly belong in the bin. I'm given suggestions/directions by the producer occasionally. The audio engineer picks me up on other things like pops, clicks, and other nonsense, etc.
We have fun, have a laugh occasionally. I'm glad that Dan and the producers have a good sense of humor - having fun makes the process so much easier. Anyway, after 10+ years, around 300 hours of shows, the system seems to work.
I think I have every script of the show I've read filed away somewhere. Is that strange?
What was it like visiting M5 and meeting the cast and crew for the first time?
To be honest, pretty daunting, but everyone was very welcoming. And, as far as the on-camera team went, they were all pretty much like they are on screen. I was shown around, met the production teams as well. I bring over some Tim-Tams (Australian chocolate covered cookies) and they disappear pretty quickly. I think the first time I was there, they organised a birthday cake for Jamie and me and one of the directors, since it was close to all our birthdays (Jamie and I share the same birthday - he's slightly older, though).
Funny thing, I was down on the shop floor for the first time, watching them do some prep work, and the director and crew have to be prepared to start shooting at short notice, since Jamie and Adam jump right into it. I didn't quite see the cameras first time I was there, and jumped in to hold a length of wood that Adam was going to cut (hey, I'm a helpful guy!). He kindly asked me if he could do it himself, as I didn't realize they were shooting it. Since then, whenever I'm around them I stay well clear.
All in all, everyone there are top people, and they work hard.
Do you ever find yourself asking 'did they really do that?' when watching/narrating episodes?
Yes! I'm as enthralled watching the fine cuts as anyone else is watching the episode. I sometimes need to reflect the incredulity a viewer might have at certain times, taking the position of being both a teller of the story from the Mythbusters side, and the side of the viewer.
If they offered you the chance, would you be tempted to co-host an episode? And if so which team would you like to work with?
As much as my ego might say yes, I'd say that for the sake of the show, being a part of the team doing some mythbusting could undermine the narrator role. Some on-camera narration may be fun, but the show is read by a different voice in the UK and parts of Europe (hi to compadre Robin Banks!), so a particular on-camera narration is impossible. That's the way the show was originally set up. So this precludes on-camera work as the show is now. In any event, I have a perfect head for narration.
A director set up a bit of live narration last year just for fun, and I have that on a disc somewhere for my own posterity.
Have you ever submitted an idea for the show yourself, or been tempted to do so?
Oh, sure. I send ideas off to Dan from time to time. He loves getting them . The reality is that, as I understand it, ideas need to be researched and planned, so if any do get up, there can be quite a lead time before they're realized. Having said that, I would like to think that my suggestion of what happens when a car drives under a tractor-trailer - does it really turn into a convertible, like in Smokey and the Bandit - got up. But the truth is more likely it was already on a list, and that suggestions often support what the team have been thinking about. Having said that, as Dan said, viewer contributions are a big part of the show.
Thank you, I'll move onto questions from The Citadels Members.
Blazerrose asks how did you get into voice work?
It started with radio here in Australia. But with my North American accent, I wasn't destined to get very far (probably not only because of my accent), so I focused on voice overs for ads, etc. After quite a few years of doing that, I tried numerous times to get narration work, and eventually I did a small series for Beyond called, "American Spirit" (I hope I got that right). From there a bunch of one- or two-offs for them, including, and I love these titles: "When Anesthesia Fails", "When Surgical Instruments Get Left Behind" and my favorite, "You Swallowed What??".
Blazerrose would also like to know how you ended up narrating the show?
I was doing the above bunch of shows for Beyond, and the original executive producer, Peter Rees, came up to me one day and asked if I'd like to have a go at this new show, "Mythbusters". He said it'd be a different style of read to the above shows, and no promises, but let's see what you can do.
So he worked me in the studio, to deliver a livelier type of read. I think we did one show, and then he came back and we did the other two pilots. So the read was acceptable, I guess. After that came another ten shows, then another season of 13, from memory, and off we continued. All the time thinking that'd be it...
Which myth is your all time favorite & why? From Lex of Sydney Australia.
Thanks, Lex, for this vexing question. You know, it's really hard to pick one favorite. Certainly, the cement truck explosion was a favorite at the time ("There's your problem!"). I like any show that uses the high speed camera(s). I think they mastered using this to create a whole new dimension to mythbusting entertainment.
And while explosive and gun myths are spectacular, I particularly like the more day-to-day type myths - things we face every day, like the toothbrush contamination myth, what's the dirtiest thing around the house, doorknobs or dishrags, etc., anything with duct tape, and particularly the ones that are instructive in a roundabout way, like escaping a submerged car or getting sucked onto the train tracks.
I also like the ones that feature special guests, like the Green Hornet special, the Titanic special, and the upcoming Breaking Bad special. But I'm particularly proud of being a small part of the Presidential Challenge ep. Not only because the President and his family have seen the show, but because the show is rightly recognized for its contribution to encouraging interest in the sciences, engineering and maths, etc, but also in innovation (which is an important contributor to a nation's economic growth) and creativity.
The light works asks. How much of your presentation is scripted in advance, and how much is as-the-footage-rolls? .
It's scripted. There's the odd ad-lib, occasionally they work, but there's also the ad-libs that just will never get up. Thing is, it has to be scripted. It's not a live show. The story needs to be told, and to do that, planning is required of course. Just like James Cameron's "Jack's going down!".
On a related note rmc would like to know. How are the humorous puns used as part of the narration decided upon? Who writes those? Do you get to suggest any at the time? What was the best video footage that lent itself perfectly for the best pun (or humorous commentary) that you can remember?
Oh, gee, you're testing me, rmc! As for the puns, it's a style that's just developed over time. The producers write the scripts, so they're largely responsible! Email them! Ha! Even though they're occasionally groan-worthy (and sometimes I read them with a groan in mind!), they're just one small element of the overall entertainment quotient of the show.
There is one early-ish show that makes me giggle, and that's the salami-powered rocket. One scene, coming back from a break if I recall rightly, had Jamie stuffing a salami into a rocket tube. You're going to have to somehow look up the episode to find out what the narrator said. I'm not repeating it here, but it's probably more a funny line than a pun.
Can you tell who has written a particular script as you are reading it?
Yes, very often. Each producer has a subtle style, and I can usually guess - 8 of 10 times. Sometimes it's the puns, sometimes it's the sentence structure, other times it's the (lack of) punctuation in the script, the font used, etc. I love them all and their work, so there's no slight intended!
Do you do different "voice overs" to tailor to specific countries usage and slang, or do you only do a single narration for all the regions where your narration is used? From FormerMarine0341.
It's a single narration and it goes wherever it goes. But see my comment above re UK and Europe. On that, some UK fans have very distinct views about my narration, as do some US viewers about the UK narration. And just on this, some people have unkind comments to say about the different styles. Hey, it's not a competition! It's just developed that way, and I'd like to think each is perfect for its particular market. So, remember, folks, it's a big world out there, with room for everyone.
The Urban Mythbuster asks. Is there any commentary that you've ever had to give that left you struggling to keep your composure (i.e., repeated use of the word 'dung', etc)?
Oh yes, over the years, there's been some very clever scripting that's produced hilarious passages. There's also been some very funny studio break-ups while reading particular lines. Often it's just my mind and sense of humor. But the show does have that edge to it, which I think is a big part of its appeal. Its occasional irreverence is a good thing, as far as I'm concerned.
I can't think of any examples of breaking up in the studio right now, but they usually end up with a ticked off producer or engineer over me wasting time. Sorry, guys.
Do you ever wish you were closer to San Francisco so you can drop by and see what they're doing, or do you think the current set up lends itself to better VO? From Blazerrose
Thanks, Blazerrose! Yes, sure, I'd love to be closer to San Francisco, because it's a great city and area, and country, for that matter! And no, I don't think it would compromise the VO at all. Having said that, I wouldn't want to drop in to see what they're up to all the time, either. I'd love to live and work on the west coast, but that won't happen soon for many reasons.
Do you ever visit the Mythbusters workshops &/or go out on location with the Mythbusters when they're doing myths to help provide 'inspiration' for the narrations. Or are you just stuck in a recording studio watching the 'finished' film (that is the film before you add upr voiceover.) of the gang’s latest 'mythadventure'? From Lex of Sidney of Australia.
Lex of Sidney (sic) thanks. See above... I think they're covered above. Whenever I visit, I try to make sure it's on a day when they're out doing some shooting. Last time I was there Grant, Kari and Tori were shooting the Date Night myth. It's fun, but you know that making tv takes time. I make sure I wear comfortable shoes.
On behalf of myself and the members of The Citadel, Thank you very much for taking the time out to answer some questions. Happy Mythbusting.
Cheers Cybermortis... thanks for your and your members' interest. Much appreciated!
Thank you for taking the time out to answer some questions for fans of the show, it is much appreciated.
How often do you get asked to give interviews? Is this a new experience for you?
I could count them on one, maybe two hands. So, not very often, but not a new experience. In a past life in radio, I was the one doing the interviewing, so it's not completely foreign to me. It is a bit odd, though, to know that there's interest enough to ask me to talk about something (ie. narrating the show) I like doing so much!
As the narrator you are in the strange position of being both a main cast member and at the same time somewhat invisible since you don't appear on screen. That said do you get recognised on occasion when people hear you talk?
Never. There's really no connection between the show and me when I'm out and about. And I don't go around saying "Who are the Mythbusters?" in public. But having said that, in the right situation, people have recognised the voice once they're aware. However, being part of the show is great, but since I'm not seen, I'm also not really considered part of the mythbusting team - I don't do any builds, I don't get to blow stuff up (on the show, at least
)... but I do get to say "myth busted" occasionally, which is cool enough for me!I recall that you dropped by the old Discovery boards from time to time. How much contact do you have with fans of the show?
Mainly through Twitter these days, although I've been a bit quiet there lately. And occasionally through Facebook. I still drop by the Discovery boards, but I sometimes forget my login details. There's so many contributions to read, but it's good to catch up on what's going down. Generally, however, I tend to keep a low profile, but I enjoy making contact when it happens.
Can you explain the process you have to go through to narrate episodes and how long this takes?
Sure! The producers prepare the script, which is a process in itself, of course. I get the script and what's called a "fine cut" of the program usually a few days before the recording session. This fine cut contains the voice of the producer, for timing and editing purposes. I read through the script and "mark up" the script (that is, make notes, correct typos, insert or correct the punctuation in the script - which is always a fun discussion point with the producers). I also make notes of any alternate lines or occasional suggestions. Generally, after so many eps, the writers/producers pretty much know what to expect from me, and write with that timing and read style in mind, so I'm grateful for that blessing. I then watch the fine cut, making further notes if required. This process takes a couple of hours.
I record it in the audio studios of Beyond Productions in Sydney (hi to Nathan, Travis and Linda!), and I'm there with the producer and audio engineer. There's a level check, a warm up and we get stuck into it. I don't read to pictures, that would take forever. I make the odd suggestion, and I'm humored by the producer. Some get through, some rightly belong in the bin. I'm given suggestions/directions by the producer occasionally. The audio engineer picks me up on other things like pops, clicks, and other nonsense, etc.
We have fun, have a laugh occasionally. I'm glad that Dan and the producers have a good sense of humor - having fun makes the process so much easier. Anyway, after 10+ years, around 300 hours of shows, the system seems to work.
I think I have every script of the show I've read filed away somewhere. Is that strange?
What was it like visiting M5 and meeting the cast and crew for the first time?
To be honest, pretty daunting, but everyone was very welcoming. And, as far as the on-camera team went, they were all pretty much like they are on screen. I was shown around, met the production teams as well. I bring over some Tim-Tams (Australian chocolate covered cookies) and they disappear pretty quickly. I think the first time I was there, they organised a birthday cake for Jamie and me and one of the directors, since it was close to all our birthdays (Jamie and I share the same birthday - he's slightly older, though).
Funny thing, I was down on the shop floor for the first time, watching them do some prep work, and the director and crew have to be prepared to start shooting at short notice, since Jamie and Adam jump right into it. I didn't quite see the cameras first time I was there, and jumped in to hold a length of wood that Adam was going to cut (hey, I'm a helpful guy!). He kindly asked me if he could do it himself, as I didn't realize they were shooting it. Since then, whenever I'm around them I stay well clear.
All in all, everyone there are top people, and they work hard.
Do you ever find yourself asking 'did they really do that?' when watching/narrating episodes?
Yes! I'm as enthralled watching the fine cuts as anyone else is watching the episode. I sometimes need to reflect the incredulity a viewer might have at certain times, taking the position of being both a teller of the story from the Mythbusters side, and the side of the viewer.
If they offered you the chance, would you be tempted to co-host an episode? And if so which team would you like to work with?
As much as my ego might say yes, I'd say that for the sake of the show, being a part of the team doing some mythbusting could undermine the narrator role. Some on-camera narration may be fun, but the show is read by a different voice in the UK and parts of Europe (hi to compadre Robin Banks!), so a particular on-camera narration is impossible. That's the way the show was originally set up. So this precludes on-camera work as the show is now. In any event, I have a perfect head for narration.
A director set up a bit of live narration last year just for fun, and I have that on a disc somewhere for my own posterity.
Have you ever submitted an idea for the show yourself, or been tempted to do so?
Oh, sure. I send ideas off to Dan from time to time. He loves getting them
. The reality is that, as I understand it, ideas need to be researched and planned, so if any do get up, there can be quite a lead time before they're realized. Having said that, I would like to think that my suggestion of what happens when a car drives under a tractor-trailer - does it really turn into a convertible, like in Smokey and the Bandit - got up. But the truth is more likely it was already on a list, and that suggestions often support what the team have been thinking about. Having said that, as Dan said, viewer contributions are a big part of the show. Thank you, I'll move onto questions from The Citadels Members.
Blazerrose asks how did you get into voice work?
It started with radio here in Australia. But with my North American accent, I wasn't destined to get very far (probably not only because of my accent), so I focused on voice overs for ads, etc. After quite a few years of doing that, I tried numerous times to get narration work, and eventually I did a small series for Beyond called, "American Spirit" (I hope I got that right). From there a bunch of one- or two-offs for them, including, and I love these titles: "When Anesthesia Fails", "When Surgical Instruments Get Left Behind" and my favorite, "You Swallowed What??".
Blazerrose would also like to know how you ended up narrating the show?
I was doing the above bunch of shows for Beyond, and the original executive producer, Peter Rees, came up to me one day and asked if I'd like to have a go at this new show, "Mythbusters". He said it'd be a different style of read to the above shows, and no promises, but let's see what you can do.
So he worked me in the studio, to deliver a livelier type of read. I think we did one show, and then he came back and we did the other two pilots. So the read was acceptable, I guess. After that came another ten shows, then another season of 13, from memory, and off we continued. All the time thinking that'd be it...
Which myth is your all time favorite & why? From Lex of Sydney Australia.
Thanks, Lex, for this vexing question. You know, it's really hard to pick one favorite. Certainly, the cement truck explosion was a favorite at the time ("There's your problem!"). I like any show that uses the high speed camera(s). I think they mastered using this to create a whole new dimension to mythbusting entertainment.
And while explosive and gun myths are spectacular, I particularly like the more day-to-day type myths - things we face every day, like the toothbrush contamination myth, what's the dirtiest thing around the house, doorknobs or dishrags, etc., anything with duct tape, and particularly the ones that are instructive in a roundabout way, like escaping a submerged car or getting sucked onto the train tracks.
I also like the ones that feature special guests, like the Green Hornet special, the Titanic special, and the upcoming Breaking Bad special. But I'm particularly proud of being a small part of the Presidential Challenge ep. Not only because the President and his family have seen the show, but because the show is rightly recognized for its contribution to encouraging interest in the sciences, engineering and maths, etc, but also in innovation (which is an important contributor to a nation's economic growth) and creativity.
The light works asks. How much of your presentation is scripted in advance, and how much is as-the-footage-rolls? .
It's scripted. There's the odd ad-lib, occasionally they work, but there's also the ad-libs that just will never get up. Thing is, it has to be scripted. It's not a live show. The story needs to be told, and to do that, planning is required of course. Just like James Cameron's "Jack's going down!".
On a related note rmc would like to know. How are the humorous puns used as part of the narration decided upon? Who writes those? Do you get to suggest any at the time? What was the best video footage that lent itself perfectly for the best pun (or humorous commentary) that you can remember?
Oh, gee, you're testing me, rmc! As for the puns, it's a style that's just developed over time. The producers write the scripts, so they're largely responsible! Email them! Ha! Even though they're occasionally groan-worthy (and sometimes I read them with a groan in mind!), they're just one small element of the overall entertainment quotient of the show.
There is one early-ish show that makes me giggle, and that's the salami-powered rocket. One scene, coming back from a break if I recall rightly, had Jamie stuffing a salami into a rocket tube. You're going to have to somehow look up the episode to find out what the narrator said. I'm not repeating it here, but it's probably more a funny line than a pun.
Can you tell who has written a particular script as you are reading it?
Yes, very often. Each producer has a subtle style, and I can usually guess - 8 of 10 times. Sometimes it's the puns, sometimes it's the sentence structure, other times it's the (lack of) punctuation in the script, the font used, etc. I love them all and their work, so there's no slight intended!
Do you do different "voice overs" to tailor to specific countries usage and slang, or do you only do a single narration for all the regions where your narration is used? From FormerMarine0341.
It's a single narration and it goes wherever it goes. But see my comment above re UK and Europe. On that, some UK fans have very distinct views about my narration, as do some US viewers about the UK narration. And just on this, some people have unkind comments to say about the different styles. Hey, it's not a competition! It's just developed that way, and I'd like to think each is perfect for its particular market. So, remember, folks, it's a big world out there, with room for everyone.
The Urban Mythbuster asks. Is there any commentary that you've ever had to give that left you struggling to keep your composure (i.e., repeated use of the word 'dung', etc)?
Oh yes, over the years, there's been some very clever scripting that's produced hilarious passages. There's also been some very funny studio break-ups while reading particular lines. Often it's just my mind and sense of humor. But the show does have that edge to it, which I think is a big part of its appeal. Its occasional irreverence is a good thing, as far as I'm concerned.
I can't think of any examples of breaking up in the studio right now, but they usually end up with a ticked off producer or engineer over me wasting time. Sorry, guys.
Do you ever wish you were closer to San Francisco so you can drop by and see what they're doing, or do you think the current set up lends itself to better VO? From Blazerrose
Thanks, Blazerrose! Yes, sure, I'd love to be closer to San Francisco, because it's a great city and area, and country, for that matter! And no, I don't think it would compromise the VO at all. Having said that, I wouldn't want to drop in to see what they're up to all the time, either. I'd love to live and work on the west coast, but that won't happen soon for many reasons.
Do you ever visit the Mythbusters workshops &/or go out on location with the Mythbusters when they're doing myths to help provide 'inspiration' for the narrations. Or are you just stuck in a recording studio watching the 'finished' film (that is the film before you add upr voiceover.) of the gang’s latest 'mythadventure'? From Lex of Sidney of Australia.
Lex of Sidney (sic) thanks. See above... I think they're covered above. Whenever I visit, I try to make sure it's on a day when they're out doing some shooting. Last time I was there Grant, Kari and Tori were shooting the Date Night myth. It's fun, but you know that making tv takes time. I make sure I wear comfortable shoes.
On behalf of myself and the members of The Citadel, Thank you very much for taking the time out to answer some questions. Happy Mythbusting.
Cheers Cybermortis... thanks for your and your members' interest. Much appreciated!
