For the last three years I have provided the voice for a video game. Payday 2 Made by Starbreeze Studios. Some of you will know it. My characters name is Vernon Locke... Commonly known as Locke. Well today we reached the end of the storyline for Payday 2 and a little movie was made to bookend it. I was asked to be the On Camera talent for Locke and was delighted to accept. So here is the movie (Spolier alert It shows the end of the story) - THE END - https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=5&v=mXdkCOmdUFg

First thing I want to say is what a great job all the people involved did with this. There were probably 60 people all with challenging jobs. One of my abiding memories will be coming off set between takes completely soaked to the skin and being surrounded by wonderful people making sure I was OK. Towels, MakeUp, Wardrobe, at close proximity and all the way up to director concerned for the welfare of the actors on set. I think it shows in the final film that the crew worked tremendously hard and the spirit was wonderful.

Second thing is as a voice actor always be open to opportunity. This one has led to the ongoing creation of an onscreen demo reel and the real possibility of future work as an Actor. Who would have thought that a small guest voice spot (Locke was originally hired for just two small DLC) would lead to him eventually becoming the main voice directing the payers actions and to an On Screen opportunity! Actually there is a message there for everone....whatever your field of work....always be open to opportunity

Third thing. Almost a question but certainly an observation that as videogame projects become more and more story driven and the cinematic element becomes more sophisticated it seems that there will be more crossover between studio voice and onscreen opportunity and as actors we should prepare for that. I'd love to hear peoples thoughts on that.

Final thing reflects the title of this piece. Joy that the work has been so fulfilling to me as an actor, that the gaming community has taken Locke to their hearts and that Starbreeze have been so suppportive in helping me give back to them. tempered with sadness that this could be the end of Locke's story. Maybe there will be a Payday 3 - Who knows. Maybe they will still want Locke in any future story and maybe they will ask me if I am interested but for now I have to say my goodbyes. AND my sicere thank you's

Ian Russell - The British Voice (AND Locke's)











