Toad's Castle Interviews Tommy Tallerico

[supertoad]

<img src="http://www.tallarico.com/albums/Press-Photos/shadow01.jpg" width="160">

Toad's Castle recently had the chance to interview Tommy Tallarico, a long time veteran of the gaming industry.
Tommy's resume includes work on over 250 games, Video Games Live, and the TV shows Electric Playground & Judgment Day.


<b>Eric</b>: Can you tell people who might not know you a bit about yourself?

<b>Tommy</b>: Sure thing! I think the best method may be to point people to my recently updated
<a href="http://www.tallarico.com/index.php?s=biography">bio</a>.

<b>Eric</b>: When did you become involved with video games?

<b>Tommy</b>: In the very beginning of 1991. The first project I worked on was the original Prince of Persia.

I've been doing it for 16 years now and have worked on over 250+ games since! WHEW!! I've loved every moment of it though.

<b>Eric</b>: Do you consider yourself a Nintendo fan? What is your favorite system
and game?

<b>Tommy</b>: I'm a fan of every system out there. Nintendo has always been the leader for innovation and 1st part quality. The Wii is no exception. My favorite Nintendo game of all time would be either GoldenEye on the N64 or Super Mario World on the SNES.

<b>Eric</b>: You said you've visited Toad�s Castle previously. What is your favorite section and why?

<b>Tommy</b>: I really like going to the fan based sites. It really shows a lot of love, dedication and passion for our industry! And you always find really cool stuff that the "official" sites normally wouldn't have such as the fan related stuff you see on Toad's Castle. The Fan Art & Fan Movie sections are probably my favorite although I really like the Character Bio section also! I like how there are reviews of all the old school games and I like the interactive Trivia section too!

<b>Eric</b>: You�ve talked about video games as an art form. What do you think is most important in creating a gaming experience?

<b>Tommy</b>: The design and controls are the most important element in my opinion. You can have great graphics and audio... but if the fun factor and controls aren't done properly then the overall experience is taken way down. That is why Miyamoto is such a genius! He concentrates so much on design and controls! When I worked with him on Metroid Prime he told me that even after a game is considered finished... he spends at least 6 months tweaking it! That is incredible! I wish other developers and publishers put that much time, effort & money into making such every product is the best it could possibly be. I don't mind when I hear there are delays in Twighlight Princess, Halo, Half-Life... whatever... As long as it's done right I don't mind waiting! I'd rather have a late GREAT game then a timely crappy one!

<b>Eric</b>: Where did you get the inspiration/idea for Video Games Live?

<b>Tommy</b>: I've been creating music for games for over 16 years and I've seen such an incredible change in the quality, emotion, power & production of the musical scores. I felt it was time that gamers as well as non-gamers had the opportunity to experience this amazing craft that so many people have fallen in love with. To experience the community and celebration of the video game industry at one of our concert events is pretty magical and special.

<b>Eric</b>: How would you sum up the show for people who aren�t familiar with it?

<b>Tommy</b>: I guess the best way would be for me to give you the "marketing" pitch which goes a little bit like this...

<i>"Video Games Live is an immersive concert event featuring music from the biggest video games of all time. Top orchestras and choirs across the country perform along with exclusive video footage and music arrangements, lasers, synchronized lighting, solo performers, electronic percussionists, live action and unique interactive segments to create an explosive one-of-a-kind entertainment experience.

Special events surround the show, including a pre-show festival and post-show events. Guests will enjoy interactive game demos, a costume contest, and the very popular meet-and-greet with top game composers and designers."</i>

Of course you could also take a look at a few of our trailers which would also give you a really good idea of the show:

Hollywood Bowl Trailer:
<a href="http://videogameslive.com/video/vglpromo2.wmv">Hi-Res (mwv)</a>
<a href="http://videogameslive.com/video/vglpromo2.mov">Lo-Res (mov)</a>

San Jose Trailer:
<a href="http://www.videogameslive.com/trailer/vglsanjose2006.wmv">Hi-Res (wmv)</a>
<a href="http://www.videogameslive.com/trailer/vglsanjose2006.mov">Lo-Res (mov)</a>

That being said, it's VERY difficult to put down on paper all of the emotion that goes on during one of our shows. It's difficult to really comprehend if you have never been. Everyone who sees the show usually says... "WOW! I knew it was going to be great but I had no idea!" There are so many surprises and special things that happen during a performance that it's hard to encompass it all in words.

<b>Eric</b>: What kind of audience are you going for? Obviously fans will be very interested, but how might you attract someone who may not even play games at all?

<b>Tommy</b>: The first show debuted on July 6, 2005 at the Hollywood Bowl with the LA Philharmonic and 11,000+ people in the crowd. It was the biggest video game concert in the world and the place went nuts. About half the audience was gamers and the other half hadn't picked up a game in years. Industry attorney Jim Charne noted, "I believe this show could be a milestone in the evolution/development of our industry. It is IMPOSSIBLE to walk out and not agree that our work product has serious artistic and literary merit." The symphony members were amazed at the reactions they received on stage. Never before had they heard the applause and excitement level of what the show brings to a new audience from both a musical and visual standpoint.

During the tour we attract moms & dads, grandmothers & girlfriends as well as groups of friends coming together to celebrate gaming. The segments in the show are not just the modern games, but the classics as well. By trying to appeal to such a wide audience it was important to represent the entire history of the gaming industry which the 40+ crowd enjoyed growing up on as well. Video game music played in such an exciting and live setting is attracting all ages. It really turns everyone on to the power and emotion of the music as well as the stimulation and energy of the amazing visuals the industry has to offer. We receive many letters and responses from grandmothers or moms who say things like, "Wow! I never knew the video game industry was this incredible! The visuals are stunning, the music so emotional... I understand why people are so into these things. I get it! I had no idea!" That for us is the biggest pay-off of all. Not only turning on gamers to the culture and art of live symphonies and performances, but also turning on the non-gamer to the video game industry as a whole.

After each show we get tons of people coming up to us afterwards during the meet & greet saying things like... "Wow! I never knew 'such and such' a game was so cool. I'm going to go buy it tomorrow." Or... "Man, that one segment really makes me want to go home and play it again."

The goal with video game concerts should be to raise awareness for the wonderful music and franchises that are represented. Providing an incredible experience at a reasonable price will help to build an audience bigger and better each and every year. We want entire families to be able to afford and enjoy the experiences our industry has to offer. At the Hollywood Bowl show you could buy a ticket for $1! In 2006 we'll be returning to the Hollywood Bowl as well as key markets all over North America including New York, Chicago, Philadelphia, Montreal, Toronto, etc. We're also taking the concert worldwide to countries like Australia, Japan & Brazil.

<b>Eric</b>: Is there anything else you want to mention about the show?

<b>Tommy</b>: Please sign up on our mailing list on the front page of <a href="http://www.videogameslive.com">www.videogameslive.com</a>.

We always send out all of the latest news and information as well as offer special deals and the best seating to everyone on the list.

[Diarago]

Ha, I knew you meant Tommy Tallerico.

That is freakin' cool, really. When was this?

[supertoad]

Ha, I knew you meant Tommy Tallerico.

That is freakin' cool, really. When was this?

Yesterday.

[Diarago]

Ha, I knew you meant Tommy Tallerico.

That is freakin' cool, really. When was this?

Yesterday.

Wow. This just seems pretty cool to me, because I watch G4 a lot, especially in the morning.

[Marduk]

bump




Edited to remove a bad joke

[The Revolution]

Alright Finally a interview with for tc.

[Slushie]

WHOA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I have been watching Electric Playground for years, and Reviews on the Run since it started. This is so cool. Way to go:D

[Phantom Triffle]

[LuigiLuke]

he likes my quiz =D

[ArborWeek]

this had been stickied for about 5 years now

[Marduk]

this had been stickied for about 5 years now

Actually not even a year... The reason it's still stickied is probably because it's one of the best content TC has had in a while.

[Poisentoad]

Cool. I never heard of Tommy Tallerico but I think it's awesome that you actually got to interview him.
So Does that mean like it's possible that Shigeru Miyamoto has browsed our forum before? That'd be awesome.

[Nightmare]

Cool. I never heard of Tommy Tallerico but I think it's awesome that you actually got to interview him.
So Does that mean like it's possible that Shigeru Miyamoto has browsed our forum before? That'd be awesome.

lol

Super Paper Mario has a quote from world 3-4 that says "I love to go to internet boards and criticize games that I've never played before!" When you're at the Kitty Door

[Fawful]

Do you think TC will ever get another person to be interviewed.

[Poisentoad]

Seems like a once in a lifetime chance for us nobodies.