Actor Ben Starr, lead role in Final Fantasy XVI, discusses his early love of video games and his thought process behind getting into character. They explore the psychological toll of performance art, acting for video games, and the emotional impact of video game characters. They also discuss the balance between simplicity and complexity in writing and the power of outstanding performances. Ben shares personal stories about their acting and gaming careers, experiences with PlayStation consoles, and the challenges and rewards of being involved in the Final Fantasy XVI project.
Separate personal worth from external validation in the journey of being an actor.
Recognize the importance of embracing the inherent value of one's work as an actor, irrespective of fame.
Focus on personal growth and development rather than constant comparison with other actors.
Find fulfillment in the authentic expression of one's craft, beyond seeking validation from others.
Deep dives
Navigating the Challenges of Being an Actor
The journey of being an actor is filled with ups and downs, with moments of success and periods of uncertainty. It can be challenging to separate one's self-worth from how one's work is received and valued. Society often places importance on one's profession, causing actors to feel the need to justify their value to others. This pressure can lead to self-doubt and feelings of inadequacy. It is an ongoing process to dissociate personal worth from external validation and to find fulfillment in the love and passion for the craft itself.
The Struggle of Defining Self-Worth as an Artist
Society tends to judge actors based on their fame or recognition, often overlooking and devaluing those who are not well-known. It is common for actors to experience the need to prove themselves to others who may not fully understand or appreciate their work. This can create a cycle of seeking validation from outside sources, leading to feelings of inadequacy when not recognized for their achievements. Learning to detach self-worth from external validation and embracing the inherent value of one's work can be a lifelong challenge for actors.
The Impact of Comparison on Artists
Within the creative industry, comparisons between performers are inevitable. Often, actors are surrounded by peers who were the top performer in their respective communities or networks. This shift from being the best to being in a pool of equally talented individuals can be disheartening and lead to self-doubt. It is crucial to focus on personal growth and development rather than constantly comparing oneself to others. Recognizing that talent is subjective and that each artist brings unique qualities to their work can help navigate the challenges of comparison.
Finding Value in Authentically Expressing Oneself
Amid societal expectations and external judgments, it is essential for actors to remember the importance of their authentic expression. The true worth of an artist lies not in external validation or recognition but in their ability to connect with their craft and express themselves genuinely. Embracing the uniqueness of one's own voice and finding fulfillment in the process of creating can bring greater satisfaction and fulfillment than seeking validation from others.
The Power of Making Choices
The podcast episode explores the power of making choices and the impact they can have. The speaker emphasizes the importance of taking risks and embracing the fear that comes with it. They discuss how making choices and being open to failure can lead to personal growth and unexpected opportunities. They also mention the significance of feeling safe and supported in order to explore and make bold decisions.
The Evolution of Gaming
The podcast delves into the evolution of gaming and the increased diversity and variety in the industry. The speaker talks about their own gaming experiences, from their childhood fascination with Sega to their love for PlayStation and the Final Fantasy franchise. They highlight the importance of game design that takes advantage of the unique possibilities of the medium, creating experiences that are only possible in games.
The Process of Recording for Final Fantasy 16
The podcast episode provides insights into the process of recording for Final Fantasy 16. The speaker shares their audition experience, where they initially tried out for a small character but ended up being selected as the lead. They discuss the trust and freedom they were given to shape their character and the vulnerability that accompanies recording sessions. They also express gratitude for the positive reception of the game and the collaborative effort that went into creating it.
Austin Wintory chats with actor Ben Starr, who played the lead role of Clive Rosfield in the latest entry to the Final Fantasy series, Final Fantasy XVI. Together they discuss how he started acting and his early love of video games; his thought process behind when getting into character and bringing the writing to life; the psychological toll of performance art; and the difficult but freeing process of acting for video games.
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