Endless Thread Hidden Levels Ep. 4: Machinima
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Oct 18, 2025 James Parkinson, a skilled documentarian and contributor, narrates captivating stories about the evolution of machinima. Tim Kitzrow, the iconic voice of NBA Jam's enthusiastic announcer, shares his journey from drummer to a voice acting legend. They dive into the origins of famous catchphrases like 'Boom shakalaka' and discuss the cutting-edge blend of gaming and filmmaking. The conversation showcases how machinima transformed from a creative workaround to an innovative art form that democratizes storytelling.
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From Pinball Drummer To Iconic Announcer
- Tim Kitzrow transitioned from doing pinball voiceovers to becoming the iconic announcer for NBA Jam after being hired through friends at Midway.
- He recorded the game's voice library in about 20 hours and didn't expect it to become a career-making role.
Arcade Bedlam Validated The Game
- At a Chicago test, NBA Jam caused chaos: crowds, fights, and jammed coin doors as players reacted to big dunks and exploding backboards.
- The game's live reception confirmed it had the electric arcade energy the developers wanted.
Voice As A Quarter-Magnet
- NBA Jam's announcer voice cut through arcade noise and drew players to the cabinet, becoming a core part of the game's appeal.
- High-energy, distinctive vocal delivery can make a game memorable and commercially successful.