Today we chat with Alexandre Serel, the author of L’Histoire de
Tomb Raider (The History of Tomb Raider).

Hi Alexandre, Thank you so much for agreeing to spare some time and speak to us today

No problem Ash, I hope everything’s ok in Manchester!

Tell us how you’ve got an idea to write this stunningly looking book.

When I was a child, I wanted to be a game designer at CORE
Design so, I think as an adult it was obvious to write a book about Tomb
Raider! More seriously, I had the idea in 2012 when visiting a french event
about the Japanese culture, Japan Expo. My publisher, Pix N Love, was there to
present books about video games. As simple as that, I told myself “There’s
something to do with Tomb Raider”. I started doing research and, in 2014, I
started writing a few things which would become this book.

I know you were writing another book, Lara from L to A, how different is it to “the history of Tomb Raider”?

That’s the same book ! « Lara From L to A » was the first
title of « The Story of Tomb Raider ». We (my publisher and I) thought that «
Lara From L to A » was a strange name. It became « The Story of Tomb Raider :
Lara Croft’s Odyssey». Why « Lara Croft’s Odyssey » ? Because « Odyssey » is
the name of the very first video game console and « Lara Croft’s Odyssey » is
my very first book. It’s a simple nod.

What readers should expect from this book

It’s a kind of story telling. I didn’t want to write
“Nathan McCree, interview page 56”. It was rather talking to CORE developers
so they could tell me their work, anecdotes and who they really are. Once I got
these information, I had to assemble them in order to tell a story.

The original script for Tomb Raider 1, provided by Core Design.

How long it took you to write this book?

It took me one year to “understand” the history of CORE and
another one to “assemble” the whole thing. After one year, a big draft was in
my computer. But, to be clear, I was unsatisfied with the results. So, I
rewrote whole passages. Then, one day, I received lots of documents from
Richard Morton. So, hundreds of documents had to be translated, a huge work
from Anaïs Orhant. It took a few months. While waiting for the translations, I
was finishing passages.

Alexandre, Célia and Pix n’ Love team

I’m sure you’re extremely proud of it. What was the most challenging in writing
“The History of Tomb Raider”?

No, I’m not really proud. Some people were able to read the
book, saying it was really good. But I’m an Eternal dissatisfied person and I
only find defects. The hardest thing ? Angel of Darkness without hesitation.
The game development was so chaotic that I spent weeks trying to put the right
things back in place. I had to manage lots of information. Pieces of stories
that were scrapped, things that were written by Murti Schofield or other people
form CORE Design… that was tiring. There were also incoherent game design
documents… I remember spending entire days telling myself « It will be hard to
put things back in order » The most important thing is to think of the reader.
So, trying to tell him / her a coherent story and to make him / her understand
that things were complicated with this game. I unfortunately believe that
there’s not « one reality » about Angel of Darkness but several. Each person
has a different version of the story and this is quite normal. Richard will
remember this point, Murti another one and another person has yet another
version… So many years later, I’m still very sad that this caused the fall of
CORE Design. Every employee of the studio is an immense artist. I would love to
see them working together again. Wouldn’t it be great ?

I know that there are plans on English version, could you comment on that? Any
other languages you might plan to translate it to?

We are in talks for the English version, but nothing is yet
decided. The other countries might have a « different » version because it
would not be fun just translate the book. Moreover, some passages talks about
the Tomb Raider phenomenon in France, so this not interesting for English
readers. It needs a few challenges. I would like to add a few things to the
English version, like a meeting with Meagan Marie, English Lara Croft voices,
etc… But nothing is set in stone.

The History of Tomb Raider has one of the best (if not the best) covers I have ever
seen. Who designed it?

Three of us have worked on the cover. With Célia Beauduc,
who is also the illustrator, we’ve got the idea of a cover that “calls for
adventure”. The first draft was showing Lara from back, looking at the horizon.
But I wasn’t convinced and found it a little too “classic”. So Célia, who is
very talented, started thinking about a concept, the idea of Lara turning to
the reader, inviting him / her to read the book and going on an adventure. Then
Luc Pétronille, who is the creative director of Pix N Love took Célia’s
illustration and reworked it into a final version. He then created the Atlantis
Edition all by himself. He is also really talented and he impresses me every
time.

One of the early cover designs

On behalf of an entire Tomb Raider community and Core Design fans, thank you for
your effort.

Thank YOU! Don’t change and please continue to make CORE Design life in your mind.

The post [Interview] Alexandre Serel. The author of The History of Tomb Raider appeared first on Tomb of Ash.

We are delighted
and honoured to present you an interview with one of Lara’s voice over actresses,
Jude Gibbins. Jude voiced Lara in Tomb Raider II and Tomb Raider III, along
with adverts and trailers for the game.

Hello Jude. Thank you so much for agreeing to this interview!  

Hello Ash, Thank you for your interest in wanting to know about my time as Lara Croft. I hope you find my answers an enjoyable read.

How did you find out that the Tomb Raider developers needed a voice actress for videogame icon Lara Croft?  Were you approached or cast?

I had a phone call from my brother, who was a programmer working at Core Design, and he said they were holding auditions for a voice to a character in a computer game, I asked who it was and of course it was for Lara Croft, to which I replied “who is that and what does she look like?” (well you can imagine the disgust in his face). Anyway I thought about it and decided to have a go. I was given a page of script and they recorded me at their studios in Derby… If I remember rightly, there were about eight other girls who turned up too. I recorded one evening and got a phone call the next day to say I had got the part.

How did you react when you got the position?  What were you first reactions?  

When I got the part I was so excited I could not believe it. My first reaction was to shout it from the roof tops because of course by then I knew all about Lara Croft. However, I was not allowed to tell anyone, the directors wanted it to be a secret. The only person I told was my son.

Prior to you being cast as Lara Croft did you play Tomb Raider at all? If so, what were your thoughts on it?

I’m afraid as for playing the actual Tomb Raider games… I am useless at it. But I think it is fascinating and I admire anyone who has the patience for them.

Have you done voice acting before or after you were Lara Croft?

Lara Croft has been my only voice over work. Before that I had danced and sang in my local amateur dramatics society based in Derby, “The Good Companions” where I stayed for 32 years. Wonderful memories. So I suppose that helped with the acting. I would love to do more voice over work, I loved it all.

What was most unusual about this role?  What parts did you like or dislike?

All my experiences as Lara Croft were varied and challenging but exciting and enjoyable. The only thing I disliked is the fact I had to keep it a secret. Although the press soon got wind of it and as result I did a lot of interview’s for television and radio. They were nerve racking I can tell you!

Where did you have to go to be recorded and was there anyone from Core Design there at the time to direct you? What directions did they give you? 

Most of the recording was done either in London or at Core Design. I had a lot of instructions on how they wanted her to sound and sometimes I could do a line many times until they were satisfied it was right. I did however have a lot of help from Nathan McCree, as you might know he wrote the music for Tomb Raider, He was really kind and gave me a lot of advice and help. We are still friends today.

Have you integrated quotes from the script of either Tomb Raider games you have worked on into daily life?

The only time I quote as Lara Croft in my real life is if i am asked to, otherwise not really. Although I did do an answer machine message once as Lara for a friend!

How different was it to voice Sophia Leigh compared to Lara Croft?  How was it to voice both halves of a conversation since both of them interacted?

What happened with Sophia Leigh, as I remember, I was asked to do the lines at a separate time than Lara and they didn’t know if they would actually my voice so my honest answer to that is I am not sure if it is my voice, although I have heard it and it does sound like me!

Who did you like to voice more Lara or Sophia?

I loved voicing Lara Croft and I am very proud and privileged to have had her in my life.

Does anyone recognize your voice in real life to be that of Lara Croft?  

I don’t get recognised by my voice, I am sorry to say.

Do you recall any funny moments or outtakes that occurred during the process?  

I had a lot of fun in the studios and yes there were many outtakes and laughter. The hardest thing to record was the breath she took coming out of the water… that took some time and it was so funny to hear some of the sounds, we were in stitches! Oh and I am afraid I used to swear a lot too!

Have you followed the Tomb Raider series since your work was done?  If so, how do you feel about the adjustments and the direction of the development?  

I think the direction of the Tomb Raider games is fantastic. The graphics are superb. How Lara has evolved too is fantastic and that goes for her voice today as well. I think all the Lara voices have done a brilliant job and of course she has changed with the times like most thing do.

Thank you very much for your time!

Well Ash I hope this is a good read and I look forward to hearing more about the [Special project – TBA soon]!

The post [Exclusive] Interview with Jude Gibbins – Lara’s Voice for Tomb Raider 2-3 appeared first on Tomb of Ash.

Power of PS1 is a documentary film and book. A deep Insight into PS1 & its great legacy games. There are tons of previously unseen footage and interesting material.

Tomb Raider (and other key games like Crash Bandicoot) features heavily in their documentary and book so give them a follow on Twitter, check out the trailer and (most importantly) back them on Kickstarter! Make sure you reblog/retweet/share this post with your friends. Lets make this project happen!

The post Power of PS1 Kickstarter appeared first on Tomb of Ash.

Jill de Jong was the last model that represented the original Lara Croft by Core Design. Today she kindly agreed for an exclusive interview with me!

Hello Jill thanks for taking time to participate in this interview!

It’s my pleasure!

How did your career as a model begin?

“When I was 15, I was scouted at an event and theyasked me to participate in a modelling contest. I became one of the winners andwas invited by and Italian modelling agency to come to Milan for a few weeks tosee if modelling was for me. I loved it and was offered a full time contract.It was my ticket to freedom; I did not know what I wanted to study after highschool, this was a dream opportunity for me.

Have you played Tomb Raider games before becoming a model for Eidos? If so tell which one is your favourite? No before I was casted to be Lara Croft I had never played before, I had heard great things about it!

How did you hear about the casting of Lara Croft’s official model? I was in Paris when my agent called me to tell me about this casting. The casting director had seen a picture in my portfolio that resembled Lara Croft’s profile and wanted to meet me in person. I flew to London to meet her.

How did the casting go?

It was really fun, we all got to wear the costume and got our hair and make-up done so we could really feel what it was like to be Lara. Did you have to read lines from the game? No we had to give it our own twist; our own interpretation of Lara.

What was your reaction when you got the news that you were the official Lara Croft model?

It was It was an incredible moment, I could hardly believe it and called my agents and parents right away.  I did not even know exactly what was awaiting me but I knew it was going to be awesome.

In the Angel of Darkness Lara Croft was rather dark character. Did they provide you with some insights or write-ups on Lara’s persona from the game?

Yes, they briefed me on the history, the new development and characteristics.

How were you coached to represent Lara? 

I worked with a choreographer on some moves, a little routine and after that I could just do whatever I felt Lara would do. And it would depend on the audience and space I had to move around in.  I loved getting into character, the adrenaline rush I would get right before getting out on stage fuelled me!

What was the most difficult part in representing Lara? 

I think the demanding schedule, the Lara days where always packed with performances, interviews and meet and greets. And after a Lara trip I would go straight to another modelling job and would work 10-12 hour days.

I am sure you have some funny stories to tell about the time when you were Lara Croft?

Haha! Yes! My Lara manager (who I’m still very good friend with today) and I still laugh about the several times I’d pick up a guy and flip him upside down. He’d look flabbergasted once back on his feet LOL.

Were there any particular rules set by Eidos for you when you were in the costume?

Not a whole lot, the main thing was that I couldn’t speak with the press in costume.  All interviews were done as Jill not as Lara. That changed later, I believe Karima was allowed to do so.

Jill’s page at the official Tomb Raider the Angel of Darkness website

What skills did the experience of being a look-a-like model gave you?

Performing/acting and gun skills.

What are your thoughts on the Angel of Darkness as the game? Do you like Lara more in the AOD or in previous games?  

I did not get to play much because I was always on the road and had very little free time.  But I really enjoyed the improvement on her moves and skills over the years. Every time a new game was released she moved better and was more bad ass than the previous year.

Have you played any recent games by Crystal Dynamics? If so, what do you think of the new Lara’s look and character? 

No, I have not, I would be curious to see it!

You know they still do not have an official look-a-like model since 2009. Would you agree to become a Tomb Raider once again?

Really, has it been that long? Wow. Yes I would love do it again. With all the experience, I have gained over the years I would be able to give so much more!

What did you do after your contract with Eidos ended? I am sure I’ve seen you in print ads for Escada! In addition, please tell about your experience as an actress!

I coloured my hair back to blond (my natural colour) and continued modelling. I’ve been very lucky with a long successful modelling career. I also moved to LA to get into acting and had a great time in school but was not passionate enough to pursue it as a full time career.

As for being an actress; would you agree to be in the films as Lara? 

Yes for sure! That would be a dream come true.

Lara Croft is a toned strong woman.  Do you feel your experience of being Lara Croft contributed to the ideas of your “Models Do Eat” Campaign and your interest in fitness and nutrition?

Yes the message of “Models Do Eat”  is an empowering message for women to take great care of themselves and kick ass in life. A strong body= a strong mind.

Did you have to or choose to go through any physical training for representing Lara Croft? 

No besides spending a few hours with a choreographer I didn’t get any other training. I kept myself in great shape in the gym.

Tell us about your ongoing projects.

I have a challenging and adventurous water sports shoot coming up for Women’s Health magazine in Hawaii. I still get to work on some great modelling jobs but it’s not what I do full time anymore. The majority of the time I coach women (I’m a certified health coach) to get in their best shape physically and mentally.

(Check the following links if you’re interested in Jill’s ongoing projects www.jilldejong.com, www.modelsdoeat.com  Models do Eat Facebook page)

As you know, there is a huge cosplay community. Did you start looking at Lara Croft fans’ cosplay when you became an official model? And if so, did you have a favourite cosplayer?

I did, it was so much fun to see that there was a big community sharing their passion! I did not have a favourite, every girl is unique in her expression of Lara!

Thank you very much for your time Jill!

You are very welcome. Thanks for your time and energy you put into this!

Special Thanks:

Tatiana Leitzel

The post Interview with Jill de Jong appeared first on Tomb of Ash.