Q&A with Shannon Tilton
As some of you may know, I was able to get a hold of voice actress Shannon Tilton through Stars Agency. Shannon has provided the voice of Teresa Lipan since Syphon Filter 2. She is the only character in the series to have the same voice actor/actress since the creation of the character. Here is the Q&A with Shannon Tilton.
Syphon Filter Central: How did you come about your role of Teresa Lipan?
Shannon Tilton: I auditioned through my agent, Stars the Agency.
SFC: Were there any other roles that you were offered to play but turned down?
ST: No there was not.
SFC: Did you do any other voice over work for Syphon Filter, other than Teresa?
ST: If I did any voices, they were for very minor characters (a couple of lines). I’ve done a lot of
sessions with them so I can’t quite remember. Teresa was the main character.
SFC: How did the voice over process work for Syphon Filter 2 and beyond?
ST: A lot of the gaming voiceover work started in the Bay Area. But as games got bigger, they
started to focus on talent in larger markets. So when I first started, we were recording at the
Sony Playstation offices in Northern California. Then I can’t remember if it was the second or
third game that suddenly we were recording in LA. That was fun!
SFC: Every character has changed voice actors at least once (Most with the transition from SF3 to
SF:TOS), with the exception of Teresa Lipan. How does it feel to be the only voice actor that has
worked on every Syphon Filter game that you character has been in?
ST: I am honored!
SFC: Did the voice over artists work together to record the lines for the FMV's (Full Motion Videos) or
did they record those lines separately?
ST: I always recorded my sessions separately.
SFC: What did the team at Sony tell you about your character before you started to record for the
role?
ST: I remember vaguely at the very beginning, they initially were considering a slight Hispanic
accent, like Jennifer Lopez. I think there was also a tough chick in the movie “Aliens” that they
referenced as well. But basically they wanted someone who could be strong, with some
sensitivity. Obviously we didn’t go with the accent.
SFC: Was there anything out of the ordinary that you did to prepare yourself for the role?
ST: Not really out of the ordinary. I knew I needed to bring lots of water and snacks to the recording
sessions. Sometimes those sessions can be long. And if it’s an action sequence – which many
are in video games – it can be a workout.
SFC: Was there anybody that you liked working with the most or that you liked working with the least
during the voice over work for any of the Syphon Filter games?
ST: I honestly had a great experience with everyone. There were some of the same Sony people
from start to finish – and it was great to get to know them. Had a great time with everyone in
LA too.
SFC: How did you see the character, so to speak? What main qualities and mannerisms did you try to
give her, and where did they come from? We’ve always found it interesting how upbeat and
charismatic Teresa is in these slightly apocalyptic situations.
ST: I think Teresa was always supposed to be “in control”. My understanding (not having played the
game) is that Teresa is often the person coaching the gamer in each situation – many of which
are dangerous. So no matter how bad things get – there’s always a solution. But Teresa is also
human, so she does go through normal emotions like being scared or excited. She was always
professional.
SFC: In Syphon Filter 2, we learn that Teresa left the Agency because she'd gotten a taste of what
they were really like. Do you know or remember what that was? Why didn't she try to get her
friends Gabe and Lian to go off the reservation with her?
ST: Hmmm….no I can’t remember. I bet someone at Sony could tell you? But I guess you may have
already tried to find that out.
SFC: When Teresa dies at the end of Syphon Filter 2, did you know she would be brought back in
Syphon Filter 3? If not directly, maybe through some kind of tip‐off, such as contract options for
future games?
ST: I can’t remember exactly what happened – it’s been a long time. I do recall what I thought was
my last recording session. They were so nice about it. I wasn’t expecting to be kept on so I
wasn’t really surprised. I probably cracked a joke about having them bring Teresa back to life.
Or they may have mentioned it was a possibility. But I do remember being really shocked when
they did bring her back to life. And they gave Teresa a great speech explaining how it all
happened. That was really cool.
SFC: Have you ever played the Syphon Filter games to get a taste of what your character is living
through?
ST: How sad – no I haven’t. Although I’ve seen video clips. I’ve heard the games awesome and
quite popular. And honestly, I know a lot of people who are into games. I need to at least try
and play Syphon Filter somehow.
SFC: How is it to work with James Arnold Taylor and the rest of the voice cast?
ST: Unfortunately I never worked with them.
SFC: Who do you think better portrays the character of Gabriel Logan? John Chacon or James Arnold
Taylor?
ST: Since I haven’t played the games ‐ I don’t know the difference. But if I did – I wouldn’t say
SFC: Do you happen to have any contact with John Chacon or know of anybody that worked on the
Syphon Filter series that would have a way to contact him?
ST: The only people I know are represented through Stars (my agent). So Stars may be able to
connect you.
SFC: What are you up to now‐a‐days? Do you still do voice overs and if so, what notable franchises
are you working with?
ST: Yes I still do voiceovers. Do a lot of corporate stuff and commercials. Every now and then I get
lucky with video games.
SFC: Do you know what Syphon Filter: Spy Wars is? I saw it listed on the resume of James Arnold
Taylor and wondered if you did any work for that title as well?
ST: No – I don’t know what that is.
SFC: Has Sony contacted you at all about another Syphon Filter?
ST: No. Let’s start an online campaign!!!
SFC: Final question; has Teresa changed at all from when you started started the role in 2000 to
now? In what ways? What have you been doing to reflect that, in your performance?
ST: I wish I had a deep answer for you. From my recollection, we kept her pretty consistent. Maybe
we just got it right from the start
Once again I would like to thank Stars Agency for getting me in contact with Shannon. As well as obviously thanking Shannon for taking time out of her busy schedule to answer these questions for us!
For more information on Shannon Tilton, visit her official website @
http://shannontilton.com/voice/contact.html For more information on Stars The Agency, visit their official website @
http://www.starsagency.com/ 
