Community
Q&A with Patricia Summersett
1/6/17
Save 10% on officially licensed Assassin's
Creed Origins merchandise with the code "TOWCB"
Top Stories
Our Admin Col_96 had the opportunity to ask Patrica Summersett questions on her work for the Assassin's Creed franchise.
Interviews
Col: Galina was first introduced in Assassin’s Creed Initiates, and has become a fan favourite character in the Present Day. Did you do much research on her background before you voiced her in Assassin’s Creed Syndicate?
Patricia: As is pretty normal for video game auditions, I wasn’t aware of what I was auditioning for at first. I knew she was a Russian character going into the audition, so I worked my accent and practised some basic Russian words and phrases, and my physicality of an “Assassin”. Once I was confirmed for the role I was passionately briefed with more details and spent time reading her (quite dramatic and charged) history regarding her mother, sister and friends. She is one tough and fascinating character.
Col: Galina can also be found in the Assassin’s Creed Titan Comics. Have you been reading them?
Patricia: I own a couple and have certainly enjoyed what I’ve read. They really give her a different flavor, different angle in the comics. With those two sources (game and comics) a very rounded, dimensional character emerges, one who is quite easy to empathize with (imo). I’m sure I’ll get my hands on more. If you see me at a Con, feel free and share with me. ;)
Col: What is your take on the relationship between Hope Jensen and Shay Cormac?
​
Patricia: Poor them. What a crazy twist of fate. I can’t say for sure, but I think it’s an unfortunate unrequited relationship.. That is 100% only my take on it. Obviously there were some sparks before all hell broke loose. But I do certainly enjoy the Fan Art I’ve found and often share, of Hope and Shay together. ;) Great Fan Art. BTW I love Fan Art in general. There are so many ridiculously talented artists and it makes me really happy to see creative work breed more creative work.
Col: Do you like Hope Jensen’s Purple Outfit? She’s the first Assassin to wear purple (main colour) in an Assassin’s Creed Game.
Patricia: She is 100% better than Barney, eggplants, the purple people eater, and almost a match for Purple Rain. Hard to beat Prince… that's hard. She's up there though. yeah, I love the purple. As an actor, I'm often put in red outfits. I don't know why, maybe it's colouring or just character type, but purple is refreshing. Oh yes, grapes. She beats grapes. Speaking of grapes, I would wear her outfit and drink a nice glass of Burgundy, and truly enjoy myself and not have to worry if I sloshed about… how excellent.
Col: Was it difficult to perfect the Russian Accent for Galina? Did you need any special coaching or training for the role?
Patricia: I’ve had and still have accent coaches that I draw from for just about everything I do involving accent work. I use the technique where I draw from various sources but ultimately narrow it down to one or two specific ones. I often enjoy training my accents using resources like IDEA (for anyone looking for accent resources, great website and it’s free!) Previous to getting this role, I had also spent some time studying theatre at MXAT (Moscow Arts Theatre School) in Russia, visiting Moscow and St. Petersburg. And before getting into theatre I was an ice dancer and used to train with various Russian coaches around the US. So it’s definitely been in my ear.. I kind of cobble things together from various sources.
Save 10% on officially licensed Assassin's
Creed Origins merchandise with the code "TOWCB"
Col: Were you surprised when you learned that your character was to be assassinated?
Patricia: Never… I often die. It’s a thing. I feel bad for my father (in real life) who has often watched me die on stage, in film/tv…. He is not a fan of that. But I’ve had some pretty brutal deaths. It’s a thing unfortunately.
Col: Would you like to return to voice acting in Assassin’s Creed, and could we see you again in future projects?
Patricia: I will work with Ubisoft and the AC series any time, every time, any way. It’s the best. I love my job and I love meeting people through it. Perhaps I will meet some of you at Conventions in the upcoming year and I look forward to it. As far as future games, I’ve got a couple of things coming up. Princess Zelda was just announced, that has been an amazing ride. Some other announcements are coming, I’m excited about all of them. Hope Jensen was my first true female warrior character in video games. I cannot tell you how excited I was when I got that role. It was my first big role with Ubisoft and I was over the moon. I love playing strong women characters and I look forward to many more.
Col: Thank you for your time!
Patricia: And thanks for yours.
