Erin McIntosh Interview
The Last of Us Part II was a huge success for Naughty Dog with record sales for the sequel to one of the best games of all-time. The Last of Us Part II sold over 4 million copies in its opening weekend and by the time 2022 came around, it was hitting the 10 million in sales numbers and racking up multiple awards. The game features some complex characters with backstories that we’ll hopefully see fleshed out in season two of the very impressive HBO TV show, The Last of Us. One of those character is Mel. Mel is a character who plays a very important role in how the story within The Last of Us Part II plays out, Her relationship with Owen, being a former Firefly, working under Abby’s father Jerry Anderson as a very accomplished surgeon and of course, being pregnant in a fungal pandemic. Mel at first glance looked like a vulnerable person (and she was to a point), but under that kindness and vulnerability was a tough and strong-headed character.
I recently had an amazing opportunity to fire over some questions to Mel’s character model, Erin McIntosh to ask her about her time working on The Last of Us Part II and the processes behind it, if she planned on working on any more video games in the future and if she has been watching the HBO TV show amongst other things.
How was it working with a studio like Naughty Dog?
“Such a pleasure! The people I worked with were all lovely. Just being in Naughty Dog's offices and studios was amazing, too - as I'm sure you know, an enormous amount of work goes into these games, and there are so many artists working hard on so many different aspects of it. It was very cool getting to see behind the curtain of that world and be a small part of the process.”
Do you have plans to do more video game work in the future?
“I don't have any immediate plans to do more video game work, but I'm definitely open to it after having such a positive experience with The Last of Us Part II.”
How did you get the role as Mel’s character model for The Last of Us Part II? Did you have to attend some sort of audition?
“It was initially a modelling call, as they wanted a specific look for the character. My manager asked if I was interested, and I had to submit photos of my face from different angles. They cast me almost immediately - they said they were looking for a Winona Ryder type, and I guess I fit the bill, which is probably the best compliment!”
What was the process like for you regarding facial capture for Mel once you were given the role?
“My initial day of work was the easiest, as it was simply full body photographs from multiple angles. The days that were the most intensive were the days of face scanning, where I was instructed to hold various muscles of my face in specific positions over and over again as photos were taken from every angle, so they would have every possible facial movement and expression scanned for the character model. It took a surprising amount of focus and energy.”
Have you been watching HBO’s The Last of Us? And if so, what are your thoughts on it?
“I have, and I'm loving it. The cinematography, direction, and performances are all so beautiful, as is the writing. The third episode alone was one of the most heartbreaking and gorgeous pieces of television I've ever seen.”
Now that season two of the show has been confirmed (and it will dive into Part II’s story) would you love the chance to play Mel again in the TV show adaptation?
“Oh yes, absolutely. The world of the game and show is so complex and the characterizations so rich - it's something of an actor's dream. Not to mention the opportunity to work with the other artists involved, who I very much admire.”
If it's a yes to the last question will you audition for the role if you get the chance?
“100%! I'd be honored.”
What were your feelings on the reception of The Last of Us Part II? With some (the likes of Laura Bailey) receiving death threats and abuse online, which is never to see.
“Thankfully, most of what I heard was overwhelmingly positive. So many people were deeply moved by the story and it had such an impact. It was overwhelming in the best way. At the same time, I did hear about the death threats and online abuse, and that was disappointing and upsetting. I wonder if some fans of the game forgot that these artists are not actually their characters, they are human beings living their lives and doing a job. They have zero control over the decisions or actions their characters make in the game. I completely understand caring so passionately about a character or story to the point of having strong emotional reactions - and I think that can be wonderful - but to direct that upset toward real people themselves is never okay.”
What did you think of Mel as a character?
“I mean, she's a pregnant medic in a post-apocalyptic world, trying to survive and do her best based on the information she has at any time, while still navigating complicated relationships, loyalty, love and terror. In other words, a fully dimensional human being. For those reasons, I think she's an amazing character.”
Did you play The Last of Us Part II?
“I didn't play it myself, but I did watch my cousin (who's a huge fan of the games) play a good bit of it. The animation is incredible, and the storyline nuanced and compelling. All of the artists who contributed to it should be incredibly proud of their work.”
A massive thank you to Erin for taking the time out of her busy schedule to answer these questions for me, I love the passion she has for playing Mel in the game and I can’t wait to see where he career takes her next. Thanks again, Erin!
Rest in peace, Mel + Alice. 🦮