On this episode of Character Select, Anjali and Julia sit down with renowned actor Abubakar Salim. Well-known to television audiences for his roles in Raised By Wolves and House of the Dragon, as well as for his BAFTA-winning performance of Bayek of Siwa in Assassin’s Creed: Origins, Abubakar’s most recent role is even more impressive and unexpected: that of a studio founder and game director. His first release on April 23 was the sensational Tales of Kenzera: ZAU, which he conceived and shepherded into life through his own game company, Surgent Studios. From the first announcement he made at the Game Awards in 2023 to now, he has shared with the world his own journey of grief over the loss of his father a decade before through the story and beautiful manifestation of this game.

Thanks to our episode sponsor, @HeroForgeMinis! Visit https://www.heroforge.com to learn more.

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Guest:

Follow Abubakar on Instagram @abzysalim and Twitter/X @abzybabzy

Follow Tales of Kenzera on Twitter @zauthegame

Liinks: https://www.liinks.co/ZauTheGame

Download Tales of Kenzera: ZAU now on ALL platforms!

Find us online at charselectpod.com or email us at charselectpod@gmail.com. Be sure to follow us on socials so you don't miss a thing!

@charselectpod | Instagram

@characterselectpod | TikTok

@charselectpod_ | Twitter/X

WATCH: My Shoes, Your Feet: https://youtu.be/tYa1tzJpe2Q?si=7oANyet64Plh_FkH

WATCH: Play, Watch, Listen episode with Abubakar Salim and Austin Wintory: https://youtu.be/mjlIsw5nFdU?si=NRI2PYvNoNjHeviY

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Credits

- Hosts: Anjali Bhimani (https://anjalibhimani.com/) and Julia Bianco (http://www.juliabs.com/)

- Executive Producers: Rick Barrio Dill, Julia Bianco Schoeffling, & Anjali Bhimani

- Producer/Sound Engineer/Editor: Bri Coorey

- Producer: Madigan Hunt

- Animation: Bri Coorey and Larissa Donahoe

- Research: W. Amanda Mack

- Additional Editing/Graphics: Josie Scott

- Art: Laura Medeiros

- Music: Rick Barrio Dill

- Ad Sales and Production Consultation: Multitude (http://multitude.productions/)

This is a SLAP Music Media Production with support from Bad Auntie Productions (http://badauntie.com/) and The Halp Network (https://www.halpnet.com/)

About The Show

Unlock the inspirations for the people who made your favorite video games with Character Select! Each episode brings on gaming veterans from all aspects of game development–including actors, composers, writers, directors, artists, and more–as they share the gaming moments that inspired and kickstarted their creative journeys. Hosted by industry veterans actress Anjali Bhimani and casting director Julia Bianco, Character Select is your guide to leveling up your appreciation and knowledge of the world of video game development, voiceover performance, and performance capture. New episodes every Monday!

Austin Wintory may have never been a composer if he hadn't been trying to win a challenge issued by his father when he was a child; thankfully, the stars aligned and our world of gaming certainly is better for it! On this episode of Character Select, Julia and Anjali sit down with the self-described Grim Fandango fanboy to chat about conducting his high school orchestra whilst still in school, directing within the unique framework of Stray Gods: The Roleplaying Musical, and the three-line exchange in Grim Fandango that's been burned into his brain for 25 years! ========================

Hosts:

Anjali Bhimani @sweeetanj | Instagram/Twitter/TikTok

Julia Bianco @juliabscasting | Twitter/IG/TikTok

Guest:

Follow Austin on Instagram: @a.wintory and Twitter/X: @awintory

========================

Credits:

Hosts: Anjali Bhimani and Julia Bianco

Executive Producers: Rick Barrio Dill, Julia Bianco Schoeffling, & Anjali Bhimani
Producer/Sound Engineer/Editor: Bri Coorey

Producer: Madigan Hunt

Animation: Bri Coorey and Larissa Donahoe

Research: Amanda Mack

Art: Laura Medeiros

Music: Rick Barrio Dill

Additional Editing/Graphics: Josie Scott

Ad Sales and Production Consultation: Multitude

Filmed/Recorded at SLAP Studios LA: www.SLAPStudiosLA.com

This is a SLAP Music Media Production with support from Bad Auntie Productions and The Halp Network.

About The Show: Unlock the inspirations for the people who made your favorite video games with Character Select! Each episode brings on gaming veterans from all aspects of game development–including actors, composers, writers, directors, artists, and more–as they share the gaming moments that inspired and kickstarted their creative journeys. Hosted by industry veterans actress Anjali Bhimani and casting director Julia Bianco, Character Select is your guide to leveling up your appreciation and knowledge of the world of video game development, voiceover performance, and performance capture. New episodes every Monday!