Casting the new voice of Lara …at last the story can be told!

Author: SIDE

With the official release of the highly anticipated Tomb Raider: Legend in April, sound production company side - who cast, recorded and directed the new incarnation of iconic character Lara Croft - can finally shout about another major project successfully completed.

side cast TV and film actress Keeley Hawes (Spooks, Tipping The Velvet) as the new voice of the world's most glamorous tomb-raiding, gun-toting adventurer - but while landing one of gaming's more enviable tasks is something most of us would want to shout from the rooftops, the people at side have had to keep their mouths very firmly shut. Strict secrecy was maintained throughout production, even as speculation raged in the gaming community about the new Lara's possible identity.

side co-founder Andy Emery acknowledged that there was a rather cruel irony in an audio specialist having to maintain a stoic silence: 'It is sometimes a little frustrating that we cannot shout about projects we're currently working on, especially when they're as exciting or prestigious as many of our recent projects have been. But, of course, we fully understand the need to keep things under wraps. And when great titles such as Tomb Raider: Legend or the recent Dragon Quest: Journey Of The Cursed King receive such critical acclaim from the specialist press, that gives everyone here at side a real glow of satisfaction at a job well done.'

The latest in the Dragon Quest series has already had tremendous critical acclaim in the US, with vocal work being singled out for particular praise by reviewers. Other significant projects to date include Driver: Parallel Lines, The Movies, Batman Begins, Black & White 2, Genji, MediEvil: Resurrection, Fable and Killzone. side is currently working on a number of Next Gen titles due for release in 2007.

'Working with side UK was instrumental in ensuring we met our high production values set out for Tomb Raider: Legend. We chose side for the facilities, professionalism, experience and friendly staff which collectively made the whole experience run very smoothly, and we look forward to working with side again in the future.'

Greg Hounsom, Senior Producer Eidos

For further information on SIDE contact Dene Landucci on 07967-177779 or call:

side UK Ltd, 1ST Floor, Great Titchfield House, 14-18 Great Titchfield St., London, W1W 8BD T: 0207 6314800 E: [email protected]www.sideuk.com