Chipmunk Chat

Actor and singer Jesse McCartney knows how to
hit the high notes. In Alvin and the Chipmunks:
The Squeakquel, he’s back as Theodore, the shy, cuddly member of the high-pitched troublemaking trio. McCartney recently spoke with student reporter Arin Soileau about his new movie, which comes out December 25.

Arin Soileau: What do you like about the character Theodore?
Jesse McCartney: I grew up watching [the show] Alvin and the Chipmunks. It was one of my favorite cartoons, and Theodore ... was actually my favorite chipmunk. He’s a very loveable chipmunk. He’s easy to like, [and] he’s very friendly.

AS: Did you originally try out for the role of Theodore?
JM: Yeah. I went into the recording studio, and I had a microphone in front of me, and a little bit of instruction. It can be challenging at times to get [my] voice sounding just like Theodore’s. But after ... a few weeks of practice, I finally got it. They called, and [said] we’d love for you to play the role.

AS: How long did the movie take to make?
JM: Compared to the rest of the team, and the rest of the people working on the movie, I actually have a relatively small job. It takes ... about six to eight weeks to record all the voices, but it takes the animators up to two years to animate all of the cartoons. [There are] over 370 animators working to bring the movie to life.

AS: How did you create the voice of Theodore?
JM: My voice is relatively low, and Theodore has the highest voice of the three chipmunks,
so I have to talk, like, really high. … I know it sounds funny. And I have to talk very slowly,
but with the same intensity of a normal conversation. … They run [the recording] through a couple different processes where it speeds up the voice and still maintains its clarity.

AS: What do you like to do when you are not acting or singing?
JM: I love to cook. … Now [that] I live by myself, I have to learn how to feed myself. I [also] love classic cars.

AS: What advice do you have for kids who are interested in a career in movies or music?
JM: It is one of those things that just doesn’t happen overnight. You have to put a lot of time into it. … One of the greatest things someone told me is that when you’re prepared, and the opportunity arises, you’re going to be ready to go. And when preparation meets opportunity, you’ll be golden.

Photo credits: McCartney: AP Images; Chipmunks: 20th Century Fox

Comment on this interview below.

Comments

[Lala]

I just wanted to let you know that I am a HUGE fan of Jesse McCartney. I love both of his albums, Beautiful Soul and Departure. I fell in love with Jesse McCartney the very first time that I saw his music video. The best parts are the movies. I like movies with him in it. I think it is pretty neat that he is putting his time into such a hard job. LOVE YA' JESSE.

[katinakirksey]

I have read your blog and I want to be a teen idol, but I do not think my voice is as good. But from your blog I know that it wont hurt to try.

[Casey]

Theodore is my most favorite chipmunk of the 3. (:

[Zachary Eicher]

I wish I could make my voice really high like that. That way I could become a chipmunk!