Casting, Loud and Clear

L.A. Local members enjoyed a lively panel discussion between casting directors at SAG-AFTRA Plaza on June 5. Ruth Lambert, Ivy Isenberg and Gene Vasilaros discussed how both the roles of casting directors and performers in the animation field differ from those working with on-camera projects. Moderated by fellow casting director Jenny Jue, the panel left attendees with insight and tips for pursuing careers in animation.

While on-camera performers utilize voice, attitude, appearance and body language to convey a character’s persona, voiceover performers rely solely on attitude and vocal skills, which means a performer with the right voice could potentially play any or multiple roles, regardless of age or appearance. It also requires a performer be able to create multiple voices and sounds effects, know how to care for their voice and understand pacing. 

Similarly, casting directors are looking for different qualities in a performance for animation than those filling on-camera roles. For starters, panelists explained that creators rely on a performers’ collaboration to help realize the characters, and they encouraged attendees to make organic character choices in auditions rather than worry about what a CD is looking for. Regarding audition submissions, the CDs warned against speaking too softly and explained that the pace and volume directly affect the performance energy. They recommended that a performer only send two unique takes, under a minute-and-a-half each, and be weary of making odd noises with their mouth. For voice reels, be sure to have separate reels for separate types of performance, such as comedies, dramas and announcer spots. Finally, a way to make a good impression is ad-libbing, a part of the collaborative process to create a character. When auditioning or in the booth, the first take should always be just what is on the page, but the second take is a chance to let loose.

Above all, remember that the casting director hopes to fill the role just as much as the performer, and the best way to help them is by honing voiceover skills. Panelists reminded attendees that the Motion Picture Television Fund provides actors with free information about their health benefits. The SAG-AFTRA Foundation offers SAG-AFTRA members free use of its state-of-the-art recording facility, the Don LaFontaine Voiceover Lab, by appointment. Finally, the SAG-AFTRA L.A. Local offers myriad free classes and panels, including some that cover various voiceover topics. Click here to see a list of L.A. Local programming.

Photo: From left, SAG-AFTRA Senior Business Representative Silvia Gerber, casting directors Gene Vasilaros and Ivy Isenberg, SAG-AFTRA Entertainment Contracts Manager Tim Kuhl, and casting directors Ruth Lambert and Jenny Jue meet outside of SAG-AFTRA Plaza prior to the animation casting director panel held on June 5.