Character Voices Aren't Just for Animation!

By Eric Hunt

Opportunities for creating characters in the voiceover industry have grown steadily and continue to expand with technological advances.  Character voiceovers used to be synonymous with animation for television or movies.  Today the application of that talent and acquired skill set has reached an entirely new level and now includes many new categories within the voiceover industry.   The allure of this type of voiceover work has only increased to match the industry trend.  The old heros like Mel Blanc and Walt Disney still command our respect but new ones have emerged bringing fresh talent and new insights into how to create engaging and irresistible characters.  While there is always a market for zany, seemingly over the top, character voices--like Tom Kinney’s Sponge Bob or Dan Castellaneta’s Barney Gumble (The Simpsons)--new trends are paving the way for more subdued characters--like Seth MacFarlane’s Brian Griffin (Family Guy).

With the advent of computer generated animation, the Second Golden Age of Animation is upon us.  During the First Golden Age, cell animation was the standard for companies like The Disney Corporation and Hanna Barbera.  It was much more labor intensive and ultimately confined to the restrictive flat world of two dimensions.  Now, with three dimensions, major leaps in realism, and refinements in character manipulation, the animation industry has grown exponentially.

There are a number of areas that have emerged beneath the larger umbrella of voiceover work that provide great opportunities for character voice actors.  They include: 

• Character-Driven Commercials
• Animated Television Series
• Animated Feature Films
• Video & Online Gaming
• Anime
• Animated Short Films
• Industrial Films
• Online Animation
• Audiobooks (Children’s & Other Fiction)
• Toys
• Theme Parks & Museums 
• Cell Phones & GPS Units 

Although you may have a specific area of interest, limiting yourself to just that area will stunt your ability to grow and get paid as a voice actor.  You should consider seeking opportunities in all of these areas.  In doing this you will gain experience to build a strong varied resume (a necessity if you plan to ever court talent agencies), improve your craft, make yourself more marketable and very likely come into contact with a number of different people involved in the process.