Unravelling the World of Voice Gaming: A Conversation with Emily Dean

Welcome to the captivating realm of voice acting, a domain that is rapidly evolving with the integration of technology like motion capture and AI. In this post, we delve into the insightful discussion from the recent episode of “Voice Acting Unplugged,” featuring industry expert Emily Dean. As a voiceover agent and founder of Voice Fox, Emily shares her journey, the nuances of voice acting, and her perspective on the industry’s future.

The Path to Voiceover Success

Emily Dean’s path to becoming a voiceover agent wasn’t linear. She began her career in the music industry, working in recording studios and gaining invaluable technical skills. Over time, Emily ventured into music licensing, managing bands, and ultimately, voiceover representation through her company, Voice Fox. Her story highlights the importance of passion and the ability to adapt in a constantly changing industry.

Navigating the World of Motion Capture

Emily elaborated on the growing trend of performance capture in gaming. Unlike traditional voice acting, performance capture involves capturing the entire performance—facial expressions, body movements, and voice. She explained how gaming studios are increasingly using this technique to bring more authenticity to characters. Emily’s insights reveal a shift towards a more comprehensive form of acting, blending traditional and digital realms.

Building a Voice Acting Portfolio

For aspiring voice actors, Emily emphasizes the importance of creating a strong portfolio. While having an agent can be beneficial, the ability to secure work independently is a crucial part of building a career. She advises actors to hone their skills, engage in continual learning, and take workshops specific to their interests, whether it’s animation, gaming, or commercials.

The Changing Landscape of Voice Acting

Emily discussed the impact of AI on the industry, noting that while AI may influence certain areas, it won’t replace the need for human emotion and nuance, especially in gaming and animation. She highlighted that genuine performances, which actors bring to life, remain in demand, providing a buffer against the AI takeover in creative roles.

Advice for Voice Actors

Anthony Rudd and Margaret Ashley, the podcast hosts, explored how auditions often sound similar and asked Emily for tips on standing out. Emily encouraged actors to focus on elements not explicitly in the script—such as breath, pace, and emotional texture—to bring a unique twist to their performances. Her advice underscores the significance of creativity and risk-taking in hooking casting directors’ interest.

Finding Your Niche and Passion

Emily also emphasized that identifying and pursuing one’s passion is critical. She recounted stories of actors with lifelong interests in martial arts or dance, translating those skills into voice acting. By pursuing workshops and constantly honing their craft, actors can align their passions with career opportunities.

Emily Dean’s unique journey and perceptive understanding of the industry provide invaluable insights for anyone interested in voice acting. Her perspective illustrates that success in voice acting is not just about having a great voice but involves a combination of passion, skill, and the ability to adapt to new technologies and trends. By continuously learning and remaining true to one’s passions, aspiring voice actors can carve out meaningful careers in this dynamic field.

Join Margaret & Anthony next time on Voice Acting Unplugged.