Inside the World of Voice Acting and Video Game Directing: A Conversation with Thomas Mitchells

Introduction

Welcome to a fascinating exploration of the voice acting industry, particularly within the realm of video games, as shared by Thomas Mitchells, a seasoned voice director. This intriguing conversation, hosted by Anthony Rudd and Margaret Ashley on their podcast, “Voice Acting Unplugged,” offers invaluable insights into the nuances of directing and performing voiceovers in the gaming world.

A Voice Acting Journey

Thomas Mitchells began his journey in entertainment as a cabaret singer before transitioning to theater and voice acting. His professional transformation was a natural progression driven by a passion for acting and a keen interest in video games. He shares:

“My real grassroots beginnings actually started as a singer abroad. I was doing cabaret singing in hotels and bars. Eventually, I decided to pursue acting and being a character as opposed to just singing.”

His leap into video games started somewhat serendipitously, landing his first credit with “Guitar Hero Live,” which opened the door to the voiceover realm.

Directing with Empathy

Thomas emphasizes the importance of creating a supportive environment for actors, drawing from his experiences in the theater industry. He advocates for a positive and safe atmosphere, steering away from aggression or intimidation tactics:

“I’ve had some very negative experiences with directors in the past, and I brought that lesson into my style of directing with people. Creating a safe and positive environment is essential, especially when dealing with intense material.”

Mitchells also highlights the significance of clear and effective communication, especially in larger projects with multiple directors, like “Baldur’s Gate 3.”

The Dynamic World of Voice Directing

When it comes to the role of a voice director, Thomas explains that much of the responsibility involves management and decision-making, ensuring actors are comfortable and can deliver their best performance without strain:

“Oftentimes a director is sort of thrown into the mix towards the end of pre-production. I’ll get information and spend a day prepping before heading to the studio. The actual work is about finding that balance between directing and letting actors bring their best to the table.”

He further elaborates on the challenges of working remotely and the benefits it brings, especially to indie studios looking to save on costs.

Advice for Aspiring Voice Actors

For those looking to enter the world of video games, Thomas offers valuable advice:

“Consume media, understand pop culture, watch films and genres widely. It’s about understanding different styles, and it doesn’t mean spending money on classes. Plus, learn how to do a tax return; business acumen is crucial.”

Mitchells encourages young actors to immerse themselves in various media to prepare for any role, emphasizing the importance of understanding the technical aspects of game development.

Conclusion

Concluding their engrossing discussion, the hosts and Thomas express their gratitude and excitement for future projects. Thomas’s journey and his insights into the voice acting industry reveal a dynamic field ripe with opportunities and challenges, where passion and empathy are key.

We hope you enjoyed this deep dive into the world of voice acting and directing. Stay tuned for more inspiring stories and insights in upcoming episodes! Feel free to leave a review and connect with Thomas through the links provided in the podcast notes. See you next week!

Join Margaret & Anthony next time on Voice Acting Unplugged.