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Amanda, Voice Over Director at Talkback Casting & Directing: Advize Career Interview
A career in voice-over directing offers a dynamic and rewarding path, as revealed in an interview with Amanda, a Voice Over Director at Talkback Casting & Directing.
The journey, often unconventional, emphasizes transferable skills and a willingness to embrace unexpected opportunities, showcasing how a theme park role could lead to a sound design career despite a lack of initial experience.
Daily work involves coaching actors in video game and animation projects, requiring effective communication, a collaborative spirit, and exceptional time management skills to navigate complex scripts and demanding schedules.
The most fulfilling aspects center around the passionate individuals involved – actors and clients alike – and the continuously evolving technology within a universally accepted industry.
Success hinges on a deep love for gaming, proactive client communication, and a dedication to producing high-quality work.
Entry-level positions like note-taking or assisting offer valuable experience; however, building and maintaining professional relationships is paramount.
The industry's increasing inclusivity is also highlighted, demonstrating a commitment to diverse representation.
Ultimately, this career demands a work-life balance and a passion for the craft, making it a fulfilling, albeit challenging, pursuit.
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Amanda Wyatt
Voice Over Director
Talkback Casting & Directing
Orange Coast College AA degree
n/a
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
General Studies / Not Applicable
Arts, Entertainment & Media
Creative
None Applicable
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Career Path Of A Voice Over Director At Talkback Casting And Directing
Amanda's career path diverged from a planned four-year college education in stage management to a self-built success story in voice directing, starting with a theme park project coordinator role that unexpectedly led to a sound design company position, despite Amanda having "knowing nothing about sound design or music composition or voiceover." This demonstrates how transferable skills and a willingness to take chances can unlock unforeseen career opportunities in the entertainment industry.
Main Responsibilities of a Voice Over Director at Talkback Casting and Directing
Amanda's primary responsibility as a Voice Over Director is coaching actors to deliver optimal performances for video games and animation, often working with "very little information about the roles" and code names for top-secret projects. This involves Amanda acting as "the conduit between what the client wants and the performance," directing actors in sound studios while collaborating with sound engineers to achieve the desired results.
A Day In The Life Of A Voice Over Director At Talkback Casting And Directing
A Voice Over Director's day is "long," typically an eight-hour studio session directing actors through "sometimes 700 lines" in various roles for video games, often incorporating motion capture technology similar to "behind the scenes footage of Avatar." The work extends beyond studio hours, with evenings dedicated to script preparation at home.
Most Important Skills For A Voice Over Director At Talkback Casting And Directing
Amanda, a Voice Over Director, emphasizes the importance of "effective communication," being able to concisely convey information to actors, and understanding client needs proactively. A friendly demeanor and relaxed environment, which Amanda believes fosters "the best performances," are also crucial to success in this role.
Favorite Parts of Being a Voice Over Director at Talkback Casting and Directing
Amanda, a Voice Over Director, finds the most rewarding aspect of her role at Talkback Casting & Directing to be "the people" — both the talented actors and clients who are "living their dreams" in the gaming industry. This shared passion creates a fulfilling work environment where, despite daily challenges, everyone feels they are pursuing a "dream job."
Biggest Challenges Faced By a Voice Over Director at Talkback Casting and Directing
Amanda's biggest challenge as a Voice Over Director is time management due to the increased complexity of modern video game dialogue; the shift from "line books of battle chatter" to "stories like you wouldn't believe" requires significantly more time to create a "cohesive package."
Favorite Parts of Working in the Video Game Industry as a Voice Over Director
Amanda, a Voice Over Director with over 20 years of experience, loves the "universally accepted industry" and its rapidly evolving technology, having witnessed firsthand "how beautiful these games have turned out to be," inspiring other media. The constant change and the collaborative spirit fueled by "the people" are what make the work most rewarding.
What Type Of Person Thrives In The Video Game Industry, According To A Voice Over Director At Talkback Casting And Directing
Amanda, a Voice Over Director, suggests that those who thrive in the industry are "gamers at heart," possessing a deep-seated love for the craft and a vested interest in producing high-quality work because they are passionate about the end product and want "it to be as good as they possibly can make it". This passion, fueled by a long-held desire to be involved in the field, is what allows individuals to flourish in the demanding world of voice-over directing.
What a Voice Over Director at Talkback wishes they knew before entering the voice over industry
Amanda, a Voice Over Director, unexpectedly found the job "so much fun" and wishes someone had emphasized this aspect before entering the industry, admitting to having "no offloading plan" because of her enjoyment. The evolving nature of the work over the past 20 years also surprised Amanda, highlighting the considerable daily time commitment required.
Entry-level positions for aspiring Voice Over Directors at Talkback Casting
For undergraduate students interested in voice-over directing, Amanda suggests entry-level roles as a note-taker or assistant for game developers or sound companies, allowing immersion in "how different directors approach directing an actor." Alternatively, shadowing a voice director is possible but challenging due to industry NDAs.
Significant Career Lesson from a Voice Over Director at Talkback Casting & Directing
Amanda's significant career lesson centers on achieving "life balance" and effective time management, crucial for a Voice Over Director constantly "juggling" and maintaining a positive atmosphere for clients and actors. This includes learning to "say no" to protect their own well-being and performance, a lesson underscored by their children's observation of their distinct professional and personal personas.
College Experiences That Helped A Voice Over Director At Talkback Casting And Directing Succeed
Amanda's undergraduate theater background fostered a passion for working with actors and directors, although the path to her current role as a Voice Over Director was unconventional. The most significant factor in her success, however, was "maintaining relationships along the way," building a reputation for valued connections and repeat clients that propelled the career trajectory.
How Identity Has Influenced a Voice Over Director's Career at Talkback Casting and Directing
Amanda, a Voice Over Director with over 25 years of experience, notes a significant shift toward inclusivity in the video game industry, stating, "I have seen a vast, vast change, um, inclusivity among all genders. All race has, has really changed." While never feeling the need to compromise authenticity, Amanda actively voices concerns and influences change, demonstrating how individual actions contribute to a more inclusive environment—as evidenced by her ability to successfully advocate for script changes, emphasizing the importance of representation with the statement "girls are gamers too".
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