Know Your Character Types
Apr 1, 2018 21:26:01 GMT -8
Lady Stardust ★, benedict, and 2 more like this
Post by Aussieroth on Apr 1, 2018 21:26:01 GMT -8
There's one thing I've noticed when it comes to a lot of people starting up in voice acting: They are unsure of how to match their voice or performance style to characters. I understand that entirely, especially when ones acting experience is limited and when one is excited to give animation and games a go! You know you have a voice that you can work with and if you have some sort of acting experience and/or training before, all the merrier... Now how do you find out which character types work best for you?
Crispin Freeman has a great podcast about this (which you can find here) and one thing he talks about are "archetypes". For those who don't know, an archetype in this context is the basis for a type of character in a story. The Hero, The Ruler, The Jester, etc and then it goes down into deeper character definitions such as the wise old master, the stalwart young hero, the cunning villain, the thuggish villain and so on. This is putting it very simply but these concepts are worth researching.
Theoretically, an actor should be able to do anything and everything when it comes to characters. Yes, that is a good mindset to have and you should try to branch out every so often. However, everyone has a particular niche that they can and should fill out. Not to mention there are just some things certain actors can do not only really well, but also uniquely.
In the case of voice actors, knowing your vocal range is definitely a must. For a better idea of what I mean, let's take a look at Fred Tatasciore. He can pull off very low and demonic voices in a way that no on else can. Look up his takes on The Hulk in anything Marvel and Trypticon in Transformers: War for Cybertron and you will see what I mean. I have yet to find anyone who can "out-bass" him without digitally altering their pitch. Another example would be Tara Strong. She does have a range on her but she mostly does tough,eccentric young girls, boys and the occasional villainous character. Even vocal chameleons like Troy Baker have a particular niche they regularly work with.
All I can suggest now is start experimenting and enjoy yourself!
Crispin Freeman has a great podcast about this (which you can find here) and one thing he talks about are "archetypes". For those who don't know, an archetype in this context is the basis for a type of character in a story. The Hero, The Ruler, The Jester, etc and then it goes down into deeper character definitions such as the wise old master, the stalwart young hero, the cunning villain, the thuggish villain and so on. This is putting it very simply but these concepts are worth researching.
Theoretically, an actor should be able to do anything and everything when it comes to characters. Yes, that is a good mindset to have and you should try to branch out every so often. However, everyone has a particular niche that they can and should fill out. Not to mention there are just some things certain actors can do not only really well, but also uniquely.
In the case of voice actors, knowing your vocal range is definitely a must. For a better idea of what I mean, let's take a look at Fred Tatasciore. He can pull off very low and demonic voices in a way that no on else can. Look up his takes on The Hulk in anything Marvel and Trypticon in Transformers: War for Cybertron and you will see what I mean. I have yet to find anyone who can "out-bass" him without digitally altering their pitch. Another example would be Tara Strong. She does have a range on her but she mostly does tough,eccentric young girls, boys and the occasional villainous character. Even vocal chameleons like Troy Baker have a particular niche they regularly work with.
All I can suggest now is start experimenting and enjoy yourself!