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regarding voice acting . . .

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Over at Joystiq, Griffin McElroy wrote about Keith David’s growing celebrity in video games. He’s probably best known for playing the Arbiter in Halo 2 and Halo 3, but he’s also in Mass Effect and a bunch of other extremely popular games.

McElroy takes this condescending, dismissive tone toward Keith David’s career, calling him a "B-List" actor, and implying that, because he hadn’t worked that often on camera recently, he resorted to voices in video games, where — hey, backhanded compliment — he’s doing surprisingly well for himself!

"These kinds of jobs are quickly gaining popularity in Hollywood, says
Reuters, as voice work provides a much steadier paycheck than that of
on-screen roles. We see it as a win-win situation — down on their luck
actors with distinct voices can find a nice amount of celebrity in the
gaming realm…"

Wow. This is so profoundly misinformed, and based on such confirmation bias, it’s too stupid to be offensive. I’ve been fortunate enough to spend a lot of time doing voice work, both for video games and for animation, and it is not easy. "Down on their luck actors" don’t get to just walk into a studio and
wave around their list of long-forgotten on-camera achievements in
exchange for a job. You can only get cast in these jobs — and keep
them — if you have the skills and talent to earn them. It’s an incredibly closed community where the gates are jealously guarded by people who work very, very hard to get inside, and once you’re there, you have to constantly work your ass off to stay there, because there are so many people working just as hard to take your place.

Here’s a shocking truth: a lot of so-called "A-list" celebrities don’t have what it takes to succeed in voice acting, because it’s an entirely different set of skills, and an entirely different work ethic. It’s hard, and it’s competitive, and it’s not someplace "down on their luck actors with distinct voices" go when they can’t go anywhere else. To imply otherwise is an insult to the actors whose voices bring these characters to life. I find that truly offensive.

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4 February, 2008 Wil

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I voted today → ← the luna city arcade: gamer heaven

60 thoughts on “regarding voice acting . . .”

  1. 1BigBank says:
    6 February, 2008 at 12:23 pm

    I once saw Spielberg give this interview where he said,
    “Movies will become a thing of the past, and intercative video games will be the new medium. It’s much more exciting to actually put yourself in the game and make the choices for the hero or the villian instead of just watching it unfold on screen.”
    I would go as far as to say that Spielberg is a visionary who knows exactely what the future of entertainent holds in store for us.
    I also like Keith David. Didn’t he play King in Platoon? I always get him confused with David Keith who was in An Officer and A Gentleman. Or is it the other way around?

  2. jo says:
    7 February, 2008 at 12:06 am

    Damn, someone beat me to the Patrick Stewart Oblivion bump.
    I always thought one of the reasons Patrick had such acting presence was the way he really *uses* his voice. It adds a dimension of realism that no amount of gesticulating or facial expression can do alone.
    It was almost sad hearing him in Oblivion, because, the other voice actors seemed flat in comparison. Sean Bean did a good job in that game, too, but… still there was something missing. There definitely are a different set of skills in top notch voice work.
    I still haven’t heard Wil on a voice performance yet, but, I hope I will soon have the opportunity.

  3. Matthew J. Sanderson says:
    7 February, 2008 at 2:20 pm

    Well, that’s what you get for reading Joystiq, an unrepentant, dull fucktard of a gaming blog. 🙂 Keith David is legend, and I’ve wanted to be a voice actor since I was a kid. It’s not usually as glamorous as the stage and screen, but it certainly requires a hell of a lot of talent to do it successfully.

  4. comictommy says:
    8 February, 2008 at 9:30 am

    Wil,
    Quick note to say thanks from one of the voice actors out there. It is nice when someone who has a platform (ie. you) steps up for us.
    Tom

  5. rob2e says:
    10 February, 2008 at 5:05 pm

    Keith David is righteous! His voice is the best. You’re right Wil. I always love to hear him on the Navy commercials. I like him as an actor as well, one of the best things I like watching him do is the final scene in ‘Requiem for a Dream’ with Jennifer Connelley. Back to back!

  6. Jaradel says:
    10 February, 2008 at 7:14 pm

    After I graduated from college in 1998, I spent two years working as a narration recordist for a postproduction facility in the DC Metro area. At the time, I recorded voiceover talent for everything from documentaries to political ads, instructional videos to promos and interstitials for Discovery Channel (which they have since brought in-house). I have worked with brilliant VO talent and VO talent for whom the word “talent” was used VERY loosely. Some of the best talent with whom I worked were people whose names you will never know, but if I told you what ads or shows they’ve done, you’d say, “OH YEAH, I know that voice!” And guess what – for most of these people, that’s ALL they do. They’re not actors (though some were, and well-known too) – they just possess very distinctive voices, can read copy flawlessly on the first or second take, know how to enunciate, adjust the tempo of their reading, and take direction with grace. I feel very privileged to have worked with so may talented people in those two years, and though I have changed careers since then, I will treasure that experience, always.
    Wil – thanks to my husband and my three year old, both huge Superman fans, I hear you every Saturday morning as Cosmic Boy on Legion of Heroes. Keep up the good work 🙂

  7. cissyjones says:
    11 February, 2008 at 11:32 pm

    Hey Wil – i can’t tell you how refreshing it is to read this post. i just began taking voiceover lessons in SF with Sam Parris and i love it! i’ve discovered it’s my one true talent. any tips for a newbie? 🙂
    i have always been a big fan of yours and recently discovered your blog (a fellow voiceover student pointed me here). geek on!!

  8. AJ says:
    13 February, 2008 at 5:33 pm

    When other actors ask me about voice-work, I am quick to tell them that it is the most exclusive, competitive part of showbiz. No, not the most lucrative. Not the most glamorous. But damn competitive.
    Ok, it *does* pay OK. 😉
    \m/ –AJ

  9. shepie says:
    14 February, 2008 at 10:32 am

    to James Young – you say smart things sometimes don’t you? J/K luv ya!
    I agree, voice actors do not get the recognition or respect they deserve. It’s a job that I’ve always admired but know I don’t have the talent to try. So as support to the voice actors, I watch all kinds of animated series…okay I just love cartoons. Realize this though, the characters come alive because of the wonderful voice actors. Kudos to all of you who bring joy to the rest of us.

  10. doggo says:
    26 February, 2008 at 11:53 am

    Voice acting really became important to me when I discovered recorded books. The first actor that stood out for me was Frank Muller. Since then I’ve marveled at the amazing talent shown by voice actors.
    ‘Course I’ve always loved cartoon voices… I do a mean villain myself.

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