10 Tips For Directing Voice Artists For Animation
Advice from Timbuktoons about producing voice acting sessions
1. Know Thy Script.
At Timbuktoons we typically write our own and our client’s animation scripts, so we’re familiar with the concept and characters. In cases when we’ve hired a writer we still developed the concept, characters, tone, and story beats before pulling them onto the project.
This helps greatly when it’s time to direct voice actors during a recording session. You need to know the characters and the story well if you want to give the actors/actresses good direction.
2. Don’t Be Shy. Direct!
Don’t assume the actors have the same vision or understanding of the characters that you do because they don’t. You hired them to act, not self-direct. Several years ago I learned a valuable lesson when I hired a fairly experienced stage actor to voice a few characters.
I gave him a one line description of a character, handed him the script, then let the sound tech start recording. I didn’t like the takes but didn’t want to say anything out of respect for the actor’s experience.
After several lack luster takes he said, “You’re the director!…Direct!” I learned a valuable lesson that day. Actors act. We direct. Give them what they need to do their best work. They feed off the direction you give and they understand that it’s your vision that they’re working on. Have confidence in your idea and direct with no inhibitions.
3. Go Deep
Explain the emotions the character is feeling. Describe what led up to this line…what this line is setting up…etc. Pick an analogy or relatable story to help put the voice actor in the characters head.
Refer to character types, or even specific famous characters. Use expressive words to describe the character. Show them the character designs. Your job is to make them that character.
4. Think Through the Logistics
Send beforehand all of your forms, intructions, directions to the studio, script, etc. to prep them. Put yourself in the actors shoes and think through what they need to know and make it a smooth ride for them so they can focus on acting.
5. Don’t Forget to Record the Incidentals
Even if you don’t think you need it, go ahead and record a few laughs, giggles, grunts, breathing,…and maybe even a burp or two. Do it while you have the talent there. Once your project is in post, you’ll be glad you did!
6. Do Several Takes
Even if they nail it on the first take. It’s always better to have too much than not enough. While trimming wood for house projects, my Dad used to say, “I cut it 3 times and it’s still too short!” So, make sure you have more wood than you think you need!
7. Calm Their Nerves
Climbing into the booth to record your lines in front of the director, sound tech and other actors, can make even a seasoned actor a bit uncomfortable. Joke with them. Have them take a deep breath or two when they need it. Have some bottled water on hand incase their throats get dry.
Frame your corrective direction in an encouraging and disarming way. The more relaxed they are, the more you’ll get a fluid and natural voice session from them.
8. Go With Your Gut
Don’t analyze too much. Pay attention to the nuances of each line and go with your gut. If something doesn’t feel just right, think about it for a second and give some direction, or have them do a couple more takes.
9. Invite Happy Accidents
Leave room for the actor’s interpretation. Cast your vision and have them record specific takes but allow them to run with it. You might be surprised what happy accidents occur. Animation is a collaborative art form from start to finish so invite creativity at each phase of the process.
10. Have Fun!
Last but not least, you must have fun at a recording session. No one likes a stuffy, boring session. If you and the actors are having fun it will come out in the dialog! Don’t forget why you first became interested in animation, because you loved it and it was fun!