Ep 153 - Video Game Voice Acting with Akira Lee Watanabe

The Voiceover Gurus, Linda Bruno welcomes the talented Akira Lee Watanabe to discuss her fascinating journey and experiences in the voice acting industry. Akira shares insights into her background, growing up in Yokohama, Japan, and her transition from stage acting in the UK to voice acting in Los Angeles.

From the competitive world of anime voice acting in Japan to her unique roles in popular video games like 'Tom Clancy's Division 2' and 'Arknights', Akira offers a behind-the-scenes look at her approach to crafting authentic and compelling characters.

Listeners will gain valuable tips on the improvisational nature of video game recordings and the importance of trusting your instincts and creative collaborations. Whether you're an aspiring voice actor or simply curious about the process, this episode sheds light on the creative and dynamic world of voice acting.

About Akira Lee:

Akira Lee Watanabe is a versatile actor and voiceover artist, seamlessly blending her Korean and Japanese heritage to infuse a multicultural essence into her work. Originally hailing from Japan, Akira has traversed the entertainment industry across various landscapes, with experiences spanning across London and the United States. Her exceptional talents have earned her roles in notable films such as Yesterday and It Kills at Midnight. Moreover, she has made a significant impact in the realm of voice acting, lending her voice to projects in video games such as Tom Clancy’s Division 2 and Arknights; as well as narrating audiobooks including Disney’s Mulan. Akira’s overarching mission is to champion diverse storytelling and collaborate with exceptional creative minds.

To learn more: https://www.akiraleewatanabe.com/

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FOR MORE INFO ON THE SHOW AND THE GURUS, PLEASE VISIT:

Coaching Website: https://voiceover.guru/ and https://learnwiththegurus.com/

Linda Bruno Voice Actress https://www.lindabruno.com

Alyssa Jayson Actress and Musician http://www.alyssajayson.com

Kevin Kilpatrick Voice Actor https://kevinkilpatrick.com/

Join our Circle Community: https://the-voiceover-gurus.circle.so/home

In this episode of the Voiceover Gurus podcast, Linda welcomes Christy Harst, a seasoned voice talent passionate about sports promo. Christy shares her inspiring journey and sometimes struggle of breaking barriers in the male-dominated world of sports voiceover.

Christy introduces us to her groundbreaking initiative, "Building Doors," a campaign she launched to create opportunities for women in male-centric voiceover genres. Discover how this movement is opening doors for female talents by advocating for equity and diversity in the industry, and learn about the success stories that have emerged from this empowering campaign.

Join us as Christy delves into the significance of women supporting women, the impact of social media in advancing careers, and how her campaign is helping to reshape the voiceover landscape.

About Christy Harst:

My voice over journey started in college when I applied for a news internship at a local classical radio station. During the interview the station manager told me I had a good voice, escorted me to the studio, asked me to read the Star Spangled Banner into a microphone, and pressed record. After I was done he played it back and said, “You’d do well in voice overs.” I didn’t even know what a voice over was, let alone how to get into the business. At the end of the internship, he gave me my first voice over job – a tag line for a commercial. My parents drove an hour to get in range to hear it on their car radio.

More than two decades later and one home studio, I have lent my voice to clients like Delta Faucets, Sherwin Williams, Bank of America, and PNC Bank. I truly enjoy what I do and it shows in my work. Television commercials are lots of fun, but so are medical training programs, on-hold messages about deicers, and narrating the proud history of a church.

https://www.christyharst.com/

FOR MORE INFO ON THE SHOW AND THE GURUS, PLEASE VISIT:

Coaching Website: https://voiceover.guru/ and https://learnwiththegurus.com/

Join our Circle Community: https://the-voiceover-gurus.circle.so/home

Linda Bruno Voice Actress https://www.lindabruno.com

Alyssa Jayson Actress and Musician http://www.alyssajayson.com

Kevin Kilpatrick Voice Actor https://kevinkilpatrick.com/

In this episode of the Voiceover Gurus Podcast, host Linda Bruno gets down to business. She welcomes Rolf Veldman, CEO of Voice123, to discuss the evolving landscape of the voiceover industry and the role of AI technology. Rolf shares insights into Voice123's recent developments, including its innovative Voice Credential Authenticity Initiative. This initiative aims to protect voice talent by embedding a unique, silent watermark onto every audio file, ensuring the authenticity and ownership of their work.

Rolf explains how this technology works and its potential impact on the industry, emphasizing the importance of building trust and security for voice actors. He discusses the balance between AI's opportunities and challenges, reassuring listeners that human creativity remains irreplaceable. The conversation also touches on how AI can enhance the voiceover process, offering efficiency while preserving the artistic essence of voice performances.

Linda and Rolf explore the dynamics of the voiceover market, from the influx of talent during the COVID-19 pandemic to the evolving demands of clients. They highlight the significance of platforms like Voice123 in providing opportunities and insights for both new and experienced voice actors. Tune in to learn how Voice123 is paving the way for a secure and prosperous future in the voiceover industry.

Visit our website, Voiceover.Guru, and join our vibrant community for weekly script reads and more!

CEO of Voice123, Rolf Veldman, is an historian who enjoys turning great ideas into great businesses. He leads a diverse, globally-remote team of achievers who are pushing the boundaries of the voice over industry. Based in the Netherlands, Rolf loves strategy board games, traveling, cycling, and pottering about in his garden next to a national park near the German border.

FOR MORE INFO ON THE SHOW AND THE GURUS, PLEASE VISIT:

Coaching Website: https://voiceover.guru/ and https://learnwiththegurus.com/

Join our Circle Community: https://the-voiceover-gurus.circle.so/home

Linda Bruno Voice Actress https://www.lindabruno.com

Alyssa Jayson Actress and Musician http://www.alyssajayson.com

Kevin Kilpatrick Voice Actor https://kevinkilpatrick.com/