A couple months ago, I took a video game workshop with Kim Hurdon of KH Casting through one of my agents, TaDa Voiceworks. If KH Casting sounds familiar, Darryl Hogan (casting and directing) from KH was an Industry Pro for us this past year.
Kim has been casting and directing video games for decades. She gave such great feedback in the workshop and there were 7 VIDEO GAME TIPS that stuck out to me. The nuances in voice over can make all the difference in the world. Check out these great tips from Kim…
1| SLOW DOWN
Kim says voice actors tend to go too fast in video game auditions. There aren’t the same time constraints as in commercial VO, so take the time to tell the story.
2| BE CAREFUL of being SING-SONGY
I know that commercial breakdowns often mention “no polished or typical VO sound” and it seems it’s similar to video games. More video games are looking for real, authentic deliveries. If your audition has predictable ups and downs, it automatically feels inauthentic.
3| MATCH VOICE TO ACTION
If you get shot in the arm, it will sound different compared to getting shot in the foot. Make sure whatever the injury, the sound matches. Also, think about the specifics of the action you’re doing. If you’re throwing a grenade, you throw it over-handed. Does your voice reflect that or does it sound like you’re tossing it in front of you?
Think through the what, where and how of the action/injury. Changing the what, where and how can also give you a variety of efforts to send in auditions.
4| NPC’s NEVER PULL FOCUS
Are you auditioning for a non-player character (NPC)? If so, they shouldn’t take focus off the main character. Know your role in the story.
5| FOLLOW-THROUGH for EFFORTS
If your character is jumping, can you hear them land too? Think of the whole arc of the effort.
6| MAKE IT UGLY and GROSS
Video games aren’t glossy and polished. More often than not, you’re in the middle of a fight or battle.
7| LOOK FOR TURNS
Great stories and characters change. Look for turns in your script.
If you’re interested in learning from Kim, check out more info here. Tanya also does one-on-one coaching here.
Hope this helps empower you in your next video game audition!
