When you audition, make sure you understand whether the show is recorded in a studio or if you want to use your own equipment at home. For those with the personal budget to buy new microphones and accessories, check out the audio equipment section of our podcast guide for advice. Plus, read what WIRED product writer and critic Eric Ravenscraft has to say about the popular HyperX Quadcast S.
You don’t need to identify as a regular gamer to play a role in a video game, but you should be familiar with the structure of the medium. Schoeffling recommends at least watching other people play. “Rhythm, energy and speed. It’s different from animation. It’s different from film,” she said. Watching long-form Twitch streams or YouTube videos can give you a better understanding of how other actors handle video games.
What do actors who play games in their spare time need to know about development? “I think the most important thing to understand about game development is that it’s a long process,” Schoeffling said. “It doesn’t usually happen in a year. It usually happens in two to three years, and sometimes seven years.”
Do your best to resign from spam on Twitter, as hard as it may be. Schefflin confirmed that actors have indeed been overlooked in a competitive market due to leaks or public expressions of grievances on social media. Actors are also often asked to sign nondisclosure agreements. “I think it’s good practice to expect an NDA or expect you to be basically under an NDA, even if you don’t sign it,” she said. Caution is very important.”
Rejection is part of any emerging actor’s routine, and Schefflin encourages people to recognize that much of the decision-making process is beyond their control. Characters may be lost for reasons unrelated to your demo reel or pre-recorded tapes. For example, you might miss a call back because your voiceprint sounds too close to someone they’ve already selected. Now, stop being so hard on yourself! seriously.
“Actors will submit hundreds of auditions and hear nothing. The only thing you know is that you’re still auditioning,” Schefflin said. Don’t come to the audition expecting a positive word. Find someone you can trust, online or in person, who will give you encouragement.
As an actor, it’s important to prioritize your mental health. Find a leisurely hobby or other form of self-expression so your passion for acting doesn’t become all-encompassing. Yes, you can make money for video games, but it’s not financially prudent to rely on it as your only source of income in the first place. “I know actors who decide to pursue other careers outside of acting so that every audition they do is not under the pressure of making a living,” says Schefflin. There’s nothing shameful about being passionate about creative pursuits that don’t pay the bills. of.
While this isn’t always an option, public disclosure of identities by actors from underrepresented backgrounds could draw attention from casting directors. “If you’re willing to make sure the outside world knows your background and identity, those things really help us as we search,” she said. “Yes, we search actor sites and more, but we’re also on Instagram.” Check out groups like Global Majority Voices, Voices of Color, and Queer Voices for more resources to make representation Underserved actors benefit.
Protect your labor and be aware of exploitative situations. A job as a video game actor isn’t particularly luxurious, even if it’s your dream career. Finding a supportive community can be as important as drinking lots of water and expressing yourself clearly. Despite the lack of mainstream recognition, Schefflin is optimistic about the future of the actor industry. “Games in the entertainment world are starting to get more respect,” she said.
