Finding the Perfect Voiceover Talent: A Look Into Our Process
Casting voiceover talent requires a unique blend of precision and intuition. At Aura Casting, we pride ourselves on discovering voices that not only match a character’s description but also bring them to life in unexpected and compelling ways.
Our latest project, Slumberland, an animated short film, provides the perfect example of how we approach VO casting.
Defining the Roles: Finding the Right Vocal Identity
For Slumberland, we are searching for two distinct voices that sound authentically 11-12 years old. While we are open to casting talent of any age, authenticity is key. Here’s what we’re looking for:
Linnea: A voice with a natural rasp or texture, capable of conveying both childhood innocence and wisdom beyond their years. This role requires a performer who can handle sharp, quick-witted dialogue as well as moments of vulnerability. While a New York accent is not necessary, we want a voice that suggests urban sophistication while maintaining a youthful essence.
Flip: A role that demands strong comedic timing, the ability to layer subtext beneath seemingly simple lines, and a natural grasp of passive-aggressive sweetness. The right voice will make “trust me” sound both sincere and suspicious, all while maintaining an energetic performance that seamlessly shifts between manufactured innocence and needling provocation.
Sourcing Talent: Expanding the Search Beyond the Usual Pool
To ensure we find the best possible voices, we leverage multiple avenues, including:
Our extensive industry network
Voiceover agencies
Social media outreach
Platforms specifically designed for voiceover talent
By casting a wide net, we ensure that we’re hearing a variety of performances, increasing our chances of finding fresh, compelling voices.
The Audition Process: Crafting an Engaging Submission
For this project, actors must submit a recording of the provided sides. Since the final recording will be done remotely, we also require that talent have the ability to record high-quality audio from home. This ensures a seamless workflow for both production and talent.
Making the Selection: The Art of Finding the Right Fit
Our selection process is more than just checking off a list of technical requirements. While vocal quality and authenticity are important, we focus on:
Character Fit: Does the voice truly embody Linnea or Flip?
Creative Choices: How does the actor bring depth and nuance to the role?
Believability: Does the performance feel organic, or does it sound overly performed?
The best voices are the ones that pull us in and make us believe in the character.
Advice for Producers: What to Keep in Mind When Casting VO Talent
From our experience in voiceover casting, we recommend:
Allowing for creativity: Sometimes, the best voices come from unexpected places.
Being open to all types of voices: A unique tone or delivery might just be the key to making a character stand out.
Listening for what draws you in: If a voice captures your attention in a compelling way, it’s likely to do the same for your audience.
Bringing Characters to Life Through Voice
Casting for Slumberland is an exciting process that highlights how the right voice can shape a story. Our casting team is committed to finding those voices that elevate a project from good to unforgettable. If you’re a producer looking to cast your next voiceover project, we’d love to help bring your vision to life. Check out our past VO projects and let’s find the perfect voice for your story!
