In recent years, the debate over accurate and authentic representation has dominated stage and screen casting. ‘colorblind castingwas the first solution offered, casting actors regardless of their ethnicity. This approach immediately included gender and gender identity, and was intended to open up all roles to everyone.
Immediately after, ‘Color-conscious casting‘ and equivalents have been put forward. This movement was an advance in colorblind casting and sought to recognize the importance of respecting diverse stories and characters.
These industries have yet to decide which best practices to adopt, but the conversation itself is very important. Unfortunately, the voices of the world are coming a little late to the party. This is amazing. many inclusive medium. After all, voice actors play animals and inanimate objects just as often as they play humans.
The first big sign of a changing tide probably came in January 2020. Hank Azaria announced He will step down from voicing Indian shopkeeper Apu simpsonsSix months later, Jenny Slate (Missy Inn big mouth), Kristen Bell (Molly Inn central park), and Mike Henry (in Cleveland cleveland show) – among other things – followed.
This timing coincided in the video game realm.hawaiian actor Brent Mukaifamous for the role of Ratchet and Clank: Rift Apart When genshin impact, to prove this. “I got an agent in the middle of 2020. At that point, many [production companies] “We were already very focused on authentic casting and never strayed too far from that formula,” he recently told GamesHub. expressed. wildflowerfrom Studio Drydock.
Across the Pond, award-winning British actress Ally Murphy Agreed.I [since] There were also many calls for people in the trans community and non-binary people. It’s so good to know that these stories are written, and that the characters are drawn by actors who can bring their stories to the role. I spoke to the character of Mute, Bendy and the Dark RevivalWhen Somerville.
As Martin Vaughan, head of casting for giant SIDE Global, puts it metaphorically: other side of the table. “Previously, it was very rare for a protagonist to stray from a particular type, usually white and male,” he said. No. Those elements haven’t gone away completely, but it’s encouraging to see so many developers wanting to do something different.”
Mukai said he was “very grateful” for this slow and steady change. “Growing up, I didn’t see many people who looked like me or had experiences in mainstream media that resonated with me, so it’s incredible to have this opportunity now,” he said. rice field.
However, Murphy noted that speed bumps still exist. “At the beginning of the year, I had the unfortunate experience of having to decline the role after I found out it was going to be an African-American. However, I couldn’t pass up the chance from someone who could play the role. [me].’
Likewise, Vaughan hasn’t forgotten the inevitable growing pains. “It’s always exciting to cast a role within a talent pool that may not have been represented in previous games or to a large extent,” he said.[But] It may mean that these pools are small because such talent is not afforded the same opportunities of experience as others. This can be a challenge, but hopefully that won’t be the case now that more diverse characters are introduced.
When asked to think about how the voice-over industry is tracking in terms of stages and screens, Vaughn said, “Progress is happening. I think the development was slow compared to the development of the casting of… [So] Even though it’s progress, I think it’s essential to keep moving forward, both in terms of visibility and how certain groups are portrayed. , I feel that the main character needs more expression.
Murphy shares this view. “In voice, it can be very difficult to convey what an actor looks like. I think there are still a lot of people who hold the opinion that all roles are to be played, regardless of species, gender, or sexual orientation. she said.
Like Vaughan, Mukai expressed similar beliefs.
“I think there’s always something to do,” Mukai said. “I honestly don’t know what that looks like. I think the seeds are being sown right now to hear more diverse voices in unprecedented ways. I hope it grows and more diversity becomes part of the infrastructure of the entertainment industry. Having a lot of power to speak.
“It’s important to realize that decisions about the main character’s background are often made before the casting process begins, which often hinders flexibility,” said Vaughan. “I’m trying to be the voice that asks if the characters have to be cast as they’re written, or if there’s more variety to choose from.”
This two-way dialogue is important. Similar to progress in stage and screen media, sustainable change requires creators, casting his directors and actors to be on the same team. The sense of “us versus them” and true success remains elusive.
read: How to get into video game voiceover acting
As Vaughan explained,[we] Both desire and expect to see and hear themselves reflected in the media we consume. Games are no exception. Fans of games can be very loyal, especially when they feel like they’ve seen or heard them. “
The incentives are clearly there for all involved.
On top of that, Mukai said “thank you” to those who have already raised the flag. “If you create projects with people from diverse cultures and tell your story, other diverse artists can share and contribute to your vision. You are giving us a lot of opportunities, and even if you are not a POC, you can think outside the box in casting, and have a diverse group of people with different cultural backgrounds. If you’re making a conscious choice to add a character to your story, I appreciate that as well.”
For game developers looking to promote diverse narratives, Murphy said: PGM voice over list – An online database of underprivileged, underrated and other artists.
