Character Voice

Term from Voice Acting industry explained for recruiters

Character Voice refers to the unique way a voice actor brings animated characters, video game personas, or narration to life through their voice. It's different from regular speaking voice - think of how cartoon characters each sound distinct and memorable. Voice actors use different pitches, accents, emotions, and speaking styles to create these special voices. When you see this term in someone's resume, it means they can create and maintain consistent, distinct voices for different characters, which is a fundamental skill in voice acting and animation work.

Examples in Resumes

Created distinctive Character Voice|Character Voices for 5 main characters in an animated series

Developed Character Voice techniques through intensive coaching sessions

Maintained consistent Character Voices across 12 episodes of a video game series

Typical job title: "Voice Actors"

Also try searching for:

Voice Actor Voice Over Artist Character Voice Performer Voice Talent Character Voice Actor Voice Character Specialist Animation Voice Artist

Example Interview Questions

Senior Level Questions

Q: How do you maintain character voice consistency across long recording sessions?

Expected Answer: An experienced voice actor should discuss their techniques for voice maintenance, keeping character voice notes/samples, and how they can quickly get back into character even after breaks.

Q: How do you handle direction for adjusting a character voice mid-project?

Expected Answer: They should explain their process for taking feedback, making adjustments while maintaining the core essence of the character, and their ability to provide multiple variations of the same character voice.

Mid Level Questions

Q: What's your process for developing a new character voice?

Expected Answer: Should explain how they analyze character descriptions, create voice samples, and develop distinct vocal characteristics based on the character's personality and background.

Q: How do you protect your voice during long sessions?

Expected Answer: Should discuss vocal warm-ups, hydration, rest periods, and techniques to prevent strain when doing challenging character voices.

Junior Level Questions

Q: What's the difference between your natural voice and a character voice?

Expected Answer: Should be able to demonstrate basic understanding of voice modulation, pitch changes, and how personality traits can be expressed through voice.

Q: How many distinct character voices can you perform?

Expected Answer: Should be able to showcase at least 2-3 different character voices and explain how they develop and maintain them.

Experience Level Indicators

Junior (0-2 years)

  • Basic voice modulation
  • Simple character voice creation
  • Basic script reading
  • Voice maintenance awareness

Mid (2-5 years)

  • Multiple distinct character voices
  • Quick character voice switching
  • Consistent voice maintenance
  • Taking direction and adjusting performances

Senior (5+ years)

  • Advanced character voice development
  • Long-session voice endurance
  • Multiple accent capabilities
  • Teaching and mentoring others

Red Flags to Watch For

  • Unable to maintain consistent character voices
  • No demo reel or voice samples
  • Poor voice control or projection
  • Lack of basic recording setup knowledge
  • No understanding of industry standard practices