Writers in the Recording Studio - Professional Techniques for Video Game Writing - page 102

If you decide to use non-union talent, the casting process is quite a bit different.
First of all, you need to find actors to come in and audition. In Los Angeles and New
York, you can place an ad in one of the local casting publications. Currently, the
most well-known are Back Stage and Back Stage West .Bothhaveonlinesites.There
are also a number other online casting resources. One of the most well-known is
http://www.breakdownservices.com. Then there is always the ubiquitous http://www.
craigslist.org.
You will have no problemfinding willing actors by going this route. The problem
will be separating the wheat from the chaff. One way to do this is to hire a casting
director who is knowledgeable in this area. They do charge a fee, and in the end, it
maymakemoresensetogotheunion-talentroute.
Handling Casting and Audition Materials
Whether you hire a casting director or handle it all on your own, you're going to
need to do the proper preparation and put together an information package. This
should include the full script and a breakdown of the script. The breakdown de-
lineates the number of characters in the script and the number of actors required.
Many times actors will play multiple roles. The current AFTRA interactive agree-
ment allows actors to play three roles for each half-day they are contracted (with addi-
tional fees for additional voices). Unions in other countries have their own rates and
rules. For instance, in the United Kingdom, voice actors are hired by the day, not by
the voice.
You'll need to figure out how many lines each character has and whether they
will be doing them alone or as part of an ensemble. This will help determine how
long you'll need each actor in the studio and how much he or she will need to
be paid.
This information package should also include detailed character descriptions and
artwork to show the talent what the characters look like in-game. A short biography
of each major character is essential. If the character is supposed to sound like a
particular star or celebrity, put that down as well. You will also need audition scripts
(sides). These are monologues that bring out all facets of each character. No more
than one or two monologues per character should be included. Keep the monologues
fairly short. The longer each audition is, the more time it'll take you to record it and
listen back.
Choosing the Talent
As the writer, you may not be consulted as to the final casting decisions (especially if
the publisher wants to go the celebrity route), but if you are, here are some things to
keep in mind.
You should be there for the callbacks. Have the actors show you all the different
characters they can do. You're usually not casting one actor for one part but for
multiple parts. You'll want a vivid contrast between different characters and different
voices within each scene. Keep in mind what the in-game characters look like. You