FEATURING MORGAN
NOW IN TODAY'S SOCIETY, EVERY-
THING IS DONE BY REMOTE WORK. DO YOU ENJOY THIS PROCESS, OR DO YOU PREFER TO SHOW UP AT THE STUDIO?
This is a GREAT question. Remote work has definitely made it a bit more tedious for the majority of voice actors, I'd say, but after the adjustments, many of us have settled just fine. Working remotely also makes me somewhat anxious due to fear of something going wrong, but trading it for the commute isn't bad at all. Personally, I enjoy working in the studio more because of the atmosphere and the intimacy. It feels much easier to work when I'm close to the director/produc- ers. Voice over is very collaborative, and the studio feels like the perfect breeding ground for that creativity.
WHAT TYPE OF SPECIALTY IN VOICE OVER WORK DO YOU LIKE TO FOCUS ON, OR DO YOU HAVE SEVERAL TYPES?
I like working on 3D animation the most, but I really like dubbing as well! I once did a dub for a French show on Disney+ called "Parallels", and I can honestly say it was refreshing to try a new type of voice acting. I've also voiced a few characters
Paul-Mikél Williams in video games like 11:11 Legends of Ru- neterra way back when, and those were really enjoyable experiences. I'd say I have the most experience in 3D animation, but there's no one category that I like more over others.
WHAT'S A TYPICAL DAY IN THE LIFE OF A VOICE OVER ACTOR?
Lots of practice and auditions! Even when auditions are slowed, especially in a time like this where the industry has a lot of uncertainty, I focus on keeping my voice intact - I don't scream often, I do tongue twisters and vocal drills to stay ready for any auditions I do get, and I bring a little bit of myself into the booth every time I record, even if for an audition. Authentic- ity is what I aim for. Of course, I make an effort to eat healthy so that I can sustain my body (and voice) for when I use it. But otherwise, I focus on my other passions like writing, gaming and exercising to stay occupied when things slow down.
WHAT DO YOU RECOMMEND FOR ANYONE THAT IS INTERESTED IN VOICE OVER WORK?
First, I'll say the path into voiceover is not easy. It's defi- nitely an investment, and will require some sacrifices if it's your dream and passion like it is mine. But as long as you stay focused and dedicate as much time as you can to honing your craft, you will succeed no matter what. If jobs don't find you, the next best step is to make your own! Write projects, voice your own scripts - whatever you need to do to achieve your dream, is what you do. Push yourself, because your ability to drive yourself is IN YOUR OPINION, WHAT MAKES A GOOD VOICE OVER ACTOR?
I think that "a good voice over actor" is someone who's comfortable in their own skin, and okay with inviting strangers into not only the world they create, but also their comfort zone as well. The best voice over actors are able to connect to the deepest parts of themselves and combine different aspects of their character and personal- ity to fill in what they can't relate to. For all actors, letting your walls down and letting your natural ego go is a key aspect of the craft.
IF SOMEONE WANTS TO HIRE YOU FOR ANY VOICE OVER WORK, CAN YOU PLEASE LIST YOUR WEBSITE AND HOW PEOPLE CAN REACH YOU?
To view some of my work and contact info, you can go to "paulmikelwilliams.com", or message me on Instagram at "paulmikelwilliams"! I am also repped by Melissa Berger-Brenan at CESD.