Featuring Bruce Nix
FOR ALL THE VIEWERS READING, PLEASE KINDLY INTRODUCE YOURSELF.
Hello there! My name is Jalen Askins. I am a professional voice actor in the Los Angeles area and have been pursuing voice acting for about 7-8ish years. I have provided voiceover in many dif- ferent genres such as video games, ADR, Animation, Com- mercials, and Promos.
I got started in the industry really just posting stuff online of my voice like fandubs, covers you name it, and while that was going on I was taking classes with Del Mar Media Arts, Voicetraxwest, and other mentors. Then, I booked my first agent in 2021 and did my first ever gig for a museum. After 3½ years of just auditioning I was also in some great indie projects that made me better as an actor. I started working on audiobooks back in 2023 and went full time in that same year. Finally, by 2024 I took a class with my agent Arielle Negrin at Voicetraxwest for my first class, and ultimately became repped with my current Agency Atlas. Since then I've been a full time voice actor and been grate- ful and blessed to work with many great talented individuals.
WHAT MADE YOU GET STARTED IN THE VOICE OVER INDUSTRY?
Growing up my parents bought me all the renais- sance disney movies on VHS and I watched them consistently because I loved and adored animation as a whole. When I was 4 I started doing impressions of the animations I watched growing up like Scooby doo, Yogi Bear, Mickey Mouse, Looney Tunes and so forth. I was excited to go to the movies as a kid because it meant I got to see my favorite animated movies. So since I was little I had a love and overall admiration paired with inspiration for voiceover and animation that made me ultimately decide to want to pursue this career.
ANY PROJECT OR PEOPLE THAT YOU WOULD LIKE TO WORK WITH?
I would honestly love to voice for an Avatar animated project, because when I think about it I love the storytelling and world building that the avatar franchise has built. Whether it's a love interest, comedy relief, villain or even one of the main heroes it would just be an honor to play in that world. Another would definitely be the ninja turtles just to play one of the iconic four turtles that bring us that joy and imagination. Even a marvel animated series would be cool to be a part of, and most definitely would love to join in on some Kung Fu Panda project whether it be a series or a film because I also love the story and world of characters they have created that are timeless.
WHAT TYPE OF WORK YOU ARE CURRENTLY FOCUSED ON.
Currently I've been getting into more indie anima- tion and trying to break into more animation roles. Reason being I love recording animation because of how expressive, fun, and overall exciting when I get to record or just ad lib when I can. I'm also loving audio descriptions because of how fun they are and the projects I get to work on and seeing everything come together.
WHAT MAKES A GOOD VOICE ACTOR?
What makes a good voice actor in my opinion is someone that doesn't just act but embody the char- acter to the point where I get lost in the world and story. An actor that is dedicated to the craft and gives to their craft such as giving the character authentic life and development. Someone who is willing to learn that these characters we voice need as much nuance as life gives us.
WHAT TYPE OF SPECIALTY IN VOICE OVER WORK DO YOU LIKE TO FOCUS ON, OR DO YOU HAVE SEVERAL TYPES?
I like several types like Audio Descriptions, ADR, Video Games, Animation, Commercials, and Promos. Each one I see as a different style like the martial arts. They all have the same core principle but differ- ent ways to tackle and learn them.
IMPRESSIONS OF THE ANIMATIONSI WATCHED GROWING UP LIKE SCOOBY DOO, YOGI BEAR, MICKEY MOUSE, LOONEY TUNES AND SO FORTH.
IN YOUR OPINION, WHAT MAKES A GOOD VOICE OVER ACTOR?
Someone who is willing to learn and give themselves to the craft. Someone who can bring out not just the character but the story to life. In life we as actors pull from our own personal experiences to bring these characters, spots, etc out. A good voice actor knows how to pivot, how to hit those emotional beats like a musician knows how to bring those melodies and harmonies out. They are a master of their instrument and every inflection is deliberate and every decision is intentional. They are the ones that guide you through the story or whatever medium as if we are on an adventure.
CAN YOU SHARE ANY EXCITING PROJECTS THAT YOU ARE CURRENTLY WORKING ON NOW?
Yes! I am working on some cool projects that are be- ing worked on such as an indie pilot named Zipped Up which I play the Big Bad Vapor which is currently running a kickstarter and would love for folks to do- nate to because the creator and the team along with the cast are phenomenal. I also have an animated series debut on Amazon Prime where I voice a cool character coming in the upcoming months. I am also in a project called the Lunchbox project my Team Horizon who are working very hard to get the short out. I got some stuff behind the scenes happening so keep a lookout on my social media.
HOW PEOPLE CAN REACH YOU?
ANY LAST MESSAGE YOU'D LIKE TO SAY TO ALL THE READERS?
Keep going the journey is worth it. There is a lot to this business to learn and there is room for everyone to win, especially those who want to be a part of this craft. Whether you want to get into animation, video games, etc do not limit yourself. You may think you are a good fit for one thing but you may be a good fit for multiple things. I want to hear your voices or even work with you guys someday there's always stories to tell so start now. Write that story, get that $100 mic and do a funny dub with your friends, but in the end just start. You got a voice and if this is your passion the world needs to hear you. Even in the times where you may think you will never make it, but take it from me it takes time and patience. Remember it's not a race it's a marathon.