Featuring Vanessa garcia
Can you give an example of a project you have worked on as a voice-over artist?
One of my main highlights so far as a voice actor was voicing the main title character "Anabel" in the English live-action dub of the Netflix true crime original series "900 Days Without Anabel." Not only was this an honor of a lifetime to voice the title character, but it was surreal when the series reached Top 4 on "Netflix's Top 10 TV. Shows in the U.S. Today" during its first week of airing.
How do you approach a voice-over script?
I first have to read the script in its entirety about ten times (or even more sometimes) in order to get the gist of what the copy is looking for. The "who, what, when, where, how, and why" also need to be identified during each pass of the script. Secondly, it's important to think about the inten- tion of the script and why the writer conveyed the message in the way they did. This is where point of view comes in and looking at the specifications of the copy come into play.
Thirdly, it's important to try to create a world where you can relate to the copy and immerse yourself in the storytelling. This is key because you have to convey the same message as if it were personal and unique to your own personal experi- ences. It's important to relate to the copy as much as possible so that the message can be conveyed to the audience.
As of recently, I am also collaborating with the voice acting academy "Voicemasters" as their brand ambassador (voice-masters.com/). For anyone who is interested in voice over acting and want to train with amazingly talented cast- ing directors, use my ambassador discount code "Vanessa50" for $50 off any Voicemasters Course and "Vanessa100" for $100 off your Voicemasters- produced demo. As a long-time student and now alumnus, Voicemasters has not only taught me how to perfect the craft of voice acting but have also given me the opportunity to work with top Netflix casting directors and provided me with in- dustry referral to now be signed with a top LA tal- ent agent, Micaela Hicks from Eris Talent Agency. My voice over journey and success are highly credited by taking these classes at Voicemasters!
What does this industry mean to you?
This industry means a lot to me, especially because it has provided me with an outlet to freely express myself outside of my 9-5 day-time law job. For most of my adult life, I felt like I had stifled a part of me that always wanted to play and not take life so seriously.
This industry has also introduced me to a lot of people who are like my persona and character- istics. I never knew a goofier and down-to-earth group of people who have a wise range of talents and interests. I feel like I found "my people," so to speak; the people I resonate the most with andthe people who truly understand and get my goals, aspirations, and dreams because they have similar journeys as well.
How competitive is this industry?
The voice-over industry is becom- ing increasingly competitive with the advancement of Al and other technolo- gies. Although this may dissuade most, it just means that a voice actor needs to train twice as hard in order to compete with some of the best in the industry for competitive and coveted roles. However, I do have to say that there is never a shortage of voice-over work to go around for everyone. There is plenty of voice over work to go around for those who want to train and become part of the industry. However, it does take an extra effort to be good in order to stay consistently booked and busy with voice-over work.
What are some of your favorite voice acting roles that you've played?
I was also featured in the English live- action dub of the Netflix documentary "The Lost Children" in 2024, which was rated Top 2 on "Netflix's Top 10 Movies in the U.S. Today" during its first week of airing. I was also featured in the Eng- lish live-action dub of the Netflix true crime original series "900 Days Without Anabel," which was also rated Top 4 on "Netflix's Top 10 T.V. Shows in the U.S. Today" during its first week of airing. I was also featured in a light-hearted reality show called "I Am Ilary" which documented the lifestyle of the Italian personality Ilary Blasi.
Provide an example of a time when you had to perform multiple roles in a single recording session.
For the English live-action dub of the Netflix documentary "The Lost Children" in 2024, I had played many "incidental" or "additional" voices such as news reporters, interviewees, and eyewitnesses. It was so much fun play- ing with different characteristics and personas during this project.