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Bruce
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 Posted: Wed Sep 11, 2013 8:38 am Post subject: A word for non-celebrity characters |
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A friend of mine was in D.C. recently and brought home a column from the film commentator in the Washington Post's Express mini-paper. It's nice to see a non-voiceover person decry the overuse of celebrities in animated movies and programs:
http://www.readexpress.com/2013/08/with-stars-in-their-throats/
Speaking of that, I've seen a couple of episodes of the Fox version of Axe Cop. It's on Hulu btw. It's good. They use talented celebrities. But for the life of me I don't think they're one lick better than the original cast from the webisodes, and you folks (on this board) know who you are.
B
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Deirdre
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| Posted: Wed Sep 11, 2013 10:41 am Post subject: |
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I liked this article.
The argument has been made that the celebs aren't stealing work from "real" VA's; the presence of celebs secures the creation of animated programs that would never otherwise see the light of day— and that means more work for all of us with minor characters and ADR.
To be honest, I am a little tired of "extra work" as the only available role in some of these big animated films.
But really, in the grind of things, work is work. So, I'm ambivalent about the current state of affairs, but, to be honest (again), I'm looking forward to the day when celeb-casting is a thing of the past.
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Philip Banks
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Deirdre
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| Posted: Wed Sep 11, 2013 12:03 pm Post subject: |
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That was what they refer to as "Stunt" casting. It was a departure, meant to be an amazing jollity.
Now it's banal.
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Philip Banks
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| Posted: Wed Sep 11, 2013 12:31 pm Post subject: |
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What's interesting about The Jungle Book is that as an 8 year old (when I first saw it) I didn't know the voices were "famous" and nor did I care. My Mum was impressed that "The Saint" was in it. A great character is played by a great actor and there are plenty of them kicking around, great actors as opposed to famous people most of whom meant nothing to me then and mean nothing to me now.
Interesting side note. When sending demos out to companies for animation work I received a response from Disney's lawyers just in case I sued them for looking as if they may listen to it. |
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Lee Gordon
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| Posted: Wed Sep 11, 2013 2:07 pm Post subject: |
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I've stopped getting worked up about this because, as I've said before, these celebrities are not taking a job away from me -- well, except for Ken Marino as Flute Cop  . (But, actually, I lost the Flute Cop gig before they went big time.)
The author does have a valid point, if all celebrity voiceoverists create their characters using only their normal day-to-day celebrity voices. But these guys are (mostly) real actors with real actor skills and, presumably, they put them to work in these projects. I must admit, I wish I had played Flute Cop more like Marino does, but I also agree with Bruce that, as good as he is, Nick Offerman is in no way an improvement over Dave DeAndrea. And the Fox Network version suffers a huge void due to the absence of what Bob Souer brought to the table.
In the end, I believe that the real reason so many celebrities are cast in these roles is not to appeal to children or the parents, or for any reason that has to do with selling tickets. I believe it's so the minor functionaries involved in these productions, and their relatively anonymous bosses, can feel like big shots by hobnobbing with show biz luminaries.
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Deirdre
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| Posted: Wed Sep 11, 2013 2:45 pm Post subject: |
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I bleeb you have said a mouthful, Mate.
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Mike Harrison
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| Posted: Wed Sep 11, 2013 2:46 pm Post subject: |
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I agree. Especially in the case of commercials. Unless a viewer or listener is completely obsessed with celebrities (ie, receives tabloid stories intravenously), and/or a given celeb has an extremely distinctive voice (or seen on-camera, of course), I tend to think celebrity-voiced spots just whiz by largely unnoticed, and serve only to ratchet-up the jollies factor for those involved in the spot's production.
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graemespicer
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| Posted: Wed Sep 11, 2013 3:20 pm Post subject: |
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I confess my ignorance. I wasn't familiar with Axe Cop prior to this thread. I've actually gone and spent some time at YouTube and at axecop.com - this stuff is fantastic! However, I can't find a listing of the cast? Dave DeAndrea I figured out because of his avatar - What other names might I recognize from VO-BB.com?
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Philip Banks
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| Posted: Wed Sep 11, 2013 3:28 pm Post subject: |
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Toothpaste, the one with pro-argin. Why is Philip Banks the VO?
Coz Katherine likes him and he makes Katherine laugh AND Katherine is the boss AND WE ARGUE WITH KATHERINE ON PAIN OF DEATH!!!
That's just unfair on celebs coz they're witless gobshites. Brad Pitt formed a picket line with ...well, himself outside a studio whilst I did a session.
Placard read - Philip Banks is stealing fuel from my pryvit jett |
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Bob Bergen
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| Posted: Wed Sep 11, 2013 3:47 pm Post subject: |
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You are correct, Mr. B! The use of celebs in animated features has been the norm ever since the first animated feature, Snow White. The celebs of the day then came from radio, which at the time was as popular as TV today. But the voice cast didn't get screen credit until years later, so no one really knew who voiced the characters.
The reason it seems like a newer phenomenon to hire celebs for animation is because there's just so much more product today. For years Disney was the only game in town, and released an animated feature every 5-7 years. Today, every major studio has a thriving animation department. And, each film employs many non celebs as well. What many don't realize is, the majority of celebs get scale. There are exceptions, but most get the same day rate as the rest of us. And it's because of the celebs that us non celebs get screen credit. And, celebs keep animation union. They may not always be the best for the part, but more often than not they work out well.
Now, does the ego in me wish the opportunity to play a lead rather than "additional voices?" You bet! But the guy with a mortgage, residuals, and pension/health insurance feels very fortunate. |
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graemespicer
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| Posted: Wed Sep 11, 2013 4:04 pm Post subject: |
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Tim Allen, Tom Hanks, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Jeremy Irons, Brad Garrett - are working for scale??? Wow. I had no idea. Changes my perception of those "high on their horses" celebrities  Maybe they really do do it for love of the craft!
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ConnieTerwilliger
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Bob Bergen
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| Posted: Wed Sep 11, 2013 4:21 pm Post subject: |
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| graemespicer wrote: | | Tim Allen, Tom Hanks, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Jeremy Irons, Brad Garrett - are working for scale??? Wow. I had no idea. Changes my perception of those "high on their horses" celebrities Maybe they really do do it for love of the craft! |
There are a few exceptions. And some got tens of millions! But you'd be surprised. Robin Williams got scale for Aladdin. I can't speak for the actors you listed, but that's a fraction of the dozens working in animation. Why would they work for scale? Well, because it's cool. It's fun!! They have kids and grand kids that find it cool. Financially they know they will make it up in residuals and commercial tie ins. |
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graemespicer
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| Posted: Wed Sep 11, 2013 4:38 pm Post subject: |
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Bob - just out of curiosity (and if i'm not being indescreet), approximately how much would SAG-AFTRA scale be for a lead role in a theatrical release animated feature? I'd look it up myself, but I find one needs an advanced degree in finance and contract law to understand the agreement
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