VO-BB - 20 YEARS OLD!

Philip Banks · Posted: Tue Nov 10, 2015 4:28 pm Post subject: Kung Fu Panda 2 - The characters

Just discovered this https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CyWmXcvK8fY it's a delight to watch.

I know a great deal of VO people moan at the use of STAR actors in animation (I don't) but they all work brilliantly. This is about 12 mins long and you will enjoy it.

Mike Harrison · Posted: Tue Nov 10, 2015 4:58 pm Post subject:

Totally enjoyable... and inspirational.

Thanks, Philip!
_________________
Mike
Male Voice Over Talent
I have taken leave of my sensors.

Bob Bergen · CM Joined: 22 Apr 2008 Posts: 979

Mr. B, I am so glad you posted this! And I am in full agreement! It doesn't work all the time, but this franchise cast great celebs! And if you look at the end credits of this, and all animated features where it says "additional voices," you will see miles of non celeb/rank and file animation actors who are collecting oodles of residuals. There's plenty of work for all! Ego wishes to play the lead! But the "business" of show business is what prompts the suits to want name value stars. When it works, it works great!

Philip Banks · Posted: Wed Nov 11, 2015 2:02 am Post subject:

I'm a star = Mum and Dad will buy a movie ticket
I'm a talking Tiger = Everyone will enjoy it as long as the character is believable.

Name at the top of the list of end credits or bottom of the end credits = This person got a pay cheque.

It's not up to me to decide if I am a star or not. All I know is that today somebody paid me and yesterday somebody paid me.

Bob Bergen · CM Joined: 22 Apr 2008 Posts: 979

Well, for those of us who got into animation vo for the pure joy of it, and not the paycheck, this is where many get frustrated by the use of celebs in the lead parts rather than the rank and file. From a pure business standpoint, I get it.

And this is not a recent phenomenon. From day one animated features used celebs and (or) proven character actors. Back in the beginning, these celebs came from radio, which at the time was as big (or bigger) than TV today. Back then, they didn't give any actor screen credit for an animated feature, so no one knew who was voicing which character. And the reason it feels like Hollywood is using more celebs than ever in animated features is because there are more animated features being produced now than ever before. Disney used to be the only game in town, and they released one animated feature every 5-7 years. Today, every major studio has a thriving animation department releasing a new animated feature almost weekly.

But getting back to the topic here, the actor in us would love to play the lead. We got in this to act, not to make money. The compromise is we get to play dozens of characters in a film, which is beyond fulfilling. It took me over 10 years to be able to crack the animated feature nut. But once I did I've been able to work consistently. Almost 70% of my annual income comes from the residuals made from these films. And, voicing minor characters in animated features has lead to sequels, a film going to series featuring my characters, etc. So from a business standpoint it's not a bad compromise. But again, for those of us who got into this for the love of acting, having that great lead part, with a great story arc and opportunity to really delve into layers of character, celebs frustrate.

But it really is a waste of time dwelling on what is out of one's control. Rumor has it that Space Jam 2 is in the works. With the celeb trend it would not surprise me if they offered Whoopi Goldberg the part of Porky Pig.

Philip Banks · Posted: Wed Nov 11, 2015 6:10 am Post subject:

Beautifully articulated. Much appreciated Bob.