Breaking Boundaries In Video Game Casting: Diversity, Representation, and Gaming Industry Insights with Katie Young - Season 4 Episode 1

In this captivating podcast episode, join Rachael Naylor as she dives into the world of voice casting, animation, and gaming localization with Katie Young, the accomplished studio head at Liquid Violet. Katie Young, renowned for her work in casting popular animated titles like PJ Masks and 101 Dalmatian Street, shares her incredible journey into the voiceover industry. From her early experiences in acting to working in production companies, she eventually found herself at Disney, contributing to the intricate process of localization dubbing. Now at Liquid Violet, a leading name in gaming localization, Katie oversees various aspects of audio development, including casting and recording voices for animated series and films.   This episode of The VoiceOver Hour Podcast delves into the challenges posed by the pandemic and how it forced the industry to adapt. Remote recordings became the norm, but the preference for in-studio sessions remained strong. Liquid Violet's high-end studios in Covent Garden ensure a clean sound that clients appreciate, but they also collaborate with partner studios worldwide. The team even assisted voice actors in setting up their own home studios during the pandemic, monitoring quality remotely.   Discover the intricacies of talent discovery as Katie discusses Liquid Violet's methods for finding the perfect voice. From casting sites and agencies to meetings, showcases, and events like The Voiceover Network. Liquid Violet leaves no stone unturned in their quest for exceptional performers. Actors looking to make their mark can send their demos to Liquid Violet via email, emphasising the importance of authenticity and truth in performances.   Katie passionately advocates for diversity and representation in the male-dominated video game industry. She encourages actively seeking out and amplifying marginalised voices, sharing her own experiences and challenges as a woman in the workplace. Offering advice to younger women, she promotes self-belief as a catalyst for success. Discover how art can push boundaries and change perceptions, specifically regarding femininity in gaming. Liquid Violet, with its dedication to DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) initiatives, boasts a workforce that is over 50% female, highlighting their commitment to empowering underrepresented voices.   Listen to this episode as it takes you on a captivating journey through the voiceover industry, the evolution of video games, and the power of diversity and authenticity in gaming and animation.   Are you ready to take your voiceover career to the next level? The Voiceover Network is an organisation for voiceover professionals providing voiceover training, webinars, The Buzz magazine, support, networking events and an amazing VO community. If you are thinking of getting into voiceover work or if you already work in this area and just want to know what’s going on in the industry – then this podcast is for you. Our host is Rachael Naylor, founder and CEO of The Voiceover Network as well as an experienced voiceover artist. Thanks to our Sponsors:  Hindenburg, Apogee, Source Elements and Focusrite.  Follow us on instagram.com/the_voiceover_network/ Follow us on facebook.com/TheVoiceOverNetworkOfficial