VAMFR 014 | Interview with Tony Oliver, Part 3
VAMFR 014 | Interview with Tony Oliver, Part 3
Welcome to episode 14 of the Voice Acting Mastery: Field Report podcast!
In this episode, our correspondent, Tom Bauer concludes his interview one of his personal voice over mentors: Tony Oliver.
Tom first met Tony while taking class with him in November of 2012 and Tom has had the good pleasure of working with Tony since as a voice actor. Tony‘s voice over roles in anime include Rick Hunter in Robotech and Lupin in the Lupin the Third TV series. Tony also worked for many years as a writer and producer on the famous Mighty Morphin’ Power Rangers television series for Saban Entertainment. He is also a talented director and teacher, directing such popular anime titles as Gurren Lagann and Hunter X Hunter.
In part 2 of this interview, we learned about Tony’s personal methodology when directing his actors and teaching his students. He stressed the importance of focusing on a character’s feelings and emotions in order to deliver a more believable and natural performance. Tony also gave advice on how to handle rejection and the importance of staying positive and finding joy in your craft to sustain your momentum and maintain your stamina while pursuing your voice acting career.
In this final episode, Tom asks Tony about the differences between directing veteran and younger voice actors. Tony also talks at length about how he became a teacher and how he helps his students ‘get out of their head’ when performing in the booth.
If you are interested in taking class with Tony, make sure to visit the Workshops Page of the Adventures in Voice Acting Website.
The VAM Field Report will be released on the 1st Wednesday of every month so stay on the look out for it!
Download VAM Field Report Episode #14 Here (MP3)
The comparison between the seasoned and the new groups of actors was interesting to listen to, and the fact directors understand it takes a few bum takes to get into the head space of the character is necessary to lay the brickwork for the session. I always believed that you had to be 100% ‘on’ so to speak, in order to get as much work done as quick as possible.
I suppose that’s true to an extent, plus using improv to fill in the blanks.
I watched the Adventures in Voice Acting documentary a couple years ago when I first started to look at the industry seriously. It really opened my eyes to the reality of the industry. It’s a wonderful film.
I really enjoyed this interview and the admiration you have for Tony really shines through.
Thank you so much for this interview, it was really insightful. Can’t wait for the next one!
I’m really glad you enjoyed the interview, Kalyn. Keep on listening!