Hello everyone. So I have been thinking which is better for a kids animated series. Child actors the same age as the characters? Child actors a little older so they still sound like kids but have a better understanding of the script or adults who can sound convincing as a child?
On one hand I have heard child actors can be hard to work with and they can only work for a limited amount of hours straight or and limited amount of hours for the day, and they take longer to get their lines sometimes forcing the shoot to be longer. There is also the issue of the child aging out and voice changing, forcing you to find new child actors that sound alike.
On another hand while adults can definitely work longer, they might not sound like a child. Is it a huge concern if they character playing kids in an animated series, is actually an adult?
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I would much rather have an adult voice actor who can do kid voices or at least have the right vocal range for the age that fits the character.
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The voices of Lisa Simpson and Bart Simpson are played by adults and I have never once thought about it while watching. I think of the Smurfs and Family Guy and tons of other animated shows all voiced by adults playing children. That's the talent. I don't think the age of the adult matters, it's the voices they can do. I wouldn't think a child could pull it off, and like you said, if the character is timeless e.g. Bart Simpson, one would eventually have to recast.
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anime characters are usually little boys and girls. but usually young women play them. which is awesome, coz these anime voice actors are absolutely incredible
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I agree with OB and Suzanne. Adult actors who can do character and kid's voices are usually the smarter choice - they are easier to work with from a union and hours-at-work perspective and tend to bring more consistency and professionalism. I know several adults who voice kid characters and the audiences seem to love the shows and don't think about it at all.
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Thanks everyone, you have made me feel much more comfortable with using adults for this animation.