Remaining Lifelines

The art of cartoon voice acting

Voice acting for cartoons isn't just about having a great voice; it's about bringing animated characters to life with energy and emotion. To break into this fun and varied career, aspiring voice actors need to hone a wide range of vocal skills. Versatility is key, as many roles require actors to provide multiple voices, each with unique traits and characteristics. Developing a broad vocal range helps in creating distinct personalities, whether it's a high-pitched, cheerful protagonist or a low, gravelly villain. Consistency is crucial too; maintaining the same vocal quality throughout multiple takes ensures that characters remain believable and engaging.

Getting into character involves more than just reading lines; it requires understanding the character's background, motivations, and the world they inhabit. Voice actors must think deeply about their roles, often analyzing scripts to capture the essence of each character accurately. Practicing different tones and styles helps in delivering a performance that resonates with audiences. Watching existing cartoons can provide valuable insights into how seasoned actors bring their characters to life, helping newcomers refine their own techniques.

Landing a cartoon voice-over job often starts with creating a demo reel that showcases a variety of voices and styles. Networking with animators and joining casting call boards can open doors to initial gigs, which might include smaller projects or collaborations with indie creators. As actors build their portfolios, they can gain experience and exposure, eventually leading to more significant opportunities. Even though the journey might involve some rejections, persistence and continuous practice can lead to a rewarding career in the vibrant world of cartoon voice acting.

How bare hands led to Wonder Pets!

Did you know that the popular children’s show Wonder Pets! owes part of its success to the innovative puppetry of Oobi? Created by Josh Selig and produced by Little Airplane Productions, Oobi was a groundbreaking series that featured bare-hand puppets with simple yet expressive designs. This unique approach caught the attention of audiences and critics alike, showcasing the raw emotion that skilled puppeteers could convey with minimalistic characters.

Oobi’s success on the Noggin channel from 2000 to 2005 laid the foundation for future projects at Little Airplane Productions. The show's concept—using bare hands with added eyes and accessories to tell engaging stories—demonstrated the power of simplicity and creativity in children's programming. Oobi's innovative use of "photo-puppetry" and its focus on basic, child-friendly language provided a template for the studio’s next big hit.

When Josh Selig and his team developed Wonder Pets!, they built on the lessons learned from Oobi. They retained the emphasis on teamwork, problem-solving, and the unique animation style that combined real-life photos with traditional animation techniques. The result was a visually distinctive and educational show that resonated with young audiences around the world.

So next time you watch the adventures of Linny, Ming-Ming, and Tuck, remember that their roots trace back to the simple yet groundbreaking hand puppetry of Oobi. This seamless blend of creativity and educational content continues to inspire and entertain, proving that sometimes, all you need to tell a great story is a helping hand.

Our personality quizzes are set up a little differently than your basic trivia quiz, but you’ve probably seen their kind around. Rather than having to choose the right answer from a list of multiple choice options, in this case, there is no “right answer”! (Two plus two will always be four, but every Golden Girls character is equally awesome.)

So, stop stressing. Just click on the answer that suits you best, and enjoy the ride. These quizzes are just for fun but who knows – you might just learn something about yourself along the way!