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Character Voices for Animation and Games: Notes for Brisbane Creators
23/10/2026
Brisbane has a growing community of animators, game developers and online content creators. Many of their projects need characters with real personality, and that is where character voice artists come in. Recording character voices is quite different from a straight commercial read, so it helps to understand the process before you start.
Define the character first
Before casting, write a short profile for each character. Include their age, personality, background, how they speak and how they relate to the other characters. A few lines of description and a reference image or sketch can help a voice artist find the right sound much faster than a list of adjectives alone.
Range matters
Many character voice artists can perform a wide variety of voices, from cheeky creatures to gruff villains. When reviewing demos, listen for range as well as for the specific voice you need. An artist who can voice several minor characters can make a smaller production more affordable and easier to schedule.
Accent and authenticity
If a character has a particular accent, think carefully about how it is portrayed. Broad caricatures can feel dated or offensive. Where a character's cultural background is important to the story, casting a performer with an authentic connection is often the best approach. For Australian characters, a natural local accent usually works better than an exaggerated one.
Recording for animation
In most animation, the voices are recorded first and the animators work to the audio. That means the performance drives the timing and expression of the character. Give performers space to experiment and play; some of the best moments come from improvised reactions or alternative takes.
Recording for games
Games often involve large numbers of short lines, such as reactions, effort sounds, barks and variations of the same phrase. A clear, well-organised script with file names for each line saves a lot of confusion. Explain the context for each line, for example whether the character is shouting across a battlefield or whispering in a corridor, so the performer can match the energy.
Protect the voice
Screams, growls and shouting are tiring on the voice. Schedule demanding lines towards the end of a session and allow breaks. A healthy performer gives better takes and can return for pick-ups when you need them.
Plan for changes
Scripts evolve as animation and game development progress. Agree in advance how pick-up sessions will be handled, and keep notes on the settings and direction used so later recordings match the originals.
Rights and usage
Discuss where the character voices will be used, such as a single series, a game and its trailers, or merchandise. Clear agreements at the start protect both the creator and the performer.
Scratch tracks and animatics
Early in production, many teams record temporary scratch dialogue to time an animatic or prototype. This is useful, but avoid locking timing so tightly that the final performer has no freedom. Share the animatic with your voice artist so they can see the pacing, then allow the animation to adjust where a stronger take runs a little longer or shorter than the temporary version.
Bring your characters to life
We work with Brisbane studios and independent creators to cast and record character voices for animation, games and online content. Share your character profiles and request a free quote.