It’s easy to think of voice acting as a purely local affair. You know, the talent pool right there in your city, the familiar studios, the consistent sound. And for a long time, that was largely the case. It made sense, right? Easier logistics, cost-effective, and it ensured a unified audio quality across the board. No one wants their hero sounding like they’re broadcasting from a tin can while the villain has crystal-clear audio.
But the world of entertainment, especially with the rise of global productions and the increasing sophistication of remote recording technology, is proving that borders are becoming less of a barrier for voice actors. We’re seeing a fascinating trend emerge: Cross-Regional Voice Acting.
What does this actually mean? It’s not just about an actor traveling to a different city for a gig. It’s about a single project intentionally utilizing voice talent from multiple distinct geographical regions. Think about companies like Nickelodeon, with studios in both Los Angeles and New York. They can tap into the rich acting communities in both of those major hubs for a single animated series. It’s a smart way to broaden their casting net and potentially find the perfect voice for each character.
Then there are companies that have practically made this their specialty. NYAV Post, for instance, operates studios in both New York and Los Angeles, giving them a significant advantage in accessing a wider range of talent. And it’s not just limited to the US. Take Etcetera Group, which has a presence in Miami. They’ve been able to keep talented actors on board for roles even after those actors have moved abroad, simply by arranging for them to record from their new locations. The Kitchen, with its studios spread across Miami, Mexico, and Argentina, is another prime example of this multi-regional approach.
Even within countries, this is becoming more common. TV Group Digital in Brazil uses studios in both São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro, allowing them to draw from the distinct voice acting scenes in those major cities. And in the US, Okratron 5000, a Texas-based studio, opened a Los Angeles branch specifically to allow some of their Dragon Ball Super voice actors, who were based in LA, to reprise their roles without the hassle of long-distance travel. It’s a practical solution that benefits both the production and the actors.
Sound Cadence Studios, also in Texas, is known for casting talent not just from their immediate area but also from New York and Los Angeles, and even internationally when they need specific, authentic accents – like for The Prince of Tennis. And across the pond, Side UK, a London-based studio, opened a Los Angeles branch, Side LA. This has led to projects like Cyberpunk 2077 and LEGO Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga featuring a blend of UK and LA-based voice actors.
The Ocean Group in Canada, with its Vancouver and Calgary studios, has also increasingly embraced this collaborative model, especially for video games. They’ll often have actors from both locations contribute to a single project, creating a richer tapestry of voices. Even companies like Iyuno, when dubbing shows into Dutch, might split recording between their Amsterdam and Brussels studios, using both Dutch and Flemish actors. Finnish company Uptempo does something similar with studios in Kisko and Helsinki, drawing from different regional talent pools.
It’s a dynamic shift, really. What was once a logistical necessity – keeping everything in one place – is now being reimagined. By leveraging multiple studios and embracing remote recording, productions can access a broader, more diverse pool of talent, ensuring that the perfect voice for a character can be found, no matter where in the world that actor might be. It’s about expanding possibilities and, ultimately, enriching the final product for us, the audience.
