Stars Align for Auckland’s Spectacular Armageddon Festival

Auckland is gearing up for a remarkable celebration of pop culture as it welcomes a host of renowned celebrities over the Labour Weekend, including Elijah Wood, Andy Serkis, John Boyega, and Billie Piper. This year’s Armageddon pop culture festival promises to be one of the largest yet, drawing fans from across New Zealand to engage with their favorite stars.

Among the most intriguing participants are voice actors whose identities may not be as instantly recognizable but whose talents have shaped beloved characters in television and video games. Notable figures like David Sobolov, Veronica Taylor, and Nolan North will share insights from the fascinating world of voice acting, an industry that often operates behind the scenes.

Voices Behind the Characters

David Sobolov has spent over three decades voicing various characters, from iconic anime series like One Piece to major franchises for DC and Marvel. He is known for his role in the Transformers series and underscores the unique challenges voice actors face. “You must pretend that you’re on camera,” Sobolov explains. “When you’re doing voice acting, it’s all in your mind.” He emphasizes that the process relies heavily on imagination, as voice actors must create the character’s world internally without the physical cues provided in on-screen performances.

A significant difference in voice acting is the minimal rehearsal time, especially for video games. Sobolov notes that actors often receive a script just before recording. “Somehow you have to be brilliant with no rehearsal,” he states. He also appreciates the freedom of voice work, highlighting, “I could be 90 years old and still shuffle to my booth in my apartment and still do voice acting.”

The COVID-19 pandemic brought unique challenges to voice actors, many of whom had to pivot to home studios. Sobolov reflects on this transition, noting, “It’s not about the voices. It’s about acting the role.” He believes that understanding the character’s emotional state is crucial, stating, “If you do that, it all works out.”

Insights from Industry Veterans

Veronica Taylor, known for her role as Ash Ketchum in Pokémon, shared her experiences from eight seasons of voicing the character. “Boys’ voices do change, and sometimes it’s more difficult for men to do younger voices,” she explains. Taylor was among the few women in the industry capable of voicing young male characters, a trend that has expanded in recent years.

Reflecting on her journey, she mentions that female characters often do not receive the same breadth of experiences as male characters. “Many times, girls’ roles aren’t that fun. They just don’t get the breadth of experiences that the boy characters get to go through,” she says. Despite this, she welcomes the opportunity to voice male characters, simply stating, “I just say ‘Yes’ and go for it.”

Taylor’s perspective highlights the evolving landscape of voice acting, where more powerful female characters are emerging, though she notes they still lack the same engaging storylines as their male counterparts. She also emphasizes the importance of maintaining stillness during recording sessions to avoid unwanted sounds from clothing.

Nolan North, whose impressive resume includes characters like Nathan Drake from the Uncharted series and Deadpool in various Marvel cartoons, has carved out a niche as a prominent voice actor. He transitioned into the field after starting a family, realizing the flexibility it offered. “It’s a great thing to be,” he remarks, highlighting the unpredictability of voice work where actors might not know their character until they step into the recording booth.

As Auckland prepares for the Armageddon festival, fans can expect not just a chance to meet their favorite stars but also an opportunity to understand the artistry behind voice acting. The festival promises a weekend filled with excitement, creativity, and a deeper appreciation for the voices that bring animated characters to life.