Carolyn took time out of her busy schedule to share with me what it's like to work on these fantastic projects. Following is our question and answer session.
Animated TV Guide Nancy Basile: How did you break into "the biz?"
Carolyn Lawrence: I'm not convinced that anyone actually breaks into
"the biz." (In Los Angeles, all the local residents
call everything having to do with entertainment, "The
Industry.") I think most of us just keep pounding the
pavement until we get work. I did, however, get a
nudge in the general direction of voice work. I was
dancing with the Gus Giordano Jazz Dance Chicago, and a
gentleman (Steve) came up to me in the company class,
and asked if I would be interested in auditioning for
the voice of a couple of stuffed toy characters. The
whole concept of voice work was new to me, but I've
always been one to take risks, and not shy away from
an opportunity. I got the job, and that helped me to
expand, and grow my talents as a
performer/entertainer. I went from dancing full-time
to studying and working in voiceover and acting.
NB: What drew you to voice work, as opposed to
on-screen work?
Carolyn Lawrence: Honestly, I love film, television, voiceover and
stage. I don't really have a preference. Every job
offers a unique experience to develop a character, and
that process helps me to grow in my profession.
NB: How do you decide on the sound of a character? How
does a director influence the sound of a character?
What? You are asking for my secrets? I'll never
tell!
Carolyn Lawrence: I have been fortunate to work with exceptional directors and they assist in focusing in on every aspect of the character's life and their idiosyncrasies; that process influences the sound of the voice tremendously. Directors really help to develop the fullness of a character, and... well, the direction!
NB: What do you do to prepare for recording?
Carolyn Lawrence: That really depends on the show. On SpongeBob they
send us a storyboard so we can see the drawings
beforehand. I absolutely love that! Not only do I
get to read the script, I can actually see what the
artists have in mind. It is an amazing process and I
feel so fortunate to be able to work that way! As a
guest on a show, there are times when you don't even
get to see a script before you get there. I would
prefer to let the script come alive in me before a
taping.
NB: Do you get to work with the other actors on SpongeBob SquarePants? Or do you record alone? What is it like, or which would
you prefer?
Carolyn Lawrence: On SpongeBob and Jimmy Neutron they try to have the
whole cast record together whenever possible. When the
whole cast is there, I love it, because all the actors
get to play off one another. When I think about it, I
would have to say, that is my favorite way of working.
Although, occasionally, if a character is really
complicated, it can be good to record alone, because
it is easier to achieve a higher level of
concentration or focus.
NB: Have any of the writers ever used any of your
suggestions, if you've made any?
Carolyn Lawrence: Yes, but out of complete respect for the writer's
talent, I would never make a suggestion if I wasn't
absolutely certain it was a good one. Occasionally,
in order to make a suggestion, an actor will record
exactly what is written, and then ask if it can also
be recorded another way. By doing it that way, it
will almost immediately be obvious which way will
produce the desired outcome.
NB: What are the pros and cons of doing work for video
games?
Carolyn Lawrence: One great part about video games is you can often play
many characters within one game, and that kind of
variety is rare, and incredibly fun. Video games can
also be interesting, because your characters have such
fantastic adventures. I love going outside of the
ordinary. The biggest drawback of doing a video game
is that a high action game can cause you to blow your
voice out, and not be able to work for a couple of
days.
NB: How do you feel about the Resident Evil films?
Carolyn Lawrence: I scare easily and I'm not good with violence. What's
weird about that is I love acting in the genre. I'd
love to do a really scary film... I just wouldn't be
able to go and see it!
NB: Has anyone, including a child, ever recognized you
or your voice work?
