My attention perks up when I see anything in the news about acting, and I become absolutely absorbed by anything that’s written about voice over acting.

I am discussing once again the very well-written and succinct article I found in a recent Milwaukee Journal Sentinel about the voice folks who worked on Pixar’s “Ratatouille”. Patton Oswalt (who plays Remy the talented cooking rat with the cute pink nose) says his approach to this role was different.

How DO you speak like a rat, anyway?
Answer: Not necessary!

Director Brad Bird told Oswalt the reason he was hired was because of his esoteric enthusiasm for wierd things. Oswalt says he’s a big foodie, so he embraced his enthusiasm “non-judgementally”.

Such is the case with voice acting. It’s all about self respect, embracing who you are and sticking to your choices. I believe you must be  pretty strong of character to be a successful voice or any kind of actor because:

1) You must accept rejection. Rejection goes with the turf. If you’re thin-skinned, you won’t last.

2) This one applies specifically to voice actors- Whether you’re a novice or a veteran, all voice talents eventually realize it’s a lonely job, because each voice is recorded separately.

Self respect.  That’s what will push you to train, improve and take care of yourself. That’s where our power comes from.