ABSTRACT
Most television series are recorded in a four-hour session with all the actors in that episode recording together. Although union rules are always subject to change, actors in the United States tend to be hired to do up to three voices at a session because of the way the SAG pay scale is set up. Michael Hack, who has done voice direction for a number of daytime cartoons, prefers to have a table read of the first act, if there is enough time. Primetime series such as The Simpsons, normally, have a complete table read for each episode, as that read by the actors helps the writers polish the jokes. One industry casting director likes actors to add their own sounds to a copy: giggles, ohs, and mmms, anything that adds believability and character to the role. Another industry professional agrees. An inexperienced actor can cause delays. Chances are he won’t be back to cause delays in the next session.
