ABSTRACT
This chapter looks to demystify the various ways one might approach casting and directing performances for an independent animated production, often a stage that occurs not just before the final sound mix but before the animation or even animatic itself. Going it Alone explores the pros and cons of a director either taking on their own character voices or using the talents of non-professional acquaintances, drawing upon the author’s own firsthand experience as well as directors Elliot Cowan (The Stressful Adventures of Boxhead and Roundhead) and Don Hertzfeldt (It’s Such a Beautiful Day, World of Tomorrow). Going Pro, by contrast, looks at the possibility of approaching professional performers, such as the casting of Richard E. Grant in Daniel Gray and Tom Brown’s teeth as well as Tom Waits, Terry Gilliam and Olivia Merilahti in Rosto’s The Monster of Nix and Philip Seymour Hoffman, Toni Collette, Geoffrey Rush and Barry Humphries in the films of Adam Elliot.
