Location, Location, Location

In our rapidly growing ability to work from our own studios, I find that for game (and animation) character gigs this is still uncommon. Be it the need for the control and resources of the studio that the work is being produced in to the sometimes "gang" cast sessions that require sections of the full cast to be present. I have been fortunate to provide voice talent for a few games that were fine with me doing the session at my own studio either through phone patch or self direction.

What has your experience been like in this regard?

Specifically, do you feel that location plays a paramount role in a voice talent's ability to advance their career in the industry niche of video games and animation? The peers and pros that I've consulted with so far are all telling me that to continue to grow professionally I need to be on the west coast in L.A. (I currently live just outside of Philadelphia Pennsylvania).

Anyone share the same thoughts? Any stories of finding success (a relative term for sure) outside of the Los Angeles market?

For those of you who have done work for some of the larger game companies, did you find your location significantly affected your audition/booking ratio?

Thanks for the thoughts, time and feedback.

Cheers,

Sean Crisden

www.seancrisden.com