What Diversity Means Right Now with Edward Hong and Jennifer Sun Bell - Season 3 Episode 1
Edward Hong is an actor based in Los Angeles who has etched out a working acting career for the past decade on TV/film, commercials, theatre, and voiceovers. He introduces us to what is meant by the term “People of Global Majority” (PGM) and what that means for Ethnic Casting and Diversity in VOs. He is the creator of the PGM VO List that currently has 1.8k voiceover actors of global majority and 180+ production companies, talent agents, and casting directors that use the list in their search for diversity. He tells us why he thinks the genre of dubbing is one of the hardest things to do as a voice actor and talks about his involvement in the global phenomenon that is Squid Game. We get the insight on authentic casting for the series and how the PGM VO List enabled casting directors to cast dubbing actors of Asian descent and Korean descent to reflect the cast of Squid Game itself. It also helped with the performances ensuring they capture the subtleties and nuances within the cultures of the series. Jennifer Sun Bell is an award-winning actress, singer and voiceover actor who is passionate about giving a voice to the unheard stories of this world and of our imagination. Being mixed, Korean and American, she found there were so many silenced voices and stories that needed to be shared. A once shy girl who was once told her speaking voice was “not good” and that she should speak like she sings, she’s found that no matter your sound, if you speak from your heart, your voice will be heard and will make an impact. She can be heard as feisty Kpop Troll in Dreamworks’ Trollstopia on Hulu, bomb enthusiast Rin in Midwinter Game’s Scavengers, has lent her voice to many Netflix and Disney+ English dubs, Genshin Impact and so much more she can’t share just yet! Jennifer has also worked in film/tv alongside some of the greats like Jim Carrey, Don Cheadle and Kristin Bell and is currently working on original music. Jennifer explains why she thinks casting in an ethnically correct way is important and how authenticity is paramount in the increasing range of content from vastly varying cultures. We hear about her experiences in tackling Hollywood and making her mark in voice acting. Behind the scenes there wasn’t much diversity and that needed to be addressed. Jennifer shares why it’s crucial for all sides to understand the importance of having ALL voices heard and for the stories from the hearts of all ethnicities to be authentically shared and visible. Listen to the first episode of season three as we delve into the world of Diversity and Ethnic Casting. Are you ready to take your voiceover career to the next level? The Voiceover Network is an organisation for voiceover professionals providing voiceover training, webinars, The Buzz magazine, support, networking events and an amazing VO community. If you are thinking of getting into voiceover work or if you already work in this area and just want to know what’s going on in the industry – then this podcast is for you. Our host is Rachael Naylor, founder and CEO of The Voiceover Network as well as an experienced voiceover artist. Thanks to our Sponsors: Apogee, Hindenburg, Source Elements and Focusrite. Follow us on instagram.com/the_voiceover_network/ Follow us on facebook.com/TheVoiceOverNetworkOfficial Follow us on twitter.com/NetworkVO Follow us on linkedin.com/company/the-voiceover-network-ltd/