 | Chuck Hüber is an actor, director and script-writer who has worked on several notable projects, such as Yu Yu Hakusho, Soul Eater, and Dragon Ball Z. Drawing from his experiences at FUNimation (USA), the established audio post-production studio, he shares about developing your career as a director or voice actor. |
Being an ADR Director
FUNimation, one of America’s most prominent audio post-production studios, dubs and distributes Japanese content for an international audience.
According to Chuck, FUNimation “take[s] beautiful multimedia projects that Japanese creators have produced, and use our voices to make them accessible to American audiences.”
As one of FUNimation’s ADR Directors, Chuck is responsible for shaping the artistic vision of a project. He explains how understanding a project’s cultural elements is extremely important for his craft.
“FUNimation’s directors oversee the project’s writing to make sure that it makes sense culturally to an American audience. At the same time, we have to make sure that the project’s Japanese references are as correct as possible.”
Challenges of being a Director
FUNimation’s employees include in-house employees, who are employed by the company on a full-time basis, and contract directors, whose employment lasts for a certain duration.
Prominent companies in the media industry – such as Industrial Light Magic (ILM), which has completed visual effects for Bumblebee, Rogue One, and Strange Magic – follow a similar model.
“The challenge is always the next job.” Chuck admits. “Full-time FUNimation employees have a bit more stability, but contract directors and actors work many jobs at once. They’re always figuring out ways to make ends meet.”
Chuck also emphasizes the importance of developing relationships with his studio’s business partners.
In the media industry, many post-production studios rely on their repeated clients as a constant source of work, and many of these clients may be content creators in foreign countries.
Similarly, FUNimation dubs and distributes Japanese projects to an American audience, and its directors must ensure that they maintain good relationships with their clients and collaborators.
“Being kind and honest is extremely important.” Chuck advises. “In order to foster a good collaboration with your partners, and ensure that your product is the best that it can be, you must be truthful. However, you have to be able to do tell the truth in a way that is acceptable.”
Starting your Career as a Director or Voice Actor
Amongst many other things, being an actor or director requires ability and persistence. In Chuck’s opinion, you should continuously develop your skills, as well as dedication for your craft.
“You should take acting classes to be sure that you want to pursue a career as a voice actor or director.” He suggests.
Proximity is also an important factor to starting your professional career. According to Chuck, you should be as close as possible to where work is available, and he advises aspiring professionals to move to where shows are produced.
“You also have to live in the cities where [audio-visual, multimedia] shows are being made.” Chuck explains. “In America, most shows are created in Dallas, LA, New York and Chicago.”
If you do not live in these territories just yet, and may not have the resources to move near these studios, not to worry. We recommend other ways to start your career:
FUNimation, one of America’s most prominent audio post-production studios, dubs and distributes Japanese content for an international audience.
According to Chuck, FUNimation “take[s] beautiful multimedia projects that Japanese creators have produced, and use our voices to make them accessible to American audiences.”
As one of FUNimation’s ADR Directors, Chuck is responsible for shaping the artistic vision of a project. He explains how understanding a project’s cultural elements is extremely important for his craft.
“FUNimation’s directors oversee the project’s writing to make sure that it makes sense culturally to an American audience. At the same time, we have to make sure that the project’s Japanese references are as correct as possible.”
Challenges of being a Director
FUNimation’s employees include in-house employees, who are employed by the company on a full-time basis, and contract directors, whose employment lasts for a certain duration.
Prominent companies in the media industry – such as Industrial Light Magic (ILM), which has completed visual effects for Bumblebee, Rogue One, and Strange Magic – follow a similar model.
“The challenge is always the next job.” Chuck admits. “Full-time FUNimation employees have a bit more stability, but contract directors and actors work many jobs at once. They’re always figuring out ways to make ends meet.”
Chuck also emphasizes the importance of developing relationships with his studio’s business partners.
In the media industry, many post-production studios rely on their repeated clients as a constant source of work, and many of these clients may be content creators in foreign countries.
Similarly, FUNimation dubs and distributes Japanese projects to an American audience, and its directors must ensure that they maintain good relationships with their clients and collaborators.
“Being kind and honest is extremely important.” Chuck advises. “In order to foster a good collaboration with your partners, and ensure that your product is the best that it can be, you must be truthful. However, you have to be able to do tell the truth in a way that is acceptable.”
Starting your Career as a Director or Voice Actor
Amongst many other things, being an actor or director requires ability and persistence. In Chuck’s opinion, you should continuously develop your skills, as well as dedication for your craft.
“You should take acting classes to be sure that you want to pursue a career as a voice actor or director.” He suggests.
Proximity is also an important factor to starting your professional career. According to Chuck, you should be as close as possible to where work is available, and he advises aspiring professionals to move to where shows are produced.
“You also have to live in the cities where [audio-visual, multimedia] shows are being made.” Chuck explains. “In America, most shows are created in Dallas, LA, New York and Chicago.”
If you do not live in these territories just yet, and may not have the resources to move near these studios, not to worry. We recommend other ways to start your career:
- Get Online: Build up your experience by taking as many jobs as you can find through online forums and communities.
- Contact Corporations: Don’t be afraid to reach out to companies who are currently creating assets for their marketing campaigns. They may require voice overs for their corporate videos.
- Attend Classes: Build your network by taking online classes that are hosted by professional voice actors and/or directors, and be sure to communicate with your teachers.
- Competitions: Expose yourself to the industry by participating in voice acting competitions. For instance, Chuck’s Now Voice This competition allows aspiring voice actors to challenge their skills, and gives its winner a bit-role in FUNimation’s shows.
- Reach Out: Reach out to small studios and content creators for advice. They’re friendlier than you’d think!
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About the Contributor
 | Chuck Hüber is a voice actor, ADR director and script-writer who has worked with several notable companies, such as FUNimation and OkraTron 5000. Chuck is known for his role as Hiei from Yu Yu Hakusho, Dr. Franken Stein from Soul Eater, and Android 17 and Pilaf from Dragon Ball Z. You may contact Chuck for inquiries or online class information with the following details: Twitter: @chuck_huber Email: fireflyworks@gmail.com |
Edited By Tiffany Lim
 | Tiffany Lim has worked with several notable organisations with marketing, production and project management. Her clients and partners include Marshall Cavendish Editions, Bossini Singapore, National Library Board (NLB) and Mediacorp. She has been invited to share her experiences with polytechnic students in Ngee Ann Polytechnic and Singapore Polytechnic. She has also spoken in educational institutions (IMDA Labs, National Library Board) and literary festivals (All In! 2018). More details may be found on her official website. |
