How to support performance actors during game development
At the recent BAFTA Games Mental Health Summit, a panel of actors discussed what they'd like to see improve in the industry to benefit their mental wellbeing as performers.
Hosted by performance capture and voice director Kate Saxon, the panel featured actors Doug Cockle (The Witcher), Alix Wilton Regan (Assassin's Creed Origins), Jessica Hayles (Dead Island 2), and Robert Gilbert (Ghost Recon Breakpoint).
The discussion focused on what needs to be done to foster a safe working environment, how to support individual acting processes, and how to make performers feel included in every step of development – from auditions to the game's release.
Fostering a safe and comfortable work environment should always be top priority, from the voice booth to the performance capture stage.
"On the basic level, and in terms of inclusivity, nobody should have to ask for something that is their basic right," Hayles noted, citing toilet and prayer breaks, and a private space away from people as examples.
In terms of who's in attendance during a recording session, Gilbert said it's important to make sure actors are aware of why certain people are there to ease anxiety.
"If somebody from the company is going to be in the room, obviously introduce yourself, explain to me what your role is, and why you are in the session," he explained, with Cockle adding that not knowing why someone is there, like a CEO, can throw them off.
"Only have the people who absolutely need to be in the session, in the session," Cockle noted.
"I've been in a few sessions where there's three writers, two artistic directors, a producer, and the CEO of the company," he continued. "They're all either on a call or in the room, and then they all argue with the director, and they all have their own ideas about what should be done and what shouldn't be done. As the actor, all this does is make you not feel very playful, like you can't be vulnerable, [and] you can't give your best work."
Saxon suggested that a briefing document
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