**Interview with Bilingual Voiceover Artist Angela Liu**
Living in Los Angeles, Angela Liu, a bilingual voiceover artist originally from Shenzhen, is the embodiment of a dream career where passion meets profession. She feels fortunate to have found a job that feels more like play than work. Every morning, her first act is to check her phone for new projects, and she revels in the pure joy of her industry.
Liu’s journey began with film directing and production in the U.S. However, a friend introduced her to a unique opportunity: providing Chinese voiceover for a sightseeing bus, where she narrated a biblical story. After recording, the producer remarked, “You have a talent for voice acting. Have you considered pursuing it professionally?” This sparked a new path for Liu, especially as her focus shifted after becoming a mother. With a background in radio and a husband who is a sound engineer, she began exploring the possibility of a career in voiceover.
Starting from small gigs on freelance platforms, Liu gradually became a member of professional voiceover communities, building her experience and network. This led to a diverse array of projects, showcasing her talent in various fields, from video games and animated films to advertisements and educational videos. In fact, many of the media we encounter daily are supported by professional voice talent, including the sound effects of casino slot machines, all of which Liu has voiced.
In addition to her freelance projects, Liu also produces and directs audiobooks and radio dramas. Her latest work, “The Gang,” stands out as it features three different voice actors bringing the book to life, setting it apart from typical audiobook productions.
Over the past year, one topic that has permeated the film and television industry is the impact of artificial intelligence (AI). Liu observes the rapid advancement of AI, noticing how AI-generated voices have evolved from being easily identifiable to increasingly human-like and emotional. This raises concerns about whether it will become difficult to distinguish between real voices and AI-generated ones, which could threaten voiceover jobs. However, from her perspective as a producer, Liu sees AI as a powerful tool that can streamline the production process by allowing voice actors to make quick corrections with mutual consent, making it a welcome technological advancement.
As a bilingual voiceover artist in America, Liu finds that the benefits outweigh any drawbacks. She appreciates the growing representation of diverse ethnicities in American society, where casting for voice actors aims to reflect genuine voices from various communities. For projects targeting Chinese audiences, they specifically seek out voice actors with a Chinese accent, ensuring authentic representation. Liu believes that her bilingual advantage and clear positioning in the market actually enhance her competitiveness when searching for new opportunities.
Having spent six years in the voiceover industry, Liu expresses her love for the community around her. “Many voice actors enjoy gaming, watching animations, and reading; we’re just indulging in what we love,” she shares. Most voice actors work other jobs during the day, fitting in recording sessions before or after work, driven more by passion than necessity. The camaraderie in the voiceover industry is notable, characterized by mutual support, kindness, and a shared commitment to personal growth and continuous learning.
Looking ahead, Liu hopes to secure roles in motion capture for large video games, where she can both perform and lend her voice. For her, finding joy in work is paramount. “I feel lucky that my job doesn’t feel like work; it feels like play. I hope more people can experience that joy in their careers.”
For those interested in following Angela Liu’s journey, her personal website is available at [https://www.angelaliuchen.com/](https://www.angelaliuchen.com/).