Voice Over

        Whilst I was working on modelling and casting the pigs, Fiona took on a number of other tasks, among them recording a suitable voice over. As our project moves further away from being a fully realised animation, and more towards a filmed diorama, the voiceover (as well as lighting and shot framing) become increasingly important in communicating the mood, tone and message with the audience.

        I am aware that some groups have contacted experienced voice performers to provide the dialogue for their documentary animations, but this does not seem like a viable option for use, given that time is fast running out. So, our best chance is to recruit someone we already know to provide the voices for our characters.

        Fiona initially contacted two potential candidates, one of whom has what she describes as a 'BBC voice', which would hopefully imbue our short film with the necessary severity and respectability to emphasise the  seriousness of our topic. However, when these voice recordings were presented to our peers the response was not particularly favourable. It was mentioned that some of the recordings sounded stilted and staged, lacking the necessary emotion to really make our film resonate with audiences. 

        Fortunately, Fiona managed to persuade a first year student, Gavin, to make an alternate recording, which received far better feedback. His dialogue sounds natural and emotional (swerving between resignation, anger and disgust), as though it is actually being spoken by an abattoir worker who has to face the abhorrent scenes described. Also his American accent suits the quotes we had selected (the interview is American), as in my opinion 'hogs' would sound wrong if spoken in an English accent.

        Fiona had initially intended to have the quotes spoken alternately by our two characters (editing the voice recording to sound like two separate speakers), to allow each of our characters their time in the spotlight. However, I don't see that it is necessary for them to take turns as the 'speaker'. While in my imagination it is my character, Gordon, who is being interviewed, this does not mean that Fiona's character, Sven, cannot be the focus of some shots. Indeed, many of the snippets of dialogue describe the brutish behaviour of the manager/foreman, which would place Sven at the centre of many shots.