Meet Mischa Pfister | Voice-Over Writer / Director / Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Mischa Pfister and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Mischa, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
As a voice over artist, I’m often asked by people both in and outside of the entertainment industry how they, themselves, can earn a living through VO. I used to give what I thought was a concise answer — but after receiving blank stares in return, it dawned on me that there is more to success than simply “audition, audition, audition.”

Having been a working professional in this industry for over fifteen years now, I sometimes forget just how long it took me to break in; the time spent working in theater and commercial acting, figuring out how to express emotions without the use of visual body language, teaching myself the technical side of audio production, and, perhaps the most daunting of all, learning to like the sound of my own recorded voice.

When I first started, I didn’t understand what a voice demo was. (*FYI, it’s an approximately one minute compilation of 5-7 clips within a specific subset of VO that showcase your abilities.) In fact, it’s the necessary calling card for any actor in this industry, both beginner and expert alike.

After some embarrassing meetings wherein people looked at me like I had no idea what I was doing (because, well, I didn’t), I taught myself through months of research how to create a demo that would get me hired.

Years later, inspired to make it easier for those friends of mine who saw money to be made, I started producing their voice over demos. Thus, my own production company was born.

Nowadays, with voice actors required to have their own in-home studios, I’m able to work with them remotely — without us ever having to be in the same room — demystifying the technical process and often times directing their auditions long after their demos are done. (After all, even the best performers benefit from having a voice in their headphones… in addition to their own.)

Though I continue to bring other people’s words to life as an actor myself, as well as writing and directing projects for clients, I’m equally as thrilled to hear when people book their first job via a demo we created together.

Now when I’m asked how to break in, I smile and say, “Let me help you.”

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Making money moving my mouth… and helping others do the same!

As an actor, I bring words to life without ever being seen. As a writer/director, I create the scripts that allow fellow actors to do the same. As a producer, I help both novices and experienced professionals alike succeed in this industry via their demos and auditions. And the best part of all… I don’t have to get dressed up for any of it.

Though I have acted since I was a kid, I never imagined it to be my life’s calling… After graduating from NYU with a BFA in film production, then later receiving my MFA in showrunning from UCLA, I had my mind set on becoming a television producer/writer/director. And yet, having been raised bilingual (speaking only German to my dad and English to my mom), I once thought it might be fun to audition for a certain famous theme park**, thus, falling quite literally into the world of voice overs.

Now, as I continue to develop film & TV projects as a proud member of both SAG-AFTRA and the WGA — who also has a mortgage to pay — acting is, ironically, my “day job”.

The thing is, I do not have that “golden voice” one might equate with movie trailers or CNN promos. Sure, I can speak two languages without an accent (or with, if the job requires), and I pick up other foreign languages quickly (handy for looping and ADR)… I can also add some goofy qualities (animation), age myself up or down a bit (promos), sound like an entitled hipster (commercials), or a slick announcer (award shows), and even sound rather menacing (for those video game villains I often play)… but what I always tell people is that, your voice is not the most important part of voice acting; it’s the acting.

If you’re able to speak, you, too, can make money in this industry. All it takes is practice, determination, perseverance… and, yes, a demo.

Seeing actors smile when they hear their own voice, or clients looking excited when we nailed it on the first try; it’s those reactions that are worth just as much as any paycheck. Inspiring others, whether I’m in front of or behind the studio glass, is why I continue to love this industry.

**Still to this day, my very first VO job plays on a never-ending loop at Disneyland’s Matterhorn ride. Indeed, thanks to me, many a rider has kept both their hands and feet inside the bobsled at all times.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
My backyard. (insert crying with laughter emoji) But seriously, as my career took a pause during the pandemic, I decided I should build myself a 15’x15′ stage — complete with sound system, moving lights, curtains… and even converted my garage into a photo studio / green room. Now, what started off as a silly (drunk) variety show between 5 friends in a Covid bubble, has turned into a full on production with performances by people from across the country, a 4 judge celebrity panel, glass statues for awards, and an audience of over 120 attendees. Loose Lips Live: Be seen. Not heard.

Yeah, plan on that when you’re here. I also have a cedar hot tub, full bar & griddle… so why go out?

(Honestly, I have such an amazing and eclectic group of friends, it’s tough not to stay in with them to eat, drink, and play games all night long.)

But if I had to leave my home… I highly recommend a road trip up the PCH to Malibu Seafood. A studio tour if you’re intrigued by the industry. Fatamorgana Gelato in Studio City (they have an entire case dedicated purely to chocolate varietals). Sushi Ippo and/or Here Fishy Fishy in K-Town — or Midori in Sherman Oaks — for all you can eat sushi. As for booze… Trader Joe’s or Costco all the way.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My agents, booth director and support team at VOX — without whom, as an artist, I would never have the courage to charge clients for having fun doing my job.

Website: https://www.VOMischa.com

Instagram: @vomischa

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mischapfister

Image Credits
Henry James