Meet British-French actor and singer Ryan Highley who has made a name for himself in productions such as The Veil, AkimBot, Dofus, and Road 96. His voiceover work spans global campaigns across various industries, including advertising, documentaries, animation, and video games. He voices in English and French and has collaborated with renowned directors like Olivier Dahan and Damon Thomas.
When and how did you decide to become a voice actor ?
I like this story because it took me ages to actually get round to putting the hours into this line of work. I saw Mrs. Doubtfire when I was around 7 years old, and although Robin Williams’ performance was mainly focused on the old nanny character, I was really struck by the fact that he was also a cartoon voice actor in the film. He even ends up at the job centre doing voices and a hot dog impression. THAT DAY, I thought, “I want to do that!” It then took me 20 years to mature and finally decide to do this properly. Haha!
What life experience has been the most helpful in becoming a voice actor?
My training grounds were role-playing games, as in proper table-top RPGs. It’s strange to many, but that’s where I tried, tested, failed, and succeeded in all aspects of what I do. Sophisticated, sly, wondrous, genuine—you name it, I’ve played a character like it. It also gave me a space to put to use all my hard-earned theatre skills.
How do you handle the pressure of auditions?
Before doing this, I did a lot of sales jobs. Every rejection, every No, is a step closer to the person who actually wants to work with you. So I stopped making assumptions about what was expected of me, I do my thing, I do me, I stay in “the moment”, it takes the pressure off.
What’s your routine before heading into the studio?
I go through the script, review the director’s notes, write my own notes, ask questions, then ask even more. I forget everything. Then I come back, warm up my voice, open the call, and hit ‘REC.’
What do you consider the three top qualities an artist needs to succeed in this industry?
Consistency, persistence, and love! Find a way to love what you do, even when you don’t always produce good work. Just love it anyway and do better next time. And trust the process. You won’t control every step; sometimes you’ve just got to jump.
Which types of projects are your favorites to work on? What makes them special for you?
I love so many different things, so it’s not an easy answer. But what quickly gives me chills are inspirational projects. I like it when a brand wants to work on that fine line of heart-touching vibes that seem to empower whoever is listening. Projects that give a sense of purpose, commitment, and togetherness. I’ve done this for Surfriders, Hennessy, ALL ACCOR, WorldSkills, and many others.
Tell us about one of your funniest professional moments ...
There’s this game that was released on 29th August 2024 called AkimBot. I play the French version of the main hero, Exe, which was fun. But I also play both the French and English versions of a crazy scientist-like robot called “The Processor.” THAT was VERY funny!
What was your worst voicing experience?
Oh my… I don’t really think in those terms. My “worst” experience helped me grow so much. I felt bad during the session; no one was happy with what they were hearing, it was so uncomfortable, and I was lost. But we kept going. That moment taught me so much about listening, patience, submission, and humility. It was the highest learning curve I’d had in a while.
What is your biggest professional dream?
Not an easy one, this one. I suppose playing a major role in any video-game Star Wars related would be a top tier achievement to me. Although, there are so many franchises I would happily work with.
Tell us about some of your upcoming projects ...
Funnily enough, it’s more on the RPG side. I have exciting news! I’m in a YouTube Actual Play RPG show. It’s like Critical Role—you can look that up—but we’re a French show called Rôle’N Play. In September 2024, we’re going international for the first time! We’ll have four episodes in a crazy universe called CATS: The Conspurracy, with a famous British actress, Devora Wilde, as our special guest! I’m really excited about this—she’s a lovely person and so talented!
Which producers or voice directors stand out to you, and what made them great to work with?
Well, one of the most significant experiences I’ve had was to be directed by Olivier Dahan on a very curious project he had going on, and I loved the very straight to the point, quick thinking requests he made. I felt like a sophisticated instrument in service of what we were creating. Very intense. Beyond this, I’m grateful to have worked with Doug Rand, Adrien Hermans, Damon Thomas, and others, but these guys particularly helped me grow.
Which voice directors would you love the opportunity to work with?
Wow, so many… Beth Park would be great because of her amazing work on Baldur’s Gate 3 and, more recently, Black Myth: Wukong. Another treat would be working with Mary Elizabeth McGlynn, who directed Vox Machina. I just like good work (haha), and anyone able to get the best out of actors in service of the creation.
Could you recommend any courses, training, workshops?
I really enjoyed a training session I did at Rhinoceros Formation in Paris with Emmanuel Karsen—they have other good people too.
Can you share some advice for someone looking to start a voice acting career?
Just put yourself in as many recording-like situations as possible, even at home with your phone. Do it, mess up, go again. Do it, mess up, go again. Failing is good! It’s growth! Reach out to people. Accept that no one is waiting for you, but you will find someone one day. All the skills you develop while getting into this industry are strong qualities for anything you may attempt in the future, even if you decide to change paths.