Photo Credit: Birdie Thompson
Hair and Make-up: Allison Noelle
We recently had the chance to chat with the lovely Dana Gaier about getting started in the entertainment industry, “Despicable Me 3”, voice acting, and more! Make sure you check it out below!
1. How did you begin your career in the entertainment industry?
My sister, Jillian, actually started out in the industry first. I got involved because my mom couldn’t find a babysitter for me one day so she had to bring me along with her to the audition. The casting director asked me if I wanted to come in and audition for the role of the younger sister and I ended up getting a callback! After that her agent called and asked to sign me. I was so excited about going on more auditions!
2. How did you land the role of “Edith” in Despicable Me?
I missed the original audition because of my sixth grade camping trip, but when I came back they still hadn’t found the right voice. I auditioned at my agency, where I do most of my voiceover auditions and found out that the creative team for the movie wanted me to fly out to California for a working session. I was only 11 years-old and I was so nervous that day that I couldn’t stop playing with the bottom of my shirt. They had to ask me to stop because the microphone was picking up the sound. After I came outside they said, “Dana we’re so sorry,” and I was devastated, but they finished by saying “we need you to stay here all day to record the role of Edith!” I couldn’t stop jumping up and down.
3. What has it been like getting to be part of such a successful film franchise?
It’s honestly so crazy because I was so excited about being a part of it even before I knew how successful it would be. I knew it could be this good because of the script, the cast, and the team, but I never could have imagined being a part of something so much bigger than myself. I feel very fortunate.
4. What is your favorite part of voice acting?
My favorite part is probably how much you get to play with the lines. Even a line with the word like “C’mon.” When I first see that line I’ll say it 3 or 4 ways and the director, Pierre, will tell me which one he liked the best or give me more direction for which way to go with the line. It leaves a lot of room for creativity.
5. How is it different from on-camera acting?
Voiceover work is different from on-camera acting because at least for Despicable Me, we are each in the booth on our own. Because of that, we do not really have anyone to react to and we kind of have to manifest the emotion out of thin air. We get some background about the scene from the director, but we are reading the lines by ourselves. It’s kind of a challenge, but it’s also a really cool way to be challenged.
6. Which style of acting do you prefer and why?
I don’t really have a preference. I think because I have done more voiceover at this point I would really like to be involved in more onscreen projects, but overall I really do love both. They’re each a lot of fun in their own way.
7. Can you tell us about your new project The Ice Cream Truck?
When the main character, Mary, moves back to her old suburban town she realizes that there is something weird about the ice cream man. It’s a thriller, but there are definitely some fun comedic moments. My role, Brie, is pivotal to the movie and I’m really excited for people to see me in my first onscreen role.
8. Do you have any other upcoming projects?
Not at the moment, but I am excited about Despicable Me 3 coming out on June 30th and The Ice Cream Truck, which will be released in select theaters and on VOD August 18th. It’s going to be a great summer!
9. What are your social media accounts?
I’m on Twitter and Instagram: @danagaier as well as Facebook Dana Gaier.
Make sure you go see “Despicable Me 3” in theaters today!