Netflix’s hit series Arcane, based on Riot Games' popular League of Legends, released its highly anticipated second and final season on November 26th, 2024. Blending stunning 2D and 3D animation crafted by French studio Fortiche, Arcane has captivated both long-time fans of the game and new audiences, earning multiple Annie and Emmy Awards while breaking several Netflix records.
At the heart of Arcane’s gripping story are two sisters, Vi (voiced by Hailee Steinfeld) and Jinx (voiced by Ella Purnell), navigating the contrasting worlds of the prosperous city of Piltover and the oppressed undercity of Zaun. Among the standout characters in this rich narrative is Sevika, a fierce and imposing enforcer for the crime lords of Zaun, brought to life by the powerful voice work of Amirah Vann.
With over two decades of experience in film, television, and voiceover, Vann’s impressive career includes an NAACP Image Award nomination for her role in Underground and her portrayal of Tegan Price in How to Get Away with Murder.
In this exclusive interview with FUTURE NOW, Amirah Vann talks about her journey into voice acting, her approach to embodying complex characters like Sevika, and her advice for aspiring voice actors.
Oyeku: Sevika is such a complex character. How was it portraying her through voice acting?
Vann: Portraying the character of Sevika was a great experiment in trusting. As a voice actor, I have only a few things at my disposal to offer—my voice, my intentions, my energy. Needless to say, I learned to trust our director and their excellent ear. The similarity to on-camera acting was the collaborative nature—knowing that we would discuss a scene until our intentions were being translated and then trust that the animators would marry the emotional and physical life seamlessly.
Oyeku: Besides not being on camera, what were some differences between in-person and voice acting?
Vann: One of the main differences is not being in hair, makeup, and costume for the character. There’s so much that those elements offer immediately—a sense of self and a sense of supporting the imaginative story you’ve created that’s birthed from the text. Your imagination has to be firing on all cylinders.
Oyeku: What were the most challenging parts of playing Sevika? How did you overcome them?
Vann: One of the most challenging parts of playing Sevika is a really technical challenge—that is, making sure that your voice is strong the entire time you’re in a session. Sometimes we would record the text first and then record the efforts. Efforts are basically all the grunts and screams and yells that are added onto potential fight scenes. The efforts could ruin the voice if not done correctly and with care.
Oyeku: Do you have any advice for those looking to break out into the acting industry and any audition tips?
Vann: My advice for anyone interested in breaking into the acting industry would be to join a theater company. It’s the best way to work on wonderful text and wonderful characters, learn how to let go of your own preconceived ideas, and start to think like someone else. It also allows you, night after night, to go deeper into a character—getting lost in that character and finding new things. It’s an exploration and journey that TV and film can rarely offer because it moves so very quickly and doesn’t necessarily afford you the same depth of process. Audition tips would be make sure the basics are done. Make sure you have good lighting. Make sure you understand that they need to hear you. They need to see you. You need to have read the script if it was offered to you. Those are the basics. The next step is to decide what your offering will be. Who do you think this character is? Don’t try to fit someone else’s idea—make an offering. And lastly, make sure you understand what the heck you’re talking about. A mentor of mine once said to me: “Do not open your mouth unless you actually understand what you’re talking about.” Oh, and enjoy your offering. If you’re excited, there’s a better chance someone watching will be too.
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