Scifipulse was recently fortunate enough to interview voice actor Bryan Olson. Known for Paper Mario: The Origami King as well as BROK the InvestiGator and the TV series Beforeigners. Bryan has recorded thousands of television and radio commercials, video games, corporate training modules, E-learning, narrations, audiobooks and more for an international audience. He has also provided the voice for AVA (Autistic Voice-over Artists) . Which was set up by Robin Brooke and Heidi Hackney to empower autistic adults in the voiceover industry. Bryan discusses AVA in this interview. Additionally, Bryan talks about his dream voice role here and whether Spider-Man could beat Superman in Mortal Kombat.
SFP: What made you want to be a voice actor?
Bryan Olson: I was looking to do something where I could have my own business and have the time to volunteer and help others. Voice acting just happened to fit that bill. Never in a million years would I have thought I would do this for a job.
SFP: How has the acting profession changed since you first started out?
Bryan Olson: I’ve seen the acting profession open up to more people and be more accessible than ever. It’s great to see because people with disabilities, like myself, sometimes can’t hold a regular job for long periods of time.
SFP: Please can you tell us how the idea for AVA (Autistic Voice-over Artists) came about?
Bryan Olson: AVA came about from the minds of Robin Brooke, a fantastic actress and Heidi Hackney. They got together because they saw a need for an organization to help teach other autistic people that they can succeed in this field. They found me from my TikTok account and had me be the voice for AVA. I’m looking forward to seeing how AVA grows over the next few years!
SFP: What voice actors are you inspired by?
Bryan Olson: To be honest, I don’t follow many voice actors careers. There was one particular actor (Neil Kaplan) that played Ghaul in the game Destiny 2. His portrayal of that villain was incredible to me.
SFP: What would be your dream role?
Bryan Olson: My dream role would be Link from The Legend of Zelda. He doesn’t talk but he’s been my favorite videogame character since I was a kid.
SFP: What do you think the future of neurodivergent representation on screen and in the recording studio looks like?
Bryan Olson: I’ve seen more and more representation for neurodivergent people over the years and I would hope it continues to increase and have a more accurate portrayal of what it’s like to be neurodivergent.
SFP: How does acting for children differ from acting for adults?
Bryan Olson: I’m not sure I’m qualified to answer this question. But it seems to me that it wouldn’t differ too much. You still would try to access and portray emotions and feelings. The main differences would seem to be how they would get the job, legal guardians being involved, and things like that.
SFP: And finally, who would win at Mortal Kombat between Superman and Spider-Man?
Bryan Olson: I’ve never really played Mortal Kombat but I would say Superman. With his speed and strength, freezing breath, and laser vision, I’d say it would be no contest. Unless Spider-Man came across some kryptonite…
Scifipulse would like to extend our most heartfelt thanks and warmest best wishes to Bryan Olson for so graciously taking the time to answer our questions.
Bryan’s website: Voice Actor Bryan J Olson | Home Studio Source Connect
His YouTube channel: Updated studio vid and Introduction.
Bryan’s Instagram: Instagram
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