Ep 170: Risk, Grit & Improv: How Vaughndio Built a Voiceover Career

"Your uniqueness, everything about your quirks, that's a part of you. You are the package." - Vaughndio Forbes What happens when a kid from the Bahamas becomes fascinated with movie stunts, starts cold-emailing professionals for advice, and eventually builds a career that spans stunt work, acting, motion capture, creature performance, and voiceover? In this episode of the VoiceOver Gurus Podcast, Linda sits down with actor, stunt performer, voice actor, writer, director, and motion capture artist Vaughndio Forbes to discuss the winding path that led him from Florida to Los Angeles and into some of the entertainment industry's most unique performance opportunities. Vaughndio shares how a generous mentor helped shape his early career, the challenges of relocating to Los Angeles without a support system, and how persistence helped him gain traction in the stunt world despite setbacks, injuries, and uncertainty. The conversation explores the surprising overlap between stunt work, acting, creature performance, motion capture, and voice acting. Vaughndio explains how imagination, observation, and a willingness to take creative risks have become essential tools throughout his career. Listeners will also hear about his work performing Bahamian dialects for film projects, the importance of embracing what makes you unique, and why performers should never underestimate the value of their own background, culture, or life experiences. 🎙️ Vaughndio's journey from the Bahamas to Los Angeles How a childhood fascination with movie stunts led to a career in entertainment. 🤸 Breaking into the stunt industry The realities of starting from scratch, networking, building a reel, and learning from industry veterans. 💥 Learning through setbacks From losing an apartment after moving to LA to recovering from a serious training injury, Vaughndio shares the challenges that shaped his career. 👾 Creature suits, motion capture, and performance beyond the microphone What it takes to bring monsters, aliens, and digital characters to life. 🌎 Turning cultural identity into a career advantage How Vaughndio's Bahamian background helped him land unique opportunities and why performers should embrace what makes them different. 🎭 Imagination is a skill, not a gift Practical advice for actors and voice actors who struggle with creativity and character development. 🎯 The power of bold audition choices Why sometimes the thing that books the job is the thing that wasn't on the page.