Pixar in the USA seeks authentic Romani voices for a new project, deadline is 30 October
Pixar Studios in the USA, which is famous globally for its successful animated films, is casting two vocal roles for a new project that has yet to be announced. The studio is currently looking for Romani actors to voice two Romani characters in the film.
The first character is Lena, a 17-year-old Romani musician who is trying to find her place in the world through her violin artistry. By day she makes money as a street musician, while her evening job is as an assistant in a restaurant. Lena is a determined, intelligent girl with a sarcastic sense of humor and youthful energy, but because of long lasting prejudices against her and her family, she frequently hides behind a defensive wall for protection. Despite this, her passion for music remains unquenchable and drives her.
Pixar is now seeking actors for this role who are energetic and funny, for whom English is not a problem, and who can also authentically portray a Romani character. “Lena will also speak Romani in the film, but just a few sentences, so perfect fluency in Romani is not necessary, but knowledge of Romani will be an advantage,” Pixar said.
The second character, Papu Emil, is Lena’s 70-year-old grandfather, also a musician, who has lived a rich life full of family relationships and music. Emil is bedridden, but despite that he radiates elan. His direct, frequently grumpy remarks are motivated by his immeasurable love and support for his granddaughter Lena, who is everything to him. His intensive passion for his family and for music keeps him alive despite his physical restrictions.
Pixar is seeking an actor to play Emil who has a kind, playful, self-assured voice. As with the actor playing Lena, very good English is necessary and Romani is an advantage.
Pixar will be opening the door to the authentic representation of Romani culture in an animated film for global release through this project. Representatives of the studio are calling on the Romani community to actively join the project by aiding them with finding talented performers. “If you know Romani actors or musicians who could master these roles, we would love to hear from them,” the studio says in its call.
Those who are interested in these roles are encouraged to contact the casting team at Pixar by e-mail at pixar-casting@pixar.com in order to receive materials and other necessary information on how to record their voices for submission, for example. The casting deadline is 30 October 2024.
