The only book of its kind.
The Art and Business of Acting for Video Games
by Julia Bianco Schoeffling
For actors who want to book jobs in video games, future technology & interactive stories.
About the Book
The video game industry has experienced explosive growth over the past decade, and with that, opportunities have increased for actors to work in the medium. But these new opportunities bring up questions -- Where do you start? How is the process different than acting for film or television? What are casting directors and developers looking for? What skills do you need to focus on to succeed?
You'll learn everything you need to know to break in, including:
· The history and the basics of the video game industry
· The ins and outs of unions, contracts, and NDAs
· Basic gear to get started on a home studio
· Best practices for your video game demos and auditions
· The process from audition to booking
· Tips on performance and motion capture
Written in an approachable and informative style, The Art and Business of Acting for Video Games gives you the skills and tools that will set you apart in the audition pile. This first-of-its-kind guide is perfect for actors who want to take their craft into a new, exciting world.
What People Are Saying
I wish I'd read this book sooner- it would've saved me from going into so many VO/PCAP/MOCAP auditions unsure of what I'm doing! Julia generously lays out the obscure secrets of auditioning and working on set as only a true industry insider could. Absolutely essential reading for any aspiring video game actor- this book arms its readers with the knowledge to stand out from the competition and build a lasting career in games.
— Melody Peng, ActorA must-have resource for any actor looking to work in video games today.
— Melissa Grillo, Casting Director
Informative, well-researched, & necessary for anyone interested in the video game industry. Julia is awesome from personal experience. She clearly cares about actors and wants to share her many years of knowledge in a very non-gatekeepy way, so that details don’t need to be such a mystery!
— Janzy, Actor (via Goodreads)
About Julia Bianco Schoeffling
Julia Bianco Schoeffling is an author, casting director, and creative executive working at the intersection of performance and interactive storytelling.
With more than two decades of experience in game production, Julia brings rare, behind-the-scenes perspective to her work. As Co-Founder and COO of The Halp Network, she specializes in voice and performance capture casting for globally recognized titles, helping studios design casting processes that prioritize collaboration, clarity, and representation.
In 2025, Julia joined the Board of BAFTA North America, where she serves as Chair of the Games Committee. She is the founder of Nibi Press and the author of The Art and Business of Acting for Video Games, a widely referenced guide with a revised and expanded edition currently in development.