Q & A with Dana Gaier

1. What was it like doing a voice over?

“Doing a voiceover is really different than doing stage acting or acting for tv or live film. In some ways, it’s probably harder because you don’t see the action but you have to imagine it happening around you. The writers and directors of Despicable Me made it really easy though because they were so good at explaining what would be happening in the scene. Then I would read my line many different ways and they would choose the one they liked best, when they edited the movie. The other thing that makes it different than live action is that you don’t really have to worry about how you dress -but they film you so that they can see your expressions and make your character have similar expressions- and you don’t have to worry about memorizing.. It was fun working with the directors, and kind of weird because they were in Paris on a monitor while I was in LA and NY. But I always liked seeing their reaction when I read a line.”

2. Was Edith your real voice or did you add character to it?

“Edith’s voice is my real voice. I have a naturally raspy voice and I guess the directors thought my voice was right for Edith’s tough little character.”

3.Did you get to work with Elsie Fisher, Miranda Cosgrove or Steve Carrell?

“I didn’t get to work with any of them on the film. It was just the directors and me. They would do the line before the one I had and then I would do my line. I did get to be there with Elsie a couple of times when she was scheduled to go after me or before me. We got to know each other. I love her. She is just so cute. Miranda was really nice. I met her at an early screening for the film and then again at the premiere. She even introduced me to one of her ICarly co-stars. And Steve Carell was the best. He went out of his way to come up at the premiere and say “I finally get to meet you.” He is so nice.”

4. Do you hope for a part two?

“Definitely. I think everyone would love to see a part 2 and find out what happens with Gru and the girls, and I would just love it if I could work on next film.”

5. Do you have any other projects in the works?

“Well right now I am at summer camp and I am in a musical here. Before I left though, I auditioned for a couple of films and a tv show but haven’t heard anything yet. And like you said, I am also hoping for a DESPICABLE ME 2.”