VSI panel at CON-LO-CON

13 March 2025

VSI panel at CON-LO-CON

VSI is hosting a panel during the EGA's second annual CON-LO-CON conference, bringing together industry experts from DreamWorks Animation, NAVA and VOISEED to discuss the future of AI in localisation.

As the entertainment industry continues to navigate the challenges of AI and the future of dubbing, important questions are also raised about rights, compensation and overall creative control within talent contracts. The panel will explore how the industry has responded, examining regional differences associated with the adoption of AI clauses, the involvement of unions, and the overall implications for voice artists. The discussion will also consider what the future may hold in the fine print for AI in localisation.

Scott McCarthy, DreamWorks Animation - VP Localization (Moderator)

Scott McCarthy has overseen dubbing and global brand integrity for DreamWorks IP for the past 20 years. Respect for language, cultures, and tradition is at the heart of DreamWorks' dubbing philosophy. Dubbing goes beyond adaptation, it's about empowering local studios and artists to give an international voice to your stories. Scott has been an advocate for the dubbing industry and his belief in more collaboration between content creators and dubbing partners around the world.

William Russell, VSI - Managing Director (UK)

William is the Managing Director of VSI London, the global headquarters of the VSI group. He began his career at VSI in 2019 after spending 12 years working as a lawyer in the city of London.
 
William has overseen a turbulent period in the localisation industry. Through the recruitment drive and boom of 2022 to the socio-economic external factors that impacted the industry in 2023, he  guided VSI through strategic restructuring and expansion, while remaining focussed on delivering the high-quality client service and localisation that VSI is known for.

Tim Friedlander, NAVA - President and Co-Founder

Tim Friedlander is a renowned voice actor and studio owner in Los Angeles, known for his talent and advocacy. His voiceover work includes roles in "Hunter x Hunter," "One Punch Man," and "Ace Combat 7," as well as the English voice of Ares in "Record of Ragnarok." He has also worked on projects like the Pro Bull Riders Association and "Beforeigners." Tim's talent has been recognised with various awards, including the SOVAS Voice Arts Award for Best Political Voice Over in 2023.

Operating from his studio, soundBOX:LA, he continues to captivate English-speaking audiences with his compelling performances and unwavering commitment to his craft. Additionally, Tim co-founded the National Association of Voice Actors (NAVA) and co-owns The Voice Over Resource Guide, where he champions artists’ rights, solidifying his leadership in the voiceover community. Represented by Atlas Talent and ACM Talent Management, Tim remains a driving force in voice acting.

Andrea Ballista, Co-Founder – Voiseed

Andrea Ballista has been working in the game industry for more than 25 years, working on the localization of major IPs with global publishers. Starting from the passion of music, songwriting and singing, he holds a Computer Music graduation. After having co-founded Binari Sonori in 1994, he has been Audio Director for Keywords Studios from 2015. In 2020 he co-founded Voiseed to proceed into research and development of emotional AI speech solutions for production and dubbing.

Let's talk

If you'd like to learn more about the current applications for AI in localisation or simply discuss a project, our team would love to hear from you. Get in touch to book your meeting.