17 The actors

Recruit actors to portray each character in the scene.

Actors are responsible for embodying the characters described in the script, and as such, they should closely match the characters description. Relevant factors to consider include age, race, gender, nationality, and language. To ensure that the chosen actors meet these criteria, recruiters should provide detailed information about each character in the recruitment offer.

If possible, professional actors who closely match the physical descriptions of the characters and are native speakers of the language being used for filming are preferred. However, finding such actors can be challenging. In cases where the actors do not perfectly match the desired characteristics, the following solutions can be considered:

• If professional actors are not available, it is important to rehearse the script extensively with the chosen actors to ensure natural acting.
• For actors who are not native speakers of the language used in the filming, pronunciation support should be provided as early as possible, ideally during the first script reading, to avoid memorizing incorrect pronunciations.
• Minor physical differences between the actors and the characters can be corrected with the use of makeup.

Finally, it is important to note that virtual gaming simulations (VGS) are filmed from the learner’s point of view.  The actor portraying the learner role in the simulation will not be visible in the video. Only their voice, hands and some body parts will be visible. This technique is used to enhance the learner’s immersive experience, by allowing them to envision themselves in the main character role. Selecting an actor with a neutral voice and skin tone could be recommended if relevant to the flow of the simulation, but the essential part is selecting someone that fits the charater.

Finding your actors, does not need to be a complicated activity.  A casting call can be circulated on local online actors’ chat groups or on your academic chat / blog sites. The casting call should contain a short description of the VGS scenario, location and dates of the filming, and a description of the characters, including age, gender, height, language, distinguishing features, and the financial compensation to be paid for the role.  Once applications are received, the best candidate can be selected based on the following criteria:

• Acting experience
• Physical resemblance to the character
• Language skills

If several suitable candidates are found, it is recommended that audition be arranged for the short-listed actors to read some of the script’s lines in order to determine which actor best embodies the characters.