A POSTGRADUATE student from Potters Green has been awarded for his research on the challenges actors face to make a name for themselves in the video game industry.
Matthew Davidson’s MA dissertation won the 2016 CAF BCU Prize – which is awarded to the best dissertation on creative industries submitted by a postgraduate student at Birmingham City University.
In his dissertation, Matthew emphasises the need for an actor to maintain proper care and development of their vocal and physical abilities – as motion-capture can take several months and voice recording contracts can be several years long.
The Coventry resident studied at Birmingham School of Acting – part of Birmingham City University – on the institution’s MA Acting course.
He said: “Video game acting is a hugely varied and offers richly rewarding career option for actors who are able to balance their physicality and their voice.
“With multiple options available to an actor performing in a many-branching narrative, it can provide a huge amount of depth and variety – both in the characters available and in the choices that are made when performing that role.”
Matthew will be presented with his prize today at Birmingham University as part of a wider event exploring the relationship between the creative economy and universities in the midlands.
Professor Paul Long, director of Birmingham Centre for Media and Cultural Research, is chairing the event and said he is delighted to be presenting Matthew with his award.
He added: “His dissertation impressed the judges – not only for its strong academic rigour, but also for the applied insights he offers actors, such as the need to be flexible, develop strong relationships and how to show realistic emotions.
“Matthew will also be one of the panel discussants on the evening and will offer insights on being an acting student who is forging a career in the theatre sector.”
