Today we’d like to introduce you to Mischa Pfister.
Hi Mischa, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
Born and raised just outside of Seattle, I practically grew up in the theater — both onstage and behind the scenes. As an actor, when it comes to bringing a character to life, I always start with the voice. Whether it’s spoken aloud or simply read on the page, a distinct voice is what separates a great script from a forgettable one. Perhaps that is why I’ve always been so fascinated by the world of voice overs.
After earning my BFA in Film & TV Production from NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts, and later my MFA from UCLA’s Producers Program (Showrunner Track), I found a way to turn my lifelong passion into a business. Growing up bilingual — speaking German with my dad and English with my mom — gave me an edge that’s served me well as a VO artist.
Today, when I’m not working as a voice actor, writer, or director for outside productions, you’ll find me collaborating with clients around the world, helping them craft demos, develop film and TV pitches, and launch podcasts — all from my home studio.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Who hasn’t heard the phrase “struggling artist”? I can’t imagine any part of the entertainment industry — or any creative career — being a smooth road.
One of the biggest challenges for artists is marketing ourselves. It requires a whole different skill set, and I’m extremely thankful to have agents who are great at it. Without them, I’d probably still be acting, writing, producing, and directing… for free. Why? Because it’s hard to put a price on doing what you truly love. That said, I have a mortgage to pay — and it’s important to recognize that years of hard work, training, and expertise are valuable commodities in this town.
I’ve been a freelance artist for many years, and with that comes a unique set of pros and cons. This isn’t a “job” where you clock out at 6 PM and pick up your personal life. It’s a career. It’s 24/7 — a way of living and expressing who I am.
Am I always hustling? Yes. Am I daydreaming about new projects even when I’m supposed to be relaxing on vacation? Absolutely. Do I always know where my next paycheck is coming from? Never. And yet, I wouldn’t change a thing. As my dad used to say, “Do what you love and you’ll never work a day in your life.” I’ve tried to live by that.
Surviving — and thriving — in this industry has taken courage, focus, and relentless commitment. There have been tough times, sure. But who wants to say making it in Hollywood is easy? That would make for a really boring bio-pic.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
Every voice actor needs a demo — their calling card, résumé, and portfolio all rolled into 60 seconds of digital audio. That’s where my business comes in.
Unlike many producers, I work with clients remotely, directing their demo sessions — and later, their auditions — via headphones. It saves time, cuts costs, and most importantly, allows actors to perform from the comfort of their own homes anywhere in the world. When it comes to voice work, nerves are one of the first things you hear — and being relaxed in a familiar space can make all the difference.
As a producer, what makes me proudest is hearing a client say, “I sound awesome!”
It’s no secret: most people are a little unsettled by the sound of their own recorded voice at first. Helping actors hear — and own — their natural talent is incredibly rewarding. Even better? Watching them turn that talent into a career.
As an actor, I’ve been lucky to have appeared in a number of productions that mean a lot to me personally… Two episodes of ARCHER, the behind-the-scenes documentary for THE FIFTH ELEMENT, voicing the Reavers in SERENITY, looping an Oscar-winning film (MILLION DOLLAR BABY), plus numerous video games, award shows, commercials, movies and TV shows… but I’m most “known” for my very first VO job ever – one that still plays on a never-ending loop at Disneyland’s Matterhorn ride*.
*Thanks to me, many a rider has kept both their hands and feet inside the bobsled at all times.
What were you like growing up?
Even as a kid, I was pretty stoic (chalk it up to my German upbringing). My philosophy has always been: if you can fix it, fix it. If you can’t, there’s no use worrying about it.
I’m happy 98% of the time — though rarely content. I’m proud of everything I’ve built both personally (my awesome LA-based family) and professionally, but I am always looking ahead. Stagnation is a killer.
Growing up an only child gave me a vivid imagination. I was always creating elaborate storyworlds for my He-Man and G.I. Joe action figures — something I still do today. Only now, the characters are real people… and the projects come with paychecks.
I was also obsessed with music videos: telling a story using sleek visuals and the perfect track. That influence shows up in almost everything I create — my scripted projects often powered by a strong visual-musical rhythm.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.VOMischa.com
- Instagram: @vomischa
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mischapfister/
Image Credits
Henry James
