Voice-over artist behind new film character

A scene from the movie Avatar. Photos provided to China Daily

Ji Guanlin is known as "the voice of stars" in China. The 35-year-old has dubbed for some of the best-known roles in both foreign and Chines movies and TV series. Avatar's lithe tribal princess Neytiri, Titanic's bold and lively character Rose and Zhenhuan, China's famous on-screen royal concubine, are some examples.

Her voice, having morphed into the virtual throats of a whole range of characters, is clear and mellow. But in person, the performer comes to life through her animated eyes and movements. A "let me see" is said with an involuntarily tilted head or impatient "hey" is mimed with curled lips and a frown.

Her acting, and not just the vocal part of it, will next materialize in Little Door Gods, an animation film about Chinese celestial beings' modern-day survival set to be released on Jan 1, 2016. Ji is the flower fairy.

The character develops based on Ji's facial expressions, movements and the personality she breathes into it.

"We had Ji filmed with three cameras in the recording process so her acting could transfer onto the character," Yu Zhou, the film's producer, says. "We're doing it the Hollywood way. We chose her not for her fame but because she will present the character most naturally."

"Animation gives you more creative freedom," Ji says. "The better your acting is, the more fulfilled the character is."

She has a growing portfolio of voice-over for animation projects now, as that segment of the film industry blossoms in the country. Last year, animation films recorded 40 percent growth at the box office.

"There are many more opportunities for voice artists these days," says Ji, adding that dubbing for TV plays, animations and video games has been growing fast in the country.

"The younger generation of voice artists has a lot more possibilities," she says. "We have our own hardcore fans."