Amber Nash is a woman known to millions thanks to her voice, with her tackling the lead role of Pam Poovey in the hit FX/FXX animated adult series Archer. As a former Human Resources Director, the character is a fan-favourite in the animated spy sitcom, and helped lead the series to two Primetime Emmy Awards and a Critics Choice Television Award.
Amber Nash chats with Female First / Photographer: Seth Olenick, Hair and Makeup: Serena Ryan
This week, we caught up with Amber to find out a little bit about the world of recording for animated shows, projects she'd love to be a part of in the future, and more! Read on to find out what she had to say...
The world of voiceover is one that's quite mysterious to anyone who's not in it! Can you tell us a little bit about a typical day working in voiceover, and what you get up to? If indeed there are any 'typical' days!
Well, for Archer I usually only work for about 30 minutes every three weeks for 10 months out of the year, so it's a pretty easy schedule to say the least. We generally get our script for an episode a few days before our session, so I read through it once before I go in and then when I'm there my session is rarely longer than an hour. I'm in the booth alone; we all record separately. I read each of my lines three times in a row trying different things, and the director either gives me direction, or we read a scene together that has specific timing, or we just move on. The guys on Archer are so easy to work with, I'm really spoiled.
Archer has taken home Emmys and Critics Choice Awards; what did it feel like to be celebrated in that way?
It was amazing. When we got our Emmy, I ugly cried on stage. Mostly I think it was because I was so excited for and proud of Adam Reed and Matt Thompson, the creator and executive producer. I've known them for a long time and worked with them on many projects. They have been so amazing to me and really made my career, I was just so happy.
Season 10 of Archer has been announced for 2019 - what should fans expect from the new batch of episodes?
Well, for one we're in space! It’s crazy and fun but, just like always, we are still the same terrible people that audiences have come to know and love from every other season of the show. Oh, and Pam is a giant rock monster.
What advice do you have for people out there who'd love to carve out their own career in the entertainment industry?
It's really hard. I'm still trying to do it myself, find that next project, and do on-camera work. I'm auditioning all the time like any actor. If this is a career path that someone chooses, you have to work hard and learn to be okay with rejection because you're getting rejected way more than you are getting work, at least in the beginning. So, you have to really love it, find your own opportunity, and be responsible for your own career... No one is going to do it for you. The most valuable thing I ever did was take an improv class, both on and off stage.
The way in which we indulge in entertainment nowadays is constantly changing, with streaming services and the like. What do you make of all that's going on and the evolution of the industry?
I think it's awesome. I think we are all still trying to keep up as consumers, but there is so much out there and so many options that there is something for everybody.
You've been in some great shows throughout your career, but are there any you've not yet been a part of that you'd love to in the future?
My dream would be to have my own comedy show one day! Also, if The Flintstones ever gets remade, I'd make a damn good Wilma.
Can you tell us about some of the biggest challenges you've faced in your career to-date?
Choosing to make my home in Atlanta has been a challenge because starting out people can't imagine that there is talent in any other city besides L.A. or New York but there is, so much! I love it here and I get to hop onstage every weekend and do improv!
Comparatively, what have been some of the biggest highlights you've experienced?
Watching Atlanta explode as an entertainment hub has been amazing! There is so much shooting here, it’s really fun to watch my hometown become the place to be: Y'allywood. Getting Archer is the biggest thing to happen in my career. I love the show so much and the cast and crew! Also, it was great when Pam was in the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Edition!
What do you like to do to entertain yourself when you get some free time?
My husband and I love to go thrifting and antique shopping. We travel a lot too. And I'm restoring a camper trailer with my dad.
Finally, what's next for you in the coming weeks and months?
We are about to release a very scary video for Halloween in which I play a terrifying old lady. You can see it at https://www.youtube.com/user/DadsGarageTV.
Amber Nash returns to her role of Pam Poovey in season 10 of Archer, which is expected to debut in 2019.