Actress Emma Berman stops by on Close-Up Culture to talk about her role in the new Star Wars series, Young Jedi Adventures.
Set 200 years before “The Phantom Menace,” during the High Republic era, the animated series follows Jedi younglings as they study the ways of the Force, explore the galaxy, help citizens and creatures in need and learn valuable skills needed to become Jedi along the way.
You are the voice of Nash Durango in the new Star Wars series, Young Jedi Adventures! How exciting is it to be part of the Star Wars universe?
It is so very exciting! This whole experience has been so surreal to me and voicing Nash has just been such a joy and an honor. I mean I am still walking on air from all the excitement of being part of the series. It’s literally a dream come true to be part of the galaxy, especially for such an important project being the VERY first series that opens the door to a new generation of young Star Wars fans!
Can you tell us about your character, Nash Durango, and how you connected to this character?
Nash is a talented young pilot from planet Tenoo. She is fierce, hard-working, determined, confident, and funny. She is a good friend of the Jedi younglings Kai, Lys, and Nubs, and she serves as their pilot and helper on their adventures. Nash knows her worth and her confidence makes her an even better pilot because she always performs to the best of her ability. She has a great work ethic and expects the very best from herself and I am inspired by her confidence and mindset every day!
What can audiences expect from the show?
Just like any Star Wars show, Young Jedi Adventures is filled with heart, adventure, and important lessons to take away. This show offers the perfect opportunity for families to bond over their love for the iconic franchise by providing age-appropriate content that parents can appreciate and share with their children!
MUA: ROBERT BRYAN
Hair: DOUG MENGERT (IG)
Wardrobe stylist: ASHLEY PRUITT
Who is your favorite Star Wars character?
My all-time favorite Star Wars character is Yoda and I love that he reappears in Young Jedi Adventures!
Many will recognize you as the voice of Giulia in the Pixar film, Luca. What are your memories of working on that project?
I mean the whole experience of being part of a Pixar movie is the most incredible memory of my life! One interesting fact about this project is that I remember I got the call from the ‘Luca’ director and producer telling me that I will be voicing Giulia on March 12, 2020, the day of the state shutdown due to the pandemic. For most of the production time, I had to record in my home studio, but the few times I got to go into the Pixar headquarters were very special and absolutely magical and those are the most precious memories that I will cherish forever!
What do you love about working in voice acting?
I love picking up words on a page and giving them energy and life and the incredibly talented writers on this show make that job so easy for me. I always read the scripts before my sessions and practice how I want to perform my lines so that I’m ready to bring some ideas to the table during my sessions. I absolutely adore this process.
What are your hopes and dreams for the future?
I hope to go to college and later work in the movie industry. I am interested in various aspects of movie-making, as well as acting, so I am really excited to see where my journey takes me in the future!
Photographer: BEN COPE
MUA: ROBERT BRYAN
Hair: DOUG MENGERT (IG)
Wardrobe stylist: ASHLEY PRUITT