We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Valeria Zunzun. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Valeria below.

Hi Valeria , thanks for joining us today. What was it like going from idea to execution? Can you share some of the backstory and some of the major steps or milestones?

I’ve collaborated for years with companies and bigger vendors, co-producing, casting and directing. One day, I thought “why not”? Why wouldn’t I work directly for clients, building up my direct credits and reputation? I did many projects for someone’s else reputation… One day, I felt it was time for me to launch my own corporation. It wasn’t too long before the pandemic so… yes, a bit of a challenge.
But as a woman and as an immigrant, it was a big important step for me, and I’m proud of myself and my company, Zunzun Entertainment.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I give the mic to the right voice. My work in one short sentence…

I produce, cast, direct and train voices. Animation, any VO, dubbing…
Via my company Zunzun Entertainment, we offer full productions (from translation/adaptation when needed, voices, to mix). I collaborate with the best talents in town, and I’m proud to offer high quality with a straight creative to creative approach -no middle men, and a direct communication. This, with the special care for each project coming to us, is what makes our services stand out.

We are also offering multilingual services, with a focus on English (of course), Spanish and French- my three languages.

I also collaborate with other post production studios and vendors, as a casting director and as voice director, and sometimes as a co-producer.

A few clients: Netflix, Disney, Hulu, Wild Brain, Jim Henson’s, Amazon, Sesame Workshop… and many independent productions.

I also offer classes and workshops for actors: character voices, casting insights for animation, and dubbing workshops.
And I produce character voices demos (unique and custom, original scripts and characters to every actor).

When it comes to casting, I am passionate about authenticity, especially when it comes to accents and languages. I work with a large pool of talented and diverse actors. I called our casting branch NALAH Casting, that stands for Native Authentic Languages, actors of Hollywood. Available for all VO and post production, as well as ADR/looping needs.

I also create my own animated content. I launched the YouTube channel “That’s a dog’s life!”, and that’s all about dogs… animated. My first series is stop motion animation. I make the puppets and animate them :). Check it out. And… like and subscribe! This is my last video: https://youtu.be/bQ-MuWAJYio?si=TpjceXJuDREwbTc2

I also love to draw and paint… Dogs and cats portraits, and abstract. I have an Etsy shop :) https://www.etsy.com/shop/valeriazunzunartshop?ref=dashboard-header

You bet, I love dogs. My canine assistant (and sidekick) Lela Duende approves.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

Owing a business has its ups and downs. Yes, I wish revenue could be more steady and secure, and an employee position has been a temptation… Stress is real, but when new projects come in, a client’s coming back, and comments are very positive… the satisfaction is also greater.
But when at the down points, that’s when resilience and a strong faith in yourself are necessary… and I won’t even say it’s easy. We all know it isn’t. But… owing a business is owing your product, your quality, your brand- especially small businesses.
As a woman (and as an immigrant), I’ve encountered special challenges too… We have to work harder for the same results… and it is tiring and disappointing and discouraging at some points… but, I’m here to stay and be successful!

What’s worked well for you in terms of a source for new clients?

In Entertainment, as we know, it’s all (or a lot) about networking… So… professional conventions and events, meeting new people in the industry and maintaining the relationships… LinkedIn is a great professional connector too, if used properly. Google may even be your friend! The most important thing is to be consistent (with your vision, your quality, your values), authentic (be yourself- you won’t be everyone’s cup of tea, but, that will attract the right clients for you…), and… genuinely nice! Clients all like nice new partners and collaborators.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.nalahcasting.com
• Instagram: zunzunentertainment
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/valeria-zunzun-761a7a11/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCgdCk1BKtlooV86guanodvg
• Other: Vimeo: https://vimeo.com/zunzunentertainment Etsy: https://www.etsy.com/shop/valeriazunzunartshop?ref=dashboard-header

Image Credits
All art and picture rights: Valeria Zunzun / Zunzun Entertainment