FINAL FANTASY VII REBIRTH’s Britt Baron and Briana White talk Women’s History Month
The actors who bring Tifa Lockhart and Aerith Gainsborough to life discuss Women’s History Month, their careers and the influential women who made them who they are today.Women's History Month is a reminder to celebrate the success and contribution of women across all walks of life - including, of course, the games industry.
Which brings us to Britt Baron and Briana White. These two actors are front and center in FINAL FANTASY VII REBIRTH and imbue Tifa and Aerith respectively with palpable strength, warmth, and humanity, even as the characters face some of their darkest moments yet.
Their exceptional performances elevate the game to even greater heights than the gameplay alone and are more than worthy of recognition - as the positive reaction from players and critics alike attests.
For Women’s History Month, Britt and Briana were gracious enough to share their story about their careers, the challenges they’ve faced and the women who inspire them - and how other women can pursue similar success.
Britt Baron (Tifa Lockhart)
How do you celebrate Women’s History Month?
I make a point to support women-owned businesses as much as I can. Women entrepreneurs inspire me greatly, so I put in extra effort to back their businesses and causes during this month.
I also try to call my mom more, because she is the greatest woman in my life!
How did you get your start as an actor?
I got my start as an actor by doing a small play at a theater in Burbank during my first winter in LA.
From there, the same casting director (Sandi Logan) cast me in my first role on television, where I had a few lines and joined the union. Things kind of progressed from there.
It felt like climbing a ladder, with each step leading to more opportunities.
Who are some of the women who inspired you to be the person you are today?
Of course, there are so many famous female icons who have inspired me throughout my life, but I think the women who have had the most profound impact on me are the ones I know personally.
My mom, aunts, cousins, and my best girlfriends come to mind. They've all pursued different professional and personal paths, yet they share qualities of being incredibly smart, driven, confident, and, above all, kind.
Surrounding myself with such strong, passionate, hardworking, self-motivated, supportive, and funny women throughout my life has helped me strive to be the best I can be.
What advice would you give to any women who want to work in this industry or in voice acting?
It's hard for me to offer advice because I still feel like I have no idea what I’m doing and am just making it up as I go! But I guess my best advice would be to not be afraid to speak up, contribute your own ideas, ask questions, and take up space.
I've spent a lot of my adult life trying to let go of the notion that I have to be a "good girl"- that I shouldn't challenge the status quo, that I should just do as I'm told, not ask questions, and just be grateful for any opportunity - which, of course, I am.
But I also have worked on finding my own voice professionally. Voice acting and acting in general is collaborative and very creative. Being confident enough to speak up, to add an idea, to take risks are all important qualities. I think part of the reason I booked the role of Tifa was because I had an unusual amount of confidence and spoke up in my callback that day, I asked questions, I offered to try the lines differently etc.
I think as women in any profession we should all be reminded that our ideas, our perspectives, and our voices matter.
Briana White (Aerith Gainsborough)
How do you celebrate Women’s History Month?
I'm really big on celebrating the wins of the amazing women in my life, and that doubles during Women's History Month!
A friend of mine just hit her fitness goal? Amazing! One of my voice actor friends just announced a new role? Incredible achievement! Sometimes it can be really difficult to celebrate your own wins, but it's easier when someone you love hypes you up!
My friends & I are always sending "Congratulations" texts, sharing each other’s posts on social media, and cheers-ing bobas to each other's accomplishments. Sending even more love & support during Women's History month is a no-brainer!
How did you get your start as an actor?
I fell in love with acting after my first school play at 7 years old. From then on, I only had one dream for my life: make a living doing what I love.
I went to NYU for theater and met a professor there who introduced me to my first agent in LA, and I've been pursuing my dream ever since! I started with working for free on student films and anything else I could book. I then started booking indie films and got a co-star on Criminal Minds: Beyond Borders, which allowed me to join the actor's union, SAG-AFTRA.
After years of hard work and overcoming the many challenges of this industry, I finally have achieved my dream of making a living doing what I love.
Who are some of the women who inspired you to be the person you are today?
I am a mosaic of little pieces made up from all the women I admire.
My mom is my love for gaming and my drive to be fully capable in everything I do. My cousin is my desire to work hard to be able to give back to the community. My grandma is my love for family.
I am so grateful to every woman who makes the world a better place in the humblest of ways- like bringing over food to a sick friend or spending extra time wrapping Christmas presents to look especially nice. I take inspiration from the "Everyday Hero" type of women in my life, because in my opinion, they have the biggest positive impact on the world.
What advice would you give to any women who want to work in this industry or in voice acting?
I think it's only fair for me to say that it's true that this is a tough industry, so you'll have to get creative to navigate it sustainably. Find ways to live happily and pay your bills while you climb.
However, it's also true that there's no greater feeling than pursuing your passions, so if voice acting is what you want to do, absolutely go for it. Take lessons, fill your space with inspiration, and use every ounce of resourcefulness you have.
I truly believe the only people in this industry who don't succeed are the ones who give up.
Many thanks to Briana and Britt for their inspiring insight. Their performances elevate the story of FINAL FANTASY VII REBIRTH (and REMAKE) and help create two characters that you can’t help but like and root for… no matter how difficult the circumstances.
For more from these two talented actors beyond the game, you can follow them on social media:
Britt Baron:
Briana White
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