In the Booth: Brittanny Taylor & Erika Berggren
In the Booth is a new blog series where we go behind the scenes and chat with the folks that make How it Ends. We asked our team a series of questions and let them choose which resonated most, so expect to see some variance in these features. Join us as the creators, cast, and crew members share their experience working on the show. Get ready to meet our talented team and maybe even hear a few secrets behind its gripping conclusion!
Please note that some answers may contain spoilers for How it Ends Season 3, so read at your own risk.
Brittanny Taylor and Erika Berggren are two of our newest cast members; they joined the How it Ends team this season and voice Vallon Grant and Catarina "Rina" Castillo. Vallon and Rina meet Micah, Elia, and Aimee at Bayberry Beerhall. For folks who aren't up-to-date, this chance meeting occurs on what the gang calls "The World's Longest Saturday" or Episodes 10-12, Stories from Before, Parts 1, 2, and 3. Though their characters haven't had much airtime, from what we hear theories about who they are, why they appeared, and what part they play in the mystery of How it Ends are many.
Brittanny Taylor
voice of Vallon Grant
Let’s start with the basics.
When Micah and Stephanie asked if you were interested in voicing a character, what made you say yes and join How it Ends?
Brittanny: I've watched this podcast grow from the very beginning, before any of us knew it was a podcast. Being asked to participate was an honor because it is truly a labor of love of Micah and Stephanie. They are so intentional with every choice they make. They saw something in me that could add to the story so there was no way I couldn't be involved.
How about you, Erika?
Erika: In recent years I have found an interest and subsequent love for voice acting. When the opportunity presented itself to work with the How it Ends team, I was excited to finally get the opportunity to dip my toe into the VO world and see how things worked behind the scenes.
Erika Berggren
voice of Catarina “Rina” Castillo
What did you enjoy most about working on How it Ends? Do you think you'd join another audio drama production?
Erika: I really love getting to play a character that has secrets. Even though I don’t know Rina super well (yet), I love being able to play a character that seemingly knows a lot more than she lets on. I think Episode 15: There's No Song for the Choir was a lot of fun because it confirmed that Rina knows more than she's letting on. I think it also shows a bit of her sloppiness and inexperience with all the secrecy when speaking with people who know about "things."
Brittanny: My character has only been in one episode so far, but I know I will enjoy watching the recording process and seeing the characters come to life. I'm more of a behind-the-scenes production person, but it is fun to be the talent instead of the crew every once in a while. I would definitely be interested in joining another audio drama production.
Vallon and Rina are new characters, but you have a (little) bit of insight on their background. How is your character like you and/or how are they different? Is there anything you love about this character? Dislike about this character?
Brittanny: Vallon seems pretty sarcastic like me. I may just be playing myself. The only difference is they have dreads. Maybe in another lifetime...
“You know what they say… when you’re here you’re family.”
- Vallon’s introduction to Elia
Episode 11: Stories from Before, Part 2
Character art of Vallon Grant
Character art of Rina Castillo
Erika: One similarity I noticed between myself and Rina is how, at first, we both seem shy, friendly, and earnest. She has an optimistic and bubbly personality that I think differs a bit from my own once you get to know me better. Rina hasn’t had too much scene time just yet so her personality is still revealing itself. Honestly, I wasn’t completely sure how she would act during our first few takes. Funny enough, quite a bit of what made the final cut is actually me trying to figure her out. And it worked for the scene!
Is there anything you found challenging about performing your role? If so, what was it? How did you overcome the challenge? Alternatively, tell us about your experience as a voice actor. If you're new to it, how was trying it out?
Erika: I think the challenging part of playing Rina is just how much of a mystery she is. Her past is still being worked on so it's hard to know how a person may feel/react towards something if you have limited knowledge of their past experiences. At the same time I get to slowly sculpt who she is as I learn more about her.
Brittanny: What I found challenging was not feeling entirely connected to Vallon just yet. There is so much backstory that I'm not aware of, so I tapped into the parts of me that I knew to be the same in Vallon. Primarily our shared sarcastic humor. I haven't acted in probably 20 years and never had an opportunity to voice act, but I am used to repeating my lines over and over again with my video content and podcasts. The most exciting part was seeing other cast members I've known for years acting out their roles. Seeing them easily slip in and out of their characters was a very cool experience.
Do you have a favorite or funny memory from the production of this season? If it's not from season 3, which season? What happened?
Brittanny: Sebastian, who voices Micah's cat Mulder, meowed loudly outside the booth door during recording. I have it on good authority that his cameo made it into the episode.
Erika: The funniest moment for me was sitting in the recording studio with Micah, Stephanie, Tori, and Brittanny waiting to begin a scene. J.T. (voice of Brendan) walked in and looked at us like a deer in headlights. A few moments later, Micah got a text from him saying, "That is the most intimidating room I’ve ever walked into." The power in that room scaring him off was so amusing and validating.
Speaking of funny, any intel on who is the funniest cast or crew member in real life? Oh, and if you’ve got one, what is your favorite line of dialogue from this season?
Brittanny: Sebastian. His timing is excellent.
Erika: Since I’m still new, I haven’t interacted with the entire group too much. I’ve had some good laughs with everyone, but I still think JT (Brendan) has probably made me laugh the most. I've also known him and Micah longer than anyone else in the cast so they have a leg up on that. And yes, I do!
“Rhode Island born, Rhode Island bred, and when I die, I’ll be Rhode Island dead”
I’ve heard that scene so many times and something about the delivery scratches my brain just right.
Let’s end with a “what if?” question. If you could have played any other character, who would it be? Why?
Erika: Devon. Just kidding, I could never dream of sounding anything like that. Honestly, it's a difficult decision. My gut reaction was to say Aimee because I think Tori does an amazing job playing that part. It would be fun to play the unaware younger sister who has to learn some wild family secrets. Then again, Elia as the snarky chef has me written all over it.
Brittany: Mulder, so I could perform his (Sebastian's) epic meow.