This policy aims to cover the most common differences when editing an animated series, however, every show is different and can often raise questions about how things should be listed. Please post in the forums any changes you would want to make to any show if you are unsure how to edit a show.
Episodes
More often than not half-hour animations will be segmented. Whether that be in two segments, three or sometimes even more. In these instances as long as policy is met we always follow the current episode policy:
- If the two parts air on two separate days, two separate episodes should be created.
- If there is a break between the two parts, two separate episodes should be created. Examples of a break are credits or titles appearing on screen for a second time; or a voice-over introducing the second part.
- If there are separate titles (even if the only distinction is "Part 1" versus "Part 2") for the two parts, two separate episodes should be created.
- If there are separate cast- or crew-credits for the two parts, two separate episodes should be created.
-- From Data Policies - Episodes
We always follow on-screen data so if an episode has a title that is different from what is displayed on-screen, we should always follow the on-screen title. The runtime of the segment should reflect the time the episode fills on the schedule. So if a show is scheduled for half an hour and it has two segments including an advertisement break, each segment can be rounded to fifteen minutes. (for example SuperKitties) The exception would be networks and streamers without advertising breaks. For these programs, we should always use the onscreen segment times and we do not round up or down. (for example Oggy Oggy)
Cast & Crew Overlapping in Segmented Shows
As we split segmented episodes this isn't always completely reflected in the credits of the episode. Most of the time animation will only credit separate writers, directors and animators for each segment.
More often than not you will find that cast and crew are only credited once for the entire episode and not for the specific segments. This is completely fine and again current site policy should be followed:
Cast Appearances on the Episode level can be used to indicate in which exact episodes the cast member was credited.
-- From Data Policies - Show Extras
If you watched the show and can verify a main cast member only appeared in Segment 1 and not Segment 2, they should only be credited for Segment 1.
For guest cast, special guest cast, and co-starring roles, please use the 'Credit Only' cast type for segments that the actor does not appear in but is still credited for.
Distinguishing Cast Types
Again when possible site policy should be followed and on-screen credits are how we should be listing actors whenever that information is readily available. However, cast information for animations is notoriously difficult to follow and validate and the information provided varies from one show to the next.
Whenever possible if no other information is available including on-screen, please look for a show's press release. We are also aware that press releases for animation are often vague and may not include any information on the cast at all. In this circumstance please add all cast members as main cast and add them to the appropriate episodes.
If an actor is credited on-screen as main cast or in a press release as such, please add all characters that actor plays as main cast. The only time this should not be followed is if the actor appears listed as a guest/co-star or appears in a list of 'Additional Voice' credits.
Sometimes no character names appear at all in animation and only the actors are credited - In this circumstance please use all other available sources to try and distinguish a character name(s). Please use the order of valid sources:
- Data shown on-screen during the episode's announcement, intro, or credits
- Data in a press release or press kit
- Data on the show's official website
- Data in TV guides/TV listings/EPG's for the show's country
- Statements by show crew in articles / interviews
-- From Data Policies - Show Extras
If this information is not readily available or you believe the actor has portrayed more than one or two characters, please (additionally) credit them as 'Additional Voices'. (for example Dana Snyder in Paradise PD). 'TBD' and 'TBA' credits should not be used in animation as it is very rare that this information will later be determined or announced.
Many animations have the role 'Additional Voices' listed separately from the rest of the cast. If this is the case, each actor needs their own 'Additional Voice' character and this should always be credited as a co-starring role. If a main cast actor appears as 'Additional Voices' and their name only appears as a main cast member, they should have a main cast 'Additional Voice' character added, if not they should be treated the same as any other guest characters with the same role. Each actor should only ever have one 'Additional Voice' character throughout their time on the show. (for example Billy West in Futurama)
In most circumstances, voice actors are credited based on their standing within the realm of their work and as such some actors only playing small roles will always be credited as show stars regardless of which show they appear in or how often. That being said, some major voice actors will sometimes only appear as 'Additional Voices' or as guest stars.
Always remember that a voice actor could appear as any number of characters in one episode of a show, something that no one but them and those making the show would know. The priority should always be that the actor is credited correctly for their work over guessing or arguing over characters they have appeared as.