Columbia Alum Niko Gerentes '18 Voices Characters in DreamWorks Animated Short

Campus Communications Staff / Mar 14, 2025

man with headphones speaks in to microphonePhoto courtesy of Niko Gerentes.
Niko Gerentes ’18, a Columbia College Chicago alum, voices four distinct characters in the animated short “The Bad Guys: Little Lies and Alibis.”

Niko Gerentes ’18 always knew he wanted to bring characters to life through his voice. And recently, he reached a significant career milestone by voicing multiple characters in “The Bad Guys: Little Lies and Alibis,” a theatrical animated short from DreamWorks currently playing in theaters before the film “Dog Man.” 

“Getting to record for a company like DreamWorks was an incredible experience,” Gerentes says. “It's the first time I’ve heard my voice and seen my name in the credits on the big screen. That’s something I’ve always wanted to experience.” 

From Podcasting to Voice Acting: A Foundation Built at Columbia  

Gerentes’ experiences at Columbia, where he co-created the award-winning podcast “Death by Dying” helped shape the creative he is today. Launched during his time as a student, the podcast has gone on to surpass one million downloads and continues to have a loyal global following. 

“Columbia gave me the creative foundation and industry exposure that set the stage for my career,” Gerentes says. “The hands-on, collaborative environment allowed me to experiment with storytelling in new ways and it introduced me to a network of peers and mentors who continue to inspire and support my work.” 

A Diverse Career: From Video Games to Animation 

After graduating from Columbia, Gerentes jump started his career working behind the scenes in the video game industry while pursuing voice acting opportunities. Gerentes has since portrayed the character Clockie for the video game “Honkai: Star Rail.” Since moving to LA, he has held production jobs on Nickelodeon’s “SpongeBob SquarePants” and Netflix’s “Love, Death & Robots.” 

 "I've been fortunate to be part of such a wide variety of projects," Gerentes says. 

Looking to the Future: Growth and New Opportunities 

His work in “The Bad Guys: Little Lies and Alibis” represents the next level for Gerentes, and he remains focused on continuing to evolve as a voice actor and storyteller. 

“I’ve had some amazing experiences, but there’s still so much I want to do,” he says. 

For aspiring voice actors, Gerentes offers valuable advice. “Be patient, stay persistent, and never stop learning,” he says. “The industry is full of opportunities, but you have to be ready for them when they come. And most important, remember that every project, no matter how big or small, is a chance to grow and develop your craft.” 

Explore Niko’s work: 

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