Banderas shares tips for first-time voice actor Hayek

SAN FRANCISCO – Antonio Banderas considers being the voice of an animated character – the heroic Puss in Boots – a huge paradox.

"I came to this country without speaking the language," Banderas says. "I never thought I would do an animated film for that reason."

Interview with Salma Hayek and Antonio Banderas

His voice work ended up being so good as Puss in "Shrek 2" that the character returned in sequels and now is featured in his own film, "Puss in Boots." The film, which tells how the cat became a legend as a lover and fighter, reunites Banderas with Salma Hayek. The pair previously worked together on "El Mariachi," "Desperado" and "Frida."

With so many animated works behind him now, Banderas was able to pass on a few tips to first-time voice actor Hayek.

"An actor has three things he can use: his body, his voice and his brain. The last two is what we use to bring these characters to life," Banderas says. "It's not just using your voice but what you do with it. How do you give him a personality?"

Hayek reveals a little secret about Banderas as a voice actor. He's notorious for wearing a hat, boots and a sword in recording sessions and becomes so animated in his movements the recording team must follow him around the studio with a microphone.

Not being able to use her body never bothered Hayek. She loved the freedom that comes with voice work – having recorded her lines at various times and even in various cities.

"One of the great things is you don't have to worry how you look," Hayek says. "You also don't have to rush because the director is losing the light. You can do the line a thousand times and try many different things. You can lose the fear of being bad, ridiculous or out-of-context so you can really take chances and they pick the best stuff."

Both agree voice work is one of the most freeing jobs they have ever had.

Banderas has known Puss was going to get his own movie since "Shrek 2" opened in 2006. Dreamworks boss Jeffrey Katzenberg told the actor that the response to the heroic cat was so positive that he would one day have his own film. There was a delay to complete the "Shrek" series. "Shrek Forever After" was released last year.

Although Banderas and Hayek have worked together many times before, Banderas had nothing to do with her casting. He was excited when he found out she would voice Kitty Softpaws.

Hayek has been asked many times to do a voice for an animated character, but she's always said no because she didn't like the script or the character. She liked both in "Puss in Boots." It didn't hurt she would get to work again with Banderas.

Hayek also was eager to do a film that her 4-year-old daughter, Valentina, would enjoy. She just didn't realize how much her daughter would like the film.

"But even if I hadn't had my daughter, I would have still done this movie because it's such a great part," Hayek says. "The fact that I have a daughter makes it all the more exciting. The whole experience of 'Puss in Boots' has been unforgettable for her. She's inviting all of her L.A. friends to come to the premiere. I feel so fortunate to be able to give something like this to my kid."

Time with her daughter is a little tough these days as Hayek – just like Banderas – is very busy. Along with acting and producing, Hayek has launched Nuance Salma Hayek, a 100-item beauty line where nothing is priced more than $20. She wanted the price to be affordable because "every woman deserves the right to look beautiful."