VO-BB - 20 YEARS OLD!

skynet74 · Guest

An interesting article on the changing Face of voiceovers. Announcers are out. Actors are in!

http://www.slate.com/id/2115865/

dhouston67 · Posted: Mon Jul 17, 2006 8:33 pm Post subject:

This article pops up every once in a while. Sure, as a deep-voiced sort, I miss out on some jobs, but I still get some work. The whiplash move to "regular guys" has tempered a bit, as clients look for voices of all types.

To be sure, the trend is real. Austin's "alternative rock" station features imaging voiced not by a cavernous-throated behemoth, but by a young guy who sounds not a day over 16 and likely grinds curbs on a skateboard --- at least, that's the image that one infers, and that's 100% intentional. On the other hand, the album-rock station is imaged by the sort of mega-baritone sounds more typical of the format.

When clients began asking for guy-next-door in lieu of voice-of-God, what they were looking for was more of a delivery than a voice; the skills needed to make ad copy sound like an everyday conversation belonged to trained actors as opposed to trained broadcasters. Nowdays, it's pretty common knowledge even among beginning VOs --- those smart enough to dive into resources like this board, at least --- that acting training is essential for all voice work.

Very little point in kvetching about movie stars doing voiceovers; not all advertisers, not even all of the major ones, are going to shell out triple scale for every spot. The rest of the work will still be there, and will go to those who've worked their way into a position to get it.
_________________
Great Voice. Great Choice. For Voice Talking and stuff.
http://davidhoustonvoice.com
Do That Voice! - The DHV Blog

BenWils · Posted: Tue Jul 18, 2006 3:18 am Post subject:

--
_________________
Ben

"To be really good at voiceover, you need to improve your footwork and hip snap."

Philip Banks · Posted: Tue Jul 18, 2006 4:26 am Post subject:

Julia Roberts gets sick to death in sessions when asked if she can sound an itty bit more like Ben Wilson.

BenWils · Posted: Tue Jul 18, 2006 9:11 am Post subject:

--
_________________
Ben

"To be really good at voiceover, you need to improve your footwork and hip snap."

Deirdre · Posted: Tue Jul 18, 2006 9:31 am Post subject:

Yes, but can you BREATHE like Julia Roberts?
_________________
DBCooperVO.com
IMDB

tackerman · Posted: Tue Jul 18, 2006 9:33 am Post subject:

Patricia Shanks

I once auditioned for a job requiring a Martha Stewart sound. Got the gig because the producer thought I sounded like Annette Bening.

I kind of felt like "Queen for a Day." Of course, Annette was the queen. I was only a sad, little facsimile - a lady in waiting.

Waiting. Waiting... Still waiting. Doing lots. Waiting, nonetheless.

I still don't hear Annette in the spot. But whatever floats their boats. I'll sound like whoever I don't sound like who they think I sound like.

A friend is a known actor. He heard through the grapevine that casting notices were going out for people who sound like him. Uh... He was available. Even known actors sometimes need the gig. Reminds me of that dream where you are running after something and it remains ever so slightly out of your reach.
_________________
Patricia Shanks

(949) 723-4473
patricia@patriciashanks.com
patriciashanks.com
shanksfortalking.com

Dan-O · The Gates of Troy Joined: 17 Jan 2005 Posts: 1638

BenWils · Posted: Tue Jul 18, 2006 1:15 pm Post subject:

dhouston67

donrandall · Guest