Why Do I Do Voiceovers?

Voiceover Questionnaire

1. Are you currently employed?

Yes

2. Can you tell us about your background and experience in voice-over work?

I began a career as a radio personality in June of 1984. This required and encouraged me to challenge my vocal abilities while informing and entertaining consumers of the stations I was employed with. It also required me to voice sponsor credits live as well as recorded. While simultaneously maintaining these job descriptions, I transitioned to more narrative types of audio products. These would include video narrations, historical fact applications, audiobooks and general storytelling in a conversational tone.

3. What inspired you to pursue a career in voice acting?

As a young child, then an adolescent, I would receive unsolicited comments and compliments on my vocal abilities. When my youth transitioned to determining a career path, this would be factored in as to give me a direction to pursue.

4. What type of voice-over work are you most passionate about?

Personal experience and historical storytelling and interviewing.

5. How do you prepare for a voice-over session?

Pre-read the script silently, pre-read the script out loud on microphone, imagine who would be listening to the script in it’s completed form. (also applicable to question #7)

6. What techniques do you use to maintain vocal health and consistency?

I try to keep caffeine intake to a minimum, I do not use alcohol, tobacco or drugs. When I have a voiceover session the following day, I watch my food intake and try to get as much sleep as possible. My wife, grandson and I raise Golden Retrievers. I quickly learned not to strain my voice while training them. We reside on an acreage with a large pond we use for training. Occasionally getting their attention required a lot of volume from my voice. I now use a whistle.

7. Can you describe your approach to interpreting a script?

In alignment with my answer to question #5, I imagine who will be listening to the completed project. I also watch for words that would require researching the proper pronunciation. This may include searching for a video containing the word or an online pronunciation site. If these resources don’t produce favorable results, I will consult the individual who submitted the script.

8. What do you believe sets your voice apart from others in the industry?

It’s resonance, power, volume and distinct tone sets it apart. My years of experience gives it a quality of believability, My ability to use a smile with the appropriate script is something I take pride in and is one of the first things I share when mentoring others.

9. How do you handle direction and feedback from clients or directors?

I absolutely 100% welcome a solid critique. The person submitting the script has a vision in mind as to how they want the finished project to sound. My job is to produce that sound as close to their vision as possible. 9 out of 10 times, this requires communication to produce and a critique to complete.

10. Can you share a challenging project you've worked on and how you overcame obstacles?

On October 1, 2017, the largest mass shooting on American soil occurred at the Route 91 Harvest Festival in Las Vegas. 60 people lost their lives, 413 more were wounded. The panic that followed injured another 867 people. In 2023, I was hired by an architectural firm in Las Vegas to produce audio for a project they were auditioning for which was to build a memorial honoring everyone who was affected by this tragedy. I narrated a script they wrote explaining the details of their submission for this project.

The audio I produced was presented to a committee in charge of which firm was to be chosen. There were nearly 70 people on this committee. These individuals were victims, families, first responders and others close to the tragic events. We met with this committee via Zoom which allowed me to view their faces as the voiceover I produced was being presented to them. Tears, shock, sadness, grief, and other similar emotions were a part of their reactions.

To overcome the inevitable emotions during the production process, I consciously focused on my insignificance in this scenario, but told myself that perhaps the words I share in the audio I produced would perhaps assist just one person in their grief and healing process. This will forever be embedded in my experiences as one of the most difficult and most challenging but absolutely the most significant voiceover projects I have ever been involved in.

11. What is your recording setup like, and what equipment do you use?

Today I am set up in a strip mall with the recording studio in a center room with very little ambient noise. When broadband is available at my residence later this summer, I plan to re-locate there. I am constructing that studio space now.

My recording studio equipment consists of a MacBook Pro with Adobe Audition recording software. I utilize a Rode Rodecaster Pro (Version 1) and an Electro Voice EV RE20 microphone. I also have an Audio Technica AT4033a, a Yeti PRO and a Shure SM65. (I found I get the most user friendly sound from the EV) The studio has soundproofing treatment on the primary walls. I also utilize a very reliable 1GB internet connection, a managed router and Norton anti-virus protection.

12. How do you adapt your voice for different characters or roles?

I always go back to imagining who will be listening to the completed project and how my delivery will enhance the story or information being produced.

13. What do you enjoy most about being a voice-over artist?

The variety of each project is something I greatly enjoy. No two projects are the same. And what I learn personally from each one is an added bonus.

14. Can you discuss your experience working in different genres of voice-over, such as commercials, animation, or narration?

I have often been the voiceover artist chosen when it is required to deliver 35 seconds of copy in 29.5 seconds. This is most prevalent in small market radio. There were also ads I produced for The Professional Bull Riders which were high energy, fast paced while inserting numerous special effects. I have produced an audiobook for a former major league pitcher which required me to read a forward written by Whitey Herzog. The Route 91 Harvest Festival project (question #10) stands out as a genre of it’s own. There were also thousands of interviews I’ve conducted over the years with music and sports stars, rodeo and bull riding athletes, political figures, historical individuals, etc. which required a more conversational approach.

15. Have you ever had to improvise or ad-lib during a recording session? How do you approach improvisation?

Yes. Improvisation requires the ability to think on one’s feet while in motion. I have done this many times, particularly in an interview situation.

16. What do you consider to be the most important qualities for a successful voice-over artist?

Being able to interpret scripts and the ability to accept critique and direction in a positive way without negative emotions. “Leave your ego at the door” most definitely applies here. Recognizing one’s boundaries are very important as well.

17. Why should we choose you over other voiceover artist candidates?

Hiring me will highlight your ability to make great decisions! I am reliable, I understand deadlines and my chameleon like qualities enhance the variety of voice projects which you have outlined in your job description.