The Voiceover Spot
Our sight and hearing are literally immersed in everything we do. Thinking about our hearing in particular we find ourselves discovering all types of things. Everything makes a sound from the beat of our heart to the rain on the roof. We can not escape it, it is built into our very being and it is something that is immersive. So how then do we ensure that the harmony orchestrated by the senses is something positive when it comes to commercial spots? Well, as voice actors we need not worry about the visuals, that’s someone else’s job in the orchestra. Our job is the voiceover spots. So let us delve into that.
Melodic Voiceover Spots
When we love what we do, what we do seems less like work and more like play. I believe that the commitment to the craft of voiceover is twofold. Firstly, it is sheer dedication to exceptional quality each and every time we open our mouths. Second of all, it is about giving it your heart and soul. The former point references a great audio setup, top tire training, and a strong skill set. The latter point represents creativity, going the extra mile, and really embarrassing the work that we do. Voiceover to me is not just a job, it is something I live and breathe. I think it is amazing! It does not feel like work to me, it feels like play.
Voiceover Spots Gone Wrong
So why then in 2024 are we seeing rates dropping, AI rising, the quality of the industry being smeared and pay-to-plays ruining the craft? Well unfortunately it is because money can often trump art. A cheap gig on a pay-to-play site might keep a low-baller employer happy but it won’t stop the art from thriving. Then we have AI! Sure, it is making things more convenient and saving people a ton of money – but can the AI feel in the same way I can? no, it can not, and we will hear that in the recordings. So what is left? In the midst of this pattern of undercutting, distorted practice, and race to the bottom we find a diamond in the rough. Art. Art is what the industry still has in each and every voice actor who continues to work.
Tomorrows Voiceover Spot
Sure, AI and pay-to-play sites will continue to take ‘some’ low-paying spots. But not being able to feel like I feel and converse how I converse will always give me and my voice actor colleagues a space in the industry. These voice actors will continue to be the pillars of strength that hold this industry high and set the bar for the future. The artistic touch we encapsulate is always going to resonate with casting professionals who have been given orders to find the real deal. We know as professionals that many companies are holding on to good practices and rates in honor of the art. This is not only important for ensuring people’s work is compensated with a fair rate. It is also important to ensure the art of our industry continues to be made and is not erased by modern-day challenges.
Voiceover Spots, Poetry, Melody and Sheer Chaos by Kate Marcin
