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VOICE ACTORS

By fusion-magazine

FEATURING ELIAH

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Published
Oct 12, 2025
Pages
68
Language
English

In this magazine

68 pages · tap a page to read its text

  • fusionFUSION MAGAZINE TEAM
  • DAVID VARIANTara Jade Fox 12
  • BRYAN ROCES VOICE ACTORMY NAME IS BRYAN ROCES. I'M A SINGER, ACTOR, VOICE ACTOR, AND PRODUCER BASED IN SASKATCH- EWAN, CANADA! OVER INDUSTRY.
  • Page 5CAN YOU SHARE ANY EXCITING PROJECTS THAT YOU ARE CURRENTLY WORKING ON NOW? While it's not voice-over related, I'm excited to share that I'll be auditioning for Grease the Musical with Broadway North Theatre Company, and the show is set to happen in the summer. If I'm offered a role, it's going to be a busy but exciting summer, and I'm really looking forward to it.
  • Page 6FOR ALL THE VIEWERS READING, PLEASE KINDLY INTRODUCE YOURSELF. My name is Cary Hite. PLEASE TALK ABOUT HOW YOU GOT STARTED IN THE VOICE OVER INDUSTRY. I've had an interest in voiceover since watching cartoons as a kid. Once I started acting, the road to get into this part of the industry opened up. At the behest of an agent, I went to an audition for Audible, booked the projects (four in total), and haven't looked back since.
  • Page 7NOW IN TODAY'S SOCIETY, EVERYTHING IS DONE BY REMOTE WORK. DO YOU ENJOY THIS PROCESS, OR DO YOU PREFER TO SHOW UP AT THE STUDIO? I still prefer to show up to the studio. Noth- ing replaces working with an engineer in the session. They are your first audience, your first ears. When they're engaged in the story with you, they're an invaluable collaborator.
  • Page 8PLEASE KINDLY INTRODUCE YOURSELF. Kia ora Fusion readers!!! It's tubularly rad to get to chat with you in this interview! Thank you so much Fusion team for inviting me to chat with you! My name is Chloë Elmore (the umlaut is just a bit of spicy pizzazz) and I am a New Zealand voice actor, working full-time from my beautiful custom-made recording studio here in the lush countryside of Middle Earth! To get the numbers out of the way, I'm 32 years old and I've been pursuing VO part-time for 11 years, but I've been doing it full- time as my only source of income for 3 years.
  • Chloë ElmoreBut still! I was close! I would love to voice a lead char- acter in a Final Fantasy - but I mean, who wouldn't! One awesome dream that happened just a month ago was being flown to Chicago to act in an audio drama and all 30+ of the cast were voicing in the same studio with each other for a whole 9 days of pure bliss!! Yeah, it wasn't a huge game and they weren't names you'd know, but they are my people, my family, and hang- ing in the same hotel and going to restaurants every night, chatting in the hotel hot tub, and laughing until our abs ached was a massive dream for this little kiwi. It's rare to ever meet your castmates, let alone record in the same room with them, so I was so blessed! I am so content with how my career is skyrocketing, but I do want to reach the stars, of course! I have realised so many dreams of working on national commercials across America, Canada, the UK, Ireland, Australia and New Zealand, but I would love to become a long- running 'Brand Voice' for a big company. That kind of legacy would be such an honour. Those brand voices shaped my secluded homeschooling childhood and gave me so much comfort and connection growing up. TALK ABOUT WHAT TYPE OF WORK YOU ARE CUR- RENTLY FOCUSED ON.
  • Page 10PLEASE KINDLY INTRODUCE YOURSELF. My name is Chris Johnson and I am a profes- sional Voice Actor based in Los Angeles. I have been involved with Voice Acting for the last 11 years.
  • Page 11You have to take an honest look at yourself and your skills early on and work on the areas where you may need some extra support. Once I eventually transitioned out of the corporate world and began doing Voice Acting full-time, I also found challenges I didn't ex- pect. One was getting used to working alone every day. I had worked with colleagues in an office for years and going from that, to locking myself in a padded room by myself all day... was an unexpected adjustment
  • Page 12My name is Danielle Harris and I am a voice actor. I got started in the voice over in- dustry in 2020. Contrary to what some may think, the pandemic was not the reason I started at that time.
  • Page 13My family and I were sitting around the din- ing table, talking, laughing and I was goofing around and voicing what I thought my daughter would say based off her expression. Kinda like the movie 'Look Who's Talking' with Bruce Willis, John Travolta and Kirstie Alley. We were all cracking up and BOOM I had that feeling like I need to do some research on voice over. It's weird I know, but that's when I really got seri- ous. And here we are today. One of the challenges I face is the typical impos- ter syndrome. I feel so blessed and grateful to be doing what I am doing. But there are times when it's slow to book work or even I book work, and I find myself thinking am I good enough and if the client is happy with the work I've done. But I usually get over it and keep it moving. It's an insecurity but I tell myself this is a subjective industry. I cannot please everyone and all I can do is my best. Some clients may choose to re-cast, or some will be ecstatic with my performance and come back for more. It is what it is. I just focus on what I can control and that is me and my mindset.
  • Page 14FOR ALL THE VIEWERS READING, PLEASE KINDLY INTRODUCE YOURSELF. Hey everyone! I'm Varian. I'm a bilingual (mandarin),voice actor based in Oakland, CA/ Bay Area.
  • Page 15As for projects, I'm a huge comic book nerd so to be a part of the DC and Marvel universe in animation is a dream!! I'm technically part of the MCU....I was a featured extra in Ant-Man, so I'm technically cannon! However, I'd love to be in an original animated series and be an original character that is unique to me and my creativity, like The Simpsons, Futurama, etc. PLEASE TALK ABOUT WHAT TYPE OF WORK YOU ARE CURRENTLY FOCUSED ON.
  • Page 16KINDLY INTRODUCE YOURSELF. My name is DJ Dykes. I'm a professional voice actor who's been in the industry for almost five years. I'm represented by ACM Talent and VOX.
  • Page 17WHAT DO YOU RECOMMEND FOR ANYONE THAT IS INTERESTED IN VOICE OVER WORK? Be a self-starter. I've met too many folks who say they want to get into the industry but have any number of reasons why they haven't yet. Months down the road, they still haven't even started yet.
  • ELIZABETH CARRILLOIF SOMEONE WANTS TO HIRE YOU FOR ANY VOICE OVER WORK, CAN YOU PLEASE LIST YOUR WEBSITE AND HOW PEOPLE CAN REACH YOU? Yes absolutely! For your neutral English and Spanish needs, I'm your girl! I also provide transla- tion services. To learn more about me please visit my website elizabethcarrillovo.com. There you will find links to my socials and ways to contact me directly or to contact my agents.
  • TALK ABOUT THE CHALLENGES YOUFACE IN THIS INDUSTRY AND HOW YOU OVERCOME THE CHALLENGES. At first, the challenge was overcoming some negative thoughts I had about my own voice, because I was teased for it for so long when I was a teenager. My voice may have been a target of ridicule at one point, but now I see it as my super power.
  • Page 20JALEN ASKINS
  • Page 21FOR ALL THE VIEWERS READING, PLEASE KINDLY INTRODUCE YOURSELF. Hello there! My name is Jalen Askins. I am a professional voice actor in the Los Angeles area and have been pursuing voice acting for about 7-8ish years. I have provided voiceover in many dif- ferent genres such as video games, ADR, Animation, Com- mercials, and Promos.
  • Page 22ELIAH A Voice Actor making a name for himself in the industry
  • Page 23For all viwers reading this can you introduce yourself? Hey there, I'm Eliah Mountjoy-a voice actor, communicator, and above all, a storyteller. I use voice to breathe life into characters, connect emotion to sound, and bring stories off the page and into the heart. I believe stories cross borders, break barriers, and bind people closer together no matter where they come from.
  • Page 26JAPAN IS KNOWN FOR SO MANY GREAT ICONIC VOICE OVER PEOPLE, SUCH AS CHARACTERS FROM ANIME OR MOVIES AND DUBBED TV SHOWS. WHO IS SOMEONE INSPIRATIONAL THAT YOU ADMIRE IN THIS INDUSTRY? What I admire most about Japanese voice artistry, is its relentless pur- suit of excellence-what the culture calls Kaizen, continuous improve- ment. That mindset has deeply influenced how I train and work. Actors like Ken Watanabe and Romi Park (Edward Elric in Fullmetal Alchemist) embody this beautifully. Their performances are layered, ever evolving, and always emotionally relevant. It's not just about voice-it's about connection, nuance, and authenticity. That's the level I aspire to every time I step into the booth.
  • Page 27WHAT TYPE OF SPECIALTY IN VOICE OVER WORK DO YOU LIKE TO FOCUS ON, OR DO YOU HAVE SEVERAL TYPES? I've carved out a few spaces I really like to work in. And that's by design. In the event its slow in one genre, I can be working in another. But give me a mic and a story, and I'm in. I love character-driven work-video games, anima- tion, dubbing...anything that dives deep into emotion and nuance. But I also work in walla, commercial, promo, and anumé. Each genre sharpens a different skill: storytelling, timing, tone, or subtlety. I like to stay versatile, but at the core for me it's all about using voice to connect-whether it's a hero's monologue or a 15-second ad.
  • VOICING SUCCESSHelping the Voiceover Community Turn Their Dreams into Reality-Together! VO MENTOR, AND THE VOICE BEHIND COUNTLESS CAMPAIGNS, TISH HICKS IS NOT ONLY A MASTER OF HER CRAFT BUT ALSO A GUIDE FOR THE NEXT GENERATION OF VOICE ACTORS PHOTOS BY JERRY CORIA AUTHOR AMANDA STEVENS
  • The V.O.DojoTake your voiceover career all the way www.theVodojo.com
  • MEET TISHHey, I'm Tish Hicks. I'm originally from Chicago, and have been a successful voice actor in Los Angeles for 30 years! I've been a voice of Subaru for the past 15 years and have been the voice of Citibank, GTA V, HP, and many other well known campaigns. I'm also the founder and Master Sensei of The V.O. Dojo, a holistic full voiceover training center that for the past 14 years has been guiding, supporting, connecting and accelerating passionate people around the world on the path to creating their own sustained, successful voiceover careers. Our mission is to align people with the power and possibility of their voice!
  • Page 31You've worked across so many genres— commercials, animation, video games... Do you have a favorite and why? I have had the most success being the voice of big long-running commercial campaigns, which brings up my favorite part of VO- the walk to the mailbox to open residual checks! But I truly love working on every type of voiceover.
  • ABOUT THE V.O. DOJOThe V.O. Dojo was inspired by a period in my own career when things had taken a downward turn for the first time. I had to dig deep in a moment of doubt, remember what it was that made me a successful voiceover artist, and reclaim my VO mojo. At the same time, I was invited to lead a peer group for Northwestern alumni, where I shared the things I had been reflecting on. Just as I felt my calling in my first voiceover session, I realized that I had something powerful to share through teaching.
  • Page 33You've helped so many to launch and grow their VO careers. What makes you most proud as a teacher and mentor? I love that the Dojo is a home for such a diverse array of people who are ready to heed the call and take action on their VO visions. We have a beautiful range of ages, from 14 to 80, and life experiences- Broadway cast members, Grammy Award- winning opera singers, influencers, models, retired judges, firefighters, army colonels, and creatives of all sorts-getting their voices aligned with making money to live their passions fully and freely.
  • O TERI CLEARYI come from poverty, disability, and an undignified past... but I've never let any of it define me. I've poured everything I have into cultivating my talent as an actor and voiceover artist. It's not just about work- it's about worth. I continue to rise, not because it's easy, but because I know this passion was placed inside me for a reason. And I refuse to let the past steal the future I'm building, one audition, one breath, one brave step at a time. What got you into a career in voice-overs?
  • Page 35Any classes, books, or programs you recom- mend? Absolutely. I trained through Such A Voice, where I focused on commercial and narration work. Their coaching helped me shape a pro- fessional presence and find my unique sound.
  • Page 36T&M POWERS
  • Page 37FOR ALL THE VIEWERS READING, PLEASE KINDLY INTRODUCE YOURSELF. Hey there, folks! I'm Tim Powers, and I'm thrilled to be here. I wear a few hats in the American voiceover industry: I'm a voice actor, a director, and a coach. I'm an actor, first and foremost, with a passion for bringing characters and stories to life and I love developing talent.
  • TRACY-ANN LEITHPLEASE KINDLY INTRODUCE YOURSELF. My name is Tracy-Ann Leith, and I'm a bilingual voice actor living in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. My voiceover career started in September 2011.
  • Page 39What does the industry mean to you? The voice industry is made of incredibly creative, supportive and generous people and I consider myself fortunate to be part of.
  • HOUSE CRIMELILTIMA My name is Vanessa Richardson - I've been a full time Voice Actor for over 20 years. I was born in Medellin, Colombia (South America) and raised all over the US. I am bilingual Span- ish & English (which has helped me a lot as a voice actor). I'm a mom to 2 amazing boys. I have worked I every genre of voice over including dubbing, narration, VOG, (most re- cently I live-announced the 2025 SCL Awards), animation, political spots, ADR, promos, commercials, audiobooks, and most recently, scripted podcasts. My most recognizable current shows are My current podcasts are "Killer Minds","True Crime This Week" and "Conspiracy Theories, Cults and Crimes" for PAVE studios - available everywhere you listen to podcasts. I also was the original host of "Serial Killers" for over 7 years over 500 episodes, among many others. I have won many awards over the years for my work including Telly Awards, a Pollie Award, Campaigns & Elections Reed Awards, Peer Awards, among others.
  • Page 41I am currently focused on my shows ("Killer Minds" and "Crime House: the show") - It takes a lot of time to host 3 podcasts a week as well as the social media & community building. Social media has become such an important part of building a career as an actor. WHAT'S A TYPICAL DAY IN THE LIFE OF A VOICE OVER ACTOR?
  • DISNEYPASS THE India IndieWire
  • Page 43TALK ABOUT HOW YOU GOT STARTED IN THE VOICE OVER INDUSTRY. Although my background is in public speaking, my family had a relationship with the Detroit and L.A. Jazz scenes back in the 1940's, beginning with my great-uncle Todd Rhodes, a jazz musician who predated the Motown movement. My father and his brother and their families hosted many African- American singers from the late 60's, and this carried over to Hollywood, with my mom becoming a hand model and introducing the family to the rest of the modeling business. One of my cousins would become one of the first major Black male catalog models and travel the world breaking barriers for African American men in the industry. He even booked the movie Hair, and turned it down! He would later teach me the business as taught to him by my mom, and told me never to turn down a role.
  • Page 44IS THERE ANY PROJECT OR PEOPLE THAT YOU WOULD LIKE TO WORK WITH OR COLLABO- RATE WITH? I would love to get into the dubbing scene for anime. I love watching anime, and the voice acting for shonen anime specifi- cally, especially in recent years, has been so raw and emotional across every genre that it keeps me hooked. I'm currently watch- ing shows like DanDaDan, Jujutsu Kaisen and Demon Slayer, and beyond the animation, I'd love to work with the Voiceover Actors for some of the main characters in each series.
  • NOW IN TODAY'S SOCIETY, EVERY-THING IS DONE BY REMOTE WORK. DO YOU ENJOY THIS PROCESS, OR DO YOU PREFER TO SHOW UP AT THE STUDIO? This is a GREAT question. Remote work has definitely made it a bit more tedious for the majority of voice actors, I'd say, but after the adjustments, many of us have settled just fine. Working remotely also makes me somewhat anxious due to fear of something going wrong, but trading it for the commute isn't bad at all. Personally, I enjoy working in the studio more because of the atmosphere and the intimacy. It feels much easier to work when I'm close to the director/produc- ers. Voice over is very collaborative, and the studio feels like the perfect breeding ground for that creativity.
  • Page 46FOR ALL THE VIEWERS READING, PLEASE KINDLY INTRODUCE YOURSELF. Hi: I'm Nancy German
  • Page 47NANCY GERMAN
  • Page 48OZZIE WILSON
  • Page 49Gryo's
  • Page 50PHIL DOANE
  • Page 51PLEASE KINDLY INTRODUCE YOURSELF. Hello! I am Phil Doane located in Arling- ton, Tex s, which is basically between Dallas and Fort Worth. Though I began my vi ceov r career in 20211 hav been out of the booth for the past three or so years, being heai ly invld as a parent ol unteer with my twin boys high school marching band activ ties. Now that they hav gradu- ated high school, I am looking forward to getting back on track with my vi ce o r endeavr s.
  • Page 53PLEASE KINDLY INTRODUCE YOURSELF. Hey everyone, I'm Roberto Jolliffe, though most people just call me Berto. To my family, I'll always be "Bert." I come from a beautifully blended heritage, my father is Panamanian, my mother a proud Nuyorican and growing up as a military kid meant home was wherever we landed. We moved often, but Texas became our anchor.
  • Page 54Please introduce yourself and give us a little background on how you got started? Hi there! I'm Salena Metreger, a voice actor based in sunny Oceanside, California, but I'm originally from outside of Chi-CAH-go. I studied English Lit in college, but like a lot of folks who graduated during the housing crisis, I took the job I could get, which for me was in manufacturing. I never imagined I'd be in manufacturing for 17 years...but I did, and I'm proud of that. Over the years, I worked my way up, learning business and eventually earning my MBA. I blended the creative with the analytical - balancing market- ing, numbers, tech, and long-term strategy - and really climbed that corporate ladder. I worked with an incredible range of people: from farmers to engineers, CEOs to homemakers, all across the globe. It was an education in humanity and busi- ness, and it's a huge part of what shapes me as a voice actor today.
  • Page 5516 Salena Metreger
  • Page 56I'm not in this for the money, I do it be- cause I love it and need to be doing it, and this is the next step in growing my career. That said, it is a business that I've invested a large sum of money into, and I have to work on making back that in- vestment! CAN YOU SHARE ANY EXCITING PROJ- ECTS THAT YOU ARE CURRENTLY WORKING ON NOW?
  • SARAH NOELFOR ALL THE VIEWERS READING, PLEASE KINDLY INTRODUCE YOURSELF My name is Sarah Noel. I'm a voice actor na- tive to Los Angeles.
  • STEVEN GOARDFOR ALL THE VIEWERS PLEASE KINDLY INTRO- DUCE YOURSELF. My name is Steven Goard. I'm a full-time voice actor, creator, husband, and father of five. I'm the creator of The Uptown Chronicles, an animated series rooted in culture, family, and imagination. I've had the blessing to voice national commer- cials, narration, animation, and promos - but more than that, I love to use my voice to inspire through creativity. Every project I take on is rooted in that purpose.
  • TAMARA LINKEFOR ALL THE VIEWERS READING, PLEASE KINDLY INTRODUCE YOURSELF I am an Australian voice actor hailing from the small city of Adelaide. I have a background in theatre, opera and cabaret having trained as a classical singer, but have also worked as a radio announcer. I am currently a full-time voice actor working in commercial, animation and gaming, as well as a mum and performer. When I'm not voice acting I can be found drinking wine in bed watching Norwegian crime shows.
  • Page 61IS THERE ANY PROJECT OR PEOPLE THAT YOU WOULD LIKE TO WORK WITH OR COLLABORATE WITH? The penultimate would have to be Pixar or Disney, but until I get that call, I'd love to work with Ludo Stu- dios who produce the kids series Blu- ey. The plot lines are so quintessen- tially Australian and the characters so relatable, it would be an incredibly fulfilling gig.
  • TARA JADE FOXFOR ALL THE VIEWERS READING, PLEASE KINDLY INTRODUCE YOURSELF. I am Tara Jade Fox, an award winning voice artist, TV and film actor, motion capture performer, key- note speaker...aka a hybrid. I grew up in theatre, and instantly fell in love with the vast experiences one can have when acting. At 18, I was told to "grow up and get a real job". So I did-I went medi- cal for a while, leaving acting behind me.
  • Page 6410TH FOR ALL THE VIEWERS READ-
  • Page 65of freedom, playfulness, and belonging-a place where I felt completely at home. I've always been deeply comfortable in perfor- mance-related environments. I'm particularly drawn to creative teams who view voice acting as an essential storytell- ing element rather than just a production requirement. Whether it's an indie developer crafting a heartfelt game narrative or an international agency producing boundary- pushing content, I thrive when working with people who share that commitment to authentic communication.
  • fusionYOUR SOURCE FOR POP CULTURE, TRAVEL, LIFESTYLES & ENTERTAINMENT WE ARE TAKING OUR MEDIA PLATFORM TO A WHOLE NEW LEVEL GET YOUR COPY NOW
  • Page 68CALLING ALL CREATIVES! Make VOICEOVER your PATH to CASH!
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Cover

FASHION POP CULTURE LIFESTYLE & ENTERTAINMENT fus n

ELIAH MOUNTJOY VOICE ACTORS

ELIAH MOUNTJOY

VOICE ACTORS

GETTING CANDID WITH THE VOICE OVER INDUSTRY

SEPTEMBER 2025

Editorial Print

Open page 1
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fusion

FUSION MAGAZINE TEAM
  • FUSION MAGAZINE
  • TEAM
  • JERRY CORIA JAMES CUEVAS
  • MATT SHULTZ
  • RIE YAMADA
  • AMANDA HARDY
  • MONICA MAY
  • RACHEL PETERSON
  • ADAM WARREN

LUNA STEVENS RICHARD CHANVEZ RACHEL BECK SARA HENDERSON

  • HARUNA YAMADA
  • CHIEF EDITOR
  • JERRY CORIA
  • MARKETING
  • JOEY MACLAREN
  • CINDY MENDEZ
  • MIKE ROGERS LARA ROLLINS
  • CONTACTS
  • EMAIL [email protected]
  • PRODUCED BY JERRY CORIA
  • HARUNA YAMADA
  • VOICE ACTORS SPECIAL ISSUE

FASHION POP CULTURE LIFESTYLE & ENTERTAINMENT fusin

ELIAH MOUNTJOY

VOICE ACTORS

GETTING CANDID WITH THE VOICE OVER INDUSTRY

  • Tish Hicks
  • Roberto Jolliffe
  • Tamara Linke
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DAVID VARIAN

Tara Jade Fox 12
  • Tara Jade Fox
  • ELIAH MOUNTJOY
  • STEVEN GOARD
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BRYAN ROCES VOICE ACTOR

MY NAME IS BRYAN ROCES. I'M A SINGER, ACTOR, VOICE ACTOR, AND PRODUCER BASED IN SASKATCH- EWAN, CANADA! OVER INDUSTRY.

MY NAME IS BRYAN ROCES. I'M A SINGER, ACTOR, VOICE ACTOR, AND PRODUCER BASED IN SASKATCH- EWAN, CANADA!

OVER INDUSTRY.

I kind of fell into it. I always knew I wanted a creative career. Growing up, I was heavily involved in musi- cal theatre, dance, and acting for film and TV. I dis- covered voice acting through my favourite cartoons and anime-it blew my mind that you could bring animated characters to life using just your voice.

That sparked my interest, so I started taking classes, workshops-anything I could find to learn more. Eventually, I took a step back to focus on school, and a couple of years later, I ended up working as a radio producer. In 2019, I decided to return to voice-over part-time, and I've been steadily building my career ever since.

PLEASE SHARE A MOMENT WHERE YOU FELT YOU WANTED TO BE INSPIRED TO BE A PART OF THE VOICE OVER INDUSTRY.

I had the chance to meet Jess Harnell, Maurice LaMarche, and Rob Paulsen at the Calgary Expo in 2013. I grew up watching Animaniacs, so meet- ing the voices behind some of my favorite child- hood characters was an absolute dream. Jess Harnell, in particular, really inspired me and made a huge impact on the start of my career.

I chatted with him for a bit and told him I was interested in pursuing voice-over professionally. What re- ally stuck with me was that when he came back two years later, he actually remembered me--and again, even three years after that. He's such a genuine guy, and I'm incredibly grateful for his encouragement and those interactions. They played a big role in mo- tivating me to pursue this path.

PLEASE TALK ABOUT THE CHALLENGES YOU FACE IN THIS INDUSTRY AND HOW YOU OVER-

COME THE CHALLENGES.

FOR ALL THE VIEWERS READING, PLEASE KINDLY IN- One of the biggest challenges I've faced in this indus- TRODUCE YOURSELF.

try was overcoming my fear of failure. For most of WHAT MAKES A GOOD VOICE ACTOR? my life, I was focused on doing everything perfectly, which made it hard to take risks. But when I started my voice-over journey, I realized that failure is part of the process-it's how you grow and improve.

TALK ABOUT HOW YOU GOT STARTED IN THE VOICE I've learned to embrace mistakes and treat them as opportunities to learn. If you're unsure about some- thing, ask questions. There's always more to discover. Voice-over is a marathon, not a sprint. If you stay curious, keep learning, and aren't afraid to stumble along the way, you'll keep moving forward and even- tually master your craft.

ANY PROJECT OR PEOPLE THAT YOU WOULD LIKE your mental health is essential. Taking care of your TO WORK WITH OR COLLABORATE WITH?

Oh man, it would be a dream to work with Dante Basco-whether on a show like Avatar: The Last Air- bender or in a film. I'm Filipino, so collaborating with a fellow Filipino actor on a project would be incred- ibly meaningful to me

Another person I'd love to work with is Mark Hamill. He's such an incredible actor, especially in the world of animation. I've watched interviews where he talks about how he finds voices for his characters, and it's fascinating to hear his creative process. From the Joker to Firelord Ozai to Chucky-it's amazing what he can do with his voice. I really admire that level of skill and creativity, and I aspire to become a per- former like him someday.

PLEASE TALK ABOUT WHAT TYPE OF WORK YOU For 2025 my main focus is mastering my weakness- ARE CURRENTLY FOCUSED ON.

Right now, I'm focused on several areas of voice- over, including commercial work, character roles for video games and animation, dubbing, as well as explainers and eLearning projects. As of this inter- view, I'm also diving into imaging and learning a lot from it.

I'm really enjoying the process of exploring differ- ent voice-over genres. It's been exciting to discover new skills and find my voice in various spaces. I'm grateful for where this journey is taking me and look forward to what's next.

A good voice actor is open to making mistakes and having fun with the process. Don't be too hard on yourself-if you mess up, just try again. It's all part of the journey. Always listen to your coaches; they know the ins and outs of the industry, and they genuinely want you to succeed. Never stop learning from them.

But perhaps the most important thing I've learned is to take care of yourself. Your health and your voice are your instrument, so you need to treat them with care. Finding balance in your life and prioritizing body is just as important as honing your craft.

WHAT TYPE OF SPECIALTY IN VOICE OVER WORK DO YOU LIKE TO FOCUS ON, OR DO YOU HAVE SEVERAL TYPES?

I have a warm, youthful tone in my voice, which makes me a good fit for PSA work and upbeat, fun reads for commercials. I really enjoy those types of projects. At the same time, I'd love to explore other areas like working with accents and creating mon- ster noises. I'm excited to see what other possibilities I can discover with my voice.

YOU ARE CURRENTLY ACTIVE AS A VOICE OVER. WHAT ARE YOUR PLANS FOR 2025? WHAT CAN WE EXPECT FROM YOU FOR 2025?

es and continuing to grow. I'e been div ng into the marketing side of vi ce-ov r with the help of VO- prenuer and learning a lot from their Playbook. I still has a lot to learn, but I'm ex ited to see where this journey takes me.

I'm also studying Imaging with the fantastic coach Harry Legg, and I'm really enjoying the process.

There's so much to learn in this genre, and I look forward to the day I can release my demo and start epl oring new opportunities.

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CAN YOU SHARE ANY EXCITING PROJECTS THAT YOU ARE CURRENTLY WORKING ON NOW? While it's not voice-over related, I'm excited to share that I'll be auditioning for Grease the Musical with Broadway North Theatre Company, and the show is set to happen in the summer. If I'm offered a role, it's going to be a busy but exciting summer, and I'm really looking forward to it.

CAN YOU SHARE ANY EXCITING PROJECTS THAT YOU ARE CURRENTLY WORKING ON NOW?

While it's not voice-over related, I'm excited to share that I'll be auditioning for Grease the Musical with Broadway North Theatre Company, and the show is set to happen in the summer. If I'm offered a role, it's going to be a busy but exciting summer, and I'm really looking forward to it.

As for voice-over work, I'm not able to share anything specific at the moment, but once those projects are released, I'll be sure to announce them on my social media!

IF SOMEONE WANTS TO HIRE YOU FOR ANY VOICE OVER WORK, CAN YOU PLEASE LIST YOUR WEBSITE AND HOW PEOPLE CAN REACH YOU?

You can find more about me and my work on my website at bryanrocesvo.com. Feel free to reach out to me via email, or you can follow me on social media @ bryanrocesvo to stay updated on what I'm working on.

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FOR ALL THE VIEWERS READING, PLEASE KINDLY INTRODUCE YOURSELF. My name is Cary Hite. PLEASE TALK ABOUT HOW YOU GOT STARTED IN THE VOICE OVER INDUSTRY. I've had an interest in voiceover since watching cartoons as a kid. Once I started acting, the road to get into this part of the industry opened up. At the behest of an agent, I went to an audition for Audible, booked the projects (four in total), and haven't looked back since.

FOR ALL THE VIEWERS READING, PLEASE KINDLY INTRODUCE YOURSELF. My name is Cary Hite. PLEASE TALK ABOUT HOW YOU GOT STARTED IN THE VOICE OVER INDUSTRY.

I've had an interest in voiceover since watching cartoons as a kid. Once I started acting, the road to get into this part of the industry opened up. At the behest of an agent, I went to an audition for Audible, booked the projects (four in total), and haven't looked back since.

SHARE A MOMENT WHERE YOU FELT YOU WANTED TO BE INSPIRED TO BE A PART OF THE VOICEOVER INDUSTRY.

I was on a roadtrip. The driver, instead of music, plays a Harry Potter audio- book. I took that as my cue to sleep - until I heard the performance of the narrator (the incomparable Jim Dale). I remember saying that I'd love to do that one day. I end up in a NYC stu- dio, some years later, and the producer of my project asks if I'd like to meet the person that narrated the Harry Potter books (who was recording in an adja- cent studio). I immediately said yes and was able to tell Jim Dale, to his face, how he inspired me to be a narra- tor. Serendipitous. TALK ABOUT THE CHALLENGES YOU FACE IN THIS INDUSTRY AND HOW YOU OVERCOME THE CHALLENGES.

The current fight is the continued usage of hu- man voices over Al. I get contracts for each project I voice and I noticed there wasn't specific language stipulating my voice wouldn't be used for ma- chine learning or Al duplica- tion. That particular publisher created an addendum to assuage my concerns. Before long, every publisher with whom I work had similar protective language in their contracts.

ANY PROJECT OR PEOPLE THAT YOU WOULD LIKE TO WORK WITH OR COL- LABORATE WITH?

I'd love to voice a long-form nature documentary. That's definitely a goal of mine.

TALK ABOUT WHAT TYPE OF WORK YOU ARE CUR- RENTLY FOCUSED ON.

Aside from audiobooks, I'm focusing on network promos and animation projects.

WHAT MAKES A GOOD VOICE ACTOR?

Being a great storyteller. Having a "great" voice is nice but not a requirement of being a good voice actor. It's all in the storytelling.

Pree

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NOW IN TODAY'S SOCIETY, EVERYTHING IS DONE BY REMOTE WORK. DO YOU ENJOY THIS PROCESS, OR DO YOU PREFER TO SHOW UP AT THE STUDIO? I still prefer to show up to the studio. Noth- ing replaces working with an engineer in the session. They are your first audience, your first ears. When they're engaged in the story with you, they're an invaluable collaborator.

NOW IN TODAY'S SOCIETY, EVERYTHING IS DONE BY REMOTE WORK. DO YOU ENJOY THIS PROCESS, OR DO YOU PREFER TO SHOW UP AT THE STUDIO?

I still prefer to show up to the studio. Noth- ing replaces working with an engineer in the session. They are your first audience, your first ears. When they're engaged in the story with you, they're an invaluable collaborator.

WHAT TYPE OF SPECIALTY IN VOICE OVER WORK DO YOU LIKE TO FOCUS ON, OR DO YOU HAVE SEVERAL TYPES?

I like several types. I MUST, however, highlight audiobook narration! I've voiced commercials, I've voiced games, I've voiced e-learning modules and so forth, however, being able to bring an entire story to life, verbally, and have the listeners feel it and take that same journey with you - epic.

WHAT'S A TYPICAL DAY IN THE LIFE OF A VOICEOVER ACTOR?

So much admin. I don't have an assistant so all the emails I receive, I'm the one respond- ing. All the social media posts, created by me. The public appearances I make, arranged by me. There isn't enough time in the day for all of it but, as an entrepreneurial entity, I have to book all projects, appearances, & travel myself.

WHAT DO YOU RECOMMEND FOR ANY- ONE THAT IS INTERESTED IN VOICE OVER WORK?

GET COACHING!!! I cannot stress that enough. As I've said previously - & will con- tinue to preach - being a master storyteller is mist important in this industry.

IN YOUR OPINION, WHAT MAKES A GOOD VOICEOVER ACTOR?

An excellent storyteller.

YOU ARE CURRENTLY ACTIVE AS A VOICE OVER. WHAT ARE YOUR PLANS FOR 2025? WHAT CAN WE EXPECT FROM YOU FOR 2025?

I'll be narrating a bevy of stories for audiobooks. I'm looking to expand my talents into network promo work, animation, and video games.

CAN YOU SHARE ANY EXCITING PROJECTS THAT YOU ARE CUR- RENTLY WORKING ON NOW?

I have to adhere to an NDA contract for the majority of projects I accept. I can say I've had an amazing time bringing them to life.

IF SOMEONE WANTS TO HIRE YOU FOR ANY VOICEOVER WORK, HOW PEOPLE CAN REACH YOU?

My website is - www.caryhite.com. On social media - IG & LinkedIn - I'm @CaryHite

ANY LAST MESSAGE YOU'D LIKE TO SAY TO ALL THE READERS?

I narrate for the historically muffled and silenced voices in our commu- nity. I narrate for those that never graduated from elementary school. I narrate for those that spent a time in the streets but got their GED. I narrate for the college-educated brothers and sisters. I narrate for every low-income housing fam to the silver-spoon benefactors be- cause storytelling is transcendent.

caryhite.com

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PLEASE KINDLY INTRODUCE YOURSELF. Kia ora Fusion readers!!! It's tubularly rad to get to chat with you in this interview! Thank you so much Fusion team for inviting me to chat with you! My name is Chloë Elmore (the umlaut is just a bit of spicy pizzazz) and I am a New Zealand voice actor, working full-time from my beautiful custom-made recording studio here in the lush countryside of Middle Earth! To get the numbers out of the way, I'm 32 years old and I've been pursuing VO part-time for 11 years, but I've been doing it full- time as my only source of income for 3 years.

PLEASE KINDLY INTRODUCE YOURSELF.

Kia ora Fusion readers!!! It's tubularly rad to get to chat with you in this interview! Thank you so much Fusion team for inviting me to chat with you! My name is Chloë Elmore (the umlaut is just a bit of spicy pizzazz) and I am a New Zealand voice actor, working full-time from my beautiful custom-made recording studio here in the lush countryside of Middle Earth! To get the numbers out of the way, I'm 32 years old and I've been pursuing VO part-time for 11 years, but I've been doing it full- time as my only source of income for 3 years.

TALK ABOUT HOW YOU GOT STARTED?

Let's start at the very beginning, it's a very good place to start... I'm so glad print media doesn't let you hear me sing that, hah! Although... I'd voice it in my best sultry, seductive femme fatale voice and you would re- ally dig that! Anyway, I digress. So, I mentioned that I've been pursuing VO for 11 years, but it really started in my teens. As a homeschooler, I didn't have the opportu- nities that other kids have - like drama classes or singing lessons at school, etc. so I was a late bloomer. But I was going through a huge amount of trauma through my young years and was severely suicidal, having at- tempted it as an 11 year old. I was painfully shy - a vessel empty of confidence and stuffed full of self-hate.

I just wasn't at the same life stage of a lot of kids my age. I was both more mature and more stunted. I know that my trauma aged me in many ways, ulti- mately shaping me for incredible good - both per- sonally and for my craft. My pain and subsequent healing journey have been my most potent form of Actor Training. Through greater self-awareness in recovery, I got to the heart of why I wanted to act and perform. Yes, partly to escape the unbearable pain of my personal life and to wear the skin of a fictional character (even with their own pain) be- cause my own struggles were too much. But also, because I wanted to live life to the full. To live on the frontlines of life. In the trenches, with my fel- low humans. To stop numbing myself and checking out of life, but to really become more fully human -spirit, soul, relationships and all. Acting is my avenue to feeling most truly human.

SHARE A MOMENT WHERE YOU FELT YOU WANTED TO BE INSPIRED TO BE A PART OF THE VOICE OVER INDUSTRY.

There were a few moments that were very decisive in my choice to pursue the VoiceOver industry. One negative, one positive. Firstly, the negative factor was during drama school (before the Me Too Movement, it's important to note) where the "con- nection exercises" left a prudish Christian home- schooling virgin feeling sullied and compromised beyond all recognition. I saw that if I continued in an industry that demanded profanity and nudity for 99 out of 100 jobs - "OR ELSE" - then I was going to become a person that I never recognised. Keep in mind, I had just started to discover the true Chloë. And I could not risk losing her, having just found her. I needed to be truly faithful to my inner compass, and screen & stage acting were un-mak- ing me and reshaping me into someone I did not like. But voice acting opened up such a liberating horizon to explore deep vulnerability and raw emo- tions while avoiding nudity and not exposing my body (with which I still had a very hate-filled relationship at the time). Voice acting allowed me to perform with full freedom, unshackled by fear of judgements about my body.

Secondly, there was a positive determinant: one of many must say. We did some deep breathing exer- cises at drama school. Gosh, I'm glad they warned us that when you "breathe into your groin," some deep memories and traumas can resurface, since they are stored in the lower abdomen and can be unlocked by breathing. The more breath work we practiced, the more I found my authentic voice and the more my bizarre vocal affectations fell away. As well as my timid, aspirate vocal quality, and the more I realised that the area of the Voice was my heart's desire. I read a book by Patsy Roden- burg, the Head of Voice at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama in London, called "The Second Circle," which unpacks the key to unlocking your power and the inspired life that comes with it. Patsy Rodenburg dissects three basic ways human energy moves between people. In the second of these 'circles', you are focused, you give out energy and you receive it. And by working on your breath, posture, voice, language, listening skills, focus, courage and trust you can access the second circle on a daily basis.

After reading that book, I was never the same again. And while I didn't realise at the time, but I had found my life calling.

IS THERE ANY PROJECT OR PEOPLE THAT YOU WOULD LIKE TO WORK WITH OR COLLABORATE WITH?

Heck yes!! A total dream would be to work with Ben Starr in a AAA video game. I have voiced for Warframe, but it was 'Koumei and the Five Fates', not '1999' in which he played Arthur.

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Chloë Elmore

But still! I was close! I would love to voice a lead char- acter in a Final Fantasy - but I mean, who wouldn't! One awesome dream that happened just a month ago was being flown to Chicago to act in an audio drama and all 30+ of the cast were voicing in the same studio with each other for a whole 9 days of pure bliss!! Yeah, it wasn't a huge game and they weren't names you'd know, but they are my people, my family, and hang- ing in the same hotel and going to restaurants every night, chatting in the hotel hot tub, and laughing until our abs ached was a massive dream for this little kiwi. It's rare to ever meet your castmates, let alone record in the same room with them, so I was so blessed! I am so content with how my career is skyrocketing, but I do want to reach the stars, of course! I have realised so many dreams of working on national commercials across America, Canada, the UK, Ireland, Australia and New Zealand, but I would love to become a long- running 'Brand Voice' for a big company. That kind of legacy would be such an honour. Those brand voices shaped my secluded homeschooling childhood and gave me so much comfort and connection growing up. TALK ABOUT WHAT TYPE OF WORK YOU ARE CUR- RENTLY FOCUSED ON.

But still! I was close! I would love to voice a lead char- acter in a Final Fantasy - but I mean, who wouldn't! One awesome dream that happened just a month ago was being flown to Chicago to act in an audio drama and all 30+ of the cast were voicing in the same studio with each other for a whole 9 days of pure bliss!! Yeah, it wasn't a huge game and they weren't names you'd know, but they are my people, my family, and hang- ing in the same hotel and going to restaurants every night, chatting in the hotel hot tub, and laughing until our abs ached was a massive dream for this little kiwi. It's rare to ever meet your castmates, let alone record in the same room with them, so I was so blessed! I am so content with how my career is skyrocketing, but I do want to reach the stars, of course! I have realised so many dreams of working on national commercials across America, Canada, the UK, Ireland, Australia and New Zealand, but I would love to become a long- running 'Brand Voice' for a big company. That kind of legacy would be such an honour. Those brand voices shaped my secluded homeschooling childhood and gave me so much comfort and connection growing up.

TALK ABOUT WHAT TYPE OF WORK YOU ARE CUR- RENTLY FOCUSED ON.

I am focused on all of it, hah. Video games, animation, audio dramas, commercials, corporate narrations. All of it. Definitely video games is front and centre for me. I would crawl over broke glass on most days in order to get cast in quality video games. Especially AAA. Tragically, I can't yet work on many US jobs since I don't have a SSN. Not YET. And that's a firm requisite for the LA and NYC scenes - which are where all the AAA games get produced. So I definitely have a far worse handicap than the vast majority of English- speaking voice actors in the world, since they are based in America. I definitely have my eyes peeled on commercials, since I find them so so fun and far less damaging to my vocal cords than video games and anime, etc. Also, they are a tidbit easier to do from outside the USA and UK. I work in many different accents, so I pinch a lot of work from those countries and get to voice some amazing content! I tend to get quite a few luxury car spots. Currently, at the time of this interview, my voice can be heard on national commercials for Peugeot, Alfa Romeo, and MG in New Zealand and the UK. So I've got my beady eyes on that automotive arena. But honestly, I believe that what- ever plants itself in my lap or comes across my path is meant to be. And at the moment, I'm so blessed to say that's most genres of VO. **I am engaged in a hard- core pursuit to be a Swiss Army knife voice actor.**

WHAT CAN WE EXPECT FROM YOU FOR 2025?

My plans and dreams for 2025 are grand and expan- sive, but also, I am just taking things one day at a time and I am wearing my dreams like a loose garment. Maybe my 2025 visions and hopes will happen this year, maybe the next or the one after that. And that's totally okay. I feel so so blessed to have the opportuni- ties I'm getting each day, so I feel very content. What- ever happens happens. As long as I can continue "be- ing a joy to work with," as Maurice LaMarche advised me, then I will keep getting maximum bliss out of my job! I just came back from America a couple of weeks ago, having been a presenter at VO Atlanta 2025, so I am hoping you'll hear me at Dallas One Voice Confer- ence as a speaker. I'll be heading to PAX Melbourne in Australia as a speaker in the video game space and to the NZ Game Developers Conference too. And on top of the awesome VO opportunities that I am blessed with, I will be starting to coach VO this year, officially realizing my very first dream from drama school of helping people find their authentic voice and find their freedom and presence in VoiceOver.

CAN YOU SHARE ANY EXCITING PROJECTS THAT YOU ARE CURRENTLY WORKING ON NOW?

Oh gosh, so many exciting things at the moment, a lot of which I can't yet disclose. BUT I am recently released from NDA, so I can officially say I've had the total joy of voicing in the AAA video game 'Path of Exile 2, an action role-playing game developed by Grinding Gear Games and sequel to the long-running 13-year-old original POE. You can hear me as two of the beautiful Lead Class characters: the ballsy, rebellious Yorkshire Huntress as well as the sarcastic, Stoical British Ranger. You can check out the newly- released gameplay trailer for Dawn of the Hunt on YouTube, which had 4 million views in the first few days of release. I am super proud of being a part of the POE family and being embraced by such a passionate and kind community of gamers! Also, just released yesterday - I've voiced the fan-favourite Boss "Monsi- gnor Loskid" in Soulslike ARPG 'AI Limit!

CAN YOU PLEASE LIST YOUR WEBSITE AND HOW PEOPLE CAN REACH YOU?

If anyone wants to follow along with my career, I'll attach my list of Social media links, since I love to stay active and keep it fun and interesting for my followers!

www.chloevoices.com

ANY LAST MESSAGE YOU'D LIKE TO SAY TO ALL THE READERS ?

Slow and Steady Wins the Race! Love what you do and do what you love. And don't take rejection personally. 'Develop the heart of a child, the mind of psychotherapist, and the hide of a rhinoceros. And stay connected some good people in this industry. The rejection and isolation get too hard otherwise. I see this industry as a Connection Industry not a Rejection Industry.

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PLEASE KINDLY INTRODUCE YOURSELF. My name is Chris Johnson and I am a profes- sional Voice Actor based in Los Angeles. I have been involved with Voice Acting for the last 11 years.

PLEASE KINDLY INTRODUCE YOURSELF.

My name is Chris Johnson and I am a profes- sional Voice Actor based in Los Angeles. I have been involved with Voice Acting for the last 11 years.

HOW YOU GOT STARTED IN THE VOICE OVER INDUSTRY.

In 2014, I was working at an advertising agency and gave a presentation to a client. I was approached afterward and asked if I had ever thought about doing Voice Acting...which I had not. Two days later another person asked me the same question, out of the blue, so I started to ask myself if I SHOULD be thinking about it. I was in a band at the time and wasn't a stranger to performing, but pursuing something like Voice Acting never crossed my mind. I did a little research and found a 4 hour "Intro to Voice Acting" class which I decided to give a shot. I immediately fell in love with it and started tak- ing more and more classes from there.

WHAT MADE YOU GET STARTED IN THE VOICE OVER INDUSTRY?

When those colleagues brought up Voice Act- ing in the span of a couple days all those years ago, I think it sparked something in me that I had never fully explored. I knew I had always loved music and singing so my involvement with that was a no-brainer, but I had never let my mind explore the possibility of using my voice in animation or commercials or anything else really. I knew it was a job that existed, but it always seemed like something other people did for a living and while it seemed like a lot of fun...that was for them, not me. It turns out, it was definitely for me, I just needed that initial synchronistic spark

PLEASE SHARE A MOMENT WHERE YOU FELT YOU WANTED TO BE INSPIRED TO BE A PART OF THE VOICE OVER INDUSTRY.

This whole journey has been inspirational, but if I want to take it back to when seeds were planted...one of the first times I I remember being fully aware of a Voice Actor's performance was when I watched Aladdin when I was around 10 or 11 years old.

I remember sitting on my couch, being com- pletely enamored by the scene when the genie is first released from the lamp. Robin Williams cracking jokes at break-neck speed while the animations did their best to keep up was pure magic. I remember rewinding the VHS count- less times, trying to memorize all the beats and quirks of his delivery. While it didn't dawn on 11 year old me at the time that I wanted to do that, in hindsight it was definitely a mo- ment in time that drew me in and planted the seeds that would take root many years later.

CHRIS JOHNSON

PLEASE TALK ABOUT THE CHALLENGES YOU FACE IN THIS INDUSTRY AND HOW YOU OVERCOME THE CHALLENGES.

This industry is very challenging on many levels, some you can foresee and others that pop up along your journey. You are a one- person business in this industry, responsible for not only your own performances and craft, but also your own marketing, invoicing, networking, technical setup and know-how and everything else it takes to run a successful business.

This can certainly be an uphill battle. I was fortunate to have worked in the corporate world and dealt with invoices, client interac- tions, contracts and networking...but I did not have an acting background. I knew this would be a large hill for me to climb, so when I started out, I didn't look for work for the first couple of years. Instead, I took class after class after workshop after workshop so I could develop my skills and make sure I was "ready" when I started looking for work.

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You have to take an honest look at yourself and your skills early on and work on the areas where you may need some extra support. Once I eventually transitioned out of the corporate world and began doing Voice Acting full-time, I also found challenges I didn't ex- pect. One was getting used to working alone every day. I had worked with colleagues in an office for years and going from that, to locking myself in a padded room by myself all day... was an unexpected adjustment

You have to take an honest look at yourself and your skills early on and work on the areas where you may need some extra support.

Once I eventually transitioned out of the corporate world and began doing Voice Acting full-time, I also found challenges I didn't ex- pect. One was getting used to working alone every day. I had worked with colleagues in an office for years and going from that, to locking myself in a padded room by myself all day... was an unexpected adjustment

ANY PROJECT OR PEOPLE THAT YOU WOULD LIKE TO WORK WITH OR COLLABORATE WITH?

Collaborating with any Voice Acting royalty from my childhood would be absolutely amaz- ing and some of the amazing Voice Actors I have met and worked with thus far have also made the work so fulfilling. I tend to answer "everyone" to this question not as a dodge, but there are so many talented folks in this industry and you never know who you are going to have great chemistry with, so I just keep the doors open to any and all opportuni- ties and feel fortunate when my path crosses with others.

As far as a particular project, I would like to be part of something that lives on beyond my career. Whether that be an iconic animated character in a video game or a TV show or an impactful advertising campaign, it would be really fun to have a performance impact people beyond my time.

PLEASE TALK ABOUT WHAT TYPE OF WORK YOU ARE CURRENTLY FOCUSED ON.

I pride myself on being versatile. I have done commercial work, video games, audiobooks, eLearning, on-hold messaging, promos, corporate tutorials, narration, etc. So I am perpetually focused on putting myself in front of people and projects who think my voice and performances can be a fit, no matter the Voiceover genre. I am always learning, evolv- ing and developing as an actor.

PLEASE TALK ABOUT WHAT YOU LIKE ABOUT HOLLYWOOD ENTERTAINMENT.

There is a constant buzz in the entertainment industry. There are always so many amazing projects that are at various stages of develop- ment and it gives the industry a certain life and energy that can be a lot of fun to be a part of. There are so many talented creative people, striving to tell stories that excite them and can teach us so much about ourselves both individually and collectively. Being at a point in time that makes it technologically possible for people to consume these stories in so many ways, is very exciting.

WHAT VOICE OVERS DO YOU ADMIRE THE MOST FROM HOLLYWOOD?

There is a lot of great work being done. In the movie space, I admire the Voiceover work from films like Toy Story, Shrek and Her. In the commercial space, branded work by the likes of Jon Hamm for Mercedes is really well done and as I mentioned earlier, I do have a soft spot for all of those great cartoons of the 90's and early 2000's that entertained me when I wasn't even thinking about Voice Acting. When the character and work shines through and you are just entertained, you know they are doing a great job.

WHAT MAKES A GOOD VOICE ACTOR

Contrary to popular belief...it is not all in the voice. The reality is, that this industry has the need and the space for all types and qualities of voices. I always tell people that it is a low- ercase "v" in voice and a capital "a" in acting. Acting is the foundation. If you have the most amazing smooth and rich voice, but don't de- liver believable and connected performances, it likely isn't going to work out. A good Voice Actor will put in the time and work to learn the craft. The learning never stops either, so it is also important for Voice Actors to continu- ally be open to their own evolution and open- minded to try new things. Also, persistence.

I tell new and upcoming Voice Actors that there are times when persistence is more important than skill. Even for people who are incredibly talented, there will be times where no matter what you do, it feels like you can't book a job. It makes you question your talent, your path and can be very mentally taxing. Finding ways to persist and power through those moments, is key.

WHAT TYPE OF SPECIALTY IN VOICE OVER WORK DO YOU LIKE TO FOCUS ON, OR DO YOU HAVE SEVERAL TYPES?

The genres in which I am hired the most are commercials, corporate narration, and eLearn- ing...however, I have done work in all sorts of genres. I really enjoy more character-driven work, so whenever I can be part of projects like audio dramas or video games, it is always a fun time. It is important for me to remain versatile, so I do like to focus on many differ- ent niches

WHAT ARE YOUR PLANS FOR 2025?

The exciting (and potentially terrifying) part about this industry is that sometimes, you don't know what is right around the corner. Sometimes you will have on-going projects but that big commercial or breakout role, may be an audition that you get next week. I like to focus on controlling the things that I can control...which includes making sure I am at the top of my game, that my materials are cur- rent and updated, and that I am being honest with myself. That way, when those opportuni- ties do present themselves, I know that I am ready to give it my best shot.

ANY EXCITING PROJECTS THAT YOU ARE CURRENTLY WORKING ON NOW?

I have some regional commercial work that is running across the country currently and I am working on some eLearning material for some pharmaceutical clients. I do have some other work that I am barred from discussing via NDA agreements, but I hope to be able to discuss those very soon!

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My name is Danielle Harris and I am a voice actor. I got started in the voice over in- dustry in 2020. Contrary to what some may think, the pandemic was not the reason I started at that time.

My name is Danielle Harris and I am a voice actor.

I got started in the voice over in- dustry in 2020. Contrary to what some may think, the pandemic was not the reason I started at that time.

VOICE

OVER

DANIELLE HARRIS

I had been working in govern- ment for over a decade and just had our first child. I was on maternity leave and looking back, I believe it was partially postpar- tum, but I was really depressed about going back to a job I hated. It was tough because I was an essential worker during the pandemic, and I should've felt extremely I had a job to y grateful of h go to regardless of how I felt. But when I would look at at my daughter, it would really make me think about my future and all the things I haven't done or haven't accomplished. I actually attempted to start in voice over about 10 years prior to 2020 but life life got in the way and back then, I only thought of it as a hobby and didn't know much about the industry.

There are two different moments where I was inspired to be a part of the voice over industry. The first was when I was a teenager. Because that was the time, I grasped the idea that there were people (actors) voicing all the cartoons, puppets, and anime characters I grew up watching. When you could start research- when you Start research- ing online to find out who voiced something, that's what I would do and realize that there were a lot voicing a lot of of actors that were v the things I loved to watch, and it was so cool! I distinctly remember saying to myself out I loud, "I would love to do something like THAT!"

"Looking back, I think i kit was also the anonymity of it that I fell in love with too because I've always kept to myself and like to do things behind the scenes.

The second moment I felt inspired was the 'ah ha' moment and I remember it like it was yesterday. I was on maternity leave and my daughter was about 2 months old.

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My family and I were sitting around the din- ing table, talking, laughing and I was goofing around and voicing what I thought my daughter would say based off her expression. Kinda like the movie 'Look Who's Talking' with Bruce Willis, John Travolta and Kirstie Alley. We were all cracking up and BOOM I had that feeling like I need to do some research on voice over. It's weird I know, but that's when I really got seri- ous. And here we are today. One of the challenges I face is the typical impos- ter syndrome. I feel so blessed and grateful to be doing what I am doing. But there are times when it's slow to book work or even I book work, and I find myself thinking am I good enough and if the client is happy with the work I've done. But I usually get over it and keep it moving. It's an insecurity but I tell myself this is a subjective industry. I cannot please everyone and all I can do is my best. Some clients may choose to re-cast, or some will be ecstatic with my performance and come back for more. It is what it is. I just focus on what I can control and that is me and my mindset.

My family and I were sitting around the din- ing table, talking, laughing and I was goofing around and voicing what I thought my daughter would say based off her expression. Kinda like the movie 'Look Who's Talking' with Bruce Willis, John Travolta and Kirstie Alley. We were all cracking up and BOOM I had that feeling like I need to do some research on voice over. It's weird I know, but that's when I really got seri- ous. And here we are today.

One of the challenges I face is the typical impos- ter syndrome. I feel so blessed and grateful to be doing what I am doing. But there are times when it's slow to book work or even I book work, and I find myself thinking am I good enough and if the client is happy with the work I've done. But I usually get over it and keep it moving. It's an insecurity but I tell myself this is a subjective industry. I cannot please everyone and all I can do is my best. Some clients may choose to re-cast, or some will be ecstatic with my performance and come back for more. It is what it is. I just focus on what I can control and that is me and my mindset.

The other challenge is the work like balance. I now have two beautiful children that are absolute handfuls. I'm sure all the parents understand. I'm home with them all day while my husband is at work and I have to meet their needs, manage the home and manage my voice over business. Shout out to all the stay at home parents. It is not easy. But again, I focus on what I can control and make things as easy as I can for myself. Things like Instacart, lawn care and professional home cleaning services have really helped my sanity. My mother is also the best because she helps a lot when I have a session, or I need to run errands.

I can't think of any one person I would love to work with. There's too many. But it would be a dream come true to voice a character for DC, Marvel and Disney animation as well as a cool videogame. I'm also open for dubbing anime if the characters right. All of that would be a huge accomplishment for me. Outside of character work I also love Promo and would love to do live announcing.

Right now, I do a lot of commercial work which I also love. Commercial and corporate work. When Political spikes I also get a bit of that as well. I'm an advocate of working where you fit in the market. Right now, this is what people want my voice for and that's cool because I enjoy it! I've also done quite of a bit of explainers and eLearning in the past.

When I think of Hollywood Entertainment I think of my childhood and my dad. We have always been movie lovers and movie goers. I enjoy the experience as a viewer and I love a good story and great writing. Back in the day there were amazing stories that set a lot of movies up for today. I have more appreciation for acting, storytelling, writing and casting today be- cause of what I do. Understanding all the work that goes into all of it. It makes it even more thrilling to watch. I've never been to Hollywood. That's another bucket list.

When I think of voice overs from Hollywood the first thing that pops up for me is Sleeping Beauty and Alice in Wonderland. The old animations. The voice acting in those are a part of my core memories. I watched them all the time with my sister when I was little. I still do today. Such great acting and range. Those movies still hold up today and the acting was phenomenal. I would love to be a fly on the wall and see how they were directed and how they performed.

What makes a good voice actor is the ability to understand acting, improv, and know that you are performing. Connect with the copy and continue to grow. You do not have to be the most talented or be able to do a million different voices. You need to understand how to perform to make whoever is lis- tening feel something or whatever they are supposed to feel. Being able to take direction is key as well as knowing how to self-direct because those jobs are out there too. Also, a voice actor needs to have good business sense and understand the industry. That alone is a competitive edge and shouldn't be skimped on.

My specialty in voice over right now is commercial. I love commercial and corporate. It's the most natural for me. But I want to challenge my comfort zone. I thoroughly believe that being too comfortable is a bad thing. I would love to get more character work. I do not have the ability to do a million different voices like Mel Blanc and other voice actors today, but I know I have the propensity for accents. That's something I am working to be more proficient in because I believe it will help with my range and just overall challenge me and make things more fun.

My website is danielleharrisvo.com. has all my information to contact, set a meeting as well as my demos, samples, projects I've worked on and socials.

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FOR ALL THE VIEWERS READING, PLEASE KINDLY INTRODUCE YOURSELF. Hey everyone! I'm Varian. I'm a bilingual (mandarin),voice actor based in Oakland, CA/ Bay Area.

FOR ALL THE VIEWERS READING, PLEASE KINDLY INTRODUCE YOURSELF.

Hey everyone! I'm Varian. I'm a bilingual (mandarin),voice actor based in Oakland, CA/ Bay Area.

PLEASE TALK ABOUT HOW YOU GOT STARTED IN THE VOICE OVER INDUSTRY.

Honestly, I thank covid quarantine for open- ing the door of opportunity for me. I've always loved voice acting...even when I didn't know it was a thing or that someone was behind a voice of a character I loved grow- ing up. I just never knew how to go about getting into it or learning about it, because I didn't know anyone involved in it. So when quarantine happened, Voiceover was one of the first few industries that pivoted to online and that opened the door for me and many others alike.

PLEASE SHARE A MOMENT WHERE YOU FELT YOU WANTED TO BE INSPIRED TO BE A PART OF THE VOICE OVER INDUSTRY.

I don't know if there was one particular mo- ment. I've essentially wanted to be involved in voice acting and voiceover since I was a kid but being born into a family of educators and essentially an Asian household, creative endeavors were encouraged as a hobby, but never nurtured as anything more than that. However, I've always been stubborn and pas- sionate about things and people I love....so eventually I found my way to voiceover, but I wasn't actively looking or searching for a way in. For a very long time, it was out of sight, out of mind for me. The one thing that stayed constant and true, was my love for anima- tion....always loved it and still do, probably more now than ever before.

I knew I made the right decision to be in voiceover when even on my worst days, where nothing is clicking and I can't seem to get a read or character to work... whether in class or otherwise, I still feel excited and energized....like how one would feel when you have a really good workout session at the gym and you feel energized after a shower. That's how I knew....so I guess that helped with the inspiration.

PLEASE TALK ABOUT THE CHALLENGES YOU FACE IN THIS INDUSTRY AND HOW YOU OVERCOME THE CHALLENGES.

So to reference my answer from a previous question, I had this notion that my transi- tion into voiceover would be relatively easy since I've had experience as an emcee and a product specialist and I speak a lot for a Varian David living. Let me say this...I WAS ABSOLUTELY WRONG! Yes, certain skillsets may translate and overlap but voiceover and voice acting is a craft all in itself...with so many subgenres that all have different skillsets that you'd have to learn and master. I learned this really quick, so I started to sign up for classes and dedicated myself to learning the craft. The one thing I also love about the voiceover industry is the community. It has, by far, THE BEST community I've ever been a part of. Ev- eryone is so giving and willing to help if you have questions or need guidance.

IS THERE ANY PROJECT OR PEOPLE THAT YOU WOULD LIKE TO WORK WITH OR COL- LABORATE WITH?

Hahaha!! Do we have all day? Of course! Man...where do I start? Ok, let's start with actors I'd love to learn from and work with, Phil Lemarr, Khary Payton, Grey Delisle, Tara Strong, Eric Bauza, Bob Bergen, Dee Bradley Baker, Dante Basco (He's special because he was the first Asian I saw on TV that I related too on "Hanging with Mr. Cooper"...he had that hip hop swagger), Mark Hamil, Kevin Michael Richardson, Rob Paulsen, Maurice La- Marche, Frank Welker, Nancy Cartwright, Cree Summer, Michael Rosenbaum, Carl Lumbly.... This is just off the top of my head! Hahaha....

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As for projects, I'm a huge comic book nerd so to be a part of the DC and Marvel universe in animation is a dream!! I'm technically part of the MCU....I was a featured extra in Ant-Man, so I'm technically cannon! However, I'd love to be in an original animated series and be an original character that is unique to me and my creativity, like The Simpsons, Futurama, etc. PLEASE TALK ABOUT WHAT TYPE OF WORK YOU ARE CURRENTLY FOCUSED ON.

As for projects, I'm a huge comic book nerd so to be a part of the DC and Marvel universe in animation is a dream!! I'm technically part of the MCU....I was a featured extra in Ant-Man, so I'm technically cannon! However, I'd love to be in an original animated series and be an original character that is unique to me and my creativity, like The Simpsons, Futurama, etc.

PLEASE TALK ABOUT WHAT TYPE OF WORK YOU ARE CURRENTLY FOCUSED ON.

I'm currently focused on being a better actor. That's what I'm working on. However I'm assuming you might be referring to genres of voiceover. I'm in it to win it...animation, commercials, promos, corporate narrations, I'm focused on working toward being a full time working voice actor.

WHAT MAKES A GOOD VOICE ACTOR?

To quote my coach, Angela Malhotra, and every veteran in the industry....to be a good voice actor, you need to be a good ACTOR!

Voice Acting is ACTING...period! The actual character voice is like the very last thing that is even considered. However when we think voice acting, the first thing we go to is the voice...I'm guilty of that as well. Not the case! Bringing the character to life, to embody the character....that's priority. Now if you decided on a voice for your character, you need to be able to maintain that voice throughout the course of the entire session on top of that.

WHAT TYPE OF SPECIALTY IN VOICE OVER WORK DO YOU LIKE TO FOCUS ON, OR DO YOU HAVE SEVERAL TYPES?

I would love to live in animation and promos, video games/interactive. I also enjoy doing "voice of god" and live announce work for live events. I love and currently working on creature work as well.

WHAT'S A TYPICAL DAY IN THE LIFE OF A VOICE OVER ACTOR?

I can't speak for anyone else but my- self. I wake up, part of my routine is to clear my nasal pas- sages, wash up and do vocal warmups. If I'm working a day job, I'm doing my vocal warmups in the car while driving where I need to be. Checking emails and working on auditions that come through. More often than none for me, most of the audi- tions I get have a quick turnaround and due the fol- lowing day. Time management is important... and I am still working on being better at that. Regardless of the fact, I still get all my audi- tions in on time or early if I can. I try and get a workout in if I can, depending on when I get done with everything. Then, rinse and repeat the next day and every day after that.

WHAT DO YOU RECOMMEND FOR ANYONE THAT IS INTERESTED IN VOICE OVER WORK?

Take classes. Take a voice acting class. See if it's for you and if it is, work on being a good actor.

IN YOUR OPINION, WHAT MAKES A GOOD VOICE OVER ACTOR?

Understanding that in order to be a good voice actor, you need to be a good actor. Being able to access your emotions, to be able to visualize your environment because you are ALL ALONE in the booth. No one is with you. It's all on you...so being a good actor is priority number one.

WHAT ARE YOUR PLANS FOR 2025? WHAT CAN WE EXPECT FROM YOU FOR FROM YOU GOING FORWARD.

My plan for 2025, to be a better actor every day. To take advantage of opportunities that present themselves, be it working with people I want to work with, to be involved in proj- ects that excite me and to be more active in promoting myself and putting myself out there. I'm an introvert and my personality is to "fly under the radar", which is counter intuitive. Expect me to make more noise and to level up my game!

CAN YOU SHARE ANY EXCITING PROJECTS THAT YOU ARE CURRENTLY WORKING ON NOW?

Unfortunately there's nothing I can really share. Such is the life of a voice actor....NDAS are part of life. Hahaha....

IF SOMEONE WANTS TO HIRE YOU FOR ANY VOICE OVER WORK, CAN YOU PLEASE LIST YOUR WEBSITE AND HOW PEOPLE CAN REACH YOU?

I'm currently rebuilding my website from scratch. I chose to build my website initially using a small business that was a competitor to the bigger site building services. I love support- ing small businesses especially if they are by POC, AAPI, etc....because I'm a small business owner myself. I started a hot sauce brand on top of being a voice actor. Unfortunately, the company decided to call it quits, so now I have to reconstruct everything from scratch. How- ever, you can always reach me on socials:

Instagram/threads: @variandavid, tiktok: @ variandavidvo, ANY LAST MESSAGE YOU'D LIKE TO SAY TO ALL THE READERS ?

I appreciate you taking the time to hear my story and have some idea who I am and why I love being a voice actor. If you're looking to be a voice actor, I hope I was able to give you some useful insight and advice.

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KINDLY INTRODUCE YOURSELF. My name is DJ Dykes. I'm a professional voice actor who's been in the industry for almost five years. I'm represented by ACM Talent and VOX.

KINDLY INTRODUCE YOURSELF.

My name is DJ Dykes. I'm a professional voice actor who's been in the industry for almost five years. I'm represented by ACM Talent and VOX.

HOW YOU GOT STARTED IN THE VOICE OVER INDUSTRY.

I stumbled into this career in 2020 while looking for a way to make money from home during the global pandemic

WHAT MADE YOU GET STARTED IN THE VOICE OVER INDUSTRY?

I honestly got started because my wife and I were looking for a decent work- from-home opportunity. I happened to see a YouTube video about voiceover and thought, "Hmm, I could totally do that." The rest is history.

SHARE A MOMENT WHERE YOU FELT YOU WANTED TO BE INSPIRED TO BE A PART OF THE INDUSTRY

My original understanding of voiceover was the voices you hear on animation and movie trailers. I know it sounds intuitive, but I was honestly surprised when I learned that VO extends to so many other genres like commercial, TV promos, in-show narration. That was when I knew I could carve out my own spot in this vast industry.

TALK ABOUT THE CHALLENGES YOU FACE IN THIS INDUSTRY

Frankly, I haven't encountered any major challenges; just small things here and there. I know that sounds like I had an easy path, but it's absolutely not the case. I simply have an unrelenting self-belief, and understand the power of small daily efforts. I've yet to face a challenge in this industry that makes me doubt my abilities. I also under- stood early on that voiceover is an entrepreneurial endeavor. That means you have to try and fail a lot and be proactive, don't lie around waiting for things to happen. So yeah, unrelent- ing self belief, 1% better everyday, and an entrepreneur mindset; I think those qualities are found in every successful voice actor, regardless of the genre(s) they specialize in.

ANY PROJECT THAT YOU WOULD LIKE TO COLLABORATE WITH?

I don't have any particular project or people I would like to work with. I like to keep it loose and go with the flow. However, I keep a list of professional goals that I work toward. I aim to be the promo voice of a major network, and an A-list movie trailer VO.

WHAT MAKES A GOOD VOICE ACTOR?

I always defer to Sanford Meisner's quote: "Acting is behaving absolutely truthfully under the imaginary circum- stance." Without a doubt, understand- ing who you are at the emotional level is the most important skill. Too many aspiring voice actors rely on their voices to do the heavy lifting. The game-changing discovery I made was that every facet of your performance - voice, expressions, gesticulations...all follow your emotions.

Develop your emotional recall. It will provide the lattice that supports your storytelling throughout the script.

NOW IN TODAY'S SOCIETY, EVERY- THING IS DONE BY REMOTE WORK. DO YOU ENJOY THIS PROCESS, OR DO YOU PREFER TO SHOW UP AT THE STUDIO?

So, I joined the industry during the global pandemic, so I've only ever known remote recording. As such, it's just normal for me. Source Connect makes it possible to connect with anyone around the world and facilitates a high-fidelity recording session.

WHAT TYPE OF VOICE OVER WORK DO YOU LIKE TO FOCUS ON, OR DO YOU HAVE SEVERAL TYPES?

So, I specialize in commercial, promo, trailers, and narration. I love having a new and different project to work on every day, and those genres offer that.

WHAT'S A TYPICAL DAY IN THE LIFE OF A VOICE OVER ACTOR?

A voice actor's day is ever-changing. I reserve mornings for the crazy amount of auditions I receive from ACM Talent and my agents. Then I offer VO coach- ing for an hour before lunch. In the afternoon, I knock out the second wave of auditions, spend time practicing my reads, do some marketing outreach, communicate with clients, etc. I adjust my schedule based on bookings. Some days, I cannot even do one audition be- cause I'm so busy recording for clients. Then there are the various workshops and coaching I attend to keep my skills sharp. My schedule, it's never really set in stone, ya know?

I learned that VO extends to so many other genres like commercial, TV promos, in-show narration. That was when I knew I could carve out my own spot in this vast industry.

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WHAT DO YOU RECOMMEND FOR ANYONE THAT IS INTERESTED IN VOICE OVER WORK? Be a self-starter. I've met too many folks who say they want to get into the industry but have any number of reasons why they haven't yet. Months down the road, they still haven't even started yet.

WHAT DO YOU RECOMMEND FOR ANYONE THAT IS INTERESTED IN VOICE OVER WORK?

Be a self-starter. I've met too many folks who say they want to get into the industry but have any number of reasons why they haven't yet. Months down the road, they still haven't even started yet.

There are a lot of things you can waste time overthinking: which mic to use, which software, which genre, which platforms or marketing services...it's all unnecessary at the beginning. Just pull out your phone and start video recording yourself talking. You'll learn more from that simple exercise than any amount of microphone research.

Also, consume as much free information as possible before spending a dime. Do not pay for coaching. Do not pay for demos. Just spend the first few months recording yourself on your smartphone, watching YouTube vid- eos (like the ones on my channel), listening to VO podcasts, free VO webinars, etc. There is more free information out there now than there has ever been.

DJ DYKES

Once you've done that for a while, you should have a clearer idea of what to do next.

CAN YOU SHARE ANY PROJECTS THAT YOU ARE CURRENTLY WORKING ON NOW?

I'm the in-show narrator of NBA's NBA On Fire weekly recap series, which airs inter- nationally in markets like Japan, Australia, and the Philippines. I also have a small role in an upcoming Netflix animated film set to release Q2 2025.

IF SOMEONE WANTS TO HIRE YOU FOR ANY VOICE OVER WORK, CAN YOU PLEASE LIST YOUR WEBSITE AND HOW PEOPLE CAN REACH YOU?

You can learn more about me at www. djdykes.com and email me directly at dj@ djdykes.com. Or you can reach out to my manager, Jeffrey Umberger at ACM Talent: [email protected].

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ELIZABETH CARRILLO

IF SOMEONE WANTS TO HIRE YOU FOR ANY VOICE OVER WORK, CAN YOU PLEASE LIST YOUR WEBSITE AND HOW PEOPLE CAN REACH YOU? Yes absolutely! For your neutral English and Spanish needs, I'm your girl! I also provide transla- tion services. To learn more about me please visit my website elizabethcarrillovo.com. There you will find links to my socials and ways to contact me directly or to contact my agents.

IF SOMEONE WANTS TO HIRE YOU FOR ANY VOICE OVER WORK, CAN YOU PLEASE LIST YOUR WEBSITE AND HOW PEOPLE CAN REACH YOU?

Yes absolutely! For your neutral English and Spanish needs, I'm your girl! I also provide transla- tion services. To learn more about me please visit my website elizabethcarrillovo.com. There you will find links to my socials and ways to contact me directly or to contact my agents.

KINDLY INTRODUCE YOURSELF.

¡Hola Fusion! I am so excited to be sharing space with you today. My name is Elizabeth Carrillo. I am a first genera- tion Mexican American bilingual voice actress. I am a bonus mom to an almost 12 year old and a cat mom of 6. I love plants...oh and earrings!

TALK ABOUT HOW YOU GOT STARTED

IN THE VOICE OVER INDUSTRY.

I think one of the first things I did was buy equipment (Some of you are probably cringing by reading this. I know! If you're new and reading this, PLEASE DON'T BUY EQUIPMENT FIRST) I bought all the wrong stuff and eventually had to sell it on Facebook Marketplace and then get the equip- ment I actually did need. I remember I booked a 1-1 session with a voice actor on a pay to play site that gave me some basic information. From there I started to buy books on voice acting, I listened to podcasts, and I took classes. Being able to attend any class remotely made learning super accessible.

WHAT MADE YOU GET STARTED IN THE VOICE OVER INDUSTRY?

Ultimately, it was the support and nudge from my partner, Gilbert. Like we say in Spanish, fue la gota que derramo el vaso. It's the drop that made the cup overflow. Uff, but it was such a long time from when the first voice over seed was planted until I actually started to water and nurture the idea! I NEVER thought I would follow a creative career until my high school Spanish teacher, Mr.Rojas, made a comment. I was always the type of student that would volunteer to read out loud. He was the first to tell me, "you should be a voice actor." I honestly just shrugged that off, like "yeah ok." I saw myself pursuing other careers. From the time I was re- ally little, I wanted to be a teacher and then the dream switched to wanting to become a veterinarian. Eventually I went to college for Clinical Nutrition and Spanish, and that's when the "what if" of the comment by Mr. Rojas about voice over echoed. I couldn't change majors, are you kidding. I'm the daughter of immigrants and I had my mind set on a good career that was fail proof. I was going to be a dietitian. Ok, well fast forward to 2020, Gilbert and I are sitting in our studio apartment during one of those nights we had a curfew during the pandemic. We questioned if we felt like we were really living a fulfilled life. I mean, it was a scary time. More and more people were dying each day be- cause of COVID, and life felt so precious and ephemeral. We wanted more from life. I wanted to be a voice actor. "Why not me?"

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TALK ABOUT THE CHALLENGES YOU

FACE IN THIS INDUSTRY AND HOW YOU OVERCOME THE CHALLENGES. At first, the challenge was overcoming some negative thoughts I had about my own voice, because I was teased for it for so long when I was a teenager. My voice may have been a target of ridicule at one point, but now I see it as my super power.

FACE IN THIS INDUSTRY AND HOW YOU OVERCOME THE CHALLENGES.

At first, the challenge was overcoming some negative thoughts I had about my own voice, because I was teased for it for so long when I was a teenager. My voice may have been a target of ridicule at one point, but now I see it as my super power.

Currently, one of my biggest challenges is balancing my full time job while also pursuing voice acting. I work full time as a lactation consultant at a hospital. I've arranged my schedule so that I work on the weekends so I can be more free during the week for when auditions are more likely to come in from my agents. Working weekends is tough. I mean I've missed birthday parties, tías visiting from Mexico and even quality time with my partner. It's been really hard, but I know it's going to be worth it. It has been so far!

WHAT TYPE OF WORK YOU ARE CURRENTLY FOCUSED ON.

Since the beginning of my acting career, I have definitely focused heavily on the commercial side of voice acting. It's the type of auditions I get the most of. But in the last year I was able to branch out and book some animation and dubbing jobs!

EVERYTHING IS DONE BY REMOTE WORK. DO YOU ENJOY THIS PROCESS, OR DO YOU PREFER TO SHOW UP AT THE STUDIO?

I definitely like that work can be done remotely, because if I had to come into the studio to audition, it would be very difficult for me to fit in with my full time job. BUT when it comes to recording final projects, I love when there's an option to record in studio. It's great to meet the engineers and other people collaborating on the same project. And going into the studio is a great excuse to bring in donuts!

WHAT'S A TYPICAL DAY IN THE LIFE OF A VOICE OVER ACTOR?

For me, it can vary immensely. If it's a hos- pital day, it means getting to work before 7:00am so that I could be home by 4:00pm so I can start recording and submitting auditions.

ALL PHOTOS BY EMILY SANDIFER.

ANY LAST MESSAGE YOU LIKE TO SAY TO ALL THE READERS?

Your college degree doesn't have to decide the rest of your life. You're allowed to change your mind. Explore your "what ifs." Be bold with your life and take chances. If there's something that excites you, something you can't get your mind off of...ahí es mamita! Take the first step and let yourself feel new at something again.

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JALEN ASKINS

JALEN ASKINS

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FOR ALL THE VIEWERS READING, PLEASE KINDLY INTRODUCE YOURSELF. Hello there! My name is Jalen Askins. I am a professional voice actor in the Los Angeles area and have been pursuing voice acting for about 7-8ish years. I have provided voiceover in many dif- ferent genres such as video games, ADR, Animation, Com- mercials, and Promos.

FOR ALL THE VIEWERS READING, PLEASE KINDLY INTRODUCE YOURSELF.

Hello there! My name is Jalen Askins. I am a professional voice actor in the Los Angeles area and have been pursuing voice acting for about 7-8ish years. I have provided voiceover in many dif- ferent genres such as video games, ADR, Animation, Com- mercials, and Promos.

  • TALK ABOUT
  • HOW YOU
  • GOT STARTED
  • IN THE VOICE OVER INDUSTRY.

I got started in the industry really just posting stuff online of my voice like fandubs, covers you name it, and while that was going on I was taking classes with Del Mar Media Arts, Voicetraxwest, and other mentors. Then, I booked my first agent in 2021 and did my first ever gig for a museum. After 3½ years of just auditioning I was also in some great indie projects that made me better as an actor. I started working on audiobooks back in 2023 and went full time in that same year. Finally, by 2024 I took a class with my agent Arielle Negrin at Voicetraxwest for my first class, and ultimately became repped with my current Agency Atlas. Since then I've been a full time voice actor and been grate- ful and blessed to work with many great talented individuals.

WHAT MADE YOU GET STARTED IN THE VOICE OVER INDUSTRY?

Growing up my parents bought me all the renais- sance disney movies on VHS and I watched them consistently because I loved and adored animation as a whole. When I was 4 I started doing impressions of the animations I watched growing up like Scooby doo, Yogi Bear, Mickey Mouse, Looney Tunes and so forth. I was excited to go to the movies as a kid because it meant I got to see my favorite animated movies. So since I was little I had a love and overall admiration paired with inspiration for voiceover and animation that made me ultimately decide to want to pursue this career.

ANY PROJECT OR PEOPLE THAT YOU WOULD LIKE TO WORK WITH?

I would honestly love to voice for an Avatar animated project, because when I think about it I love the storytelling and world building that the avatar franchise has built. Whether it's a love interest, comedy relief, villain or even one of the main heroes it would just be an honor to play in that world. Another would definitely be the ninja turtles just to play one of the iconic four turtles that bring us that joy and imagination. Even a marvel animated series would be cool to be a part of, and most definitely would love to join in on some Kung Fu Panda project whether it be a series or a film because I also love the story and world of characters they have created that are timeless.

WHAT TYPE OF WORK YOU ARE CURRENTLY FOCUSED ON.

Currently I've been getting into more indie anima- tion and trying to break into more animation roles. Reason being I love recording animation because of how expressive, fun, and overall exciting when I get to record or just ad lib when I can. I'm also loving audio descriptions because of how fun they are and the projects I get to work on and seeing everything come together.

WHAT MAKES A GOOD VOICE ACTOR?

What makes a good voice actor in my opinion is someone that doesn't just act but embody the char- acter to the point where I get lost in the world and story. An actor that is dedicated to the craft and gives to their craft such as giving the character authentic life and development. Someone who is willing to learn that these characters we voice need as much nuance as life gives us.

WHAT TYPE OF SPECIALTY IN VOICE OVER WORK DO YOU LIKE TO FOCUS ON, OR DO YOU HAVE SEVERAL TYPES?

I like several types like Audio Descriptions, ADR, Video Games, Animation, Commercials, and Promos. Each one I see as a different style like the martial arts. They all have the same core principle but differ- ent ways to tackle and learn them.

I STARTEDDOING

IMPRESSIONS OF THE ANIMATIONSI WATCHED GROWING UP LIKE SCOOBY DOO, YOGI BEAR, MICKEY MOUSE, LOONEY TUNES AND SO FORTH.

IN YOUR OPINION, WHAT MAKES A GOOD VOICE OVER ACTOR?

Someone who is willing to learn and give themselves to the craft. Someone who can bring out not just the character but the story to life. In life we as actors pull from our own personal experiences to bring these characters, spots, etc out. A good voice actor knows how to pivot, how to hit those emotional beats like a musician knows how to bring those melodies and harmonies out. They are a master of their instrument and every inflection is deliberate and every decision is intentional. They are the ones that guide you through the story or whatever medium as if we are on an adventure.

CAN YOU SHARE ANY EXCITING PROJECTS THAT YOU ARE CURRENTLY WORKING ON NOW?

Yes! I am working on some cool projects that are be- ing worked on such as an indie pilot named Zipped Up which I play the Big Bad Vapor which is currently running a kickstarter and would love for folks to do- nate to because the creator and the team along with the cast are phenomenal. I also have an animated series debut on Amazon Prime where I voice a cool character coming in the upcoming months. I am also in a project called the Lunchbox project my Team Horizon who are working very hard to get the short out. I got some stuff behind the scenes happening so keep a lookout on my social media.

HOW PEOPLE CAN REACH YOU?

ANY LAST MESSAGE YOU'D LIKE TO SAY TO ALL THE READERS?

Keep going the journey is worth it. There is a lot to this business to learn and there is room for everyone to win, especially those who want to be a part of this craft. Whether you want to get into animation, video games, etc do not limit yourself. You may think you are a good fit for one thing but you may be a good fit for multiple things. I want to hear your voices or even work with you guys someday there's always stories to tell so start now. Write that story, get that $100 mic and do a funny dub with your friends, but in the end just start. You got a voice and if this is your passion the world needs to hear you. Even in the times where you may think you will never make it, but take it from me it takes time and patience. Remember it's not a race it's a marathon.

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ELIAH A Voice Actor making a name for himself in the industry

ELIAH

A Voice Actor making a name for himself in the industry

Photograph by Jerry coria | Story Amanda Stevens

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For all viwers reading this can you introduce yourself? Hey there, I'm Eliah Mountjoy-a voice actor, communicator, and above all, a storyteller. I use voice to breathe life into characters, connect emotion to sound, and bring stories off the page and into the heart. I believe stories cross borders, break barriers, and bind people closer together no matter where they come from.

For all viwers reading this can you introduce yourself?

Hey there, I'm Eliah Mountjoy-a voice actor, communicator, and above all, a storyteller. I use voice to breathe life into characters, connect emotion to sound, and bring stories off the page and into the heart. I believe stories cross borders, break barriers, and bind people closer together no matter where they come from.

PLEASE TALK ABOUT HOW YOU GOT STARTED IN THE VOICE OVER INDUSTRY.

I stumbled into voice over the way most VO stories start-by accident, then obsession. I began in theater, chasing stories on stage, then on screen, but once I stepped behind the mic, something clicked. There was a freedom in the booth. A chance to strip it all down and let the voice carry everything. That quiet intensity drew me in and I never looked back.

WHAT MADE YOU GET STARTED IN THE VOICE OVER INDUSTRY?

I suppose it was a combination of curiosity and timing. I was already chasing storytell- ing on the stage and screen,as well as mu- sic, but voice over felt like this secret world where imagination just ran wild. No sets, no costumes...only pure imagination and make believe. Once I realized I could shape a scene with nothing but my voice, I knew I'd found something special.

PLEASE SHARE A MOMENT WHERE YOU FELT YOU WANTED TO BE INSPIRED TO BE A PART OF THE VOICE OVER INDUSTRY.

I remember watching the animated Hob- bit by Rankin/Bass as a kid--and being completely transported. The voices in that film had this mythic weight, like they were echoing from another world. It wasn't about flashy CGI visuals-it was about tone, rhythm, and presence, and voiced by some legendary storytellers. It was that invisible connection that stuck with me. I knew I wanted to be part of that kind of storytelling someday.

PLEASE TALK ABOUT THE CHALLENGES YOU FACE IN THIS INDUSTRY AND HOW YOU OVERCOME THE CHALLENGES.

This industry demands consistency in an inconsistent world. Rejection is daily, feed- back is rare, and the silence between gigs can be deafening. But I've learned to treat the quiet as a creative space and not a prison or punishment. I stay sharp, stay curious, and keep showing up. Voice over isn't about waiting for luck. It's about being ready when it shows up.

BUT ONCE I STEPPED BEHIND THE MIC, SOMETHING 99

RIES START-BY ACCIDENT, THEN OBSESSION. I BEGAN IN THEATER, CHASING STORIES ON STAGE, THEN ON SCREEN, 66 I STUMBLED INTO VOICE OVER THE WAY MOST VO STO-

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JAPAN IS KNOWN FOR SO MANY GREAT ICONIC VOICE OVER PEOPLE, SUCH AS CHARACTERS FROM ANIME OR MOVIES AND DUBBED TV SHOWS. WHO IS SOMEONE INSPIRATIONAL THAT YOU ADMIRE IN THIS INDUSTRY? What I admire most about Japanese voice artistry, is its relentless pur- suit of excellence-what the culture calls Kaizen, continuous improve- ment. That mindset has deeply influenced how I train and work. Actors like Ken Watanabe and Romi Park (Edward Elric in Fullmetal Alchemist) embody this beautifully. Their performances are layered, ever evolving, and always emotionally relevant. It's not just about voice-it's about connection, nuance, and authenticity. That's the level I aspire to every time I step into the booth.

JAPAN IS KNOWN FOR SO MANY GREAT ICONIC VOICE OVER PEOPLE, SUCH AS CHARACTERS FROM ANIME OR MOVIES AND DUBBED TV SHOWS. WHO IS SOMEONE INSPIRATIONAL THAT YOU ADMIRE IN THIS INDUSTRY?

What I admire most about Japanese voice artistry, is its relentless pur- suit of excellence-what the culture calls Kaizen, continuous improve- ment. That mindset has deeply influenced how I train and work. Actors like Ken Watanabe and Romi Park (Edward Elric in Fullmetal Alchemist) embody this beautifully. Their performances are layered, ever evolving, and always emotionally relevant. It's not just about voice-it's about connection, nuance, and authenticity. That's the level I aspire to every time I step into the booth.

IS THERE ANY PROJECT OR PEOPLE THAT YOU WOULD LIKE TO WORK WITH OR COLLABORATE WITH?

I'd love to collaborate with studios like MAPPA or Studio Ghibli, teams that treat animation like fine art. On the Western side, working with storytellers like Denis Villeneuve or Hideo Kojima would be a dream. Or game studios like Naughty Dog, Supergiant Games, or Riot Games would be incredible. I'm drawn to projects that challenge the form. That aim for beauty, grit, and truth. Wherever story and soul meet-that's where I want to be.

PLEASE TALK ABOUT WHAT TYPE OF WORK YOU ARE CURRENTLY FOCUSED ON.

I'm focused on projects that push emotional range; video games, animation, and dubbing. I'm especially drawn to roles that require nu- ance, tension, and subtle shifts. Where voice isn't just delivering lines, it's revealing layers. Alongside that, I also work in walla, commercial, promo, and animé. Each one flexes a different muscle, but they're all rooted in the same love of acting. I also continue to train because the work behind the mic never really stops. That's the beauty of it.

PLEASE TALK ABOUT WHAT YOU LIKE ABOUT HOLLYWOOD ENTER- TAINMENT.

I grew up inspired by the entertainment industry-movies, music, and performances that made the world feel more connected and pos- sible. Hollywood was always this creative engine, shaping culture and imagination on a global scale. Now Hollywood is in a transitional pe- riod-searching, evolving, trying to find its feet again. But that's part of its DNA: There's a spirit of reinvention here, a constant hunger to push boundaries and reach wider audiences. And as a voice artist, I'm drawn to that challenge: to help tell stories that move, engage, and connect across cultures.

WHAT VOICE OVERS DO YOU ADMIRE THE MOST FROM HOLLYWOOD?

Some of the voice performances that have stuck with me most are the ones that disappear into the character. The all time GOAT would have to be Robin Williams. He was just pure controlled chaos, and all heart, with unmatched creativity. Keith David brings this unescapable gravity to every line that demands the audience listen. And Jennifer Hale is the Queen of emotional range and subtlety. These are voices that don't just perform-they transform. That's the bar I chase after.

WHAT MAKES A GOOD VOICE ACTOR?

A good voice actor listens more than they speak. It's not just about hav- ing the voice--it's about emotional intelligence, timing, and knowing how to serve the story. You need versatility, discipline, and a reckless fearlessness. But above all, you need honesty. If the performance isn't rooted in truth, the mic will catch it every time.

NOW IN TODAY'S SOCIETY, EVERYTHING IS DONE BY REMOTE WORK. DO YOU ENJOY THIS PROCESS, OR DO YOU PREFER TO SHOW UP AT THE STUDIO?

I must bless the remote work... in Los Angeles traffic it can save you upwards of 2-3 hours a day. And rocking pajama bottoms (or less) while dipping into a session from my home studio does feel like winning the voice actor lottery. But other times, I love walking into a studio, handing the tech to a pro, and just showing up to play. One saves me time, the other saves my sanity. And having someone else hit record while I make weird noises into a mic definitely liberates me to focus on character/ storytelling.

A GOOD VOICE AC- TOR LISTENS MORE THAN THEY SPEAK.

  • IT'S NOT JUST
  • ABOUT HAVING THE VOICE-IT'S ABOUT
  • EMOTIONAL INTELLI-

GENCE, TIMING, AND KNOWING HOW TO SERVE THE STORY

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WHAT TYPE OF SPECIALTY IN VOICE OVER WORK DO YOU LIKE TO FOCUS ON, OR DO YOU HAVE SEVERAL TYPES? I've carved out a few spaces I really like to work in. And that's by design. In the event its slow in one genre, I can be working in another. But give me a mic and a story, and I'm in. I love character-driven work-video games, anima- tion, dubbing...anything that dives deep into emotion and nuance. But I also work in walla, commercial, promo, and anumé. Each genre sharpens a different skill: storytelling, timing, tone, or subtlety. I like to stay versatile, but at the core for me it's all about using voice to connect-whether it's a hero's monologue or a 15-second ad.

WHAT TYPE OF SPECIALTY IN VOICE OVER WORK DO YOU LIKE TO FOCUS ON, OR DO YOU HAVE SEVERAL TYPES?

I've carved out a few spaces I really like to work in. And that's by design. In the event its slow in one genre, I can be working in another. But give me a mic and a story, and I'm in. I love character-driven work-video games, anima- tion, dubbing...anything that dives deep into emotion and nuance. But I also work in walla, commercial, promo, and anumé. Each genre sharpens a different skill: storytelling, timing, tone, or subtlety. I like to stay versatile, but at the core for me it's all about using voice to connect-whether it's a hero's monologue or a 15-second ad.

WHAT'S A TYPICAL DAY IN THE LIFE OF A VOICE OVER ACTOR?

A typical day starts with tea, water and a vocal routine that ranges from sinus rinses to vocal warm-ups that makes my neighbors question their life choices. Then it's emails, auditions, and bouncing between sessions. Sometimes I'm a soldier, sometimes a space wizard, sometimes the voice of a new toothpaste. In between, it's more water, pickups, file naming, NDA signing and praying my internet/power holds up. On slow days I keep it moving: marketing, training, or making sure I see some grass and smell some sky. It's unpredictable, creative, and wonderfully terrifying-and I wouldn't trade it for anything.

WHAT DO YOU RECOMMEND FOR ANYONE THAT IS INTERESTED IN VOICE OVER WORK?

Start with curiosity, not just a cool mic. Study acting, storytelling, and breath control. Voiceover is way more than sounding good. Listen to everything: ads, games, animation, audiobooks. Take classes, get coaching, and most of all record yourself A LOT. You'll cringe at first (we all do), but that's where the growth lives. And if you're serious, treat it like a craft, not a shortcut. You get out of it what you put into it. The work is real, but so is the joy.

IN YOUR OPINION, WHAT MAKES A GOOD VOICE OVER ACTOR?

A good VO actor isn't just someone who can imitate funny voices or read a script in one take, it's someone who can make you feel something with nothing but a mic and a breath. The best VO artists can shift from sub- tle to explosive in a heartbeat and make you believe every second of it. It's acting, pure and simple, just without the lights and makeup.

WHAT ARE YOUR PLANS FOR 2025? WHAT CAN WE EXPECT FROM YOU FOR 2025?

2025 is all about expansion for the roles I play, the worlds I help build, and the stories I get to tell. You'll hear me in some major game titles and new projects I can't talk about just yet. I'm all about learning and leaning into collabora- tion with creatives who are pushing boundaries. Expect to hear me with more range, more depth, and maybe a surprise or two! Let's just say...I'm not staying quiet any time soon.

  • CAN YOU SHARE ANY EXCITING PROJECTS
  • YOU ARE CURRENTLY WORKING ON NOW?
  • Unfortunately not.

PLEASE LIST YOUR WEBSITE AND HOW PEOPLE CAN REACH YOU?

For all booking inquiries, you can contact my agents directly-or head over to my website www.eliahmountjoy.com for demos, contact info, and more.

ANY LAST MESSAGES YOU'D LIKE TO SAY TO ALL THE READERS ?

I just want to thank everybody for taking the time to read this, and for shining a light on a part of the industry that often stays behind the curtain. Your support for the voices behind the scenes truly means a lot-it's more than appreci- ation, it's a recognition of how we all contribute to the greater human story. If there's one thing I've learned, it's that stories connect us. Whether they're whispered, shouted, or in a pixelated game. Every voice matters. Keep listening, keep dreaming, and if you've got a story to tell... tell it loud, and speak it with truth. And tell it the only way it can be told-with your voice saying it.

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VOICING SUCCESS

Helping the Voiceover Community Turn Their Dreams into Reality-Together! VO MENTOR, AND THE VOICE BEHIND COUNTLESS CAMPAIGNS, TISH HICKS IS NOT ONLY A MASTER OF HER CRAFT BUT ALSO A GUIDE FOR THE NEXT GENERATION OF VOICE ACTORS PHOTOS BY JERRY CORIA AUTHOR AMANDA STEVENS

Helping the Voiceover Community Turn Their Dreams into Reality-Together!

VO MENTOR, AND THE VOICE BEHIND COUNTLESS CAMPAIGNS, TISH HICKS IS NOT ONLY A MASTER OF HER CRAFT BUT ALSO A GUIDE FOR THE NEXT GENERATION OF VOICE ACTORS PHOTOS BY JERRY CORIA AUTHOR AMANDA STEVENS

In a world where voices are everywhere-in commercials, apps, video games, and podcasts- it takes something special to stand out. For more than three decades, Tish Hicks has done just that. A seasoned voiceover artist and teacher, Hicks has built a career not only on the strength of her talent but also on her ability to guide others toward discovering their own.

In 2011, Hicks founded The V.O. Dojo, a full training program that approaches voiceover like martial arts: discipline, practice, and respect for the craft are central. Based in Los Angeles but accessible online, the Dojo offers comprehensive training that guides, supports, connects and accelerates voice actors at every level-from "I don't know" to working pro. What sets the Dojo apart is its philosophy. Hicks emphasizes the mind-body-spirit connection, encouraging students to approach voiceover not just as a technical skill but as a holistic expression of who they are. For her, aligning people with the power and possibility their voice is everything-while also equipping them for a sustained, successful voiceover career. Her efforts haven't gone unnoticed. The V.O. Dojo has grown into an international community, and in 2021, Hicks earned a Stevie Award for Female Entrepreneur of the Year-proof that her impact goes beyond the recording booth.

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The V.O.Dojo

Take your voiceover career all the way www.theVodojo.com

Take your voiceover career all the way www.theVodojo.com

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MEET TISH

Hey, I'm Tish Hicks. I'm originally from Chicago, and have been a successful voice actor in Los Angeles for 30 years! I've been a voice of Subaru for the past 15 years and have been the voice of Citibank, GTA V, HP, and many other well known campaigns. I'm also the founder and Master Sensei of The V.O. Dojo, a holistic full voiceover training center that for the past 14 years has been guiding, supporting, connecting and accelerating passionate people around the world on the path to creating their own sustained, successful voiceover careers. Our mission is to align people with the power and possibility of their voice!

Hey, I'm Tish Hicks. I'm originally from Chicago, and have been a successful voice actor in Los Angeles for 30 years! I've been a voice of Subaru for the past 15 years and have been the voice of Citibank, GTA V, HP, and many other well known campaigns.

I'm also the founder and Master Sensei of The V.O. Dojo, a holistic full voiceover training center that for the past 14 years has been guiding, supporting, connecting and accelerating passionate people around the world on the path to creating their own sustained, successful voiceover careers. Our mission is to align people with the power and possibility of their voice!

You've had a thriving voiceover career for decades. How did you first get started in the industry?

I studied at Northwestern University and was doing all the things you do after you graduate with a theater degree-doing improv and working at The Second City, continuing opera training, performing Shakespeare at regional theaters, waiting tables at a swanky jazz club and giving poetry readings between sets.

A friend at Leo Burnett, one of the top ad agencies, called me about doing voiceover for some spots. I said, "Sure!" having no idea what it was, but figuring I could do it. I left that first session knowing this is exactly what I'm supposed to be doing, and I moved to LA shortly thereafter.

I call it "the helicopter moment." Some opportunities are like a helicopter taking you up the mountain-I jumped on, but I was far from an experienced mountaineer!

What was your first big break, and how did it shape your path?

That first job was a big break, awakening me to the possibilities of my voice and voiceover... and it made me hungry and ready to do whatever it took! When I moved to LA, knowing people from Chicago was another big break-Second City and the Northwestern "mafia"-a community of amazing, talented, focused people who were ahead of me on the VO journey.

One of my improv friends introduced me to Jennifer Hale shortly after I arrived. We bonded as fellow horse girls and she guided me to the right VO people to train with and gave me good advice as we rode the trails! Knowing people who had been successful in VO made it feel so much more attainable That is why Community and Connection are at the heart of The V.O. Dojo. It's always just you, but you never do it alone!

Another key moment didn't seem like a big break at first, but it turned out to be crucial to launching my career. About 10 months into my training-taking classes non-stop, being in workout groups, doing workshops and private coaching-I felt ready to do "I left my first session knowing this is exactly what I'm supposed to be doing..."

my first commercial demo. I coached with a fantastic demo producer who told me, "You are 98% ready and I am not going to produce your demo... because to make it at the top levels in this biz you need to be 110% or 130% ready." She referred me to a working pro level class with one of the top casting directors and I went back to the drawing board for another six months.

After that, I made an unstoppable demo that got me my first agent, and the breaks kept coming. I got my first small regional campaign for a hospital in Kansas, then the next campaign for HP, Cooking.com, Burger King, and eventually the voice of Citibank for seven years!

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You've worked across so many genres— commercials, animation, video games... Do you have a favorite and why? I have had the most success being the voice of big long-running commercial campaigns, which brings up my favorite part of VO- the walk to the mailbox to open residual checks! But I truly love working on every type of voiceover.

You've worked across so many genres— commercials, animation, video games... Do you have a favorite and why?

I have had the most success being the voice of big long-running commercial campaigns, which brings up my favorite part of VO- the walk to the mailbox to open residual checks! But I truly love working on every type of voiceover.

For all, you need to bring yourself fully and authentically, and each requires a little bit different aspect of yourself. Every genre allows you to collaborate and become part of that team bringing something to life... the ad agency working on a commercial spot, a marketing team needing corporate narration, a studio producing animation, a publisher putting out an audiobook, or an instructional designer building an e-learning series. We are part of the solution.

What are some of the most memorable or meaningful roles you've voiced?

The Citibank campaign I voiced for seven years was one of the first times a female of 770 FRO voice was used on a major financial campaign. Helping to break those gender glass ceilings has always meant a lot. My street cred with my two sons went way up when I did the game play narration for GTA V for Rockstar Games.

My first animated series always holds a huge place in my heart. I played Lt. Carmen Ibanez in Roughnecks: The Starship Troopers Chronicles, one of the first CG series with an amazing cast and production team. I got my first action figure with Farrah Goodfairy in Ever After High. And, of course, being one of the voices of Subaru for 15 years and counting has been an incredible blessing!

How has the voiceover industry changed since you started, and how have you evolved with it?

When I started, the game was to move to a major market, get your skills up to get representation at a major talent agency who would have relationships with all of the ad agencies and producers. It took work to get there, but once you were there, it was a little like a trout pond. A certain number of people were around it, a majority of the work was only accessible from the pond, and most of it was union. In addition, most agencies had VO booths with directors where we did our auditions, in community, with collaboration on a daily basis.

Over the years, the industry has changed, so the way we must run our own VO businesses has also had to change. There still exists a certain amount of work at these highest levels that requires working relationships with agents and managers to get access to it... AND there is also so much more work that can be gotten in different ways on our own.

Today, the VO business requires a true entrepreneurial approach. We are the CEO and the employee, the talent and director and engineer and marketing director and admin. The good news is that at the moment there is more work than ever, and more we can do from wherever we are in the world (with reliable internet). Now, we also need to actively create the community and support that was built into the way things worked before.

"Today, the VO business requires a true entrepreneurial approach."

  • RULES OF VOICEOVER
  • Share your truth.
  • Trust your voice.
  • Keep energy moving forward.
  • Listen carefully.
  • Play fully.
  • V.O.Dojo www..com
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ABOUT THE V.O. DOJO

The V.O. Dojo was inspired by a period in my own career when things had taken a downward turn for the first time. I had to dig deep in a moment of doubt, remember what it was that made me a successful voiceover artist, and reclaim my VO mojo. At the same time, I was invited to lead a peer group for Northwestern alumni, where I shared the things I had been reflecting on. Just as I felt my calling in my first voiceover session, I realized that I had something powerful to share through teaching.

The V.O. Dojo was inspired by a period in my own career when things had taken a downward turn for the first time. I had to dig deep in a moment of doubt, remember what it was that made me a successful voiceover artist, and reclaim my VO mojo.

At the same time, I was invited to lead a peer group for Northwestern alumni, where I shared the things I had been reflecting on. Just as I felt my calling in my first voiceover session, I realized that I had something powerful to share through teaching.

The word Dojo means "the place of the way" in Japanese. The V.O. Dojo is a place where committed individuals can come and learn that voiceover is not only a great way to make a living, but becomes a way of life.

The idea of a dojo was inspired by my years of training with my kickboxing sensei, the legendary Benny "the Jet" Urquidez and his wife, Sara Eaglewoman, a powerful medicine woman and urban shaman.

I recognized that VO requires a similar rigorous commitment to learning, discipline, and structure to build skills toward mastery, delving deep into oneself to align mind, body and spirit, and to fearlessly cultivate the light warrior spirit that is required to have a sustained successful voiceover career.

Consistency, Continuity, Connection, Community, and Self-Empowerment are the pillars that we build on.

For those who don't know, how would you describe The V.O. Dojo, and what sets it apart from other programs?

The V.O. Dojo is a hands-on, hearts-in, full training center that guides, supports, connects and accelerates you every step of the way, from "I don't know" to working pro-and beyond.

It's not easy, but it doesn't have to be hard. At the Dojo, we do it together.

V.O.Dojo

The "It's not easy, but it doesn't have to be hard. At the Dojo, we do it together."

TWO DIVISIONS: DEVELOPMENT & WORKING PRO

Wherever you are on your VO journey, we will meet you there and help you get to where you want to be.

The Development Division lays foundations with our You Should Do Voiceover Launchpad + Workouts, a comprehensive overview and hands-on exploration of everywhere your voice can be making money, what it is and what it takes.

Using a martial arts model, Launchpad is the first of five Belt Levels in our Mystery to Mastery Program that provides a full structured path to working pro:

White Belt - Awareness Yellow Belt Exploration Green Belt Self Exploration/Demo Prep → Blue Belt - Demo Production → Brown Belt - Business Launch

Each belt level develops the seven areas of mastery that are necessary for your sustained successful voiceover career:

  • 1. Mindset 2. Skillset
  • 3. Hands-on Experience 4. Technical
  • 5. Vocal + Physical
  • 6. Business

7. Community + Connection

Unlike other programs that offer beginner, intermediate, and advanced classes, with short commitments with random people, at the Dojo we recognize that building mastery to competitive levels requires time, patience, determination, and collaboration. You are climbing the mountain and learning to be an excellent mountaineer along with a group of other committed and focused people. We are here to support you and keep you powerfully on the trail-together.

The Working Pro Division begins when you have earned your Black Belt. We call it the Nth Degree Program. It continues to deepen your skills, support and connect you as you take on the next challenges of building your voiceover business practice together! Now you are ready, now your work begins.

One of its anchors is The V.O. Pro Fight Club, our working pro workout that connects top-notch talent with the high- caliber decision makers who can hire us in all genres. Past guests have included decision makers from Sound + Fury, Crunchy Roll, Disney, and many more. It's a fiercely friendly faceoff that uncovers the process of how casting decisions get made and helps to build relationships with the people who are making them. One of our members, who is now the voice of Minnie Mouse, first met the decision maker at a Fight Club! We vet talent to be players and everyone can be a spectator!

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You've helped so many to launch and grow their VO careers. What makes you most proud as a teacher and mentor? I love that the Dojo is a home for such a diverse array of people who are ready to heed the call and take action on their VO visions. We have a beautiful range of ages, from 14 to 80, and life experiences- Broadway cast members, Grammy Award- winning opera singers, influencers, models, retired judges, firefighters, army colonels, and creatives of all sorts-getting their voices aligned with making money to live their passions fully and freely.

You've helped so many to launch and grow their VO careers. What makes you most proud as a teacher and mentor?

I love that the Dojo is a home for such a diverse array of people who are ready to heed the call and take action on their VO visions. We have a beautiful range of ages, from 14 to 80, and life experiences- Broadway cast members, Grammy Award- winning opera singers, influencers, models, retired judges, firefighters, army colonels, and creatives of all sorts-getting their voices aligned with making money to live their passions fully and freely.

What's one of your favorite success stories from a V.O. Dojo student?

There have been so many over the years, but one of our recent Dojo Black Belts, Anderson Stinson III, embodies everything the Dojo is about.

A pre-med student turned theater major, Anderson took You Should Do Voiceover, when he was just finishing college. He went off on his own and had some success in booking some jobs, but he came back to the Dojo, recognizing that he wanted to reach the highest levels of the business and wouldn't be able to get there alone. With humility, he chose to start at Yellow Belt, the beginning of the Mystery to Mastery program. Anderson consistently showed up and quickly became the backbone of a committed, connected, and collaborative community-a shining example for and biggest supporter of his Dojo colleagues.

When he was a Blue Belt, he was scouted by Cope Management, a top voiceover management company, and was ready to deliver! He also signed with Portia Scott at Coast to Coast and is booking regularly, being mentored by legendary VO talents, and is aligned for his first six-figure year.

What do you think is essential for breaking into voiceover today?

Making the decision to do it. Embracing an empowered mindset. Developing your skill set to a competitive level. Practice and "The V.O. Dojo is a hands-on, hearts-in, full training center that guides, supports, connects, and accelerates you every step of the way, from 'I don't know' to working pro- and beyond."

persistence, hands-on experience. Support, and doing it together with community.

What excites you most about the future of voiceover?

As Al becomes more prevalent, I think it is going to require that each of us really examines and advocates for what it means to be human. Our voices are the heart of how we express being human, and the demand for authentic connection and genuine emotional resonance will only increase. We are going to need to stand up for that concept and stay in an authentic relationship with each other. Like with any technological advances, voiceover will need to adapt and evolve. So, how will we be thinking ahead and sticking together?

LET'S CONNECT!

If you are just starting out or ready to take it to the next level, sign up for a Voice Over Once Over Call (www.theVOdojo.com/fusion) to talk about where you are and how we can help you get to where you want to be!

With your Voice Over Once Over, you'll get a FREE Spectator Pass ($49 value) for one of our V.O. Pro Fight Club Workouts. Watch and learn from the pros! Check our website (www.theVOdojo.com) for FREE monthly events like our Ask the Sensei Q&A (with recent guests like Bob Bergen and Dave Fennoy) and Get to Know VO, inspiring webinars to move your VO career forward. Follow us @theVOdojo (Instagram, Facebook, X)

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O TERI CLEARY

I come from poverty, disability, and an undignified past... but I've never let any of it define me. I've poured everything I have into cultivating my talent as an actor and voiceover artist. It's not just about work- it's about worth. I continue to rise, not because it's easy, but because I know this passion was placed inside me for a reason. And I refuse to let the past steal the future I'm building, one audition, one breath, one brave step at a time. What got you into a career in voice-overs?

I come from poverty, disability, and an undignified past... but I've never let any of it define me. I've poured everything I have into cultivating my talent as an actor and voiceover artist. It's not just about work- it's about worth. I continue to rise, not because it's easy, but because I know this passion was placed inside me for a reason. And I refuse to let the past steal the future I'm building, one audition, one breath, one brave step at a time.

What got you into a career in voice-overs?

Voiceover found me when I was at my lowest-recovering from a broken heart, silent from an abusive relationship, and living with a body changed by years of disability. I've had Rheumatoid Arthritis for over a decade. I've had both knees replaced twice. There were days my body couldn't move the way I needed it to-but my mind was still alive with stories, emo- tions, and longing to create.

What life experience was most helpful to you in becoming a voice actor?

Voiceover and acting didn't just give me a career-they gave me back my voice. They became the lifeline that pulled me from si- lence and reminded me who I am: strong, eloquent, and worthy of being heard. What began as a way to empower myself has become a calling to empower others too.

Surviving. That's the truest answer I can give. I've lived through abuse, disability, poverty, chronic illness, and years of being silenced emotionally, creatively, and physically. I know what it means to feel invisible. And I also know how sacred it is when someone finally hears you.

Talk about the challenges you face in voice-over and how do you overcome them?

Those life experiences-every heartbreak, every health battle, every quiet scream- have given me an emotional depth that can't be taught. When I approach a script, I don't just read the words. I feel them. I understand longing, joy, grief, resilience. That's what I bring to every role. Not just a voice, but lived truth.

One of the greatest challenges has been getting my name out there without representation-navigating this industry as a freelance artist with limited finan- cial resources and no safety net. Every investment, from coaching to equipment to demo reels, comes from deep sacrifice. There's no fallback, only faith.

Voiceover gave me back my voice-but surviving gave me the soul that fills it.

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Any classes, books, or programs you recom- mend? Absolutely. I trained through Such A Voice, where I focused on commercial and narration work. Their coaching helped me shape a pro- fessional presence and find my unique sound.

Any classes, books, or programs you recom- mend?

Absolutely. I trained through Such A Voice, where I focused on commercial and narration work. Their coaching helped me shape a pro- fessional presence and find my unique sound.

But more than anything-I recommend becoming part of the voiceover community. It's unlike anything I've experienced. Coming

How do you approach a voice-over script?

I approach every script like a con- versation with someone who needs to hear it. First, I pause-I breathe it in. I want to feel what it's saying be- neath the words. Then I imagine the person on the other side of the mic: what they need, what they're carry- ing, how I can reach them.

Whether I'm voicing a corporate piece for PHMG, a character in animation, or narrating my own empowerment from a background where support was scarce, I was stunned by how generous, welcoming, and uplifting this industry can be. Voiceover artists cheer for each other. We share tips, re- sources, referrals. There's a deep understand- ing here that rising together is better than going it alone. It's rare. And it's real.

Do you have a specialty in voice work, or do you do several types?

I work across several genres, but my true passion lives in video games and dubbing. I've been a gamer since the 1980s-and I'm not stopping anytime soon. I still game every day with my friends, and my longtime gamer tag has been Bionic Siren-the name that eventually became my brand. It reflects both the resilience I've lived through and the sound that draws people in.

For beginners, The Voice Actor's Guide to Recording at Home is a practical, affordable resource. And platforms like Gravy for the Brain and Voiceover

People often describe my voice as soothing, raspy, eloquent-and yes, even sexy. That natural vocal texture lets me slip into emotionally rich characters with ease, whether I'm voicing a cun- ning rogue, a haunted empress, or a wise mentor

Pros on Linkedin offer both tools and connec- tion.

in a dubbed series.

Outside of that, I've built a strong presence in IVR and corporate narration through PHMG, and also lend my voice to podcasts, meditations, and social content. But video games and dub- bing? That's where my heart truly belongs. That's where I feel most alive.

And speaking of LinkedIn that's truly where it all started for me. I began making authentic connections, learning from working pros, and little by little, doors began to open. That network became my lighthouse.

What does this industry mean to you?

To me, voiceover isn't just a career-it's a lifeline. It was then, and it still is now.

I'll be completely honest: when I started, I was in a very dark place. Living with ADHD and rejection sensitivity dysphoria, I felt like I was constantly battling invisible waves. I had hit a point where I knew I had to do something drastic to pull myself out. I had it all planned... but something inside me wouldn't let go.

One afternoon, while gaming, a single thought surfaced: "I still have a voice. And I can use it to make a living." People had always told me my voice was unique-soothing, raspy, eloquent. That day, I chose to believe them.

That moment didn't just change my direction. It saved my life.

It truly depends on the proj- ect-but for most of my work, I prefer the comfort of my own recording space. Not only does it offer convenience and creative control, but it's also easier on my body. As some- one managing a chronic illness and living in rural America, transportation to commercial studios isn't always available. But I don't let that stop me--I work around the challenge. I've created a professional space that supports both my craft and my well-being.

How do you handle receiving feedback and direction from producers or direc- tors during recording sessions?

I welcome it-wholeheartedly. Feedback is a gift. It means someone has taken the time to see you, hear you, and help you shape the work into something even stronger.

Honestly, I wish more casting directors and producers had the time to offer it. But with the sheer number of submissions they receive, I know that's not always realistic. That's why I attend as many free webinars and live direction sessions as I can-just to get those rare moments of professional insight. I love hearing how others hear me. It sharpens my instincts and stretches my range.

content for TikTok or Boundless Me- dia-I always lead with connection. Tone, pacing, and emotional texture follow naturally when you anchor into who you're speaking to and why the message matters.

And of course, no setup is A good read is technical. A great one complete without my studio is human.

cat, Lola-she knows all my secrets and absorbs sound like a tiny, purring sound blanket. Together, we make magic from the middle of nowhere.

I don't take direction personally-I take it seriously. Because the goal isn't to be perfect. The goal is to bring the vision to life-and I'm always ready to rise to that.

What do you recommend? Setting up a home studio or using a com- mercial recording facility?

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T&M POWERS

POWERS

OMEB2 TIM POWERS

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FOR ALL THE VIEWERS READING, PLEASE KINDLY INTRODUCE YOURSELF. Hey there, folks! I'm Tim Powers, and I'm thrilled to be here. I wear a few hats in the American voiceover industry: I'm a voice actor, a director, and a coach. I'm an actor, first and foremost, with a passion for bringing characters and stories to life and I love developing talent.

FOR ALL THE VIEWERS READING, PLEASE KINDLY INTRODUCE YOURSELF.

Hey there, folks! I'm Tim Powers, and I'm thrilled to be here. I wear a few hats in the American voiceover industry: I'm a voice actor, a director, and a coach. I'm an actor, first and foremost, with a passion for bringing characters and stories to life and I love developing talent.

PLEASE TALK ABOUT HOW YOU GOT STARTED IN THE VOICE OVER INDUSTRY.

Honestly, it feels like I was born into it! From the age of nine, I dreamed of being on the radio, I was constantly doing impressions of my teachers and friends, and just making silly voices. I devoured cartoons and loved watching actors perform, though I never imagined I'd become one myself. I started out in radio in the mid 80's, which was a tough nut to crack financially, so I dipped my toes into comedy, which was mildly successful but equally challenging for the wallet.

Then, one fateful night at a party, a friend and I were improvising new dialogue over whatever was on TV. Someone overheard our shenanigans-and that someone happened to be a director for a major L.A. studio! They told me I'd be great in voiceover. The rest, as they say, is history: I got trained, got coached, recorded a demo, and here we are, living the dream!

SHARE A MOMENT WHERE YOU FELT YOU WANTED TO BE INSPIRED TO BE A PART OF THE VOICE OVER INDUSTRY

I've always been captivated by sound and the magic of the human voice. I remember being able to identify different actors in cartoons just by their voices, whether it was Disney or Hanna-Barbera. The actors with truly distinctive voices always fascinated me. Growing up in the ,70s, I spent a lot of time listening to the radio, mesmerized by the voices that came through the speakers. While my own voice is pretty classic, nothing particularly wild, I always yearned to be part of an industry where I could make a living just by speaking. And now, here I am, an actor using my voice to tell stories. It's a dream come true.

PLEASE TALK ABOUT THE CHALLENGES YOU FACE IN THIS INDUSTRY AND HOW YOU OVERCOME THE CHALLENGES.

I was lucky enough to kick off my career in Los Angeles, even recording on the legendary Disney lot! But then, the pandemic hit, and like everyone else on the planet, I faced some serious professional curveballs. I found myself relocating from the entertainment capital of the world to a mid-sized Rust Belt city, and honestly, I thought my career was over.

Fortunately, our industry adapted swiftly to the pandemic. Now, with surprisingly affordable equipment and reliable internet service, I can literally work

THERE ANY PROJECT OR PEOPLE THAT YOU WOULD LIKE TO WORK WITH OR COLLABORATE WITH?

Oh, absolutely, the list is endless! My ultimate dream job would be to play Reed Richards in a Fantastic Four video game or a live-action cartoon-though that ship has probably sailed! I'd love to dive into anything related to the Marvel Universe, especially in a video game.

As for collaborations, I'd genuinely love to work with everyone in this industry. There are so many incredibly anywhere in the world from right here in my closet! It's THAT YOU ARE CURRENTLY WORKING ON?

a challenge that turned into an incredible opportunity for flexibility and global reach.

fun, cool, and talented people, and I've been fortunate to work with many of them already. I'm always eager to collaborate with anyone who has a creative vision and wants my voice to help bring it to life. So yeah, short of the Hanna-Barbera cartoon studio making a miraculous comeback, you'll find me playing around in the Marvel Comics and DC Comics universes, whether as a hero or a villain!

PLEASE TALK ABOUT WHAT TYPE OF WORK YOU ARE CURRENTLY FOCUSED ON.

I juggle quite a bit! A lot of my time is spent on commercials - both for major national brands and local advertisers. I do a significant amount

CAN YOU SHARE ANY EXCITING PROJECTS

Nope! I have plenty of exciting things I'm involved with, but I've signed more legal documents than I can count that prevent me from spilling the beans. So, keep watching television, enjoying cartoons, listening to the radio, and playing video games to hear more of me!

IF SOMEONE WANTS TO HIRE YOU FOR ANY VOICE OVER WORK, CAN YOU PLEASE LIST of automotive work, cutting about 30 commer- cials for local car dealers each month.

Beyond that, I absolutely love doing video games, and I get to play some fantastic char- acters there. I also do a fair amount of medical narrations. I also do quite a bit of ADR, which is dubbing video content that was shot in the non-English speaking world into English for American audiences. You have heard me in Money Heist on Netflix and a zillion other things. Honestly, if I can deliver the work from my home studio, I'm usually in! The only thing I typically don't do is audiobooks, but I've even voiced telephone systems!

YOUR WEBSITE AND HOW PEOPLE CAN REACH YOU?

You can find me and all my work at www. voiceofpowers.com. It's a pretty robust site where you can check out my demos, learn about my coaching for aspiring voice actors, and get the scoop on some of my more exciting projects and clients. Feel free to reach out through the website!

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TRACY-ANN LEITH

PLEASE KINDLY INTRODUCE YOURSELF. My name is Tracy-Ann Leith, and I'm a bilingual voice actor living in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. My voiceover career started in September 2011.

PLEASE KINDLY INTRODUCE YOURSELF.

My name is Tracy-Ann Leith, and I'm a bilingual voice actor living in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. My voiceover career started in September 2011.

After taking a 6-week voice acting course at the Mon- treal Radio & Television School, the owner gave me my demo with the email of a Toronto-based non-union talent agency and said, "Get in touch with them, you're good". In 2012, I signed with PN Agency.

That same year, my demo made its way to a radio sta- tion by January 2012, I became a co-host for a morning weekly radio show called "Réveil Tropical".

Talk about the challenges you face in the voice over and how do you overcome them?

When I was diagnosed with ADHD in June 2022, it was a major turning point that helped me to better understand myself, which was the missing piece that I needed to make sense of my life. With proper medication, I was able to get the proper treatment to fully life my life.

What in your life experience was most helpful to you in becoming a voice actor?

When I decided to sign up for the Voice Acting course, that's when I made the choice to change my life. It was an inner calling that motivated me to do more with my life.

ny classes, books or programs you recommend?

Anything that helps you learn more about yourself and bettering your craft, go for that. Recently, I heard something that resonates with me "Words. Don't. Teach". Words have the ability to inspire, mo- tivate, and move others to become better versions of themselves.

Can you give an example of a project you have worked on as a voice-over artist?

Having voiced hundreds of different, from TV and radio commercials to corporate promotional videos to doing live event announcements, I was fortunate to have worked on several TV spots for Raymond James.

How do you approach a voice-over script?

Every script is unique. That being said, I'll start with looking over the specs, to get a sense of how they wanted it sound. If I have any questions, I'll ask the client to provide additional information. Always keeping in mind that I'm there to work with the client to help give them a great final product.

What do you recommend? Sett up a home studio or using a commercial recording facility?

In having an at-home studio, you're able to position yourself better in the interests of providing fast and high-quality turnaround. It's also a good idea to familiarize yourself with the local recording studios, in case you receive a project that offers different types of services (i.e.: dubbing, large-scale projects).

Do you have a specialty in voice work, or do you have several types?

The bulk of my work is in IVR (Interactive Voice Recognition) or telephony systems. That being said, I've worked on various types of voice projects: Corporate E-Learning, promotional videos, radio & tv commercials, and live announcements (Voice of God)

What's a typical day like in the voice-over busi- ness?

Daily life as a voice actor can be quite different, one day to the next. Being an entrepreneur means that you are responsible for every aspect of your business: accounting, marketing, social media content management, IT expert, administration, customer service, and voice talent at any given time. It's quite challenging, but very rewarding at the same time.

Every day, there's always something new and inter- esting to learn about and do.

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What does the industry mean to you? The voice industry is made of incredibly creative, supportive and generous people and I consider myself fortunate to be part of.

What does the industry mean to you?

The voice industry is made of incredibly creative, supportive and generous people and I consider myself fortunate to be part of.

What are the feelings when you hear and see your peers on shows on the big screen?

Voice actors are some of the most encouraging indi- viduals you'll ever meet. We all root for one another. Anytime I hear a voice I recognize on TV or radio, I say "Hey! I know that person!"

How competitive is the industry?

Competition is only useful as a tool for comparison with oneself in order to become better at one's craft. The only person that you need to worry about is yourself. There are so many elements that come into play when agents and casting directors decide who they should choose that have absolutely nothing to do with you.

When you focus on the things that are actually within your control, you allow your true creativity to come through

Provide an example of a time when you had to per- form multiple roles in a single recording session.

During a directed session, I had to do the narration, record the audio, and configure the video conference to enable audio playback for the client. Sounds simple, but it's a lot of juggling!

What do you wish you like to see change in the voice over industry?

More awareness and representation of the neurodiver- gent communities.

How do you stay competitive?

Always keep learning. Our industry is ever changing, and we have a responsibility to be adaptable, and flex- ible in order to thrive in this business.

What is next for you what can we expect for you to do this year?

I've taken up acting and will be in an independent film. I'm playing a mafia hit woman which is a com- pletely different than what I'm usually asked to do. Shooting should be done in a few more months.

What do you love most about the world of enter- tainment?

The incredible creativity of the artistic community. How an actor can choose to become someone com- pletely different in each role they take on. There is freedom in being a creative individual.

When performing, do you prefer to have others in the recording studio with you, or would you rather work alone?

Since I work from home, I pretty much work alone. My dog, Gizmo is my constant companion and keeps me company. It's a welcome change when I do get asked to record off-site as it allows me to get out of my booth and see other people.

What is your main inspiration towards voice acting?

It may sound cliché, but it's the voice actors them- selves. We inspire one another to be better and do better. Voice actors are incredibly supportive, always encouraging each other's success. There's an energy within the voice acting community that is unparal- leled.

Describe your process for preparing for a voice acting role?

Meeting new clients, understanding their needs, and working with them to bring their projects to fruition. I love the collaboration aspect of it.

How difficult is it to land work in the voice over world?

There's work everywhere, if you look for it. The goal is to create strong relationships with your potential clients, to ensure consistent and repeat work.

What makes you stand out as a voice actor?

Being a fully bilingual actor, I'm able to provide clients with a seamless experience, in English and in French. I'm also focused on the human aspect of the business; being professional means politeness, listening to my client's needs, flexibility, lots of patience, and under- standing and being okay with the fact that anything can happen.

What do you think is the most important skill for a voice actor to have?

Patience, understanding, the ability to have fun, and always stay passionate about the craft.

How do you handle receiving feedback and direc- tion from producers or directors during recording sessions?

Every session I go into, I already know that everyone in that session wants me to succeed. That way, I can relax and fully be present during the recording, and adapt my narration according to their director or producer's request, whether it's slowing or speeding up the cadence, changing the inflection or removing words from the script to be able to fit the spot.

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HOUSE CRIME

LILTIMA My name is Vanessa Richardson - I've been a full time Voice Actor for over 20 years. I was born in Medellin, Colombia (South America) and raised all over the US. I am bilingual Span- ish & English (which has helped me a lot as a voice actor). I'm a mom to 2 amazing boys. I have worked I every genre of voice over including dubbing, narration, VOG, (most re- cently I live-announced the 2025 SCL Awards), animation, political spots, ADR, promos, commercials, audiobooks, and most recently, scripted podcasts. My most recognizable current shows are My current podcasts are "Killer Minds","True Crime This Week" and "Conspiracy Theories, Cults and Crimes" for PAVE studios - available everywhere you listen to podcasts. I also was the original host of "Serial Killers" for over 7 years over 500 episodes, among many others. I have won many awards over the years for my work including Telly Awards, a Pollie Award, Campaigns & Elections Reed Awards, Peer Awards, among others.

LILTIMA

My name is Vanessa Richardson - I've been a full time Voice Actor for over 20 years. I was born in Medellin, Colombia (South America) and raised all over the US. I am bilingual Span- ish & English (which has helped me a lot as a voice actor). I'm a mom to 2 amazing boys. I have worked I every genre of voice over including dubbing, narration, VOG, (most re- cently I live-announced the 2025 SCL Awards), animation, political spots, ADR, promos, commercials, audiobooks, and most recently, scripted podcasts. My most recognizable current shows are My current podcasts are "Killer Minds","True Crime This Week" and "Conspiracy Theories, Cults and Crimes" for PAVE studios - available everywhere you listen to podcasts. I also was the original host of "Serial Killers" for over 7 years over 500 episodes, among many others. I have won many awards over the years for my work including Telly Awards, a Pollie Award, Campaigns & Elections Reed Awards, Peer Awards, among others.

TALK ABOUT HOW YOU GOT STARTED IN THE VOICE OVER INDUSTRY.

I consider myself a storyteller - no matter what genre I'm working in, I take the listener on a journey - whether it's a 30 second commer-cial, a podcast, an audiobook, an animated character or documentary narration... it's the same idea.

I come from a family of storytellers. My grand- mother was a writer, my father is a musician and film editor; he cut many feature films, commercials, news reels and was most known for his work on music videos back when MTV first started (and actually played music videos!) I grew up around the industry in a family that appreciates creativity and the arts.

I started my career on the east coast working in television production and post-production. As a producer and coordinator, I learned the "business" side of things. I handled budgets and booked edit and mix sessions. I started off hir- ing talent and working closely with producers and then became a producer myself. I learned early on what makes a voice actor successful - and it starts before you even get in the booth!

One day early on in my career, a producer handed me a script and put me in front of a microphone to read a scratch track for a piece that would air on 20/20. I was immediately hooked. They ended up using my scratch track on air, and I knew that it would not be the last time I would be in front of a microphone! It was roughly 15 years later that I would begin my transition from producer to voice talent.

TALK ABOUT THE CHALLENGES YOU FACE IN THIS INDUSTRY AND HOW YOU OVERCOME THE CHALLENGES.

There are times when I will audition and not book anything for months... That can be dis- couraging. I have learned that having multiple avenues for work is very important. My main focus is my work with PAVE studios on the shows "Killer Minds" and "Crime House: The Show" (putting out several shows a week plus social media content - which is a huge part of the work now!) I also have an amazing agent, Van-essa Gilbert, who continues to present me with opportunities, as well as a few regional agents.

IS THERE ANY PROJECT OR PEOPLE THAT YOU WOULD LIKE TO WORK WITH OR COL- LABORATE WITH?

I did the promo materials for Planet Earth narrated by Sigourney Weaver. I recently did a scratch track used by Chaka Khan for an NBA promo. Worked with John Quiñones on a 20/20 piece (when I realized I wanted to work in VO one day!!). I've had the pleasure of working with so many professional, talented people over the years and I look forward to what's coming next!!

TALK ABOUT WHAT TYPE OF WORK YOU ARE CURRENTLY FOCUSED ON.

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I am currently focused on my shows ("Killer Minds" and "Crime House: the show") - It takes a lot of time to host 3 podcasts a week as well as the social media & community building. Social media has become such an important part of building a career as an actor. WHAT'S A TYPICAL DAY IN THE LIFE OF A VOICE OVER ACTOR?

I am currently focused on my shows ("Killer Minds" and "Crime House: the show") - It takes a lot of time to host 3 podcasts a week as well as the social media & community building. Social media has become such an important part of building a career as an actor.

WHAT'S A TYPICAL DAY IN THE LIFE OF A VOICE OVER ACTOR?

One of the things I love most about being a voice actor is that every day is different. I must have certain things in place to create structure (my morning workouts, getting my son out the door to school and after school pick-ups, etc) but when it comes to work, my schedule is a moving target - and I love that. I juggle scheduled sessions in the Sherman Oaks studio, auditions, sessions at my home studio, paper- work, social media content creating/writing/

WHAT MAKES A GOOD VOICE ACTOR?

In my opinion, being a good voice actor takes a lot.

- Study improv and theater!! (The "actor" part of Voice actor!) This is SO important and often overlooked but the ones who do improvi- sational theater (a la Groundlings and Second City) and who are actors generally do better than those who do not.

- Work with voice over coaches - preferably more than one. You will get different perspec- tives and insight, and it will also prepare you for all of the different kinds of producers and directors you will encounter in sessions!

- Be willing to fail. Love the work so much, you're willing to dust yourself off and get back to the mic (persistence is key!).

shooting/editing/posting, community outreach, etc. It is a FUN job, but you must LOVE it and be motivated. You cannot choose this career and expect work and money to magically come your way.

YOU ARE CURRENTLY ACTIVE AS A VOICE OVER. WHAT ARE YOUR PLANS FOR 2025?

I work every single day (I am very fortunate - but it also took a lot of hard work and perse- verance to get here). I continue to grow and audition and work hard so I can keep working and support my little family. My shows "Killer Minds", "True Crime This Week" and "Conspiracy Theories, Cults and Crimes" are continuing to grow and I am hoping that there will be at least one more show being revealed by the end of 2025.

- Be smart with your money. Learn to budget and prepare - the work tends to ebb and flow. Be ready. Learn about investing and creating a nest egg for your future.

- Read!! It is important to keep your brain active and keep up with current events.

-Finally, and most importantly, be a good person. People will hire you for your talent, of course - but we humans also hire people we want to spend time with! If you are pleasant and have a great attitude AND make the client look good by being a total bad*ss, amazing talent at the mic, that's the most important in- gredient for success! ATTITUDE IS EVERYTHING.

IF SOMEONE WANTS TO HIRE YOU FOR ANY VOICE OVER WORK, CAN YOU PLEASE LIST YOUR WEBSITE AND HOW PEOPLE CAN REACH YOU?

NOW IN TODAY'S SOCIETY, EVERYTHING IS DONE BY REMOTE WORK. DO YOU ENJOY THIS PROCESS, OR DO YOU PREFER TO SHOW UP AT THE STUDIO?

I absolutely love working in person when pos- sible - but I also LOVE the convenience of my home studio! The commute to my office (in my garage) is absolutely heavenly. I also now go into the studio once or twice a week to record "Killer Minds" with my amazing cohost, forensic psychologist Dr. Tristin Engels. I truly am happy either way.

Absolutely! www.vrvoice.com

People can reach out to my agent, Vanessa Gilbert at RSA management or directly at va- [email protected].

ANY LAST MESSAGE YOU'D LIKE TO SAY TO ALL THE READERS ?

If you are interested in voice over as a career, I will say this- You must LOVE the work. It takes a lot of perseverance and time. There is a com- mon misconception that VO is "easy money".. It is a career that takes time, talent, persever- ance, a little luck & timing... fueled by persis- tence and LOVE for the work. If you have those things, then DON'T GIVE UP!!!

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DISNEY

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  • VICKIE BROWN

FOR ALL THE VIEWERS READING, PLEASE KINDLY INTRODUCE YOURSELF.

Hey guys, my name is Vickie Brown. I hail from Los Angeles, California. Even though I was born here, I traveled between LA and in Philadelphia often when I was young, after my mother passed away. It was in Philly that I was thrust into speech writing and public speaking competitions at an early age. I would continue to compete in and win high school forensics leagues in California, and that's what would cultivate my love for dramatic interpretation.

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TALK ABOUT HOW YOU GOT STARTED IN THE VOICE OVER INDUSTRY. Although my background is in public speaking, my family had a relationship with the Detroit and L.A. Jazz scenes back in the 1940's, beginning with my great-uncle Todd Rhodes, a jazz musician who predated the Motown movement. My father and his brother and their families hosted many African- American singers from the late 60's, and this carried over to Hollywood, with my mom becoming a hand model and introducing the family to the rest of the modeling business. One of my cousins would become one of the first major Black male catalog models and travel the world breaking barriers for African American men in the industry. He even booked the movie Hair, and turned it down! He would later teach me the business as taught to him by my mom, and told me never to turn down a role.

TALK ABOUT HOW YOU GOT STARTED IN THE VOICE OVER INDUSTRY.

Although my background is in public speaking, my family had a relationship with the Detroit and L.A. Jazz scenes back in the 1940's, beginning with my great-uncle Todd Rhodes, a jazz musician who predated the Motown movement. My father and his brother and their families hosted many African- American singers from the late 60's, and this carried over to Hollywood, with my mom becoming a hand model and introducing the family to the rest of the modeling business. One of my cousins would become one of the first major Black male catalog models and travel the world breaking barriers for African American men in the industry. He even booked the movie Hair, and turned it down! He would later teach me the business as taught to him by my mom, and told me never to turn down a role.

All of my children did commercial acting and print. One day while attending an acting class with my youngest son, a voice artist complimented my voice and suggested I try voice act-

TALK ABOUT WHAT TYPE OF WORK YOU ARE CURRENTLY FOCUSED ON.

I am currently focused on commercial, animation, and audio- books and of course

WHAT MAKES A GOOD VOICE ACTOR?

A good voice actor always over delivers. That means when you arrive early by at least 15 minutes before start time- I prefer 30 minutes because you may have an opportunity to be of assistance to the techs in some way or help with something unexpected. You can ask further questions and you just might even get to meet some of your favorite actors on their way out. Being a great voice actor means being consistent to warm your voice and do your vocal exercise and always always always bring you best research on the characters, product or whatever information you were provided. Listening well to direction and giving good nuanced variety because sometimes they may not be able to accurately articulate what they want-follow your instinct and HAVE FUN. A good voice actor gives themself away.

WHAT TYPE OF SPECIALTY IN VOICE OVER WORK DO YOU LIKE TO FOCUS ON, OR DO YOU HAVE SEVERAL TYPES?

My background is public speaking and forensics to include dramatization so narration comes the most natural, but I enjoy developing new characters for animation. As long as I am talk- ing, I love it all. I am taking the time to learn from all the greats in the industry so that I can be the best at what I can offer a client or listener.

WHAT'S A TYPICAL DAY IN THE LIFE OF A VOICE OVER ACTOR?

ing. My entry into that part of the business took a bit longer, as I was told at the time that there was no need for a voice that "sounded like mine", but my youngest son was in a per- fect position, as the VO industry was shifting to youthful roles being played by actual children. I put my son in every youth VO class I could find, from anime dubbing to ADR, and after two years of training, his voice acting career took off. During Covid, I began to explore the space once more for myself, only to learn that my voice is cherished and celebrated in the community. Timing is everything, and now I know it's never too late!

TALK ABOUT THE CHALLENGES YOU FACE IN THIS INDUS- TRY AND HOW YOU OVERCOME THE CHALLENGES.

I believe that right now, there is and has been a job disparity across ethnicities throughout the industry. At the beginning of my voiceover career, I met a woman over the phone who owned a recording studio and came highly recommended in the VO industry. I phoned her to buy some studio time for my son to record, and she took the liberty to tell me that, unfortunately, there is no "work for Black voice over artists." I had not even asked or thought about asking about myself as an artist. I didn't even know I sounded "Black", but she stated that it was very clear to her, and that she was sorry to deliver such devastating news to me but that's just what it was. That's

A typical day is listening to other commercials, animations, audiobooks and tons of auditions! I practice tongue twisters and vocal warmups to stay loosened up for any opportunity that comes my way. I do regular stuff too like household things and visit with people so that I can remain grounded.

WHAT DO YOU RECOMMEND FOR ANYONE THAT IS INTER- ESTED IN VOICE OVER WORK?

Learn as much as you can and share as much as you can. Ask questions - no such thing as a dumb question. You never know where your path may lead and enjoy the relationships, the people you meet, and stories and lessons along the way. Never give up or be discouraged from finding your dream. Remain open and flexible and always be ready to say yes to yourself and opportunities life brings you. Sometimes it may not start off how you think it is supposed to, but keep going and enjoy the journey. Volunteer if you have to. Take a side gig if you have to to make ends meet. Let people know what you need. Record yourself and let friends give you feedback. Do it afraid.

YOU ARE CURRENTLY ACTIVE AS A VOICE OVER. WHAT ARE YOUR PLANS FOR 2025? WHAT CAN WE EXPECT FROM YOU FOR 2025?

This year I am investing in myself and spending time with the greats and working on areas I want to improve in like anima- tion. You can expect to hear me on more commercials and developing my animation character style. I have expanded my business and taken on more new clients for vo management/ coaching along with my son. VBrownManagement in conjunc- tion with Paul-Mikel Williams Enterprises.

CAN YOU SHARE ANY EXCITING PROJECTS THAT YOU ARE CURRENTLY WORKING ON NOW?

how the business worked. I began to tell her that it wasn't me that was the artist, and that I was calling about but my son. "Oh!" Her tone had changed, but then she explained that she couldn't even provide the service that I was in need of and thankfully and happily referred me to someone else. So, although I ended up booking another studio from a legend in the business who spoke so much inspiration to my son and gave lots of guidance, I was left with the lie that voice over was not a place for me, or my voice.

Over time while helping my son establish himself in Holly- wood, I understood somewhat what the lady was alluding to, but as time progressed, more opportunities for unique voices popped up into the mainstream. Despite the one lady I would begin to discover that the voice over community in its totality is one of the most collaborative and supportive environments in the industry. I stepped my whole heart in during the shut- down and learned it's a glorious time to be a voice actor and authentically me. I found a place where I am celebrated and loved greatly! So many great legends to glean from. There is an atmosphere of excellence and great respect and humility in the community. I am blessed to receive unconditional love and validation about myself. They are truly the most honest and humble and positive people on the planet. I found my tribe finally. Oh and they love to talk too!!!

I'm in the development stages of two new podcast shows. One involves genealogy, a deep passion of mine and the second one is dedicated to sharing true tales from my life encounters and all the colorful people I've met along the way- including street moguls (some famous some not), hollywood celebs, and a host of others. I can't wait for that one!

PLEASE TALK ABOUT WHAT YOU LIKE ABOUT HOLLYWOOD ENTERTAINMENT.

I have been around entertainers most of my life and I love the artistry that emanates from within and radiates without. I love the excellence on display. Hollywood is a very special place for those that have the gift of endurance (or luck) and work to make others feel something. It gives the ability to give others hope and also have a ton of joy and have fun in the process.

WHAT VOICE OVERS DO YOU ADMIRE THE MOST FROM HOLLYWOOD?

Oh wow there are too many to name. Cree Summer, Tara Strong, Frank Welker, James Earl Jones, Jeffrey Wright, Phil Lamarr. Kevin Michael Richardson (KMR), Paul-Mikel Williams, so so many.

IF SOMEONE WANTS TO HIRE YOU FOR ANY VOICE OVER WORK, CAN YOU PLEASE LIST YOUR WEBSITE AND HOW PEOPLE CAN REACH YOU?

ig: speakvickieb, email: [email protected], [email protected]

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IS THERE ANY PROJECT OR PEOPLE THAT YOU WOULD LIKE TO WORK WITH OR COLLABO- RATE WITH? I would love to get into the dubbing scene for anime. I love watching anime, and the voice acting for shonen anime specifi- cally, especially in recent years, has been so raw and emotional across every genre that it keeps me hooked. I'm currently watch- ing shows like DanDaDan, Jujutsu Kaisen and Demon Slayer, and beyond the animation, I'd love to work with the Voiceover Actors for some of the main characters in each series.

IS THERE ANY PROJECT OR PEOPLE THAT YOU WOULD LIKE TO WORK WITH OR COLLABO- RATE WITH?

I would love to get into the dubbing scene for anime. I love watching anime, and the voice acting for shonen anime specifi- cally, especially in recent years, has been so raw and emotional across every genre that it keeps me hooked. I'm currently watch- ing shows like DanDaDan, Jujutsu Kaisen and Demon Slayer, and beyond the animation, I'd love to work with the Voiceover Actors for some of the main characters in each series.

PLEASE TALK ABOUT WHAT TYPE OF WORK YOU ARE CUR- RENTLY FOCUSED ON.

Right now, I'm focused more so on the television side of voice over and on-camera. I like epi- sodic voice over in the sense that I have a longer time to portray my character's arc. I did some work recently as Feather in The Wild

Robot for a couple days at Dream- works, and that was a really fun experience! It's the first time I've worked on an animated feature before, and it was a great way to dip my feet into that new avenue. I'd love to delve into both and work on both sides simultane- ously. I think I'm ready for it now that I've warmed up!

WHAT VOICE OVERS DO YOU ADMIRE THE MOST FROM HOL- LYWOOD?

As far as actors, Frank Welker, Keith David, Tara Strong and Steve Blum are my biggest highlights. The voices they have done are absolutely iconic and ones that I've grown up on. Their range alone gives me chills, and I aspire to be just like them soon. I've been blessed to be able to meet all of them over these past years, and they are all just as down to earth and friendly as you'd expect. That's voice actors for you!

FOR ALL THE VIEWERS READ- ING, PLEASE KINDLY INTRODUCE YOURSELF.

Hey, everyone! I'm Paul-Mikél Wil- liams. You may have heard my voice as Darius Bowman in Jurassic World: Camp Cretaceous and Jurassic World: Chaos Theory, or Feather in The Wild Robot, just to name a couple. On the on-camera side, I've worked on The Upshaws, Sydney To The Max, Ra- ven's Home, and Westworld to name a few more.

PLEASE TALK ABOUT HOW YOU GOT STARTED IN THE VOICE OVER INDUSTRY.

This is honestly the best question of all. It's a bit of a long story, but my mom is amazing, and so are her instincts and for the industry. Her passion and relentless ambition have gone a long way toward getting me here. Back in 2015, when I started getting into on-camera commercial work, she took me along with her to several acting/casting industry workshops after someone suggested she become a voice actor. One of them was hosted by SAG/AFTRA at their Wilshire location, and the one and only Michael Bell was heading the class! After he finished greet- ing everyone, my mom approached him on his way out and asked what he thought about her doing audio books. I remember he paused, gave a thoughtful look and a brief explanation. Afterward, he turned his attention to me, and gently asked who I was and if I was interested in voiceover.

"Yeah, but he's not ready for VO yet", my mom replied. He invited us to walk with him to the parking lot, and continued to share his experi- ence and wisdom for at least 30 minutes. I was only about 9 years old at the time and didn't know who he was by name, but once I learned that he voiced my brother's favorite character in Metal Gear Solid 3 - "The Fear", a character I'd also heard by watching my brother's playthrough of the game - I started fanboying and instantly got my brother on the phone with him. My brother was more starstruck than I was! The rest is pretty much history.

My mom followed his recommenda- tion to the letter, focusing on helping me with voiceover first because the industry was shifting its focus toward casting real youth instead of "adults playing younger." My first stop on the new journey was "Lynnanne Zager's ADR Looping level 1." That was back in 2018, and to this day, I still take classes with voice over greats when- ever I'm able, and after all these years of nurturing my dream, my mom fi- nally had the chance to begin her VO career not too long ago as well! I've heard recordings of her classes and auditions, and she's amazing at it.

PLEASE SHARE A MOMENT WHERE YOU FELT YOU WANTED TO BE INSPIRED TO BE A PART OF THE VOICE OVER INDUSTRY.

I think there have been moments across my whole life that have inspired me to do voice acting. When I was younger, before my teens, I would love to play pretend and act like Cartoon Network characters like Mordecai from Regular Show or Gumball from The Amazing World Of Gumball. From then on, I always wanted to have some part in the process, whether it was writing, drawing, or voice acting. As I got older, those dreams became clear to me, and I had no idea how attainable they truly were if I just committed to them. Sometimes I would stay up on weekends a little later to watch Dragon Ball Z Kai on Toonami, and my brother was a huge fan of Dragon Ball too, so he kind of instantly got me hooked on it.

PLEASE TALK ABOUT THE CHAL- LENGES YOU FACE IN THIS INDUS- TRY AND HOW YOU OVERCOME THE CHALLENGES.

I think a big challenge in the voice over world is patience and consisten- cy. There's never a lack of jobs that you can submit yourself for, and that can create feelings of both intimida- tion and restlessness. You may feel like you go out for dozens or even hundreds of jobs a month and not one of them follows up, or you'll see auditions that you don't think you have the skill for or you simply don't want to do. What I do is remind myself that I'm a voice over actor because it's my dream, and I'm good at it. I'm not afraid to say I'm good at voice acting. Voice acting isn't just making character voices, either. It's embodying that character when the rest of your body can't, and being a storyteller in a medium that even some on-camera actors can't master.

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NOW IN TODAY'S SOCIETY, EVERY-

THING IS DONE BY REMOTE WORK. DO YOU ENJOY THIS PROCESS, OR DO YOU PREFER TO SHOW UP AT THE STUDIO? This is a GREAT question. Remote work has definitely made it a bit more tedious for the majority of voice actors, I'd say, but after the adjustments, many of us have settled just fine. Working remotely also makes me somewhat anxious due to fear of something going wrong, but trading it for the commute isn't bad at all. Personally, I enjoy working in the studio more because of the atmosphere and the intimacy. It feels much easier to work when I'm close to the director/produc- ers. Voice over is very collaborative, and the studio feels like the perfect breeding ground for that creativity.

THING IS DONE BY REMOTE WORK. DO YOU ENJOY THIS PROCESS, OR DO YOU PREFER TO SHOW UP AT THE STUDIO?

This is a GREAT question. Remote work has definitely made it a bit more tedious for the majority of voice actors, I'd say, but after the adjustments, many of us have settled just fine. Working remotely also makes me somewhat anxious due to fear of something going wrong, but trading it for the commute isn't bad at all. Personally, I enjoy working in the studio more because of the atmosphere and the intimacy. It feels much easier to work when I'm close to the director/produc- ers. Voice over is very collaborative, and the studio feels like the perfect breeding ground for that creativity.

WHAT TYPE OF SPECIALTY IN VOICE OVER WORK DO YOU LIKE TO FOCUS ON, OR DO YOU HAVE SEVERAL TYPES?

I like working on 3D animation the most, but I really like dubbing as well! I once did a dub for a French show on Disney+ called "Parallels", and I can honestly say it was refreshing to try a new type of voice acting. I've also voiced a few characters

Paul-Mikél Williams in video games like 11:11 Legends of Ru- neterra way back when, and those were really enjoyable experiences. I'd say I have the most experience in 3D animation, but there's no one category that I like more over others.

WHAT'S A TYPICAL DAY IN THE LIFE OF A VOICE OVER ACTOR?

Lots of practice and auditions! Even when auditions are slowed, especially in a time like this where the industry has a lot of uncertainty, I focus on keeping my voice intact - I don't scream often, I do tongue twisters and vocal drills to stay ready for any auditions I do get, and I bring a little bit of myself into the booth every time I record, even if for an audition. Authentic- ity is what I aim for. Of course, I make an effort to eat healthy so that I can sustain my body (and voice) for when I use it. But otherwise, I focus on my other passions like writing, gaming and exercising to stay occupied when things slow down.

WHAT DO YOU RECOMMEND FOR ANYONE THAT IS INTERESTED IN VOICE OVER WORK?

First, I'll say the path into voiceover is not easy. It's defi- nitely an investment, and will require some sacrifices if it's your dream and passion like it is mine. But as long as you stay focused and dedicate as much time as you can to honing your craft, you will succeed no matter what. If jobs don't find you, the next best step is to make your own! Write projects, voice your own scripts - whatever you need to do to achieve your dream, is what you do. Push yourself, because your ability to drive yourself is IN YOUR OPINION, WHAT MAKES A GOOD VOICE OVER ACTOR?

I think that "a good voice over actor" is someone who's comfortable in their own skin, and okay with inviting strangers into not only the world they create, but also their comfort zone as well. The best voice over actors are able to connect to the deepest parts of themselves and combine different aspects of their character and personal- ity to fill in what they can't relate to. For all actors, letting your walls down and letting your natural ego go is a key aspect of the craft.

IF SOMEONE WANTS TO HIRE YOU FOR ANY VOICE OVER WORK, CAN YOU PLEASE LIST YOUR WEBSITE AND HOW PEOPLE CAN REACH YOU?

To view some of my work and contact info, you can go to "paulmikelwilliams.com", or message me on Instagram at "paulmikelwilliams"! I am also repped by Melissa Berger-Brenan at CESD.

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FOR ALL THE VIEWERS READING, PLEASE KINDLY INTRODUCE YOURSELF. Hi: I'm Nancy German

FOR ALL THE VIEWERS READING, PLEASE KINDLY INTRODUCE YOURSELF.

Hi: I'm Nancy German

PLEASE TALK ABOUT HOW YOU GOT STARTED IN THE VOICE OVER INDUSTRY.

I was working as a high school guidance counselor. One of my students was a dancer in music videos at the time. She kept telling me I should get on her agent's talent roster, because I made her laugh.

Well, she was serious. For about four months, she pestered me all the time to join it. I had some acting background in my youth, but for commercials? In Maine? It never occurred to me I could make a living at this.

I loved this girl but she was relentless. So, I finally signed up.

Initially it was for on-camera work, but after driving in a snowstorm for an hour and a half and not getting the gig, I was about to give up but then booked a voice over job for a company phone message. I was so excited!! I thought this was it! Then about three years passed where I was so interested in the work but just didn't know what to do to further it.

I then found an online application for a group of pro voice actors to meet and share knowledge. I didn't lie about how much work I had under my belt, but to this day I am not sure how I passed the application test.

That was the pivotal moment in the start of my journey into voiceover. I finally had the information I needed and finding my "tribe " of like minded creatives. Twenty-five years later, I am so happy I found it!

WHAT MADE YOU GET STARTED IN THE VOICE OVER INDUSTRY?

I loved my job working with teenagers, but I always was a creative person at heart and needed an outlet for that. It became very clear, as I got older that acting and the challenge of it, really fed my soul.

SHARE A MOMENT WHERE YOU FELT YOU WANTED TO BE INSPIRED TO BE A PART OF THE VOICE OVER INDUSTRY.

It's funny, but I think it began when I won a radio contest when I was ten. I had to say the "two all beef patties, special sauce" lines as fast as I could. I think I won a burger meal. It was so fun and I thought, do people get paid for this? Little did I know it was my "first" of many commercials to come.

PLEASE TALK ABOUT THE CHALLENGES YOU FACE IN THIS INDUSTRY AND HOW YOU OVERCOME THE CHALLENGES.

Even though, now, much work is done remotely, I still think I face biases when I send auditions from Maine to casting in L.A. and New York. They may not be conscious biases, but I think there may be a perception that because I'm from a small town, I may not have the abilities or knowl- edge that other actors might.

This is why I try to make my auditions very strongly competitive and also have trav- elled often to train with some of the best coaches in the business, so I stay relevant from my little corner of the world.

Additionally, I have had to advocate for myself with some agents, who may see me as an "older lady" only capable of certain types of reads. Well, I'm proud that I book character work and very comedic work as well as my straight pharma and medical reads. I don't want anyone to ever limit me, in what is possible for me, though I know I still have to sound young enough to book some things.

IS THERE ANY PROJECT OR PEOPLE THAT YOU WOULD LIKE TO WORK WITH OR COLLABORATE WITH?

My work has been largely commercial, but I am very interested in the storytelling of documentary work and just completed a job where I played a woman who was part of the Canadian government's use of psychics in military intel.

I love learning about history and my dream job would be to narrate for Ken Burns or on Discovery, Smithsonian, or the History Channel, Crime Network, really anything about ghost stories or haunted places would be fun. Especially in Scotland, Eng- land or Ireland.

TALK ABOUT WHAT TYPE OF WORK YOU ARE CURRENTLY FOCUSED ON.

Currently, I am focused on commercials and pharma largely, but am often hired for luxury products and travel as well. I have been working with coaches in animation and video game work and documentary work and would love to book more in those genres.

WHAT TYPE OF SPECIALTY IN VOICE OVER WORK DO YOU LIKE TO FOCUS ON, OR DO YOU HAVE SEVERAL TYPES?

I have a compassionate, trustworthy sound because that truly is me as a person. I'm an LCSW therapist as well. So it lends itself to insurance, finance, medical and pharma reads naturally.

This is what I book the most, but I also focus on many genres, including automo- tive, luxury, live announcing, animation and video games.

I know some people only like doing one type of thing but I love all of it. Though I don't have the patience for long audio books at this stage of my life. I like to do shorter non-fiction, since my commercial work takes priority.

I'm happy now to be booking conversation- al reads that were hard when I had trained as an announcer in the beginning. Thanks, Scott Parkin, in particular, for changing that for me, where I was formerly stuck!

CAN YOU SHARE ANY EXCITING PROJ- ECTS THAT YOU ARE CURRENTLY WORK- ING ON NOW?

Unfortunately, much of my recent exciting work is under NDA at the moment but I'm excited to say I have two promos coming out on one of the streaming services for a very popular show that I booked from an old client. This is unusual in that it did not come from an agency casting.

I'm also proud to be able to work as a SAG AFTRA actor now, and look forward to more SAG projects. A recent one using my comedic skills.

IF SOMEONE WANTS TO HIRE YOU FOR ANY VOICE OVER WORK, CAN YOU PLEASE LIST YOUR WEBSITE AND HOW PEOPLE CAN REACH YOU?

My website is www.nancygermanvoiceover. com and my Linked In profile is www. linkedin.com/in/nancygerman My email address is listed on both sites as well as my contact info and I am very responsive.

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NANCY GERMAN

NANCY GERMAN

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OZZIE WILSON
  • OZZIE
  • WILSON
  • PLEASE KINDLY INTRODUCE YOURSELF.

My name is Ozzie Wilson. I am a self-em- ployed voice artist. Charisma with Soul

TALK ABOUT HOW YOU GOT STARTED IN THE VOICE OVER INDUSTRY.

In 2019, I was teaching full time, and I started doing audiobooks.

WHAT MADE YOU GET STARTED IN THE VOICE OVER INDUSTRY?

A friend of mine and myself decided to venture into voiceover. He wanted to do animation characters, and I wanted to do audiobooks.

PLEASE TALK ABOUT THE CHALLENGES YOU FACE IN THIS INDUSTRY AND HOW YOU OVERCOME THE CHALLENGES.

Some of the challenges I face keep- ing all the parts of this business going. The marketing is my biggest challenge because I do email and social media marketing and you must stay consistent and relevant. Also, Al voices have become more realistic and clients are more so- phisticated. I have to attach Al riders to some of my contracts to make sure my voice is not used without my consent. Freelance voiceover sites don't always protect the artists either.

IS THERE ANY PROJECT OR PEOPLE THAT YOU WOULD LIKE TO WORK WITH OR COLLABORATE WITH?

I would love to collaborate with many artists, the only one that comes to mind is my friend Kevin

PLEASE TALK ABOUT WHAT TYPE OF WORK YOU ARE CURRENTLY FOCUSED ON.

I'm currently focused commercial work and elearning.

WHAT MAKES A GOOD VOICE ACTOR?

A voice actor has to know how to put emotion into their words in a way that feels realistic. A good voice actor also has to have the ability to follow a director's lead and change focus when prompted.

NOW IN TODAY'S SOCIETY, EVERYTHING IS DONE BY REMOTE WORK. DO YOU ENJOY THIS PROCESS, OR DO YOU PREFER TO SHOW UP AT THE STUDIO?

All of my work has been in my own home stu- dio. I would enjoy coming to a studio because I like to bond with people I work with, especially on an artistic level.

.WHAT TYPE OF SPECIALTY IN VOICE OVER WORK DO YOU LIKE TO FOCUS ON, OR DO YOU HAVE SEVERAL TYPES?

My specialties are conversational reads and Urban, mostly New York accents. I was born in New York City so I can relate to the vibe of the city.

WHAT'S A TYPICAL DAY IN THE LIFE OF A VOICE OVER ACTOR?

Not sure about all voice actors, but between projects I have a work schedule. I wake up to coffee and emails early in the morning, warm my voice and knock out auditions. I'll eat a bit and do some email marketing. I'll work on that and knock out some more auditions if necessary. Midday, I try to do some voiceover related activities like read, listen to a podcast, watch a video or take a class. I'll do some social media likes and then work on creative content.

WHAT DO YOU RECOMMEND FOR ANYONE THAT IS INTERESTED IN VOICE OVER WORK?

There's so much to recommend. I would say take classes to get your instrument (voice) working well and keep learning. Also, find a quiet space to record and practice your craft. Lastly, delve into different genres of voiceover and if you find that you're really good at a particular genre, go hard!

YOU ARE CURRENTLY ACTIVE AS A VOICE OVER. WHAT ARE YOUR PLANS FOR 2025? WHAT CAN WE EXPECT FROM YOU.

I just finished a campaign for Sonny's BBQ and I'm currently working on a meditation series.

CAN YOU SHARE ANY EXCITING PROJECTS THAT YOU ARE CURRENTLY WORKING ON NOW?

I have some things in the works, but I'm not at liberty to say!

WHAT DO YOU RECOMMEND FOR ANYONE THAT IS INTERESTED IN VOICE OVER WORK?

There's so much to recommend. I would say take classes to get your instrument (voice) working well and keep learning. Also, find a quiet space to record and practice your craft. Lastly, delve into different genres of voiceover and if you find that you're really good at a particular genre, go hard!

IF SOMEONE WANTS TO HIRE YOU FOR ANY VOICE OVER WORK, HOW PEOPLE CAN REACH YOU?

My website is https://www.ozziewilsonvo.com/

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Gryo's

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PHIL DOANE

PHIL

DOANE

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PLEASE KINDLY INTRODUCE YOURSELF. Hello! I am Phil Doane located in Arling- ton, Tex s, which is basically between Dallas and Fort Worth. Though I began my vi ceov r career in 20211 hav been out of the booth for the past three or so years, being heai ly invld as a parent ol unteer with my twin boys high school marching band activ ties. Now that they hav gradu- ated high school, I am looking forward to getting back on track with my vi ce o r endeavr s.

PLEASE KINDLY INTRODUCE YOURSELF.

Hello! I am Phil Doane located in Arling- ton, Tex s, which is basically between Dallas and Fort Worth. Though I began my vi ceov r career in 20211 hav been out of the booth for the past three or so years, being heai ly invld as a parent ol unteer with my twin boys high school marching band activ ties. Now that they hav gradu- ated high school, I am looking forward to getting back on track with my vi ce o r endeavr s.

PLEASE TALK ABOUT HOW YOU GOT

I got the idea of voiceover when I was the teacher in the Learning Lab where I inter- acted with students who received special accommodations with assignments and testing. This could be individual one on one time with the student, or they needed a small quiet area to work, so they would come to my room. Some students would take tests with "Oral Accomodation" so I would record the test - reading questions and answers - on an old iPod then give it to the student when they arrived in my room to take their exam.

WHAT MADE YOU GET STARTED IN THE VOICE OVER INDUSTRY?

I got the idea of voiceover when I was the teacher in the Learning Lab where I inter- acted with students who received special accommodations with assignments and testing. This could be individual one on one time with the student, or they needed a small quite area to work, so they would come to my room. Some students would take tests with "Oral Accomodation" so I would record the test - reading questions and answers - on an old iPod then give it to the student when they arrived in my room.

SHARE A MOMENT WHERE YOU FELT YOU WANTED TO BE INSPIRED TO BE A PART OF THE VOICE OVER INDUSTRY.

I would have to say this is when I attend my first One Voice Conference. I was brand new to voice over and I saw an ad on Face- book for a voiceover conference in Dallas. When I attended the first event on Friday it was very mind blowing that there is this huge of a voice over community I didn't know existed! As I met both speakers and fellow attendees, it was very inspiring as it brought my creative side back to life which had been buried for so many years.

STARTED IN THE VOICE OVER INDUSTRY. achievements because of their voice, and it

TALK ABOUT THE CHALLENGES YOU FACE IN THIS INDUSTRY AND HOW YOU OVERCOME THE CHALLENGES.

There are a couple of challenges I face, and they go hand-in-hand. First is comparing myself to others, which therefore leads to affecting my confidence. How I face these challenges is remembering what they say in the Voiceover community about how everyone's voice is unique, and the fact that there is no other voice like mine. Similar to how no two fingerprints are the same, my voice is very unique only to me. When I keep this in mind, it keeps my focus on me not on any other Voice Artist in their does boost my confidence allowing me to do my best during that moment while I'm recording in the booth.

IS THERE ANY PROJECT OR PEOPLE THAT YOU WOULD LIKE TO WORK WITH OR COLLABORATE WITH?

There are a few projects that I am partial to because I know the cast and think it would be a really great experience to team up and work with them. One project is The Dad Bod of Destiny by Jason Lettingham, sec- ond would be Leo Brawn Demon Hunter by Jason Beard, and Partial Veil by Allison Cossit. All of these are with binging!

PLEASE TALK ABOUT WHAT TYPE OF WORK YOU ARE CURRENTLY FOCUSED ON.

Since I am getting back into the swing of things I am focusing on commercials, e- learning, audiobooks, and audio dramas! I am really excited to get my creative side going again.

WHAT MAKES A GOOD VOICE ACTOR?

There are a number of characteristics that make a good voice actor. First is talent. This is foundational. The voice actor needs to show they understand the script and bring it to life. They also need to be able to read it with multiple emotions and inflec- tions. Second would be a professional and "easy to work with" approach in the record- ANY VOICE OVER WORK, CAN YOU ing session. The voice actor is hired by the client, and they have to provide the client and the directors are looking for in regards to how they bring the script to life. This also helps when the voice actor collabo- rates by offering ideas that easily fit into the flow of the session and keeps it moving in the right direction.

WHAT'S A TYPICAL DAY IN THE LIFE OF A VOICE OVER ACTOR?

Right now, since I'm returning to being ac- tive in Voiceover, a typical day is working on foundational techniques regarding the voice and script analysis, recording audi- tions, and studying marketing skills.

WHAT DO YOU RECOMMEND FOR ANYONE THAT IS INTERESTED IN VOICE OVER WORK?

First I would recommend doing research to find a coach that you click with and dive into coaching. They can also guide you for the next items of a recording space and equipment. While you are coaching, you will want to look at equipment such as a microphone, interface, and recording software. You will also need to create a space / studio to do your recording. There are many inexpensive methods for the person just starting into voiceover where it does not break the bank. Treat this like a farmer...you have to be patient with planting seeds before you see real fruit to harvest. Be patient with yourself in the beginning.

YOU ARE CURRENTLY ACTIVE AS A VOICE OVER. WHAT ARE YOUR PLANS FOR 2025? WHAT CAN WE EXPECT FROM YOU FOR 2025?

What's gonna be next for me is to get back into coaching and sharpen my skills, so hopefully land something at the end of this year or start gaining momentum for 2026.

CAN YOU SHARE ANY EXCITING PROJ- ECTS THAT YOU ARE CURRENTLY WORK- ING ON NOW?

One project that I am happy to get back to recording for is The Birthday Fairy Project which you can find on all social platforms. The Birthday Fairy Project shines a light on the lives lost to gun violence in the United States by recognizing the birthday of each victim.

IF SOMEONE WANTS TO HIRE YOU FOR PLEASE LIST YOUR WEBSITE AND HOW PEOPLE CAN REACH YOU?

My website is phildoanevoiceover.com My email is [email protected]

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PLEASE KINDLY INTRODUCE YOURSELF. Hey everyone, I'm Roberto Jolliffe, though most people just call me Berto. To my family, I'll always be "Bert." I come from a beautifully blended heritage, my father is Panamanian, my mother a proud Nuyorican and growing up as a military kid meant home was wherever we landed. We moved often, but Texas became our anchor.

PLEASE KINDLY INTRODUCE YOURSELF.

Hey everyone, I'm Roberto Jolliffe, though most people just call me Berto. To my family, I'll always be "Bert." I come from a beautifully blended heritage, my father is Panamanian, my mother a proud Nuyorican and growing up as a military kid meant home was wherever we landed. We moved often, but Texas became our anchor.

I'm a husband, a father, a creator and above all, a builder of legacies. For me, voice-over isn't just a career, it's a calling. Every word I speak into the mic is rooted in my journey: the cultures that raised me, the challenges I've overcome, and the deep belief that we all carry stories worth sharing. I have been fortunate to voice for brands like Pop-Tarts, Rap TV, Nike, HBO MAX, Vivid Seats, NASCAR, Pepsi Co., Paw Patrol, Kamala Harris, Beyond Meat, Akedo Ultimate War- rior ad more!

I'm passionate about showing others, especially my kids, that you don't have to fit into a box. You can be multi-passionate, you can rein- vent yourself, and you can build a life that looks like you. My goal is to use my voice not only to tell stories but to create opportunity, impact, and generational change.

PLEASE TALK ABOUT HOW YOU GOT STARTED IN THE VOICE OVER INDUSTRY.

I didn't find voice-over...it found me.

Back in November 2020, my son was born during the height of the pandemic. For the first time in my life, I had a window to slow down and reflect. I was on paternity leave, spending more time at home than I ever had, and I found myself looking at the leftover podcast equipment from a show I'd helped friends launch the year before. The podcast had ended, but the gear was still there, just waiting for a new story to be told.

Then I remembered a conversation with my friend William Brown out in L.A., he casually mentioned a voice-over site called Voices.com. At the time, I didn't even know VO could be a real career. But something about it stuck. I thought, "Why not now?" That mo- ment became my 2021 New Year's resolution.

I signed up for the site, uploaded my first samples, and the next thing I knew, I was off to the races. No studio. No formal training. Just me, a mic, and a mindset. What started as a side curiosity turned into a purpose, I didn't even know I'd been preparing for all my life.

SHARE A MOMENT WHERE YOU FELT YOU WANTED TO BE INSPIRED TO BE A PART OF THE VOICE OVER INDUSTRY.

The moment I truly felt inspired to belong in this industry wasn't when I booked a job or got my first check...it was when I found the voice-over com- munity.

In the beginning, I was figuring things out by trial and error. I'd do full reads with zero editing, running straight takes, trying not to mess up. I didn't know about EQ settings, mic placement, or that auditions could be improved post-recording. I was just winging it. But one day, I stumbled across some Facebook groups and YouTube channels where seasoned VO artists were sharing wisdom, breaking things down, and most importantly welcoming new talent without ego or gatekeeping.

That blew me away. I came from industries where people held their cards close, but in VO? People were opening doors, sharing knowledge, and rooting for you. Strangers became mentors. Some even became real good friends, not because of clout or credits, but because of shared journeys. That kind of community lit a fire in me. I didn't just want to do voice-over.... wanted to grow with the people in it.

That sense of inclusion and empowerment inspired me to keep going. It made me want to get better, not just for me, but so I could eventually turn around and do the same for someone else. Because in this space, growth isn't just personal, it's communal.

ROBERTO JOLLIFFE

PLEASE TALK ABOUT THE CHALLENGES YOU FACE IN THIS INDUSTRY AND HOW YOU OVERCOME THE CHALLENGES.

One of the biggest challenges in this industry? Silenc- ing the noise in your own head.

In the beginning, self-doubt hit hard. I'd second-guess every audition: "Is this good enough?" But over time, I realized success in this game comes from unlearning perfectionism and leaning into authenticity. Training, coaching, conferences, all those help, but nothing replaces finding your unique voice.

You also have to understand that being a voice actor isn't just about having a great voice, it's about being an entrepreneur. You're the talent, but also the mar- keter, the tech guy, the scheduler, the accountant, and the creative director. That means building systems, staying organized, and always finding new ways to market yourself without burning out.

The way I overcome all of it? Community. Consis- tency. And choosing to bet on myself every day, even when it's hard. That's the real difference-maker. The biggest battle in Voice Over is YOU vs. YOU.

IS THERE ANY PROJECT OR PEOPLE THAT YOU WOULD LIKE TO WORK WITH OR COLLABORATE WITH?

Absolutely. I've got a list that stays ready!

I'd love to voice a character in Grand Theft Auto VI or the next Dragon Ball series. Shows like Rick and Morty, Invincible, and anything on Adult Swim I'm all in. I'd also love to voice promos or documentaries for the History Channel and the shows like how brands or companies are made in America inspire me so much. Also, college sports programs, Call of Duty and hip-hop-focused content. There's something powerful about combining voice and culture, it creates mo- ments that feel personal and unforgettable.

And when it comes to people? I'd love to work with creatives like Issa Rae, Donald Glover, Ryan Coogler or Jordan Peele, visionaries who know how to fuse authenticity with art. That's the space I want to move in, where storytelling is bold, intentional, and layered with meaning.

WHAT TYPE OF WORK YOU ARE CURRENTLY FOCUSED ON.

Right now, my main focus is on commercial voice- over, that's the area where I've booked the most, and where my tone and delivery style really thrive. I love tapping into that conversational, trustworthy energy brands are looking for today.

But I'm also pushing deeper into promo and character work, because those spaces light me up creatively. There's something magical about building a voice that sets the tone for a whole show or brings a character to life. I've been training hard in those areas, studying industry leaders, working with coaches, and dialing in my technique so when the opportunity comes, I'm not just ready...I'm undeniable.

I see Voice Over as a long game. So, while I honor where I'm winning now, I'm always planting seeds for the spaces I want to grow into.

WHAT TYPE OF SPECIALTY IN VOICE OVER WORK DO YOU LIKE TO FO- CUS ON, OR DO YOU HAVE SEVERAL TYPES?

My current specialties are Commer- cial and Promo work, those are core to my foundation. I love the challenge of bringing a brand's message to life in just 15 or 30 seconds. You've got to make every word matter, and I thrive in that high-stakes simplicity. Anima- tion and gaming spaces I'm trickling into little by little.

But I'm also expanding into Audio Description, which has become a true passion project. I've been study- ing the work of Roy Samuelson and others who are leading the charge in making media accessible for the blind and low-vision community. It's powerful work, because it's not about you, it's about serving some- one else's experience. When I was in the tech industry part of one of my jobs was doing mobile performance testing and always thinking about accessible UI/UX experiences which left a lifelong awareness. So, I take that mindset into all of my crafts, it has made me a better actor and a better person.

In the long run, I want to master every lane, from animation to video games to long-form narration. I'm in this for the full journey.

CAN YOU SHARE ANY EXCITING PROJECTS THAT YOU ARE CURRENTLY WORKING ON NOW?

Yes! I'm working on a few amazing projects right now.

I'm voicing an internal training program for Ohio State University through a grant initiative, it's exciting to contribute to something that's educational and forward-thinking. I've also got some new commercial work dropping soon for Ford and Del Taco, both of which have been a blast to record.

But the project closest to my heart? I'm writing a book called "Ahhh, So You Want to Be a VOICE OVER ACTOR?" It's an illustrated guide for both kids and adults who want to learn about this world in a fun, accessible way. The goal is to demystify the industry and spark curiosity, because sometimes, all it takes is one spark to change someone's life. You'll be able to find it on my social platforms and at TheVOBook.com.

IF SOMEONE WANTS TO HIRE YOU FOR ANY VOICE OVER WORK, CAN YOU PLEASE LIST YOUR WEB- SITE AND HOW PEOPLE CAN REACH YOU?

For sure, I'd love to connect!

You can check out my work at BertoTheVO.com, or reach me directly at [email protected]. My business line is 915-443-1671, and I'm active across all social media channels @BertoBoushae. Whether you're looking for a commercial voice, a promo read, or someone to help bring your next proj- ect to life, let's build something dope together.

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Please introduce yourself and give us a little background on how you got started? Hi there! I'm Salena Metreger, a voice actor based in sunny Oceanside, California, but I'm originally from outside of Chi-CAH-go. I studied English Lit in college, but like a lot of folks who graduated during the housing crisis, I took the job I could get, which for me was in manufacturing. I never imagined I'd be in manufacturing for 17 years...but I did, and I'm proud of that. Over the years, I worked my way up, learning business and eventually earning my MBA. I blended the creative with the analytical - balancing market- ing, numbers, tech, and long-term strategy - and really climbed that corporate ladder. I worked with an incredible range of people: from farmers to engineers, CEOs to homemakers, all across the globe. It was an education in humanity and busi- ness, and it's a huge part of what shapes me as a voice actor today.

Please introduce yourself and give us a little background on how you got started?

Hi there! I'm Salena Metreger, a voice actor based in sunny Oceanside, California, but I'm originally from outside of Chi-CAH-go. I studied English Lit in college, but like a lot of folks who graduated during the housing crisis, I took the job I could get, which for me was in manufacturing. I never imagined I'd be in manufacturing for 17 years...but I did, and I'm proud of that. Over the years, I worked my way up, learning business and eventually earning my MBA. I blended the creative with the analytical - balancing market- ing, numbers, tech, and long-term strategy - and really climbed that corporate ladder. I worked with an incredible range of people: from farmers to engineers, CEOs to homemakers, all across the globe. It was an education in humanity and busi- ness, and it's a huge part of what shapes me as a voice actor today.

What got you into a career in voice-overs?

During my time in marketing and product management, there were always moments when a voice was needed - whether for a sizzle reel, a training video, or a product launch. I volun- teered every time. I loved it. I also gave a ton of presentations and made it my mission to keep people engaged. Because let's be honest, we've all zoned out during day-long meetings. I wanted my audience to walk away understanding what I was saying and caring about it. In that regard, voiceover had been in my head for years, and with my little tastes of it at work kept feeding the idea until I finally stopped just thinking about it and did it. I started taking classes. I took classes for nearly 8 months before I did a demo. And I waited till I had a demo to really start putting myself out there.

Can you give an example of a project you have worked on as a voice-over artist?

I've got a video game coming out soon where I voice a few characters-super fun. I just finished a children's eLearning script that made me smile the whole way through. I'm also the event voice for Black Horizon Brewing Company in Willowbrook, Illinois. I'm working on a few audio drama podcasts, and I've voiced a bunch of social media promos and local business content. It's a great mix.

How do you approach a voice-over script?

I always start by reading it out loud straight, just to get the gist. Then I break it down: Who am I? Where am I? Who am I talking to, and how do I feel about them? What's changing emotionally? Which words need to pop? Do I need to plan my breaths?

If it's for a brand or company, I like to research them-what they do, who their audience is, and what this script is trying to accomplish. I make sure I can pronounce everything correctly, follow any notes or direction, and really bring it to life from the inside out.

Do recommend? Setting up a home studio or using a commercial recording facility?

Home Studio. If you can carve out a corner, a closet, whatever you can, make that home studio. But do it right. Sound treat your space and get the right equipment for your space. A large- diaphragm condenser Neumann microphone is incredible, but if you just have blankets up in your closet, it's going to pick up your neighbor's television and you'll never have clean enough sound. The best setup is the setup that gives you that broadcast quality sound WITHOUT having to use compression and gates and noise reduction plugins.

Do you have a specialty in voice work, or do you do several types?

Right now, it's probably social media promos for businesses. But my love is video games and ani- mation. I just did Portia's Scotts animation work- shop and Michael Scott's Video Game workshop at VO Atlanta and that is what I've been working with my coach, Emmanuel Menjivar, on as well as working on more auditions and opportunities there. I play a lot of games and watch a ton of animation, so it's a world I genuinely want to be part of.

Can you recommend any online resources for aspiring voice talents?

Shameless self-promotion... I produce and edit The Great Voice Podcast - available on all podcast platforms, but we specifically host on Podbean. The host is the incredible Susan Berkley of The Great Voice Company. She's the voice of Citi Bank, was the voice of AT&T, she's been around and knows her stuff. Each episode she coaches a student through a script, helping them improve their performance, giving tips on how to break down the script, and so much more. There's industry interviews and countless free insights. It's a great podcast.

https://greatvoicepodcast.podbean.com/ Other than that, there's so many great podcasts, great websites, VORadioOnline is a great one, GVAA and voiceactingclub have great rate guides. NAVA is a great resource. There are wonderful discords and reddit groups that support Voice actors of every skill level. Just be careful online. Make sure they're good, quality sources. Not all advice online advice is created equal.

What does this industry mean to you?

Whoa. That's a big question. Every time I get behind the mic I feel like I'm doing what I'm supposed to be doing. Whether it's a corporate e-learning script or playing the seductress villain, I'm grateful that I can do this. It's the creative outlet I always needed. This industry is filled with such incredible, talented, beautiful people and the fact that I get to have a small, tiny sliver of it is mind-boggling. This industry brings characters to life, tells stories, teaches people, helps those with disabilities, promotes the smallest businesses to the world's largest, helps doctors and patients, it brings joy and entertainment, and so much more. Voiceover is everywhere and it truly matters.

What are the feelings when you hear and see your peers on shows on the big screen?

Internal and sometimes external screaming. People are so darn talented. Add in all the writers, engineers, producers, directors and everyone that goes into making the finished product, I know just how hard it was to get it to that point and I am just so happy to my friends and colleagues out there KILLIN' it.

How competitive is this industry?

It depends on how you look at it, I guess. Very, but also, it's not a competition. Each and every project has a team of people who have a vision. And I am either a part of that vision or I'm not. It's not about someone else being "better" than me, it's about who has the sound, tone or vibe they're looking for. Just the other day I got a "hey, thanks but no thanks. You're not what the director wanted, but you're exactly what I am looking for on a different project. Are you interested?"

What are some of your favorite voice acting roles that you've played?

Absolutely the video game I can't yet talk about. I played two extremely different characters, and each one came with a different challenge and it really pushed me. It was so much fun.

What do you wish you like to see change in the voice over industry?

There's still a lot of lingering industries that are very much stuck in - women do this work and men do that work. Which is silly nowadays. Men are wearing makeup and pushing fashion trends and women are killing it at sports and tech so why not have a woman promoting the NFL and a man selling the beauty line? It's about know- ing your customer. And if you're not advertising to all your customers then you're leaving money on the table. Christy Harst at Building Doors VO is working on this. Go check her out. She's amazing.

Also, I want to see the industry handle Al responsibly. Al is a tool, and it's not likely going anywhere, but human voices are what give this work its soul. So, let's protect that. Don't use our voices without consent or payment. Don't train Al on our performances without permission. We are quite literally the life behind the voice. Let's make sure we stay front and center.

How do you stay competitive?

Learning. Always be learning. But also staying active online and with people. Be humble.

What is next for you what can we expect for you to do this year?

More episodes of The Great Voice Podcast are coming out-so definitely tune in. I'm also on LinkedIn, and you can find me on TikTok at @ wordtalktome, where I mix my love of voiceover with nerdy word history and etymology. It's goofy-but you'll learn something.

That mystery video game should drop later this year (and I'll finally be able to talk about it!), and you'll keep hearing my voice in social media promos for Black Horizon Brewing Company. I'm also working with a few Oceanside businesses to level up their content-and hopefully, by this time next year, I'll have even more video game and animation credits to share!

What do you love most about the world of entertainment?

I love the joy and escape it brings to people. We don't all love the same things. But there's something out there for everyone.

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16 Salena Metreger

Salena Metreger

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I'm not in this for the money, I do it be- cause I love it and need to be doing it, and this is the next step in growing my career. That said, it is a business that I've invested a large sum of money into, and I have to work on making back that in- vestment! CAN YOU SHARE ANY EXCITING PROJ- ECTS THAT YOU ARE CURRENTLY WORKING ON NOW?

I'm not in this for the money, I do it be- cause I love it and need to be doing it, and this is the next step in growing my career. That said, it is a business that I've invested a large sum of money into, and I have to work on making back that in- vestment!

CAN YOU SHARE ANY EXCITING PROJ- ECTS THAT YOU ARE CURRENTLY WORKING ON NOW?

I wish I could! I've got some things lined up that are confidential. I've been cast in a couple of anime series.

Like everyone else, I would love to be involved in a project at Disney or Nickelodeon. My biggest goal in this career, though, is to work on South Park.

WHAT TYPE OF WORK YOU ARE CURRENTLY FOCUSED ON.

I haven't narrowed it down to any one genre, but mainly I've been submit- ting for commercial, animation, video

TALK ABOUT WHAT YOU LIKE ABOUT HOLLYWOOD ENTERTAINMENT.

I love movies and TV shows. I love story- telling, and I love a good performance. I favor originality, so when I see something new that's not a reboot, sequel, prequel or spin-off, it feels refreshing and much more stimulating. Imagination and cre- ativity are the heart of the entertainment industry and we've lost a lot of it, so I re- ally appreciate it when I do find it.

games, and dubbing. I'm also learning more about audio description for the visually impaired. I'm interested in that because it combines doing what I love with helping people.

WHAT VOICE OVERS DO YOU ADMIRE THE MOST FROM HOLLY- WOOD?

Maurice LaMarche, E.G. Daily, Hank Azaria, H. John Benjamin, Debra Wilson, and the late Mary Kay Bergman.

WHAT MAKES A GOOD VOICE ACTOR?

It's generally agreed that au- thenticity and the ability to live truthfully in the moment are what makes a good voice actor. Improvisational skills and the ability to take direction are ad- ditional musts. Voice actors who are well-prepared, have a good attitude, and show up on time are the ones who will continue to get hired.

NOW IN TODAY'S SOCIETY, EVERYTHING IS DONE BY RE- MOTE WORK. DO YOU ENJOY THIS PROCESS, OR DO YOU PREFER TO SHOW UP AT THE STUDIO?

I can appreciate the conve- nience of recording at home, but I definitely prefer being in-studio, by far. Nothing feels more legit than being in a glass booth in a professional setting, with a director and an engineer just feet away. That's how you really feel the magic happen-

WHAT'S A TYPICAL DAY IN THE LIFE OF A VOICE OVER ACTOR?

Auditioning. Lots of audition- ing. I spend a lot of time recording multiple takes and then editing down to the best one or two, and lightly clean- ing up the audio so it sounds as professional as possible. There's also a lot of interact- ing on social media and LinkedIn, marketing yourself and maintaining relationships with people like directors, casting directors, producers, and others who can be benefi- cial to keep in touch with. The same with colleagues. I talk to other actors like myself on a pretty much daily basis. Keep- ing up with each other, sharing resources, giving advice, cel- ebrating our wins, and venting our frustrations! It's important to have that community and be active in it.

ing, and the excitement of artistic collaboration.

WHAT TYPE OF SPECIALTY IN VOICE OVER WORK DO YOU LIKE TO FO- CUS ON, OR DO YOU HAVE SEVERAL TYPES?

I love being a character. Anything that allows me to do that is the best, so I do focus mainly on animation and video games since those are the most obvious avenues for that. I have a good ear and am a strong mimic, so I also do accents, voice matching, and creature sounds.

WHAT MAKES A GOOD VOICE OVER ACTOR?

The voice actors I admire are ones that are full of personality and put everything they have into their char- acters, and have great comedic timing. I do love it when I can't recognize the actor's voice from one character to the next, and though that's not necessarily what makes someone good, it is an extra layer of talent that I think puts them over the top.

WHAT ARE YOUR PLANS FOR 2025?

My plans are to book more main- stream professional jobs. I've been at this for three years as of this month, and have almost exclusively worked on independent projects, mostly unpaid, to build my resume. Now that I have representation in the LA market, I'm hoping to start working on features, series, and games on major networks and platforms.

WHAT DO YOU RECOMMEND FOR ANYONE THAT IS INTERESTED IN VOICE OVER WORK?

Save up your money, and train, train, train! Learn as much as you can from reputable teachers and coaches. Strengthen your skills as much as possible. A lot of people (myself included) start out with the misconception that the sound of your voice and how much you can change and manipulate it is so much more important than it actually is. You have to be able to act. The voice is just a matter of personal taste to casting directors, if they even factor it in much at all.

HOW PEOPLE CAN REACH YOU?

My website is www.sarahnoelau- dio.com and I'm also on Insta- gram at @notthe1stnoel

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SARAH NOEL

FOR ALL THE VIEWERS READING, PLEASE KINDLY INTRODUCE YOURSELF My name is Sarah Noel. I'm a voice actor na- tive to Los Angeles.

FOR ALL THE VIEWERS READING, PLEASE KINDLY INTRODUCE YOURSELF

My name is Sarah Noel. I'm a voice actor na- tive to Los Angeles.

TALK ABOUT HOW YOU GOT STARTED IN THE VOICE OVER INDUSTRY.

I started with group Zoom classes at a place called Kalmenson & Kalmenson. I learned the basics as well as what next steps to take to get my foot in the door, which was hiring a private coach, getting a commercial demo produced, and reaching out to talent agencies for representation.

WHAT MADE YOU GET STARTED IN THE VOICE OVER INDUSTRY?

Like a lot of others at my level, Covid! We all seemed to have the same epiphany dur- ing quarantine: we're stifling our creativity and not letting it be a priority. I had always wanted to be a voice actor but thought it was nothing but a pipe dream, and was unrealistic to pursue, so I never looked into it. The catalyst was that I had a dream job offer unrelated to voiceover, that turned out to be too good to be true. It fell apart in a very traumatic way, and I was distraught, and I couldn't bear the thought of being back to having nothing but my day job. So I pivoted, and threw everything into VO.

PLEASE TALK ABOUT THE CHALLENGES YOU FACE IN THIS INDUSTRY AND HOW YOU OVERCOME THE CHALLENGES.

It's a very volatile industry. Things change all the time and it is hard for me to deal with inconsistency. I thought the biggest challenge would be not getting a part I auditioned for, but that actually hasn't bothered me too much. I've learned that parts you do get offered sometimes fall through, for all kinds of reasons out of people's control. So far, I haven't been met with much else that has really felt like a hardship other than the disappointment of being excited about something and then being let down. It's also hard when there are periods of time when nothing seems to be happening, which can feel discouraging, especially when you see your peers sharing a lot of casting announce- ments. The only way I can get through these moments is to just keep going. I focus on how far I've come, and on continuing to audition and train. It won't be the last time a great opportunity comes along. The future is full of possibilities and that's exciting, and I sometimes have to remind myself of that excitement.

ANY PROJECT OR PEOPLE THAT YOU WOULD LIKE TO WORK WITH OR COL- LABORATE WITH?

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STEVEN GOARD

FOR ALL THE VIEWERS PLEASE KINDLY INTRO- DUCE YOURSELF. My name is Steven Goard. I'm a full-time voice actor, creator, husband, and father of five. I'm the creator of The Uptown Chronicles, an animated series rooted in culture, family, and imagination. I've had the blessing to voice national commer- cials, narration, animation, and promos - but more than that, I love to use my voice to inspire through creativity. Every project I take on is rooted in that purpose.

FOR ALL THE VIEWERS PLEASE KINDLY INTRO- DUCE YOURSELF.

My name is Steven Goard. I'm a full-time voice actor, creator, husband, and father of five. I'm the creator of The Uptown Chronicles, an animated series rooted in culture, family, and imagination. I've had the blessing to voice national commer- cials, narration, animation, and promos - but more than that, I love to use my voice to inspire through creativity. Every project I take on is rooted in that purpose.

TALK ABOUT HOW YOU GOT STARTED IN THE VOICE OVER INDUSTRY.

I moved to Atlanta, GA in 1995 as an aspiring rapper and music producer. I loved performing, being behind the boards and in the booth! I first stepped into the world of voiceover in 2013, sign- ing with my first agency Houghton Talent. But it wasn't until around 2020 that I began to truly invest in the craft. I trained, worked hard behind the scenes while raising my family and holding down a day job - and in 2024, I went full-time. That transition was a result of preparation, faith, and divine timing.

WHAT MADE YOU GET STARTED IN THE VOICE OVER INDUSTRY?

Even as a young kid, I always felt I had something to say-not just with words, but with energy, emotion, and creativity and inspiration. When I got older and discovered voice acting, it gave me the freedom to express myself fully, to bring life to stories, and to impact creatively with just my voice. I wanted to use my love of performing to build something real - for myself, for my family, and for those who would hear me.

PLEASE TALK ABOUT THE CHALLENGES YOU FACE IN THIS INDUSTRY AND HOW YOU OVERCOME THE CHALLENGES.

There are moments of stillness in this journey- times when you're auditioning without hearing back. That can play with your mind if you let it. But I stay centered through meditation, gratitude, and reminding myself that what's for me won't miss me. I lean into my support system, keep my faith strong, and stay committed to my vision of where I see myself going and the legacy I plan to leave.

IS THERE ANY PROJECT OR PEOPLE THAT YOU WOULD LIKE TO WORK WITH OR COL- LABORATE WITH?

I'd love to work with Pixar, Marvel, Disney, or Cartoon Network. I'd also love to collaborate with creators who are building from a place of love and vision. I believe alignment brings the right people together, and I'm always open to partner- ships rooted in purpose.

TALK ABOUT WHAT TYPE OF WORK YOU ARE CURRENTLY FOCUSED ON.

I'm deeply focused on commercials, promos, and animation. Commercial work allows me to build trust with an audience in seconds. Promos let me bring intensity and presence. And animation - that's where I get to play, create, and explore characters that live in entirely new worlds. It's a blessing to do what I love every day.

PLEASE TALK ABOUT WHAT YOU LIKE ABOUT HOLLYWOOD ENTERTAINMENT.

Hollywood has always symbolized creativity and possibility. It's where dreams are amplified and stories echo around the world. But what I've learned is - you don't have to be in Hollywood to create something powerful. Magic can happen anywhere. I've seen it in home studios, in late- night brainstorming sessions, and in grassroots collaborations. Still, I have so much respect for what Hollywood represents - a space where imagination becomes impact.

WHAT MAKES A GOOD VOICE ACTOR?

A great voice actor listens with their heart. It's not just about vocal tone - it's about emotional truth. You have to believe what you're saying, embody the message, and bring a presence that reaches beyond the mic.

WHAT'S A TYPICAL DAY IN THE LIFE OF A VOICE OVER ACTOR?

I start my mornings with meditation and grati- tude. Then it's time in the booth auditioning, recording, connecting with clients, and building. I also make time to be present with my wife and five children. My days are full, and they're rooted in love, purpose, and alignment.

CAN YOU SHARE ANY EXCITING PROJECTS THAT YOU ARE CURRENTLY WORKING ON NOW?

Yes - The Uptown Chronicles is in full motion. We've completed our trailer, actively pitching the series concept to get our pilot produced, launched the comic book, merchandise, and we're steadily building our fan base to introduce the world to our characters and story.. It's original, it's bold, it's filled with heart, and it's needed to help shift the narrative about black family dynamics as currently portrayed in media.

HOW PEOPLE CAN REACH YOU?

You can reach me at www.stevengoard.com. All my demos, contact info, and booking details are there. I'm also on Instagram @steveng_vo- feel free to connect and say what's up.

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TAMARA LINKE

FOR ALL THE VIEWERS READING, PLEASE KINDLY INTRODUCE YOURSELF I am an Australian voice actor hailing from the small city of Adelaide. I have a background in theatre, opera and cabaret having trained as a classical singer, but have also worked as a radio announcer. I am currently a full-time voice actor working in commercial, animation and gaming, as well as a mum and performer. When I'm not voice acting I can be found drinking wine in bed watching Norwegian crime shows.

FOR ALL THE VIEWERS READING, PLEASE KINDLY INTRODUCE YOURSELF

I am an Australian voice actor hailing from the small city of Adelaide. I have a background in theatre, opera and cabaret having trained as a classical singer, but have also worked as a radio announcer. I am currently a full-time voice actor working in commercial, animation and gaming, as well as a mum and performer. When I'm not voice acting I can be found drinking wine in bed watching Norwegian crime shows.

PLEASE TALK ABOUT HOW YOU GOT

My first ever gig was through a very boring office job I had funnily enough. A colleague asked me to do a voice over for an online website navigation system and I was hooked! This was circa 2007 so there wasn't as much information on VO as there is now, so I'd go down the rabbit hole on YouTube to soak up as much infor- mation as possible about studio set ups, types of voice over and training. Around then I had started as a radio announcer for one of the networks here in Australia, and they'd have me voice ads when I could. Once I realised I actually had the chops, I cut a demo and decided it was time to take VO to the next level and commit time to the craft.

PLEASE SHARE A MOMENT WHERE YOU FELT INSPIRED TO BE A PART OF THE STARTED IN THE VOICE OVER INDUSTRY VOICE OVER INDUSTRY.

WHAT MADE YOU GET STARTED IN THE VOICE OVER INDUSTRY?

Since I was young, I would imitate TV voice overs, cartoons, celebrities and ac- cents. I think it was inevitable that voice over would find me at some point in my career. There was a time in radio when I realised I actually wanted to work for myself. I wanted to be the business I was investing in, not working for someone else.

If I recall, it was my first paid job. Someone was actually paying me to speak (shock horror). It was an ad for a cruise liner and looking back on it, I laugh at how over the top I sound. I think I was trying to emulate a newsreader! All to say, that being paid for something I truly loved to do seemed too good an opportunity not to pursue

PLEASE TALK ABOUT THE CHALLENGES YOU FACE IN THIS INDUSTRY AND HOW YOU OVERCOME THE CHALLENGES.

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IS THERE ANY PROJECT OR PEOPLE THAT YOU WOULD LIKE TO WORK WITH OR COLLABORATE WITH? The penultimate would have to be Pixar or Disney, but until I get that call, I'd love to work with Ludo Stu- dios who produce the kids series Blu- ey. The plot lines are so quintessen- tially Australian and the characters so relatable, it would be an incredibly fulfilling gig.

IS THERE ANY PROJECT OR PEOPLE THAT YOU WOULD LIKE TO WORK WITH OR COLLABORATE WITH?

The penultimate would have to be Pixar or Disney, but until I get that call, I'd love to work with Ludo Stu- dios who produce the kids series Blu- ey. The plot lines are so quintessen- tially Australian and the characters so relatable, it would be an incredibly fulfilling gig.

Dry spells! The flow of work is so mercurial, I could go days without a job, then find myself over loaded with deadlines. This is the way of the beast, so you have to be versatile with what you do when the work isn't flowing. I'll brush up my demos, update my website, call potential clients whilst also checking in with existing clients; there's definitely enough one can do to grow your business.

TALK ABOUT WHAT TYPE OF WORK YOU ARE CURRENTLY FOCUSED ON.

Animation and gaming projects are always my North Star because of the depth of character work they provide (and let's face it, they're so fun!) But currently I'm book- ing a lot of accent work for online advertis- ing, announcements and e-learning.

WHAT VOICE OVERS DO YOU ADMIRE THE MOST FROM HOLLYWOOD?

My beautiful friend, coach and mentor Lori Alan (Sponge Bob, Family Guy, Toy Story) has had such a fantastic career, and her techniques for character develop- ment resonate with me so much. I'm also a huge fan of Kristen Schall who uses her unique voice to its full potential, as well as Nancy Cartwright whom I heard as a keynote speaker for That's Voice Over in L.A last year. Hank Azaria is also quite amazing with the breadth of characters he can perform. Charlie Adler too but the list goes on...!

EVERYTHING IS DONE BY REMOTE WORK. DO YOU ENJOY THIS PROCESS, OR DO YOU PREFER TO SHOW UP AT THE STUDIO?

I'm a social person so living my life in a vacuum that is 'the booth' can have me chewing off my arm at times. I love to get out to local studios and have some human interaction as the audio industry has so many great people. I think of audio engineers as your team mates- they're a conduit between you and the client or director, so you have to be on the same page. I love taking directions too which is so much easier in person.

WHAT TYPE OF SPECIALTY IN VOICE OVER WORK DO YOU LIKE TO FOCUS ON, OR DO YOU HAVE SEVERAL TYPES?

I've fallen into a niche where a lot of the projects I'm cast for involve accent work. It's really useful for character work, as I'm most often cast as the evil villain or kick ass commander. As my accents are often e.g. General Irish or General Scot- tish I will often beat out native speakers for jobs. Clients often want an accent that is widely appealing in commercial work, so keeping it generic usually wins out over an accent from a particular part of the country.

WHAT'S A TYPICAL DAY IN THE LIFE OF A VOICE OVER

Ooh I just got asked this the other day! People are blown away that this is in fact a real job (let's face it, I still am!) Once kids are off to school it's straight to my studio, going through jobs for that day, recording, auditioning, checking casting sites, updating my website, audio editing and touching base with current clients. It's not a typical 9 to 5 so I throw in some admin and laundry to spice things up...

WHAT DO YOU RECOMMEND FOR ANYONE THAT IS INTERESTED IN VOICE OVER WORK?

Three steps to get you started: 1. Attend voice over training or workshops. 2. Make a demo with a reputable coach. 3. Set up a simple home studio. Mostly just be prepared to do a lot of hustling after that to procure work and clients. Oh, practice your cold reads! If you have that nailed, you've done half the work before you've even stepped into the booth.

YOU ARE CURRENTLY ACTIVE AS A VOICE OVER. WHAT ARE YOUR PLANS FOR 2025? WHAT CAN WE EXPECT FROM YOU FOR 2025?

At the moment I'm working on my first feature film which I can't wait to see on the big screen. I'm also developing an audio drama with some excellent voice actors I met in L.A, so watch this space. I'll also be entering the SOVAS awards again after last year's nomination. Second time lucky!

CAN YOU SHARE ANY EXCITING PROJECTS THAT YOU ARE CUR- RENTLY WORKING ON NOW?

I'm waiting in anticipation for a national advertisement in Dubai to be released in which I channel the wonderful Jennifer Coolidge. It was such a clever script and the director was so brilliant to work with, it was so easy to be in the flow during the session. Jen Coolidge is such a fun voice to imitate as she switches gears so often emotionally. It's a great vocal workout.

HOW PEOPLE CAN REACH YOU?

Website: www.tamaralinke.com or Email: SoundBowlProduc- [email protected]

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TARA JADE FOX

FOR ALL THE VIEWERS READING, PLEASE KINDLY INTRODUCE YOURSELF. I am Tara Jade Fox, an award winning voice artist, TV and film actor, motion capture performer, key- note speaker...aka a hybrid. I grew up in theatre, and instantly fell in love with the vast experiences one can have when acting. At 18, I was told to "grow up and get a real job". So I did-I went medi- cal for a while, leaving acting behind me.

FOR ALL THE VIEWERS READING, PLEASE KINDLY INTRODUCE YOURSELF.

I am Tara Jade Fox, an award winning voice artist, TV and film actor, motion capture performer, key- note speaker...aka a hybrid. I grew up in theatre, and instantly fell in love with the vast experiences one can have when acting. At 18, I was told to "grow up and get a real job". So I did-I went medi- cal for a while, leaving acting behind me.

TALK ABOUT HOW YOU GOT STARTED IN THE VOICE OVER INDUSTRY.

Years later, I came across an article about things you can do from home... and lo and behold on that list was voice acting. Well that instantly caught my attention, especially if there was a way I could get back into acting and not have to leave my house to do it! So that obviously sent me into a research spiral on how do I get started and what do I need to have. It honestly felt like coming home.

PLEASE SHARE A MOMENT WHERE YOU FELT YOU WANTED TO BE INSPIRED TO BE A PART OF THE VOICE OVER INDUSTRY.

Anytime I hear a performance that is emotionally gripping or just bubbling with fun energy, I think, gosh-how lucky am I to get to do this for a job!

PLEASE TALK ABOUT THE CHALLENGES YOU FACE IN THIS INDUSTRY AND HOW YOU OVERCOME THE CHALLENGES.

I think as in life, acting isn't linear...meaning it's not take stepping stone A and you get to B then move to C. It's a very curvy, often nonsensical path...and therein lies the beauty...your ability to adapt and go with the flow is everything both in acting and in life and career. Acting is a great way to learn how to be human.

IS THERE ANY PROJECT OR PEOPLE THAT YOU WOULD LIKE TO WORK WITH OR COLLABORATE WITH?

Ohh that's a good question...I would love to play around in the Star Wars universe, but specifically if I could make it happen-I would love for some- one to make a version of Star Wars, an alternate universe of sorts, where Padme stays with Anakin and joins him on the dark side. I think that would be incredible!

PLEASE TALK ABOUT WHAT TYPE OF WORK YOU ARE CURRENTLY FOCUSED ON.

I do lots of different kinds of voice overs- narra- tion, videogames, commercials,etc. On camera work-TV, film, commercials... and some of my favorite things- performance capture or MOCAP. I have even been dabbling in directing! Oh and if I'm not acting, you can probably find me deliver- ing keynote talks.

PLEASE TALK ABOUT WHAT YOU LIKE ABOUT HOLLYWOOD ENTERTAINMENT.

I love that Hollywood has allowed us to live out our dreams on a stage, behind a mic, in a lycra suit, in front of a camera...or wherever the winds take us. It gave us a place to come alive and not just tell fantastic stories, but get to live them. WHAT MAKES A GOOD VOICE ACTOR?

Simple. A good actor. Voice actors are ACTORS... they just happen to use their voice. Just as in any other form of acting- its about the story, the rela- tionships, connection, etc...the voice or the sounds you make are a byproduct of that.

WHAT TYPE OF VOICE OVER WORK DO YOU LIKE TO FOCUS ON, OR DO YOU HAVE SEVERAL TYPES?

I love it all really...everyday is a chance to play. Every script, a new character and experience. Video games have a special place in my heart as you get to play in some of the most wild land- scapes. You can live a thousand lives in a day, love deeply, lose infinitely, get chased by monsters, become the villain you swore you'd never be, and still make it home for dinner.

WHATS A TYPICAL DAY IN THE LIFE OF A VOICE OVER ACTOR?

Everyday is different for me based on booked projects and auditions coming in. But having a morning and night time routine is essential for maintaining health and healthy vocal cords! A few non-negotiables for me are tons of water, tea, protein, supplements, movement, sunshine, and sleep.

A somewhat typical morning involves waking up with tea and water while dancing around the kitchen. Popping open the email to make sure I don't have anything urgent to address- then get- ting some movement in- weights/running/martial arts/etc. High protein smoothie-then hit the day!

WHAT VOICE OVERS DO YOU ADMIRE THE MOST FROM HOLLYWOOD?

So many amazing voice actors out there. The one actor and performance that immediately comes to mind is Sam Witwer as Darth Maul when he is screaming "Kenobi!" It's not just that it was a good scream, it was fantastic, but it was the amount of thought and energy that went into the character he was playing. As seen by Maul's continued fantastic performance. It went way further than skin deep...it's the kind of performance that gives you goosebumps. And that right there is what I love about being an actor, the ability to make people feel.

WHAT DO YOU RECOMMEND FOR ANYONE THAT IS INTERESTED IN VOICE OVER WORK?

Note what kind of voiceover interests you...audio- books, video games, car commercials...whatever it is, study them! Take a voiceover 101 class- lots of studios offer them as a glimpse behind the curtain, see if that actually is something you like or you find out that it's not for you. Either way-it will point you in the right direction.

CAN YOU SHARE ANY EXCITING PROJECTS THAT YOU ARE CURRENTLY WORKING ON NOW?

I am currently working with some on going nar- ration and video game projects, lots of on camera work and performance capture and MOCAP. Something exciting I can speak to more specifical- ly...I am collaborating on bringing more MOCAP to the Colorado area! Which will be amazing- Colo- rado has some fabulously talented actors!

HOW PEOPLE CAN REACH YOU?

My details are all on my website:

www.tarajadefox.com Or you can reach me by email at [email protected]

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10TH FOR ALL THE VIEWERS READ-
  • 10TH
  • FOR ALL THE VIEWERS READ-
  • ING, PLEASE KINDLY INTRO- DUCE YOURSELF.

I am an empathetic and passion- ate voice over actress. I come from Costa Rica, a small and lush tropical country in Latin America. I love using my voice as a crea- tive tool-an essential element for storytelling, connecting with people, and expressing emotions. With over 10 years of experience in voice acting, my goal has b been to approach my work with an integrative vision that fosters both business growth and personal de- velopment. A driving force in my life is to constantly evolve, guided by love and compassion.

OICE ARTS

A WA

I hold a degree in Drama Arts and have trained (and con- tinue to train) with top voiceover coaches like Tina Morasco and Dave Walsh. I perform in English, Spanish, and French, catering to a diverse international audience. My clients include global brands such as Google, VISA, Coca-Cola, Amazon, Nescafé, Toyota, Spec- trum Mobile, and Fancy Feast.

In 2022, I won the prestigious Voice Arts Award (USA) in an English-language category by the Society of Voice Arts and Sciences (SOVAS), one of the highest hon- ors in the industry. In 2021, I re- ceived the Lavat Award (Mexico), a notable accolade in the Latin American voiceover community that celebrates excellence in voice acting and dubbing. I've also earned multiple award nomina- tions in the U.S., Venezuela and Colombia.

I'm deeply committed to my craft. I attend workshops, conferences, and coaching sessions to push my limits and gain fresh perspectives. Building community and fostering belonging in the i the industry is im- portant to me-I thrive on mean- ingful connections. My journey is about holistic growth: innovating, exploring new markets, and con- stantly expanding my horizons while trusting my instincts.

PLEASE SHARE A MOMENT

WHERE YOU FELT INSPIRED TO BE A PART OF THE VOICE OVER INDUSTRY.

For as long as I can remember, acting has always felt like a space

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of freedom, playfulness, and belonging-a place where I felt completely at home. I've always been deeply comfortable in perfor- mance-related environments. I'm particularly drawn to creative teams who view voice acting as an essential storytell- ing element rather than just a production requirement. Whether it's an indie developer crafting a heartfelt game narrative or an international agency producing boundary- pushing content, I thrive when working with people who share that commitment to authentic communication.

of freedom, playfulness, and belonging-a place where I felt completely at home. I've always been deeply comfortable in perfor- mance-related environments.

I'm particularly drawn to creative teams who view voice acting as an essential storytell- ing element rather than just a production requirement. Whether it's an indie developer crafting a heartfelt game narrative or an international agency producing boundary- pushing content, I thrive when working with people who share that commitment to authentic communication.

When I discovered the world of voice acting, it was a revelation-a new way to perform using only my voice. That intimate closeness you feel when speaking into a microphone creates a powerful connection with the listener, as if your words are reaching directly into their heart.

The ideal collaboration for me is one where we collectively push creative boundaries while staying true to the project's core message. I'm always excited to work with directors, producers, and brands who value the nuanced power of voice to connect with audiences on a deeper level.

IS THERE ANY PROJECT OR PEOPLE THAT YOU WOULD LIKE TO WORK WITH OR COLLABORATE WITH?

I'm passionate about expanding my creative horizons across the full spectrum of voice work from helping local entrepreneurs bring their visions to life to collaborating with global brands on large-scale campaigns. What excites me most isn't the size of the project, but the passion behind it.

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WHAT TYPE OF SPECIALTY IN VOICE OVER WORK DO YOU LIKE TO FOCUS ON, OR DO YOU HAVE SEVERAL TYPES?

My voiceover practice encompasses a diverse range of specialties that each bring unique creative satisfaction. Currently, I'm particularly energized by: Commercial & Brand Storytelling: Helping brands craft compelling narratives through television, radio, and digital spots.

Live Event Announcing: Serving as the "Voice of God" for corporate events and high-profile gather- ings, where timing and presence are everything.

Educational Content: Bringing clarity and engage- ment to e-learning modules and instructional materials. Corporate Narration: Giving voice to company vision through explainer videos, training materials, and internal communications. Interactive Systems: Crafting clear, friendly voices for IVR and automated systems that improve user experience. Dubbing: Adapting performances across languages while preserving the original's emotional impact and authenticity.

Documentary Storytelling: Using vocal nuance to enhance powerful non-fiction narratives. Audiobook Narration: The special challenge of maintaining consistency and emotional truth across hours of performance.

What unites all these specialties is my commitment to understanding each project's unique needs and delivering voice work that truly serves the mate- rial - whether that requires technical precision, emotional resonance, or brand-aligned tone.

CAN YOU SHARE ANY EXCITING PROJECTS THAT YOU ARE CURRENTLY WORKING ON NOW?

I can't share details due to the nature of the projects, but I can say there's work coming with international brands and live announcing (Voice of God).

I'll continue working on my personal and profes- sional growth in a comprehensive way, always innovating, entering new markets, and constantly expanding my horizons.

While 2025's full picture is still unfolding, I'm certain it will bring challenging projects that will help me grow as a voice actor. I trust that good things are already on the way: projects that will push me to work in markets I haven't explored yet, to discover new cultures, to explore new genres, and to connect more deeply with this career I'm so passionate about.

IF SOMEONE WANTS TO HIRE YOU FOR ANY VOICE OVER WORK, HOW CAN PEOPLE REACH YOU?

  • Let's create something extraordinary together!
  • Connect with me via:
  • Email: [email protected]
  • Social: @marielabaltodano
  • (IG/FB) | Mariela Baltodano (LinkedIn)
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