VO Career Development

Backstage Virtual Bi-Coastal Showcase


Working with coaches, casting directors and creative professionals has certainly helped propel my career forward in many ways. I highly recommend Backstage's upcoming virtual talent showcase with a handful of fabulous VO professionals, including Jim Kennelly and Sam Ufret of Lotas Productions in NYC.


Whether you're a beginner or an experienced pro, this is a great opportunity to work in front of people who can offer constructive feedback and hire you for potential work down the line...


#castingdirector #voiceover #voice #lotasproductions #backstage #talent #showcase

Voice Spotlight: Julia Knippen

Updated: Apr 10, 2020

Instant Pot ad hitting all the right notes


NYC-based voice Julia Knippen grabs attention in this new Instant Pot Commercial, and I can't stop listening. Her sound is incredible - accessible, fun and inviting - plus? She's got great rhythm and tone, hitting all the right notes for a product I still haven't quite figured out how to use...


Super Bonus

An in-demand voice talent, Julia also owns and operates SoundVine Studios in Manhattan - one of the best places to work from! Book her voice, and her studio. Seriously, you'll love working with this talented phenom.

#juliaknippen #voiceover #commercial #instantpot #soundvine #newyorkvoice

Sounds as Good as it looks

Updated: Apr 10, 2020


Review: Blue Raspberry Condenser Microphone


"Designed to help you sound your best no matter where you are."


I'm no stranger to Blue products. The early days of using a Snowflake for auditions and last minute pick-ups are hard to forget and a recently purchased Yeti Nano sits on my desk waiting to be used. The Blue Baby Bottle is a household name at this point and can be found at agency booths and casting offices around NYC.


Recently, I've been experimenting with the Blue Raspberry Condenser Microphone from Blue Designs as part of my voice over travel rig. While I usually bring a more sophisticated set-up on the road, the Raspberry is compact, hassle-free and delivers impressive studio sound. Not surprising. For years, Blue has been developing cost-effective, high quality products designed specifically with voice talent in mind, however their inventory appeals to a wide range of performers including podcasters, gamers, singers and musicians. While it might be hard to tell from the photos, this little mic is capable of delivering the goods no matter the location. After all, what $200 USB/Lightning mic has an intricate built-in filter? And not just any filter but an IAD (Internal Acoustic Diffuser) that helps "minimize the sound of the room" when you're forced to record at the airport. Well, maybe not ALL the sound.


Here's an audio sample:




But what about room treatment? No sweat. While using it at my parents' house during Thanksgiving, a bed and two pillows sufficed and the IAD worked its magic. In addition, it works with most iOS/Android devices and went directly into my iPhone. Oh, Technology. Bottom line: small usb/lightning microphone, optimum sound and adaptable to many environments. Not to mention, a collapsible stand/mount and suede pouch, making traveling easy and that pretty much seals the deal. If you're on a budget and in the market for a low maintenance, professional digital condenser microphone, this may make your on-the-go recording life a little easier.


Check out the specs below and Get it!




Microphone Specs:


  • USB/Lightning Capabilities

  • Cardioid Polar Pattern

  • IAD - Internal Acoustic Diffuser

  • Up to 24 bit/48K

  • No Latency monitoring

  • Gain up to +40DB

  • Mic stand adapter

  • Collapsible Stand

  • Headphone jack


#audiogear #microphone #blueraspberry #recording #voiceover #mobile



It had me at "Hi"

Updated: Apr 10, 2020


Ear-Catching: Warby Parker's Commercial Voice



Voices are everywhere. There's the voice on the radio, the voice narrating documentaries or the latest ASMR Sensation. Some are pleasant sounding and others are, well, interesting. Nevertheless, in commercial advertising, the human voice is not usually the defining element that makes a campaign successful. VO pros certainly know that by now.


But when it's the right voice - and it works brilliantly every time?


Sometimes a voice just transports you, as it does in this ongoing Warby Parker ad. And because their creative is always spot-on and the message connects with it's audience, it's easy to fall in love with the brand. After all, I'm a happy customer.



#warbyparker #commercial #voiceover #advertising


Photo by Saketh Garuda on Unsplash

Inner Diva Checklist

Updated: Apr 10, 2020

5 times to shut up during a session


One should expect a certain etiquette from talent during a recording session. The type of pro styling that comes when we do our jobs carefully, thoughtfully - purposefully.


Gone are times when "Ernie Anderson-esque" outbursts were acceptable in a workplace environment - though it's hard to understand how they ever were. Vanishing quickly too is the notion that a "great" actor requires the space to be rude, inconsiderate, or higher maintenance than those around him or her. To be truly "great" requires an ability to work well with a creative team, take direction quickly and without feather ruffling.


So with this in mind, I'm working on my own Inner Diva checklist, starting with -


Things to make sure a producer or director never hears during a session:

  1. My too-actual personal life: "Last night I got so hammered..."

  2. Complaints about the script: "Did they have spell check? Basic typing skills?"

  3. Refusing direction: "No, I'm not doing another take for safety. If you don't have it by now..."

  4. The Backout: "Look, maybe you need someone else." ie. I suck. Get someone else. Also - this doesn't seem to be working?

  5. Premature demands prior to recording: "Can I get a copy of the spot once it airs? I need it for my website..."

And yes, things that appear to be self-explanatory upon reflection are all things I have done. We live, learn, and try to get as much growth out of ourselves as possible. What I know is that, as a voice talent in a booth, working with incredible creative teams, it helps to check that inner diva at the door.


More soon...


#voiceover #recording #producer #advertising

Flying Home From L.A.

Updated: Apr 10, 2020

customer service | the brand experience



I don't fly often, but when I do, my airline of choice is Delta. Their customer service, in-flight experience, and general policy towards safety is one-of-a-kind.


{End Script} - but really - this is how commercials actually kick off, right? The essence of the actual customer experience... So Here's mine:


In April, I was on the way to L.A. for some much-anticipated voiceover connection fun. The ride from JFK to LAX was on time and a complete breeze. The trip home was one of THOSE TRIPS. The ones that cause people like me to become the paranoid, anxious travelers we now are.


But as the initial flight (already a late-night one) was delayed over four hours due to maintenance issues, I found myself completely without an urge to complain, rage against the machines, or call anyone's customer service hotline. Why?


Because I watched the captain and crew of our flight remain gracious and accommodating throughout what was probably a pretty rough few hours. The captain kept us updated on the progress of our situation, explaining in detail what was happening to our plane, while the crew served refreshments and opportunities to rebook on other flights. They taxi'd the plane back to a gate and let us de-plane to grab some food while we finished waiting. So, as a person who experiences anxiety on a regular basis, I felt relieved, calmed, and particularly grateful.


To be fair, there were definitely people panicking and being generally hostile as people can be - of course we each have our own, personal "must-get-here" issues, mine included. And I wasn't happy to be stuck in the airport. But I felt calm, and confident that whatever the problem was, it would be fixed and we'd be on our way eventually. Big steps for a travel-freakout guy like me ;)


The whole experience pretty much ended me up in an airport lounge for awhile, thinking about brand experiences in general, and this one with Delta specifically for me.


How a brand delivers on a promise, and what that means for us in marketing, maybe? But that's pretty deep. Simpler, perhaps. That in this case, for this customer, I felt that the campaign Delta was running (and featuring the inimitable Viola Davis, BTW) measured completely up to what it hyped.

Anyway, even airlines & travel aside - the point for me was being reached by an experience that matched an expectation. And it felt great.



#delta #customerservice #travel #voiceover #brand #marketing




The Vanishing Human Voice

Updated: Apr 10, 2020

Live announcers or robots? A train-lover's observation.


If you walk through Penn Station NY today you’ll find yourself at the center of one of the busiest and most chaotic transportation hubs in the world. It serves daily NJ Transit and LIRR (Long Island Rail Road) commuters as well as Amtrak passengers - a daunting group of people to say the least. Adding to the confusing mix is the station's undeniable reputation for being one of the dirtiest, most disorganized spaces, with poor signage, low ceilings and putrid bathrooms - a claustrophobic's worst nightmare.


Fortunately there's some good news on the horizon, as Penn is currently undergoing a major design overhaul, which began last year with Amtrak's Infrastructure Renewal Program. While this plan only includes updating track infrastructure, to be finished sometime next month, the new station (part of a separate project) opens in 2020. On the other side of town, the East Side Access project is underway, with the goal of freeing up congestion at Penn by rerouting LIRR trains to Grand Central Terminal. And one replacement has happened already. In fact - it's happening all over transportation.


If you're traveling via Amtrak, you'll notice a series of new schedule boards hovering over the main concourse. They're bright and pretty with the signature blue and white Amtrak colors. But the live announcements and schedule updates from that woman with a clear, calming voice? She's not really there.


The days of nuanced, confident delivery of my train's arrival and departure times from an actual, human being are gone. Forever, it appears. Goodbye, interesting people announcers; hello, one-note bots!


Perhaps this is what commuters need - a detached monotone delivery of simple facts (departure times, track names, schedule updates) with wafer-thin margins of error. The less confused we all are, the better in this fast-paced world, right? With A.I. taking the universe by storm, this should come as no surprise. Technology evolves.


As voice over artists, it's a vital reality we're forced to deal with every day. While I do miss the cadence of that woman's voice at Penn Station, I also understand that change is necessary and certainly has improved my ability to hear the announcements. The same could be said of any industry experiencing major technological advancements.


The questions for my industry remain:

  • Not WILL our voices be replaced by robots - But WHEN?

  • How will we prepare for this eventuality, and what will my place in this industry be...?

#AI #Bots #announcers #voiceover #technology #transit #transportation

Photo by h heyerlein on Unsplash

Conversational Value

Updated: Apr 10, 2020

Trends to Takeaways





When I first began my career, the conversational trend was just beginning to trend. As a guy without that "big booming announcer" voice, I was excited that nationally-advertised products were requiring less of an over-the-top sound, and developing into a more genuine connection with consumers. People weren't looking for a cheesy voice anymore, and while that style still had its place within certain markets, the general consensus became focused on nuance and understatement. As brands became ever more engaged, they realized that audiences demanded transparency; a great ad spoke directly to people instead of at them.


Because of this trend and its impact, my own voice found its position, and I've been able to parlay the "conversational" style into career success. Today, as the trend morphs into the standard, and conversational-type voices saturate the playing field, standing out can be tricky. Still, it's the consideration of "conversational" that matters, and breaking it down remains less about trends and more about what started the trend in the first place. The brass tacks of conversational itself.


When working with voice talent, conversational is more than just talking to a friend at a bar. It's more than applying a smile to your read. It's more than "having fun with it" or "being laid back." The truly conversational voice over is engaged with the subject matter as it relates to others. It speaks to someone in a way the ad agency or producer hasn't expected, because it is genuinely how you would connect! It involves being human.


And isn't this the true beauty of working in commercial entertainment?


Booth director & acting coach Hugh P Klitze makes the case for a more "refined" and "real" read, claiming:

"It’s a read connected to the emotions underneath the copy. It’s a non-sell. It’s letting the words work for you. All the stuff that makes a great commercial read great. Just more subtle and unique than ever. "

TAKEAWAYS

  • Be genuine.

  • Bring yourself to the read.

  • Engage with the brand's audience.

  • Be unexpectedly YOU!


Below: an example of the conversational read in an online spot for Intel. Produced by Space Junk Media.



#conversational #voiceover #voicetalent #nyc #commercialvoiceover



Getting Down With AARP

In 30 seconds, an otherwise complex situation becomes a little less of a headache.


Effective advertising will do wonders for the minds of consumers, especially when it comes to healthcare, a complex issue in this era.  Nothing to worry about with a sense of humor, right?  It all depends on who's producing it.  Solid writing and creative brain power can identify a problem and entice people with a solution.    As is the case with UnitedHealthcare, a brand I've had the pleasure of voicing for these last few years.  It was once again an honor to be part of these new AARP spots produced by LeoBurnett.


#AARP #Commercial #Medicare #healthcare #voiceover #TV


See for yourself!


Funny Commercials Are At It Again

national commercial campaign for UnitedHealthcare featuring Chuck Norris


With 2017 well on its way, the Super Bowl and Oscars come and gone, and some interesting times in general, it's important to focus on our work.  I am honored to be voicing a brand new (and, yes, funny) national commercial campaign for UnitedHealthcare once again.  The ad has been well-received by industry professionals as well as friends and family.  It even made Adweek's recent "10 Most Watched Ads On YouTube In January" (see above link) which proves that Healthcare is still a laughing matter for some.  Leo Burnett Chicago was again the key creative behind this gem.  The best part of it all? Getting to (sort of) meet Chuck Norris.


Hope you enjoy!


Nudd, Tim.  10 Most Watched Ads On YouTube in January. Adweek. Web. 10 Feb 2017. 27 Feb

#Commercial #TV #ChuckNorris #UnitedHealthcare #Voiceover



Optimum Sound Arrives

Reviewing the custom vocal booth for solid voice over recording


I wouldn't exactly call myself a techie or an audio junkie but I do know quality when I hear it.  Optimum sound exists.  Several months ago I upgraded my home studio with a custom vocal booth from QC Acoustics, a company in California.  As I had been wanting to do this for a while, you can imagine the huge sigh of relief as we finished assembling this booth and setting up all the equipment.   Finally, after years of make-shift isolation booths, my very own whisper room had arrived.  That potentially meant the following:


No low rumble from city subways or trucks


No screaming children playing ball in the streets


No thundering jet engine during take-off or landing


Bye bye ice-cream truck!


The results?  


Absolute perfection and all of the above no longer an issue.  I can now audition and record without having to worry about any distracting outside noises that would break my concentration.  By the way, this is the dream of a NYC voice over artist.


What does that mean for you, the buyer?


Relief, confidence, and assurance, knowing that not only did you hire the right voice but that you will also be getting a professional sounding product as well.


Hear for yourself.


#audio #homestudio #review #vocalbooth #voiceover


The Other Benefits Of Petroleum

When the pump takes care of you


In our modern, clean-energy conscious world, oil companies evoke images of spills, pollution and even disaster.  Who knew that with some good branding, clever ideas and the voice of a guy named Miles (!) a petrol company could make us look at this whole thing with just a little bit of an open mind and see the actual benefits.


In the case of BP and their new interactive gas pump/photo booth/music streaming device (see included Adweek link) they've already done good by some vehicle owners.   Yep, that's right.  When it comes to advertising their products, BP is encouraging a friendly and fun vibe with its service.  And we know how much image means, don't we? After all, with this good an experience at the pump, you may just want to stay forever.  I should know - I played a customer once on the radio.


(Word of advice: Just don't stay too long and piss off the person behind you.)


Heine, Christopher.  BP's New Gas Pump Engages Customers with Music, a Photo Booth and Trivia. Adweek. Web. 15 Nov 2016. 16 Nov 2016.


#BP #Digital #Advertising #Streaming #Music #Voiceover #adweek






Rocky Voice Over Recording Session

Piece from Adweek shows the Humor in Moments of Chaos


Recording voiceover is not always a picnic.  Sometimes it's a breeze and other times, a complete disaster.  Nine times out of ten though, the commercial is recorded and produced and, in the end, people do actually get what they want from each other.  Well, we hope.  As voice talents, a chaotic recording session is our worst nightmare and we try to avoid it at all costs.  We never intend to make things difficult and do love it when our clients are happy.  Moreover, getting the job is what matters most as we are usually extremely grateful for the opportunity.  A recent video that appeared in Adweek the other week took the cake and made us all laugh hysterically, proving that, in those moments of chaos and disorder, humor really shines through.


What I love about this particular video is the lengths to which these writers go in making their point.   In addition, they never sacrifice credibility for the sake of comedy.  All of what occurs in the video is quite accurate.  Personally, I can't ever think of a time when this happened to me but I do know the psychological and technical ramifications of keeping your phone on during the recording session.  Some voice talent realize that keeping your phone on can cause unwanted static or feedback during the recording, even if the ringer or notification sounds are turned off.  This particular voice talent does a considerably good job, given that the recording is already off to a bumpy beginning, what with the creatives already not inspiring much confidence in their abilities.  We do our best to buckle down and try to read people's minds.


Rudd, Tim.  Watch The Voiceover For An Ice Cream Ad Go Horrendously Comically Wrong. Adweek. Web. 22 Aug 2016. 28 Aug 2016.


#voiceover #recordingsession #funny #Adweek #advertising #directing





Mobile Recording Adventures


My Studio on Wheels




Back in June, while visiting my native Connecticut for a doctor's appointment, I had the rare opportunity to audition from inside a very hot car.  This was my first mobile recording adventure on wheels - my initial experience recording inside a car, as I'm normally in the city and use the subway for transportation.  But after my appointment, a few projects arrived in my inbox with important deadlines.  I figured: why not test out my current set-up.  The video above showcases the recording rig, though not the actual recording in process.  I know - I'm such a tease!


While mobile recording for voice over is common in our industry, this particular set-up is different.  I normally record in a closet or somewhere extra cozy and confined.  However, the vehicle acoustics here, while not the greatest, did produce very acceptable results.

Unfortunately, I can't post the audition out of respect to my agents and the client.


Sitting comfortably in the driver's seat, I'm equipped with a microphone resting on top of a steering wheel.  Without my usual trusty pop filter, I am far enough away that I don't have to worry about and popped p's or hard consonants distorting the audio.

Thanks for watching! And if you have any questions, please let me know!


#recording #audio #auditioning #voiceover #mobile




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