Ad plays up comedy between unexpected pairing Uber Unites This recent Uber ad featuring Asa Butterfield (Sex Education) and Robert De Niro as the unlikely yet charming duo makes you feel like anything is possible between two people who share common interests. This is story-telling at its finest and draws you in from Asa's first line "You eat food?" all the way to the end. It's a simple question that evolves into a wonderful friendship between two polar opposite personalities. This is what the world needs - bridging the gap and connection.

Newark New Jersey is the place for trains Subscribe for more trains & such >> When it comes to experiencing the bustling world of rail, few places offer a more stimulating atmosphere than Newark Penn Station. My recent adventure started with an early morning Amtrak ride from New Haven Union in Connecticut. How convenient it is to walk to the station and hop on a train that whisks you to your destination? Stepping off the train and onto the platform, the rush of excitement is immediate. Newark Station is a true convergence point for rail enthusiasts with Amtrak, NJ Transit, and PATH trains all coexisting in a symphony of motion. The sheer variety of locomotives and carriages that pass through here is a sight to see. I’ve had the pleasure of visiting Newark Station many times over the years, especially during my stint living in New York, but I had never quite managed to capture the full scope of the railroading activity here. It’s a place where each visit presents new and exciting opportunities for railfanning. One of the standout features of Newark Station is its stunning architecture. Designed by the same architectural firm behind the original New York Penn Station, this station exudes a timeless elegance that transports you back to the golden age of rail travel. The grandeur of the building is evident in its intricate details, high vaulted ceilings, and majestic pillars, making it a testament to the artistry and craftsmanship of that era. What’s even more remarkable is that Newark Station ranks as the seventh busiest rail station in the United States. The continuous flow of passengers and trains through this station adds to the dynamic energy that envelops the place. I'll be back again soon for sure. Christian is a Voice Actor & Narrator who loves trains, travel, coffee, and all things audio. Follow along ❤️ on Instagram + YouTube

Haunted Mansion TV spot is all things spooky For years, the Haunted Mansion ride at Disney World has been a favorite, sending shivers down the spines of kids and adults alike. But now, with the much-anticipated movie slated for release in July 2024, it’s time to get excited about all things eerie. To give you a taste of what’s in store, check out the trailer spot below. It’s a clever, spooky, and delightfully campy sneak peek that’s sure to stir up childhood memories of the iconic theme park ride. Get ready for a ghostly adventure that promises to be a thrilling journey through the haunted, and perhaps a bit humorous, world of the Haunted Mansion.

The eye and ear candy created by Stagwell and Artist Jon Batiste As a music lover always on the lookout for something fresh, I recently came across an exciting collaboration. Ad agencies Stagwell and Wolfgang joined forces with Grammy-winner Jon Batiste for his latest release. It’s a unique blend of creativity and music that’s worth checking out.

Embracing the Past and Present of Voice in Advertising At 42, I've come to realize my voice carries echoes of a bygone era, more reminiscent of the polished announcers of yesteryears than I care to admit. I've had great success as a casual, relatable, guy-next-door voice for sure, but there's a certain appeal to the golden age of advertising, when every commercial sounded smooth as butter. My fascination with this era might stem from its ability to emphasize vocal qualities that resonated deeply. In contrast, connecting with younger audiences poses a challenge. My social circle doesn't extend to those under 25, and I find myself out of sync with the Gen Z lingo. Transitioning to the present advertising landscape, it's evident that the conventional announcer-driven commercials of the past now seem outdated. Even those of three years ago. Their articulate and professional delivery, while impactful then, may appear distant and formal by today's standards. This style thrived in an era with limited networks and no digital platforms, fostering a simple transactional approach where brands offered solutions to consumer problems. Advertising today thrives on a more relatable and human interaction. The focus has shifted from authoritative monologues to genuine conversations that resonate on a personal level, which, don't get me wrong, I am here for in the long term. However, despite this evolution, I'm inexplicably drawn to the allure of classic performances, even if they feel somewhat grandiose or formal. For me, it's essential to acknowledge that evaluating a commercial from 1985 through the lens of contemporary norms isn't entirely fair. Times have changed, and so have the platforms and channels through which ads reach audiences. The era of the distinguished announcer proclaiming a product's virtues from on high has largely faded, except when used for comedic effect. As a voice actor, I'm at a crossroads. My path forward involves a balancing act: embracing the classics while adapting to the evolving conversational advertising landscape. It's like blending the best of both worlds, creating a sound that hits just right.

Philadelphia's 30th Street Station is a sight Subscribe for more trains & such >> Last year I visited Philadelphia for a mini vacation and was transported to another time when I arrived at 30th Street Station via Amtrak's Keystone Corridor. The station's resemblance to Grand Central Terminal in New York City was astonishing. The towering pillars that seem to touch the railroad heavens are a sight. Designed in the 1930s by Graham, Anderson, Probst, and White, this station is a true masterpiece. Today it serves as a busy hub for Amtrak's Northeast Corridor, Keystone, and Acela trains, as well as SEPTA lines and NJ Transit's Atlantic City Line, connecting travelers to destinations across the East Coast.Unlike Moynihan Train Hall in Penn Station, New York, 30th Street Station seamlessly blends history with modern functionality, ensuring an unforgettable experience for all travelers. Christian is a Voice Actor & Narrator who loves trains, travel, coffee, and all things audio. Follow along ❤️ on Instagram + YouTube

BGB Studios' The Acting Podcast is well worth a listen If you're an performing artist seeking solace from the demands of the entertainment world and finding the ongoing strike challenging, I recommend exploring The Acting Podcast presented by BGB Studio. Steve Braun and Risa Bramon-Garcia offer a wealth of valuable insights into navigating the intricate and ever-changing entertainment landscape amidst genuine difficulties. The podcast features interviews and content that are remarkably on-point, rejuvenating, and highly practical. One remarkable aspect of The Acting Podcast is its inclusivity and compassionate approach—Risa and Steve aren't attempting to push a one-size-fits-all success formula or impose their narratives. Both are contending with their own share of trials in an increasingly competitive industry, and their experiences shine through.

Subscribe for more trains & such >> Welcome aboard the CT Rail Hartford Line from New Haven State Street Station, located just a stone's throw away from Union Station, to its final destination in Springfield, MA. Historically, this route was exclusively frequented by Amtrak Shuttle, Vermonter, and Regional trains. However, with the introduction of CT Rail and an increased Amtrak Shuttle service, this route has transformed into quite a busy line. The Hartford Line offers passengers the advantages of both convenience and flexibility. Notably, Amtrak regional trains and shuttles gladly accept CT Rail tickets, enhancing the travel experience for commuters. It's important to note that, while convenient, CT Rail tickets are not valid on Vermonter trains. Back in 2019, you may remember I embarked on a memorable train ride, venturing from NY Penn Station to Hartford. During this journey, we explored both Amtrak and CT Rail options, which, at that time, had just celebrated their one-year anniversary of service. Christian is a Voice Actor & Narrator who loves trains, travel, coffee, and all things audio. Follow along ❤️ on Instagram + YouTube

CTDOT Orders Alstom Train Cars to Modernize System Exciting news! Governor Ned Lamont just announced plans for 60 new CT rail cars, arriving in 2026. These modern marvels are definitely worth the anticipation. While I'll miss the old diesel trains, it's clear CT is keeping up its competitive edge. Time to enjoy some quality rail fanning before the transformation! 🚄💨

Justina Machado shines in new Amazon series Exciting news for The Horror of Dolores Roach podcast fans: The beloved show is now on Amazon Prime...and it's so good! Justina Machado (Six Feet Under, Dancing with the Stars) shines as Dolores Roach, who, after a wrongful 16-year prison term, navigates life in a rapidly gentrifying Washington Heights. She starts a massage parlor in the basement of an old friend's empanada shop but it takes her down some, shall we say, unexpected paths to survive. The cast, including talents like Judy Reyes, Alejandro Hernandez, and Marc Maron, adds to her incredible performance. Binge this as soon as possible!

Francis Rosselli of Pepe's Pizza interviewed by Vito Iacopelli Meet my Dad, Francis Rosselli, a descendant of Pepe's Pizzeria founders. Yes, that Pepe's of New Haven, CT. Recently, he teamed up with the charismatic YouTuber Vito Iacopelli from Bari, Italy, who not only runs a successful pizzeria of his own but also shares incredible pizza trends and recipes on his popular channel. Watch as they bring the iconic A'Pizza (or AH BEETZ for us Connecticut folks) to life in this unexpected and delightful video!

Why Recording Voice Overs in Train Stations is a Terrible Idea Recording voice over at a train station might seem like a creative idea, but the reality is quite different. The amount of noise would make it nearly impossible to record clean audio. Even with a high-quality microphone and audio equipment, the background noise would likely drown out the speaker's voice. Recording on an actual train may not be much better, as the sound of the moving along the tracks could create unwanted rumbling and vibrations that could interfere with the audio quality. Additionally, there may be other passengers talking or making noise, further contributing to the audio challenges. To make this work, the best option might be to find a quiet location nearby, such as a park or a quiet side street. Alternatively, recording in a soundproof studio or using noise-cancelling technology could also help. This still presents other challenges as well and might not be ideal. Challenges of Being a Voice Actor who Likes Trains As someone who often records trains and does voice over, it can also be tricky to balance filming with other obligations. There are times when I receive audition requests with a very short turnaround that require me to act (and submit mp3s to my agents) quickly. The solution may seem simple: "Just bring your mobile rig with you." However, this is not always practical given the recording environment. The equipment used for capturing actual trains may not necessarily be the best fit for recording voiceovers. And while some microphones are more forgiving, such as the Sennheiser 416, bringing additional items on these trips may not be ideal. Additionally, setting up my equipment on an open platform can be challenging, especially when there is no shelter or canopy available. It might even seem suspicious to bystanders, and it would be uncomfortable to approach a stranger to request their car as my personal studio. In situations like these, time management is key. That's why I prefer to schedule filming early in the day, allowing me adequate time to return home and prepare for any incoming auditions later on. It saves me every time.