Stronger Together: An Industry Like No Other

Voiceover industry events always have a way of leaving me in a state of reflection, combined with the buzz of seeing near and dear colleagues and friends. This year’s NAVA Gala, the 3rd iteration of the only occasion in the business dedicated purely to charity, not profit, was no exception.

As always, it was a night of camaraderie, togetherness, and determination to rise in the face of all challenges. Heroes of the business were recognized, bad actors put on notice, and tens of thousands of dollars were raised to help NAVA fight the good fight against insidious techbros and industry scammers.

All of these things, of course, were expected. They have become part and parcel of this event that now dominates the fall part of the VO calendar.

One takeaway that was new for me, however, is something that has been true for a long time, but which I’ve never quite put my finger on until now. There’s something unique about the voice over – voice acting business, and it’s not the usual pablum about how we lift each other up or are more familial than most parts of the entertainment industry…..true as that may be.

No, the thing that struck me rather suddenly after the event is something that crosses all events and many other forums in this business, and which is quite unique: We are an industry where leaders rise from the bottom up, and where labor controls the conversation.

As I watched every major agency and casting player in LA, many from out of town, managers, directors, luminaries and other powerful people circulate throughout the night, what dawned on me is that whatever event or platform we look at, from NAVA to VO Atlanta, to the One Voice Conferences, to MAVO, to Facebook groups and other online forums, it’s the talent leading the conversation and setting the rules of the game. Whether through formal organizations like SAG – AFTRA, WoVO, NAVA and its affiliates, and other advocacy groups, or initiatives like Building Doors, Project Be Brave, industry diversity organizations, conferences, or social media, our industry is led from its ranks, not from above.

Over the years, various players have tried to “take over the voiceover world.” Private equity and big finance thought they could commoditize us all through online platforms. Silicon Valley thinks that they can do one better and replace us with soulless robots. But just as they have failed before, they will fail again. And they will do so for one reason: In this business, WE make the rules.

Collectively, together, we unite and fight and scratch and claw until anyone who attacks our way of life retreats licking their wounds and regrets trying. We’re protective of each other, our agents, our friends on the other side of the glass, and the entire ecosystem that makes it possible to make a living in a way so many dream of. Leaders rise from the ranks, instead of being imposed on us by big business. And we hold each other accountable, while respecting the game.

How many other industries can say the same? How many societies, for that matter?

I do get a bit reflective, even prosaic after these events. But how blessed are we to inhabit such a rare world?

And how fortunate will we all be to meet the next group of thought leaders and change makers who are rising through the ranks as we speak?

I for one, am eager to see what the future of VO holds, because together, we are unstoppable.