JMC Voiceover Source Connect
jmichael@jmcvoiceover.com
202-738-1151
  • Home
  • My Demos
    • Commercial
    • Crisis Commercials
    • Medical
    • eLearning
    • Corporate
    • Automotive
    • TV Promo
    • TV Narration
    • Radio Imaging
    • Telephony
    • Political
  • Recent Work
  • Demo Production
    • Demo Production
    • Demo Production Guide
    • Commercial
    • Medical
    • eLearning
    • Corporate
    • Automotive
    • TV Promo
    • TV Narration
    • Radio Imaging
    • Telephony
    • Political
  • Coaching
    • Coaching
    • Voiceover Coaching Guide
  • Photo Gallery
  • Success Club
  • Podcast
  • Events
    • Euro Vo Retreat
    • VO Atlanta
    • One Voice Conference USA
  • Public Speaker Training
    • Public Speaker Training
    • Public Speaking Coach
  • Giving Back
  • Blog
  • Contact

post COVID voiceover

Where Things Stand: Part 2, The Voiceover Industry in the Year of COVID

by J. Michael Collins

meme-for-post-pandemic-voice-over

A few weeks ago we heard from some of the leading minds on how their areas of the voiceover industry have fared during this difficult year for the world. Today, this blog series concludes with insights from a new set of VO movers and shakers, including power agent Portia Scott of the Coast to Coast Talent Group, TV Narration star Thom Pinto, and talent manager/branding expert Celia Siegel.

portia-scott-voice-talent

Portia Scott is currently The Director of Voiceover at Coast to Coast Talent Group. She runs the division with a great staff representing adult and youth talent in all areas of voiceover. Portia’s clients have booked hundreds of broadcast TV & Radio Commercials and several National Campaigns
such as Wells Fargo, Wendy’s, and T-Mobile to name a few. Her talent can been found as series regulars on Disney TV Animation, Nickelodeon, Cartoon Network, Dreamworks TV and Feature Animation, and a plethora of Animated Feature Films.

JMC:  How has the pandemic impacted talent agents? 

PORTIA: The pandemic has impacted talent agents to mostly work from home with all of the tools from the office set-up at home.

Thus, actors need to have their home studio set up with all of the details available to their agent, so the agents can submit to the buyers as needed, a spreadsheet of talent home studio set-up equipment, etc.
Agents’ workload has doubled at home, in some cases without assistance, as many assistants and booth directors have been furloughed, so the actors must be prepared with their skill set, home studio, and ability to record not just the audition but record the job in their home studio with broadcast quality.JMC: What is the current state of play?PORTIA: Current state of play is being available and well-tuned for the opportunities that are coming forth and staying relevant and contemporary in this climate. There are limited studio openings that are SAG AFTRA COVID 19 approved, so when sending talent to record outside of their home studio this is a requirement to protect everyone’s safety.JMC:  What can talent be doing right now to prepare themselves for the post-pandemic voiceover industry?PORTIA: Ways to stay relevant and prepared in this post-pandemic voiceover world; first please don’t wait for auditions to work out your

craft and skill set, keep training, and workout daily. Your craft is a muscle and must stay exercised, get into workout groups, classes etc, if finance is an issue don’t let that stop you, grab a couple of VO friends and set-up your own workout on zoom, read material and give constructive criticism. Make sure you have source connect or a software that allows you to record your jobs from home, this is essential. Make sure your equipment is as competitive as you can afford. We are now in a place where the quality of your audio is as important as your acting. Watch as much content as you can,i.e. commercials, video games, animation TV & feature so you can stay relevant on-trend.

JMC:  What long term changes can we expect in the way agencies operate as a result of the current crisis?

PORTIA: Long term in which agencies will be working as a result of the crisis, may differ based on a multitude of reasons. However, I think the common denominator will be able to service the buyers with solid talent who can produce content from their home studio. I suppose at some point there should be an additional fee paid to talent for their home studio engineering…
Thom Pinto’s busy career as a documentary and reality series narrator spans more
than two decades. He’s currently heard on “Charles Manson” for the History
Channel, “The Twilight Zone” for CBS All Access, “Crazy Monsters” for Smithsonian,
and the upcoming nature documentary “America’s Arctic”. He has been coaching
working talent across the country, with his primary focus in the last decade being
the world of TV narration.JMC:  How has the pandemic impacted the TV Narration marketplace?THOM: COVID-19 has brought about a reduction in TV narration auditions, as well as
putting a couple of series of mine on hold. Nature documentaries seem to be
immune to this, since usually, no people are on-camera, and videographers film in
sparsely populated areas. Also, I have voiced a few demo “pitches”, as companies
are trying to stay active creatively, to connect with networks. Docu-series which use
“re-creation” actors are on hold mostly at this point, as well as many reality series.

JMC:  What can talent be doing right now to prepare themselves for the post-pandemic voiceover industry?

THOM: I’m finding that ambitious voice actors are updating their websites, tracking new
demos, and connecting with coaches via Zoom- both privately and for group classes.
Not only do I encourage this type of work ethic, but talent are expressing how much
of a psychological lift they are experiencing by connecting with their colleagues.
With most of us hunkered down right now, such activities are a win-win. I would
advise narrators the same thing that my commercial director coaches are saying:
Careful of falling into the tender, compassionate Covid-19 delivery on every project.

JMC:  What long term changes can we expect in the way agencies operate as a result of the current crisis?

THOM: As far as long-term effects, I can’t imagine drastic changes in TV narration or
documentary work. However, my daughter, who is a theatrical casting assistant
says costs of shoots are going up due to safety precautions necessary. One docu-
series producer indicated that he’s playing around with developing a show that
would involve just the narrator, experts from their homes, and archival footage for
the project. He indicated we are all getting accustomed to interviews being done
from someone’s den with poor acoustics, and mediocre mic levels. So, is this going
to be the new norm? Let me gaze into my crystal ball…

Celia Siegel is a brand-builder, manager and success strategist for voiceover talent worldwide.

JMC:  How has the pandemic impacted branding strategy? What is the current state of play?

CELIA: The pandemic has sped up innovation and taken us to places that seemed impossible just six months ago. That is certainly true for brand strategy. And with this rapid change comes opportunities. Now (just as in every other economic downturn and time of fear in the world) is the time to double down on your brand strategy and on connecting with your target audience.

People crave empathy, transparency, and connection. It is no longer about you and your reps but about you as an individual. This is your moment to connect.

Your brand has always been about you and how you are different from your competition, and what you can do for the buyer. In this uncertain post-COVID-19 world, double down on how you can be of service and you will be golden. What do you have with your awesome home studio, your impeccable responsiveness and your unique talent can be a game changer.

Voiceover trends are like a rollercoaster right now whiplashing from trust and empathy back to optimism and upbeat vibes. Keep it real and highlight your authentic self and you will be able to connect with the zeitgeist of our ever-changing world. Your written and visual brand needs to showcase how you can rock someone’s world and connect as a human.

If you can do one thing with your brand, humanize it. You are a human voice so this does not need to be hard! In the COVID-19 era, we have to put our best foot forward. There is no time for asking for people to figure you out. A concise brand that tells them who you are and how you can help them will see them — and you — through all the ups and downs.

JMC: What can talent do right now to prepare themselves for the post-pandemic voiceover industry?

CELIA: Quite simply, this is the time to build your business. Positioning your brand will help you not only weather the crisis but thrive. Take care of yourself, your brand, and your business plan. Forge relationships and be of service. Button up all aspects of your business. The vo world is competitive, and the way to stand out is to build your brand and your business in a way that lets others know you are solving problems and sharing your passion. Avoid the temptation of hopping on the latest bandwagon — the trends are changing so quickly that you will just get run over. Instead, dig in to what makes you the one and only you. It’s all about you as a real person. Since you are your product, you can’t go wrong with that.

JMC: What long-term changes can we expect in talent branding and the industry in general as a result of the current crisis?

CELIA: I have always been and will always be a silver-lining seeker. But even if you’re a bright-sider like me, there’s no denying that pandemic is serving up plenty of rough patches and taking a toll. I’ve seen this before, and I have good news based on my experience navigating many changes and ups and downs. When I look into my crystal ball, I see our industry pivot and grow stronger than ever. One of the biggest changes that’s already in motion is the global acceptance of and need for home studios. This change levels the playing field — making vo talent in major hubs just as accessible and relevant as those in far-flung places.

Branding-wise, you need to include your technology in your brand story and answer the call to connect more human to human. From here on out, your brand story is paramount to your success. Do not be afraid to avoid the safe middle and create a brand that tells your story and shows your passion. That is how you will not only survive post-pandemic but also thrive by driving your career to the highest level. Tell your story and connect.

Filed Under: Blog, Voiceover Industry Tagged With: post COVID voiceover

Primary Sidebar

Archives

Subscribe

"*" indicates required fields

Receive News & Updates
This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

RECENT TWEETS

@jmcvoiceover

March 29th 2023 02:03:31

Breakfast. Vegas style. https://t.co/NismlGEQug

@jmcvoiceover

March 29th 2023 04:03:48

What an awesome night!

Thank you to my Celia Siegel Management team for helping me book the winning spot!

Now off… https://t.co/uIqOkSJAwp

@jmcvoiceover

March 29th 2023 02:03:38

Well, that doesn’t suck.

And congratulations to my co-winner Soraya Butler!!! https://t.co/XQ0gTBUn22

@jmcvoiceover

March 29th 2023 02:03:22

@KeaversVoice You won!

@jmcvoiceover

March 29th 2023 01:03:18

Time for the Reed Awards for political media. Thrilled to be nominated with my colleagues from Celia Siegel Managem… https://t.co/SjehF6wYd8

@jmcvoiceover

March 29th 2023 12:03:44

RT @academiaavoz: J Michael Collins @jmcvoiceover en A Voz Academia
#Locución #VoiceOver #actordedoblaje #actrizdedoblaje #doblaje #inteli…

@jmcvoiceover

March 28th 2023 11:03:30

The Weird Little Car came to Las Vegas, and the waiter cut off half of Tre Mosley and Mike Hathcote’s heads, but th… https://t.co/fHVs2vXyYE

@jmcvoiceover

March 27th 2023 10:03:58

@WhatHeSaidVO @DustinEbaugh I wish I could but I have to get caught up on work tonight, workshop tomorrow, Reed Awa… https://t.co/Nsx7naL09X

@jmcvoiceover

March 27th 2023 05:03:31

No rest for the wicked.

Our illustrious CEO Anna is heading home, but I’m off to Las Vegas to see what these knuc… https://t.co/dbwxIczO9o

@jmcvoiceover

March 27th 2023 05:03:10

@CherieBTay @CarinGilfry Great job!!! Wouldn’t want to go against you in an audition!

@jmcvoiceover

March 27th 2023 03:03:49

Goofy, Donald Duck, and a lobster walk into bar…. https://t.co/pSu4ce2rSI

@jmcvoiceover

March 27th 2023 01:03:16

You talkin’ to us?

The Bad Boys of VO, 2023 Edition.

And fried lobster.

VO Atlanta. Out. https://t.co/Qx4jqC1F4g

@jmcvoiceover

March 26th 2023 07:03:13

This is what community looks like.
It might seem weird to some to see owners of what you could think of as competin… https://t.co/lQoTyl2jdD

@jmcvoiceover

March 26th 2023 07:03:36

RT @markwaynevoice: My friends - voice coach ⁦@HearBradHyland⁩ (left) and demos producer/⁦@VOATLANTA⁩ #2 (whose wife, Anna, is #1, right) ⁦…

@jmcvoiceover

March 25th 2023 10:03:21

What time is it? Champagne thirty at VO Atlanta, because this is how we roll in the A-T-L! https://t.co/YlHaFQWbrg

@jmcvoiceover

March 25th 2023 01:03:53

They kidnapped me, I swear! https://t.co/lWkFtTQ3Gb

@jmcvoiceover

March 24th 2023 07:03:30

Well, we wish we didn’t have to, but we are literally out of places to put chairs, so with the exception of X-sessi… https://t.co/55je9PATYh

@jmcvoiceover

March 24th 2023 10:03:28

Looking forward to thanking these incredible talent for their service both to our country and our industry! https://t.co/L7bKk2ZQmZ

@jmcvoiceover

March 24th 2023 03:03:55

I am so proud of this beautiful woman right here who brought the absolute house down in the standing-room-only open… https://t.co/iGPnYUt7Zd

@jmcvoiceover

March 24th 2023 01:03:08

RT @RayColeIII: Just finished @MarcScott x session at #voatlanta2023, I now feel much more confident about sending marketing emails. You r…

@jmcvoiceover

March 24th 2023 01:03:02

RT @ustalent_: @BevStanding @VOATLANTA
VO ATLANTA 🎙️@ustalent_
#voatlanta #voatlanta2023 #atlanta #ustalent #vo #voiceover #voiceacting #…

@jmcvoiceover

March 24th 2023 01:03:45

RT @MarcScott: Day one of @VOATLANTA delivers. Anna and JMC know how to put on a memorable event!

#voatlanta

@jmcvoiceover

March 24th 2023 01:03:31

RT @AllAgesofGeek: How fun! @diana_kennedy is covering @VOATLANTA this year! ✨🎙️ https://t.co/tPOBO2mRXw

@jmcvoiceover

March 24th 2023 01:03:26

RT @_buf: First day at @VOATLANTA

The @CloseCredits signage looking good! https://t.co/ngyVGoqFY3

@jmcvoiceover

March 23rd 2023 08:03:24

VO Atlanta Keynote Debra Wilson is in the house!!! https://t.co/QegqgVcLx7

@jmcvoiceover

March 23rd 2023 04:03:32

@robvo @VOATLANTA Maaaaaaybe

@jmcvoiceover

March 23rd 2023 04:03:58

A little pre-conference nuttiness. See you tomorrow VO Atlanta peeps! https://t.co/ujzqaYOnJD

@jmcvoiceover

March 22nd 2023 06:03:59

Might as well inaugurate the step and repeat with Gene Lupo! https://t.co/fBE3oiqSfR

@jmcvoiceover

March 22nd 2023 02:03:27

The arrivals begin!

Heard God talking, turned around and found Maurice Scott! https://t.co/eldnftYCUC

@jmcvoiceover

March 22nd 2023 01:03:54

The unpacking begins… https://t.co/IiN6fZU6SD

@jmcvoiceover

March 21st 2023 01:03:51

The Kitten dominated game one, but what would happen in game two?

Tonight, on an all new Duckpin VO! https://t.co/all44OoUfT

@jmcvoiceover

March 19th 2023 12:03:37

@DanielButtreyVO A call for entries is put out a few months in advance. Anyone may submit, and uniquely in the indu… https://t.co/HNUG9OgSQb

@jmcvoiceover

March 18th 2023 03:03:53

@DanielButtreyVO Cheese, fruit, half a snickers, a muffin and a cookie. 😝

CONTACT
202-738-1151
jmichael@jmcvoiceover.com
  • Home
  • My Demos
  • Recent Work
  • Demo Production
  • Coaching
  • Photo Gallery
  • Success Club
  • Podcast
  • Events
  • Public Speaker Training
  • Giving Back
  • Blog
  • Contact

Privacy Policy
©2023 J. Michael Collins // Voice Over Site by Voice Actor Websites