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Voices Behind the Vision: An Interview with Jay Myers

Introduction

What genres of voiceover (VO) do you work in?

I work quite frequently in Commercials, Radio/Streaming, and audiobooks, though I work in just about every discipline.

Why do you love being part of VO4TP? What motivated you to join VO4TP?

Voiceover can be a solitary endeavor, and being part of a group of talented and like-minded folks working towards a common goal/cause is incredibly rewarding.

What are 3 words your best friend would use to describe you?

Responsible, Easy-Going, Supportive

voices behind the vision with Jay Myers voiceover actor

Additional Work Insights

What aspects of your job bring you the most joy?

Telling varied and personal stories.

Connecting people and ideas to each other

Learning new things all the time.

How did you get started as a voice actor? 

I’ve been an actor all my life, and I graduated from NYU’s MFA Acting Program in the fateful spring of 2020. Like many others, covid killed theater, film, and the entertainment industry at large for a while. But you know what’s “covid proof”? Voiceover. So, with a fresh Master’s Degree and no job prospects, I used money from a canceled flight to buy my first microphone and dove in head first. Four years later, I’ve paid off my student loans, garnered a handful of awards/nominations, and I’m a full time voiceover artist.

If you hadn’t pursued voice acting, what career path might you have explored instead?

I’ve always had a dream of opening a restaurant or cafe somewhere–probably in the Pacific Northwest. Like many actors, I’ve worked in restaurants and hospitality…a lot, and I’ve loved it! Food and service can be a direct reflection of love for someone else, and that’s hard to beat when you’re a part of it.

The Business Side

How do you manage your schedule and prioritize projects?

There are many ways I do this, but the big secret? I have an awesome (and stylish) dry erase board that sits on my desk where I keep note of all impending projects. Not only is it super satisfying to cross things off, but it also makes rearranging things tangible and easy based on my schedule, priority, and most importantly a client’s needs and deadlines.

In what ways has being a part of VO4TP challenged or changed your day to day business?

Having a community that works together to build each other up and offer support or help when needed is invaluable. Doing everything by yourself is hard, and you don’t have to!

What is it like working in a collaborative group like VO4TP?

Hey, sometimes you just need a hug, and having folks surrounding and supporting each other who know exactly what your world is like and how it feels (the highs and lows), is invaluable.

Environmentalism

Which organizations are you most passionate about giving to with your time and money?

The Planet Impact Fund: 

Out of the hundreds of amazing sustainable organizations out there I couldn’t pick just one to support, and so The Planet Impact Fund was a great way to contribute to many at once.

Prospect Park Alliance: 

One of my favorite places on the planet–Prospect Park. A green enclave in the heart of Brooklyn where in a short 30 minute walk you can find yourself alone with nothing but trees and sky, hear three or four different languages, see a hawk, a swan, a baby turtle, and (of course) several pups. The Prospect Park Alliance helps ensure that magic and this place are preserved and protected for everyone, indefinitely.

The Trevor Project: 

The planet is important, and so are the people on it. Most of my friends and family have been lucky enough to have unconditional support from their homes and communities. That love and support should be available to everyone, everywhere. The Trevor Project helps to make that a reality.

Any great tips on being sustainable in your work and/or life?

Buy less, buy used. Think you need something? Cool! Write it down, wait a couple days, and if you still need it go for it.

How do you stay informed/inspired/educated about environmental issues? Got any great resources you want to share?

1% for the Planet has awesome newsletters and updates. Scanning those and checking out the companies and businesses who are members of the organization does a good job of keeping me up to speed on what people are doing, supporting, and talking about within and about the environment and sustainability.

For Fun

If you could have any animal as a pet (real or mythical), what would it be and why?

Liz, the cat. It might be sappy, but she’s pretty tough to beat as is. (Honorable mention, hippogriff. Harry makes it look pretty fun.)

What is the most adventurous activity you have ever done, and how did it change your perspective?

One sunny morning in May back in 2015, an Italian man, my wife and I were staying with at the foot of the Dolomite Mountains told us, “you must go up the mountain.”. He pulled an oversized map from a cupboard, and traced his finger along some lines. Then he ushered us out the door and we set off on two rusty bikes towards a trailhead where we clomped into the wilderness with nothing but a dirt path and about as much information and guidance as you have now to find our way there and back again. We did, and we still reminisce about it nearly ten years later.

Imagine you’re creating a playlist for a road trip through the world’s most beautiful landscape. First, where would you be, and second, what would be the first song on your playlist?

All up and down the West Coast, but mostly in the PNW, jamming out to anything with a good bassline–preferably a funky one. The Gorillaz and Dua Lipa pop to mind. (Dance the Night from the Barbie Movie is quickly becoming a trusted standby.)

 

Learn more about Jay Myers.

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We are Voice Over for the Planet and this is our story… so far

by  DIANA HOLGUIN

We are Voice Over for the Planet – a small (for the moment) collective of voice actors who want to put more good out into the world through impactful storytelling. Many of us, founders and members alike, came to voice over after having had careers in various fields. Teaching, midwifery, nursing, culinary arts, to name a few. So we have a lot of wisdom and skills to draw from but we also left room for growth and improvement because all living things do that as they seek sunlight, water, and all that which makes organisms thrive. And, well, we did just that. We’ve evolved a little bit to settle more comfortably and confidently into our mission and be better equipped to deliver on what motivated us in the first place – to put more good out into the world, for the planet and its inhabitants.

In the beginning, our intention was to work almost exclusively with 1% for the Planet members, both environmental and business partners. We began our marketing, reaching out to several organizations and offering them our voiceover services to help uplift their message and thus reach a wider audience. We soon discovered though that many organizations, particularly smaller non-profits or small businesses, just didn’t have the budget to hire voice over professionals. So what were we to do?

We reached out to a marketing consultant who looked at what we were doing and gave us their honest feedback. And what we heard was that we weren’t so special. Well, we are, but our value proposition? Not so much. Yes, we are professional, full-time voice actors. We speak multiple languages, offer a lot of range and versatility in our craft, and are a fun and reliable bunch to work with, 100%. But there are a lot of us voice actors out there who do exactly that. And the fact that we donate 1% of our revenue to environmental partners via 1% for the Planet? Well, that’s cool but many organizations donate money independently so while it could be a cute added value to some, it wasn’t necessarily a knock-your-socks-off proposition. 

This marketing meeting was the moment in time when evolution occurred and we decided to restructure our collective’s workings. We’ve since adopted a buy one, give one model through which our paying clients provide us with the opportunity to offer our voiceover services to non-profits, eco-startups, and other such organizations with smaller budgets for a project similar in scope.

Let’s break it down so you can see how the cycle works. Most recently one of our talented voices booked a paying job at standard rates for Medtronics. That job allowed us to provide Friends of Bonobos with a voiceover by Ally Murphy that absolutely brought their video to life for use at an awards ceremony in Sweden. Once one or both of these projects are available to be shared, all of us involved will be able to share with the world the good that Friends of Bonobos does, the talent that we provide, and the opportunity that companies have when they choose to work with us.

So this is what we do at Voice Over for the Planet. Our wish is that we can work together with all kinds of companies who have a strong sense of purpose and passion for the environment and social justice so that we can then amplify the voices of the nonprofits and eco startups who are doing such important work and could really benefit from having a professional voice over added to their new or existing multimedia projects. Will you join us? Contact us to learn how we can work together for a better world. 

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Case Study: Voice Over Collaboration for Conservation with People Productions & Friends of Bonobos

Voice Over for the Planet exists to amplify the stories of changemakers whose purpose is to help the planet and all who inhabit it. We use the powerful Buy One, Give One model, in which every paid project funds a pro-bono voiceover of similar scope for an environmental organization or startup. Today we’d like to share the following case study of a successful voiceover collaboration between People Productions and Friends of Bonobos.

Partnering with People Productions

People Productions hired VO4TP to narrate a video for one of their clients.  Their contribution enabled us to donate our voiceover services to Friends of Bonobos through our buy one, give one model. This partnership showcases how impactful our voiceover collaborations can be in amplifying stories that matter.

“Diversity and equity are important to us at People Productions. Working with Voice Voice Over For The Planet is an easy decision. They have great talent, service is strong, and our work also supports worthwhile organizations, which aligns with our values and initiatives. This model allows us to make a tangible social impact while delivering for our clients. It’s a win-win, and we’re proud to be a part of it.” Don Poe, CEO – People Productions

Friends of Bonobos: A Vital Mission

Friends of Bonobos is dedicated to protecting bonobos, one of our closest relatives, through rehabilitation and conservation efforts. They asked us to narrate a short video for an awards ceremony hosted by The Perfect World Foundation, telling the story of Esake, an orphaned bonobo rescued and rehabilitated at the Lola ya Bonobo Sanctuary in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. It highlights the urgent need for conservation efforts, reaching a global audience of potential donors unfamiliar with bonobos and their plight.

Ally Murphy’s Warmth and Expertise

Ally Murphy, one of our talented members, brought incredible warmth and emotional depth to the narration for Friends of Bonobos. Her performance perfectly captured the poignant story of Esake and helped bring the conservation message to life. The success of this project wouldn’t have been possible without Ally’s contribution, and her ability to connect with the story and audience alike was remarkable.

“We were absolutely thrilled with the narration created by Voice Over for the Planet for our organization, Friends of Bonobos. The VO artist captured the emotional depth incredibly well, making our video more impactful. Their contribution truly elevated our video for an important donor event, and we couldn’t be happier with both the results and process!” Content & Media Strategist Friends of Bonobos

Impact Through Voiceover Collaboration

This voiceover collaboration exemplifies how our Buy One, Give One model makes a tangible difference. By working with companies like People Productions and their clients, we are able to support nonprofit organizations and eco-startups like Friends of Bonobos. Through our voiceovers we help tell their stories and drive their missions forward for a better planet.

We are so proud to have contributed to the important work of Friends of Bonobos and look forward to continuing to amplify the voices that make a difference around the world.

Elevate Your Message: How Professional Voice Over Is A Game Changing Strategy

Have you ever wondered if you’re maximizing the potential of your organization’s message? Well, regardless of whether you’re a company, nonprofit, start-up, or other type of business, understanding the many applications and significant benefits of using a professional voice over can transform how you connect with your audience. Below are a few reasons why you’ll want to consider hiring a professional voice over talent for your future projects and how this can elevate your work and mission.

The Oh-So Versatile World of Voice-Over

Most people aren’t aware that voice-over isn’t just for commercials or radio ads. Here are various impactful ways you could integrate a pro voice over into your upcoming communication strategy:

  1. Educational Videos and E-Learning Modules: Enhance the effectiveness of training and educational content with clear, engaging narration that helps learners connect with and retain information.
  2. Explainer Videos: Introduce your products or services with concise, captivating voice overs that explain complex ideas simply and effectively.
  3. Corporate Narratives and Annual Reports: Use voice over to add depth and a human touch to your annual reports or corporate presentations, making the data and achievements more compelling and digestible.
  4. Public Service Announcements: Spread important messages with a voice that carries authority and empathy, ensuring your PSA reaches and impacts a wider audience.
  5. Documentaries: Add professional narration to your documentary projects to guide viewers through the story with insightful and engaging commentary.
  6. Virtual Reality Experiences: Provide immersive VR experiences with voice overs that guide users through scenarios, enhancing the realism and engagement of the virtual environment.
  7. Podcasts: Whether for internal communication or public engagement, podcasts with professional voice overs can elevate the production quality and listener engagement.
  8. Award Submissions and Investor Pitches: Make your pitches and submissions stand out with a polished voice over that conveys confidence, professionalism, and maybe even a little humor.

We Get You: Why Value-Aligned Voice Over Matters

When the person behind the microphone supports and understands your mission, their authenticity shines through and your message resonates more deeply with your audience. Value alignment in voice over is crucial and Voice Over for the Planet is here to help infuse your message with:

  • Authenticity: A voice over that shares your core values will convey your messages with genuine passion, making your campaigns more believable and impactful.
  • Consistency: Maintaining a consistent voice that aligns with your brand’s ethics and goals reinforces your organization’s identity across all platforms.
  • Relatability: A voice that embodies your values can make your audience feel more connected to your cause or brand, fostering trust, loyalty, and brand recognition.

Professional Voice Over vs In-House Solutions

While using an internal team member, like a CEO, for voice overs might seem convenient, there are compelling reasons to opt for a professional voice over talent:

  1. Professional Quality: Voice-over artists bring a level of professionalism and polish that non-professionals simply can’t match, ensuring high quality audio and delivery.
  2. Emotional Range: Professional artists can deliver a wide range of emotions and tones that might be required to effectively convey your message across different contexts.
  3. Time-Saving: Outsourcing this task saves your team time and allows them to focus on their core responsibilities.
  4. Versatility: A professional can adapt their style to suit various types of content, from serious and informative to light-hearted and entertaining.

So, the main takeaway here is that incorporating professional, value-aligned voice over into your organization’s messaging isn’t just about enhancing audio content—it’s about enriching the way your message is received and perceived, and that alone has the potential to be a game-changing strategy. Whether you’re striving to explain a complex product, educate your team, or reaching out to potential clients and donors, the right voice can make all the difference. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to elevate your communications with a professional voice that truly speaks to your values and goals.

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Voices Behind the Vision: An Interview with Diana Holguin

Diana Holguin, Professional Voice Over Actor | Voice Over for the PlanetIntroduction

What genres of voiceover (VO) do you work in? Why do you love being part of VO4TP? What motivated you to join VO4TP? What are 3 words your best friend would use to describe you?

My name is Diana Holguin and I’ve been a fulltime bilingual voiceover talent working in Spanish and English for the last 6 years. My main genres of work are commercials, explainers, elearning and corporate and my dream is to voice something for NatGeo or Discovery.

I love a lot of things about being part of VO4TP – The chance to work with fellow voiceover talent who all really care about the future of out planet is really motivating. I love that we are all committed to helping businesses and environmental organizations to do better, get exposure and obtain donations to do good, important work. I’ve been an amateur environmentalist for as long as I can remember! I used to ask my mom to donate to WWF and Greenpeace in my name when I was a tween then I became co-head of the environmental club at my high school and now I’m constantly looking for ways to be kinder to the planet. Needless to say that being a founding member of VO4TP is 100% in character for me.

3 words that my best friend would use to describe me: kind, loyal, generous

Additional Work Insights

What aspects of your job bring you the most joy? How did you get started as a voice actor? If you hadn’t pursued voice acting, what career path might you have explored instead?

I get the most joy from voicing projects that truly align with my values. If I can make even a tiny impact, that makes it more than just a “job”. The idea that my voice can potentially reach so many people and maybe make a difference in their purchasing habits, eating habits, anything that might plant the seed to create change really matters and it adds up. I also love when people tell me they’ve heard my voice somewhere! I feel very fortunate that I’m at a point in my career where I can be more selective about the auditions and jobs I accept and if they do not align with my values then I’m happy to pass.

I got started as a voice actor by chance. I grew up acting and singing but by the time I left high school I left that behind and focused on preparing for “a real job”. In 2008 I moved back to Colombia and a friend asked if I could record a voiceover for a video he was producing. I agreed and the moment I stepped into the recording booth I felt at home. I began looking into voiceover more and more until I reached the point where I could go full time. That was just about 6 years ago!

If I hadn’t pursued voice acting I honestly could have ended up anywhere! I had so many jobs in my 20s and 30s. I was in the process of applying to be a Foreign Service Office for the US Department of State at one point. I opened a boutique translation agency with a friend in Bogotá. I taught English and translated full time for USAID. I have a degree in Culinary Arts, a BA in Restaurant Business, a Masters in Gastronomy, and a specializtion in International Development and Project Management. I wrote a successful food blog and had a food tour agency in Bogotá. I am very lucky to have found voiceover because I love it and it allows me to be a part of and learn about so many different topics that interest me in addition to giving me the flexibility to pursue other passions like brazilian drumming, birdwatching and cooking.

The Business Side

How do you manage your schedule and prioritize projects? In what ways has being a part of VO4TP challenged or changed your day to day business? What is it like working in a collaborative group like VO4TP?

Having a job with flexibility is tricky for me. I do love it but sometimes I crave more structure so I just have to try and create it for myself. My inbox often dictates my schedule depending on how many auditions I have pending or if clients need something from me like pickups, contracts signed, tax forms submitted, sessions scheduled, etc. As most voice over talent will tell you, we wear many hats. There is the administrative portion, the marketing aspect, the performance, the client manager, the bookkeeper, and so much more. It’s definitely not boring and there is always something to be done so it’s important to set boundaries and know when to rest and not feel guilty about it.

VO4TP has added more work, of course, but it means more to me than many other projects in my day to day business so it’s something I welcome with open arms. I know that our hard work will pay off and I’m so excited to see what the future holds for our collective.

I also really enjoy working in a collaborative group like VO4TP because I generally don’t get to collaborate too much with others on a day to day basis. Building something from the ground up is very rewarding and we are a great group of people from different backgrounds and with different skill sets so it’s really been fun. It’s also comforting to work with really nice folks who share a lot of my passions and values.

Environmentalism

Which organizations are you most passionate about giving to with your time and money? Any great tips on being sustainable in your work and/or life? How do you stay informed/inspired/educated about environmental issues? Got any great resources you want to share?

I’m constantly on the lookout for organizations that are doing great work. Many of them are food related like The City Harvest here in NYC or World Central Kitchen, which help provide food for those in need either due to food insecurity or natural disasters or any other event that would make it difficult for people to access nutritious food. I am also a huge animal lover and eat a plant based diet so organizations like Educated Choices Program mean a lot to me. When I am in VT I love volunteering at a horse rescue up there called Gerda’s Equine Rescue. Other organizations I currently support are Seeding Sovereignty that works in food sovereignty, community building and cultural preservation with a focus on indigenous communities and issues of social justice.

Some tips for being more sustainable are to eat less animal products, find as many swaps as possible for single use plastics, use public transportation, walk or bike as much as possible, compost, get involved and volunteer at a local environmental organization, be more mindful and stop buying cr*p, think of buying secondhand or refurbished items first … I could go on and on.

I follow several Instagram accounts that keep me informed about different environmental issues like Commons, Intersectional Environmentalist, Queer Brown Vegan, PattieGonia, and 1% for the Planet, of course! I definitely make it a point to find and listen to voices from many different backgrounds in regards to environmental issues.

For Fun

If you could have any animal as a pet (real or mythical), what would it be and why? What is the most adventurous activity you have ever done, and how did it change your perspective? Imagine you’re creating a playlist for a road trip through the world’s most beautiful landscape. First, where would you be, and second, what would be the first song on your playlist?

If I could have any pet(s) I would have them all but if I had to choose just one I would probably have a donkey – they are so freaking cute! Those ears! I’d also have one of each of the animals I no longer eat, preferably rescued. A cow, a chicken, a pig, and a little lamb and give them the best life possible.

One fo the most adventurous things I’ve done so far was trekking through El Cocuy National Park in Colombia. It was the most awe inspiring and humbling experience I’ve ever had in the wild. I saw the magnificence of the Andes mountain range in person and also saw how climate change is affecting that natural environment. Even in these seemingly untouched and remote landscapes, the effects of our modern world are still evident. It was absultuely stunning but also hear wrenching to think that places like that might not exist in the same way in just a few decades.

I’m going to swap the road trip for a train trip though the Canadian Rockies because I’ve been wanting to do that for a while now and I want to travel by train more because it’s so romantic and better for the planet! The first song on my playlist would be No Surpises by Radiohead.

Learn more about Diana Holguin

What is a Professional Voice Over Artist?

Or is it professional voice actor? Or professional voiceover actor? Or professional voice-over talent?

by JOE PASSARO

We are called by many names because we come from different backgrounds and have entered the industry at different times. However, the key word in all of them is “professional.” This word is what builds trust, reliability, and an easy process.

Here are some key characteristics of a professional voice talent:

1. Acting ability: They can convey emotions, motivations, and personalities solely through their voice to capture the spirit of the script–and often in many ways.

2. Vocal technique: They have a strong command of vocal techniques such as pitch, tone, pacing, and articulation.

3. Directability: They can take direction well and adjust their performance to suit your needs.

4. Professionalism: They meet deadlines, respond promptly, have a high quality recording space and recording equipment, and are an absolute joy to work with.

Some professional voice over artists work with agents and managers, some work on their own, some work on casting sites, and many have found a comfortable relationship working with each of these methods. Ultimately, a professional voice-over actor wants to work the way the client would like to work. We are flexible, accommodating, and seek out long-term relationships with our clients because we are people. And people work together.

This is why we’ve created Voice Over For The Planet: to work together with like-minded people to further environmental sustainability. If you’d like to learn more about how professional we are, feel free to reach out to casting@voiceoverfortheplanet.com with any questions you have, or even find a member that resonates with you here and get to know their unique professionalism in more detail.

Find out more about Joe Passaro