Mic’d Up For The Planet: An Interview with Ally Murphy

Introduction

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

Mainly brand films and internal films. I also work in commercials, e-learning, and video games!

Briefly, why do you love being part of VO4TP? What motivated you to join VO4TP? 

It’s amazing being part of a group of successful people who all want to do a little more to help our planet. I was looking for a way to combine my business with my love for our beautiful Earth. So I can be a part of helping it thrive for my son’s generation and beyond.

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

 I asked her! She said “funny, kind, clumsy”

Additional Work Insights 

What aspects of your job bring you the most joy? 

When my voice hits perfectly with the film in post-production, you can get goosebumps! That’s when you feel you’ve been part of something special. I also really like making genuine connections with my clients. That’s when real collaboration comes!

How did you get started as a voice actor? 

I was an actor as a child, but took to traveling around the world for 14 years and left it behind. When an opportunity arose to be the voice of a commercial in the UK, I felt that magic buzz the minute I got behind the mic again! That’s when I knew it was time to hang up my wings and explore this dream. I worked hard at my coaching and business training and was a full time voice actor within 6 months.

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

I’ve always loved travel, and writing, so I would have loved to have been a travel writer.

The Business Side

How do you manage your schedule and prioritize projects? 

I organise my calendar for the week every Sunday. Then, for any projects that come in during the week, I prioritize by deadlines. I pride myself on being fast and reliable. To be an asset and not slow down production. Voiceover is mostly the last thing to add so I want to make sure my clients have plenty of time to fine tune their post production before release.

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

So far, this group is so supportive and inspirational. They want only the best for each other, and for our clients!

Environmentalism

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

Start with the little things we can do at home. Composting, growing vegetables, reducing plastic use. My son and I go for walks with a grabber and a few trash bags, separating the recycling. I’m hoping this teaches him the value of helping the environment. The small things all help towards the bigger picture, and isn’t as overwhelming as thinking about the entire planet from the start. Also, when you travel, look at how you can give back to the area that you’re visiting. There are always volunteering opportunities and just a few hours out of your vacation can make a world of difference!

Just For Fun

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

When I was younger, I was obsessed with Orangutans. I visited the Sepilok Orangutan sanctuary in Borneo and an Orangutan stared into my soul and I felt such a deep connection! I couldn’t keep one as a pet though, maybe just a buddy I go visit in the jungle with my super cool teleport machine that I have in my fantasies.

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

Throughout my travels I’ve had some wonderful adventures, hiking in Borneo, scuba diving in the Caribbean, zip lining in Cuba. Every time I’ve been in a new place, it’s the connections I’ve made with new people, different lifestyles, that gave me new perspective. Those stories shape us.

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? 

This may not be for everyone, but recently I’ve stopped listening to music when I’m actually out in nature. I have realized there’ll be a time in my future where I wish I could hear a bird sing one more time, or hear the wind rustling the trees, so I’m trying to soak it up right now! But in the car on a road trip, I like to mix the 60’s and 70’s vibes up. When music had meaning and touched your soul!

 

Learn more about Ally Murphy